Coupler for connecting a tool to an arm of a work machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupler (5) comprising a cavity (21) for accommodating a coupling member (11) fitted to the tool (1). A system (40) for retaining the coupling member in the cavity comprises: - a retaining member (100) mounted on the body and movable by the coupling member between an extended position, which retains the coupling member, and a retracted position; - a lever (200) mounted on the retaining member so as to be movable between a locked position that prevents the retaining member from moving to its retracted position and a release position; - a return means (250) that urges the lever towards its locked position; - an unlocking means (500) that can be controlled by an operator so as to move between an inactive position and an active position, wherein the unlocking means and the lever can interact.

Description

[0001] COUPLER FOR CONNECTING A TOOL TO AN ARM OF A WORK MACHINE

[0002] The invention relates to a coupler for connecting a tool to an arm of a work machine, as well as a work machine comprising such a coupler.

[0003] The coupler according to the invention is intended for a quick-attach assembly for attaching a tool to the end of an arm of a work machine. The general principle of a quick-attach assembly is to provide the tool with a connection device which generally has male connection means such as pins, and to provide the end of the arm with a coupler which has female connection means such as hooks into which the male connection means engage.

[0004] A quick coupler assembly allows a tool to be connected to and disconnected from the arm of a machine, in some cases without manual intervention by the machine operator, offering great advantages in terms of simplicity and speed of tool change. The coupler must also ensure that the tool is retained during work phases, for the safety of people and property.

[0005] Although existing couplers are generally satisfactory, they can still be improved.

[0006] The invention relates to a coupler which is intended to be mounted at the end of an arm of a work machine and adapted to connect to a tool, and which comprises:

[0007] - a body comprising at least a first housing for receiving a first coupling member provided on the tool, the first housing having an opening for the passage of said first coupling member;

[0008] - and a system for retaining the first coupling member in the first housing.

[0009] Said restraint system comprises at least:

[0010] - a retaining member mounted on the body in a movable manner between an extended position, in which the opening of the first housing is at least partially closed to prevent the first coupling member from coming out of the first housing, and a retracted position allowing the first coupling member to come out of the first housing, the retaining member having contact surfaces configured to cooperate with the first coupling member so that the first coupling member can move the retaining member towards its extended position or its retracted position;

[0011] - a lever mounted on the retaining member so as to move between a locking position, in which it prevents the retaining member from moving from the extended position to the retracted position, and a release position allowing the retaining member to move from the extended position to the retracted position; - a return means urging the lever towards its locking position;

[0012] - a first stop, integral with the body, configured to cooperate with a first contact face of the lever to prevent the lever from reaching its locking position if the retaining member is not in the extended position;

[0013] - a release means movable relative to the body of the coupler, in a manner controllable by an operator, between an inactive position, in which the release means does not interact with the lever and an active position, in which the release means and the lever can interact;such that, during a connection phase of the tool where the first coupling member is placed in the first housing, the retaining member is moved from its retracted position to its extended position, leading to the movement of the lever towards its locking position, thus securing the retention of the first coupling member in the first housing, and such that, during a disconnection phase of the tool, the movement of the unlocking means from its inactive position to its active position causes the movement of the lever towards its release position, against the force exerted by the return means, thus authorizing the exit of the first coupling member from the first housing.;

[0014] An advantage of the coupler according to the invention is to ensure the retention of the first coupling member automatically during the tool connection phase, by the action of the coupling member itself passing through the opening of the first housing then moving until it is in place in the housing in the mounted position. This retention is therefore independent of any other device of the coupler intended to finalize the connection of the tool.

[0015] Furthermore, thanks to the invention, the retention of the first coupling member occurs early in the tool connection phase, namely as soon as the first coupling member is received in the housing in the mounted position, even if other steps are required later to finalize the tool connection.

[0016] In particular, in a coupler comprising a system for locking the tool on the body, the invention makes it possible to ensure the retention of the first coupling member without intervention of said locking system, and before said locking system is actuated.

[0017] In an embodiment where the tool comprises a second coupling member and where the body comprises a second housing for receiving said second coupling member, the phase of connecting the tool to the arm of the machine may comprise a first step of placing the first coupling member in the first housing and retaining it in this mounted position, then a second step of placing the second coupling member in the second housing and locking it in this mounted position, by a locking system. In this case, the coupler according to the invention makes it possible to secure the connection between the tool and the coupler from the end of the first step, even when the locking system is not yet operational, or even when the second coupling member is not yet received in the second housing.

[0018] Thus, the invention provides a coupler that guarantees excellent safety. Indeed, ensuring the retention of the first coupling member early in the tool connection phase considerably reduces the risk of the tool falling during the process of connecting it to the machine arm. This risk is particularly significant as long as the connection is not locked because, in the absence of an early retention system, the movements that the machine operator makes to the coupler to complete the connection of the tool can lead to the first coupling member accidentally coming out of the first housing.

[0019] The invention also has advantages during the tool disconnection phase.

[0020] First of all, the invention makes it possible to authorize the exit of the first coupling member from the first housing by simple activation of the unlocking means. This activation can result automatically from a command given by the operator to another device of the coupler intended to initiate the disconnection of the tool, such as an unlocking system. In other words, in this case, the activation of the unlocking means does not require the use of an activation means with independent control of said device intended to initiate the disconnection of the tool. However, as a variant, the activation of the unlocking means could result from independent control.

[0021] For example, in the aforementioned embodiment where the coupler includes on the one hand a second housing receiving a second coupling member of the tool and on the other hand a locking system, it is possible to provide that the unlocking means is functionally linked to the locking system. In this case, a single command from the operator on the locking system can lead both to the release of the second coupling member and then, in a subsequent step, to that of the first coupling member.

[0022] Furthermore, symmetrically to what has been described in connection with the tool connection phase, the retention of the first coupling member can be ensured until a late moment in the tool disconnection phase, in particular only after other steps required beforehand to proceed with the tool disconnection.

[0023] In particular, in a coupler comprising a system for locking the tool on the body, the invention makes it possible to ensure the retention of the first coupling member as long as said locking system is not unlocked. In this case, the coupler according to the invention makes it possible to secure the connection between the tool and the coupler until the end of the first step of the disconnection process, namely when the locking system is unlocked.

[0024] Excellent safety is therefore also guaranteed by the coupler according to the invention during the tool disconnection phase.

[0025] The housing provided in the coupler body is a location into which the coupling member provided on the tool is inserted, the coupling member being a male part. The coupler body comprises at least one female coupling element - such as a hook - which forms said housing.

[0026] The release means may be movable in translation between its active and inactive positions. Alternatively, provision could be made for the release means to be movable in rotation between its active and inactive positions.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the unlocking means is configured to be able to furthermore pass elastically, when it is in its active position, from a primed state to a de-primed state, under the action of the lever moving from its release position to its blocking position during the coupling phase of the tool, and to be able to return to its inactive position and to its de-primed state, following a command from the operator, and by elastic return.

[0028] For example, the unlocking method is configured:

[0029] - to be in a primed state when in the inactive position, when moving to its inactive position, and when reaching its active position where the release means is then in contact with the lever and capable of moving the lever to its release position;

[0030] - to be able to pass elastically, when it is in its active position, from the primed state to a deprimed state, under the action of the lever moving from its release position to its blocking position during the coupling phase of the tool, so as to authorize said movement of the lever;

[0031] - and to return to its inactive position and to its primed state, following an operator command and by elastic return.

[0032] The release means is, for example, movable in translation between its active and inactive positions. This translation takes place along a movement path.

[0033] In this case, according to a possible embodiment, in the active position and in the deactivated state, an end part of the unlocking means located on the lever side is offset orthogonally to said trajectory relative to the location of said end part when the unlocking means is in the active position and in the activated state.

[0034] It may be provided that an end portion of the release means located on the lever side has a flat end portion capable of coming into contact with the lever, in the active position of the release means, so that the release means can move the lever towards its release position.

[0035] Furthermore, said end portion may have a boss configured to cooperate with a portion of the body of the coupler when the release means moves between its inactive and active positions, and / or to cooperate with a portion of the lever when the lever moves from its release position to its blocking position. Cooperation with a portion of the coupler allows the release means to be guided between its inactive and active positions. Cooperation with a portion of the lever allows the release means to move to the deactivated state.

[0036] The end part of the release means on which the lever acts, and the corresponding part of the lever may have complementary shapes, allowing good mutual cooperation.

[0037] The release means may be an elastically deformable part. For example, the release means is a semi-rigid metal blade capable of bending orthogonally to its mid-plane, in particular to move from the primed state to the deprimed state.

[0038] Alternatively, it may be provided that the release means is a rigid part, for example an arm, and that the coupler comprises an elastic return means which is distinct from the release means and which urges the release means towards its initiated state. The elastic return means may be mounted between the body of the coupler and the release means.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the body further comprises a second housing, distinct from the first housing, for receiving a second coupling member, arranged on the tool and distinct from the first coupling member. The coupling members may be cylindrical bars. The first housing may be formed by at least one hook. The second housing may comprise at least one cavity, without necessarily being delimited by a hook-shaped element.

[0040] The coupler may further comprise a system for locking the second coupling member in the second housing, the locking system comprising at least one locking part which is movable relative to the body of the coupler between a locking position, in which the second coupling member is held in the second housing and an unlocking position, in which the second coupling member is free to come out of the second housing. Said system is called a "locking system" for the sake of simplification, but those skilled in the art will understand that it is a locking / unlocking system.

[0041] The means for unlocking the system for retaining the first coupling member in the first housing may be integral with said locking part. In this case, the locking position of the locking part corresponds to the inactive position of the unlocking means, and the unlocking position of the locking part corresponds to the active position of the unlocking means. Thus, unlocking the second coupling member automatically leads to unlocking the lever and therefore to the release of the first coupling member.

[0042] This movement of the locking part may be a translation, for example orthogonally to the two axes of the first and second coupling members.

[0043] The first and second coupling members may be parallel cylindrical bars of the same diameter, thus allowing the tool to be connected to the coupler in two opposite directions.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the retaining member is rotatable about an axis secured to the body of the coupler and / or the lever is rotatable about an axis secured to the retaining member, said axes being parallel. These axes are furthermore preferably parallel to the axis of the coupling member(s).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the retaining member is rotatable about an axis secured to the body of the coupler. In addition, the retaining member has a recess which is configured to receive the first coupling member and which is bordered by two wings located opposite each other and located on either side of the axis of rotation of the retaining member. In this way, pressing on one of the wings causes the retaining member to tilt towards its extended position, and pressing on the other of the wings causes the retaining member to tilt towards its retracted position. In practice, this tilting can be caused by the coupling member moving in the recess to come to bear on one wing or the other.

[0046] The retaining member may further comprise a stop face which is configured to cooperate with the body of the coupler to limit movement of the retaining member from its retracted position to its extended position.

[0047] The coupler body may include a second stop configured to cooperate with a second contact face of the lever when the lever is in the locking position.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the lever comprises an appendage and a protrusion which preferably projects from a face of the appendage, said protrusion including the first contact face and the second contact face. In addition, the body of the coupler comprises a wall having:

[0049] - a face substantially adjacent to the face of the appendage from which the protrusion of the lever projects; a face forming the first stop; and a face forming the second stop. The second contact face is preferably distinct from the first contact face; the second stop is preferably distinct from the first stop. The cooperation between the first contact face and the first stop, as well as between the second contact face and the second stop, results from the action of the return means.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the coupler comprises a part secured to the body, which is a movement limiting part, by guiding and / or blocking. This part may have a channel which is bordered by said wall and another wall located opposite, the appendage of the lever being engaged in the channel. This part may have a bearing face against which the unlocking means is in contact preferably over its entire travel between its inactive position and its active position.

[0051] This part may be made in one piece with the coupler body or, alternatively, be initially separate from the coupler body and fixed to the coupler body.

[0052] The lever may have an actuated sector configured to cooperate with the release means so that said release means moves the lever to its release position. The lever may have an actuator sector configured to cooperate with the release means, in the active position of said release means, to move it from the primed state to the deprimed state. The actuated sector and / or the actuator sector may belong to the appendage of the lever.

[0053] The invention also relates to a construction machine, in particular a public works machine, such as a hydraulic excavator. The machine comprises an arm and a coupler as previously described mounted at the end of the arm.

[0054] The invention also relates to a quick-attach assembly for attaching a tool to the end of an arm of a work machine, said quick-attach assembly comprising a coupler as previously described and a tool provided with at least a first coupling member capable of being received in the first housing of the coupler.

[0055] A possible embodiment of the invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended figures:

[0056] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the arm of a work machine equipped with a coupler according to one embodiment of the invention, a tool being connected to the coupler;

[0057] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the coupler and tool, not connected to each other;

[0058] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the coupler body;

[0059] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a restraint system belonging to the coupler, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0060] Figure 5 is a side view of the restraint system of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view of a restraint member belonging to the restraint system;

[0061] Figure 7 is a side view of a lever belonging to the restraint system;

[0062] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a movement limiting part belonging to the restraint system;

[0063] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a release means belonging to the restraint system;

[0064] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the lever mounted on the retaining member;

[0065] Figures 11 to 19 illustrate successive steps in the process of connecting the tool to the coupler;

[0066] Figures 20 to 25 illustrate successive steps in the process of disconnecting the tool from the coupler;

[0067] Figure 26 illustrates another possible configuration of the coupler and tool assembly at the beginning of the process of connecting the tool to the coupler.

[0068] Figure 1 shows a tool 1 - here a bucket - connected to an arm 2 of a public works machine (not shown) by means of a quick coupling assembly 3. This quick coupling assembly 3 comprises a connection device 4 fixed to the tool 1 and a coupler 5 which is mounted at the end of the arm 2 and which is designed to connect to the tool 1, more specifically to the connection device 4 fixed to the tool 1.

[0069] The tool 1 comprises a first coupling member 11 and preferably a second coupling member 12. The coupling members 11, 12 are male members, here cylindrical bars having an axis A11, respectively A12. The axes A11 and A12 are preferably parallel to each other. The coupling members 11, 12 are mounted between two plates 13 of the tool 1, the plates preferably being parallel to each other and orthogonal to the axes A11 and A12. According to one embodiment, the coupling members 11, 12 are parallel cylindrical bars of the same diameter, which has the advantage of allowing the connection of the tool 1 to the coupler in both directions, that is to say, in the case of a bucket, with the bucket open towards the machine or away from the machine.

[0070] The coupler 5 comprises a body 20 comprising two flanges 30 which are preferably parallel to each other. In the upper part of the coupler 5, two shafts 31 are oriented orthogonally to the flanges 30 and arranged between the flanges 30, for connection to an orientation system 6 of the coupler 5 arranged on the arm 2 of the machine. Each flange 30 comprises a receiving element 32 for each of the shafts 31, such as a sleeve or an orifice.

[0071] The body 20 comprises a first housing 21 for receiving the first coupling member 11 arranged on the tool 1. The first housing 21 is preferably located in the lower part of the coupler 5. The first housing 21 has an operational zone 23 which is the zone where the first coupling member 11 is located in the mounted position of the tool 1 on the arm 2, ready for the working phase. The first housing 21 also has an opening 24 for the passage of the first coupling member 11 towards the operational zone 23 during a connection phase of the tool 1, and out of the housing 21 during a disconnection phase of the tool 1.

[0072] The first housing 21 may be formed by at least one hook 35, and preferably by two identical hooks 35 spaced from each other in the direction orthogonal to the flanges 30, and housed between the two flanges 30. In the embodiment shown, a hook 35 has the overall shape of a U with a lower branch 25, an upper branch 26 and a bottom face 27. The operational zone 23 is for example adjacent to the bottom face 27. The lower branch 25 has an inner face 28, that is to say facing the inside of the housing 21. The following description will be carried out in the case of a first housing 21 formed of such two hooks 35, it being specified that other embodiments are possible.

[0073] Preferably, the body 20 also comprises a second housing 22, separate from the first housing 21, for receiving the second coupling member 12 provided on the tool 1. The second housing 22 may be in the form of two notches each provided in one of the flanges 30.

[0074] The first housing 21 has an axis A21 which, in the position of use of the tool 1, is substantially parallel to the axis A11 of the first coupling member 11; the second housing 22 has an axis A22 which, in the position of use of the tool 1, is substantially parallel to the axis A12 of the second coupling member 12.

[0075] As illustrated in Figure 2, the following directions are defined relative to the coupler 5:

[0076] - the transverse direction Y is the direction of the axis A21 and of the axis A22 (when the body 20 comprises a second housing 22);

[0077] - the longitudinal direction X is the direction orthogonal to the axes A21 and A22; it can correspond substantially to the direction of movement of the first coupling member 11 between the opening 24 and the operational zone 23 of the first housing 21;

[0078] - the Z direction is the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

[0079] When the machine rests on a substantially flat and horizontal ground, with a tool 1 mounted on the arm 2 and in neutral position, as illustrated in Figure 1: the longitudinal direction X is substantially horizontal and corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the machine; the transverse direction Y is substantially horizontal and corresponds to the transverse direction of the machine; the direction Z is vertical. The description is made with reference to this spatial configuration, it being specified that an operator can orient the tool 1 differently relative to the arm 2 by acting on the orientation system 6 of the tool 1.

[0080] With this spatial configuration, the terms "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the X direction and to a forward movement of the machine; the term "lateral" is used with reference to the Y direction; the terms "upper", "lower", "high" and the like are used with reference to the Z direction. The machine has a median plane parallel to a plane (X,Z). The opening 24 of the first housing 21 is located for example towards the machine, that is to say towards the rear, while the second housing 22 can be in the form of two notches each formed in the lower and front part of the flanges 30. Each notch can have an upper face 37 generally parallel to a plane (X,Y) and a bottom face 38 generally parallel to a plane (Y, Z), connected by a fillet 39.

[0081] The coupler 5 further comprises a retention system 40 for the first coupling member 11 in the first housing 21. The retention system 40 is preferably housed between the flanges 30 of the body 20 of the coupler 5, in the lower part of the coupler 5.

[0082] The retaining system 40 comprises a retaining member 100 illustrated in particular in FIGS. 6 and 10.

[0083] The retaining member 100 is mounted on the body 20 in a movable manner between an extended position (illustrated in particular in FIG. 15), in which the opening 24 of the first housing 21 is at least partially closed to prevent the first coupling member 11 from coming out of the first housing 21, and a retracted position (illustrated in particular in FIG. 11) allowing the first coupling member 11 to come out of the first housing 21.

[0084] For example, in the retracted position, no part of the retaining member 100 is located inside the housing 21, on the side of the opening 24. In other words, when the housing 21 is formed by the aforementioned hooks 35, no part of the retaining member 100 is located beyond the inner face 28 of the lower branch 25 of the hooks 35, on the side of the opening 24.

[0085] Concretely, according to one embodiment, the retaining member 100 is movable in rotation around an axis A100 which is integral with the body 20 of the coupler 5, said axis A100 being able for example to pass through the lower branches 25 of the hooks 35.

[0086] The retaining member 100 comprises a main portion 101 having a recess 102 which generally has the shape of a gutter extending transversely and which is bordered by a first wing 103 and a second wing 104 located opposite each other. The recess 102 has a bottom face 105, a first face 106 which is the face of the first wing 103 facing the recess 102, and a second face 107 which is the face of the second wing 104 facing the recess 102. The recess 102 is open upwards.

[0087] In the mounted position of the retaining member 100 on the body 20 of the coupler 5, the main portion 101 is housed between the lower branches 25 of the hooks 35, the bottom face 105 of the recess 102 being substantially adjacent to the inner face 28 of the lower branch 25 of the hooks 35, but located set back relative to said inner face 28. In addition, the first wing 103 is located on the side of the opening 24, while the second wing 104 is located on the side of the bottom face 27 of the hook 35. The first wing 103 may include an interruption 109, for example located in the central part of the first wing 103 in the transverse direction Y.

[0088] The axis A100 of rotation of the retaining member 100 may be located in the main portion 101, under the recess 102. The axis A100 may not be centered, longitudinally, between the wings 103, 104. In the embodiment shown, the axis A100 is offset, longitudinally, in the direction of the first wing 103. An offset in the other direction is also possible. In practice, the axis A100 may be formed by a transverse journal 112 introduced into an orifice 113 of the retaining member 100 and into orifices 29 formed in the hooks 35, in correspondence with the orifice 113.

[0089] The recess 102 of the retaining member 100 is configured to receive the first coupling member 11. The first face 106 and the second face 107 of the recess 102 form contact surfaces configured to cooperate with the first coupling member 11 so that the latter can move the retaining member 100 to its extended position or its retracted position. Thus, the support of the first coupling member 11 on the first wing 103 can cause the retaining member 100 to tilt to its retracted position, while the support of the first coupling member 11 on the second wing 104 can cause the retaining member 100 to tilt to its extended position. On the other hand, during the connection and disconnection phases of the tool 1, the first coupling member 11 does not rest on the bottom 105 of the recess 102, but on the inner face 28 of the lower branch 25 of the hooks 35.

[0090] The movement of the retaining member 100 towards the extended position, illustrated by the arrow R100 in FIG. 6, corresponds overall to a raising of the first wing 103 and to an advance (in the longitudinal direction X) of the second wing 104, while the movement of the retaining member 100 towards the retracted position, illustrated by the arrow R' 100 in FIG. 6, corresponds overall to a lowering of the first wing 103 and to a retraction of the second wing 104 (i.e. a movement towards the rear in the longitudinal direction X). The retaining member 100 also comprises a stop face 110 which is configured to cooperate with a surface 33 of the body 20 of the coupler 5 to limit the movement of the retaining member 100 from its retracted position towards its extended position.For example, as seen in Figures 6 and 10, the stop face 110 is a face of a protrusion 111 projecting upwards from the second wing 104, the stop face 110 facing away from the recess 102, i.e. forwards in the exemplary embodiment.

[0091] Furthermore, the retaining member 100 may comprise an arm 115 which projects from the main portion 101, from the lower part of the second wing 104, generally in the longitudinal direction X and opposite the orifice 113. The arm 115 therefore extends forward here. It may be laterally offset, in particular be located in the extension of a side of the main portion 101.

[0092] The restraint system 40 further comprises a lever 200 illustrated in particular in FIGS. 7 and 10.

[0093] The lever 200 is mounted on the retaining member 100 in a movable manner between a locking position, in which it prevents the retaining member 100 from moving from the extended position to the retracted position, and a release position allowing the retaining member 100 to move from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0094] The lever 200 preferably has a base portion 201 which is mounted on the retaining member 100.

[0095] In the embodiment shown, the lever 200 is movable in rotation around an axis A200 which is integral with the retaining member 100 and parallel to the axis A100 of rotation of the retaining member 100 relative to the body 20 of the coupler 5.

[0096] The axis A200 of rotation of the lever 200 may be located in the arm of the retaining member 100, substantially at the free end of said arm 115. Thus, the second wing 104 of the retaining member 100 is located, longitudinally, between the axis A100 and the axis A200. Concretely, the arm 115 may comprise two parallel partitions 116 between which a part of the lever 200 is inserted, preferably its base 201. In practice, the axis A200 may be formed by a transverse journal (not shown) introduced into an orifice 202 of the lever 200 and orifices 117 formed in the arm 115, in correspondence with the orifice 202.

[0097] The lever 200 has an overall elongated shape extending from its base 201 towards its free end, generally in the same direction as the second wing 104, even if the lever 200 can form a variable angle with the arm 115 during operation of the restraint system 40.

[0098] The lever 200 comprises a trunk 205 extending substantially rectilinearly from the base 201, extended by an appendage 210 which may be substantially orthogonal to the trunk 205, the appendage 210 being directed generally forward. The appendage 210 may be in the form of a plate. It comprises, for example, two opposite faces 211 orthogonal to the transverse direction Y. The appendage 210 also comprises a nose 215 which projects downwards from the front part of the appendage 210, and a front face 212 which corresponds to the edge of the plate.

[0099] The movement of the lever 200 towards the locking position, illustrated by the arrow R200 in Figure 7, corresponds to a lowering of the nose 215, while the movement of the lever 200 towards the release position, illustrated by the arrow R'200 in Figure 7, corresponds to a raising of the nose 215.

[0100] The trunk 205 constitutes a part of the lever 200 which is thicker - that is to say of greater dimension in the transverse direction Y - than the appendage 210. Thus, the extreme part of the trunk 205 opposite the base 201 forms a protuberance 220 which projects from one of the faces 211, and preferably a protuberance 220 which projects from each of the faces 211, that is to say on either side of the appendage 210. The lever 200 can be symmetrical with respect to its median plane parallel to a plane (X,Z).

[0101] The front face of the or each protrusion 220 comprises:

[0102] - a portion forming a first contact face 221, which is for example in the form of a rounded boss located at the corner of two faces;

[0103] - and a portion forming a second contact face 222, which may be adjacent to the first contact face 221 and extend upwards relative to the latter, and which may form a concavity.

[0104] The restraint system 40 comprises a return means 250 which biases the lever 200 towards its locking position.

[0105] As seen in Figure 10, the return means 250 is housed in a bore 120 which is formed in the retaining member 100, and which extends generally in the longitudinal direction X. For example, the bore 120 has an opening 121 which opens between the two partitions 116 of the arm 115, and a bottom face 122 opposite the opening 121. The return means 250, for example consisting of a helical spring, is mounted coaxially with the bore 120, around a pin 213 which can slide in the bore 120 and which is provided with a head 214. The return means 250 is in abutment between the bottom wall 122 of the bore 120 and the head 214 of the pin 213, and is compressed state.

[0106] The head 214 is arranged to protrude from the bore 120, through the opening 121, and to bear on the base 201 of the lever 200. More specifically, the face of the base 201 of the lever 200 which is turned towards the bore 120 may have a flat zone 203 and a bead 204 located above the flat zone 203, the head 214 being able to bear on the flat zone 203 or on the bead 204 according to the steps of the connection or disconnection phases of the tool 1. The bead 204 makes it possible to transform the linear force of the pin 213 into rotational torque of the lever 200, in all the positions of the lever 200 intermediate between the release position and the locking position. The flat zone 203 makes it possible to cancel the torque, thus limiting the movement angular.

[0107] Furthermore, the retaining system 40 comprises a part 300, illustrated in FIG. 8, which is a movement-limiting part, by guiding and / or blocking. The part 300 is integral with the body 20 of the coupler 5. It may be an initially separate part fixed to the body 20; alternatively, the part 300 is made in one piece with the body 20. The part 300 is located in front of and higher than the axis A200 of rotation of the lever 200 relative to the retaining member 100.

[0108] According to a possible embodiment, the part 300 is substantially in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0109] The part 300 may have a channel 301 which forms a clearance allowing free movement of the appendage 210. The channel 301 extends in the direction Z and has, orthogonally to Z, a generally U-shaped section. The channel 301 is bordered by two facing walls 302, substantially parallel to each other and to a plane (X, Z). Each wall 302 has a face 303 facing the inside of the channel 301 and an end face or rear face 304 which is substantially parallel to a plane (Y, Z). In addition, the channel 301 has a bottom face 306. Furthermore, the part 300 has a lower face 305 which is substantially parallel to a plane (X,Y) and which is also the lower face of the walls 302. For each wall 302, the rear face 304 and the lower face 305 are connected by a face 307 which forms a fillet.

[0110] Furthermore, in the case of a tool 1 provided with a second coupling member 12 and a body 20 provided with a second housing 22, the coupler 5 comprises a locking system 400 of the second coupling member 12 in the second housing 22.

[0111] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 4, the locking system 400 comprises at least one locking part 401, and preferably two substantially identical locking parts 401 spaced from one another along the transverse direction Y. The locking part 401 may be in the form of an arm which extends longitudinally and the end part of which located on the side of the second housing 22 has a shape adapted to that of the second coupling member 12. For example, said end part of the locking part 401 has a rounded notch 402 which is open upwards.

[0112] The locking part 401 can occupy a locking position, as illustrated in FIG. 19, in which the second coupling member 12 is held in the second housing 22. For example, a portion of the locking part 401 comprising at least the notch 402 projects into the second housing 22, the notch 402 being substantially opposite the upper face 37 of the corresponding notch. The locking part 401 is movable relative to the body 20 of the coupler 5 between the locking position and an unlocking position, illustrated in particular in FIG. 11. In this unlocking position, the second coupling member 12 is free to exit the second housing 22.

[0113] In the embodiment shown by way of example, the locking part 401 is movable in translation relative to the body 20 of the coupler 5, along the longitudinal direction X. In the case where the locking system 400 comprises two locking parts 401, these can be secured by means of a base 403 fixed to the end part of each locking part 401, opposite the second housing 22.

[0114] The movement of the locking part(s) 401 can be controlled by an operator, typically from the cabin of the machine. For this purpose, the coupler 5 may comprise a cylinder 404 comprising a movable rod 405 fixed to the locking part(s) 401, for example fixed to the base 403. The cylinder 404, or any other actuator (in particular mechanical or hydraulic), can be controlled by the operator.

[0115] Finally, the retaining system 40 comprises a release means 500 which is movable relative to the body 20 of the coupler 5, in a manner controllable by an operator, between an inactive position, in which the release means 500 does not interact with the lever 200 and an active position, in which the release means 500 and the lever 200 can interact. In other words, the operator controls the actuation of the release means 500.

[0116] In the embodiment shown, the unlocking means 500 is integral with the locking part(s) 401. Thus, by means of the jack 404 or any other actuator controlled by the operator, the unlocking means 500 is movable in translation between its inactive position, which corresponds to the locking position of the locking part 401, and its active position, which corresponds to the unlocking position of the locking part 401.

[0117] For example, the unlocking means 500 extends generally in the longitudinal direction and has an end portion 501 fixed to the locking parts 401, for example to the base 403, and an opposite end portion 502, here the rear end portion, located on the side of the lever 200.

[0118] In the embodiment shown, the unlocking means 500 is a metal blade whose mean plane is generally parallel to a plane (X,Y). The unlocking means 500 is an elastically deformable part. It is semi-rigid, that is to say sufficiently rigid to be able to act on the lever 200 so as to move it during a disconnection phase of the tool 1, but sufficiently flexible to be able to flex orthogonally to its mean plane, that is to say generally in the Z direction.

[0119] Thus, in the active position, the unlocking means can be configured to be able to pass elastically from a primed state to a de-primed state in which the end portion 502 located on the side of the lever 200 is offset downwards along the direction Z relative to the location of this end portion 502 when the unlocking means 500 is in the primed state.

[0120] In the active position, in the primed state, the unlocking means 500 may be in contact with the lower face 305 of the part 300, while in the deactivated state, preferably, the unlocking means 500 is distant from the lower face 305 of the part 300.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the unlocking means 500 comprises a substantially planar main portion 503 extending between the end portions 501 and 502. Furthermore, the end portion 502 of the unlocking means 500 which is located on the side of the lever 200 has a planar end portion 504 and a boss 505, the part of which located on the side of the main portion 503 forms a hollow 506. The shape of the end portion 502 of the unlocking means 500 may be complementary to the shape of the appendage 210 of the lever 200. In particular, the nose 215 of the lever 200 may cooperate with the hollow 506 of the unlocking means 500, the boss 505 then being housed in the space provided between the trunk 205 and the nose 215.

[0122] The operation of the quick-release assembly 3 is now described.

[0123] We first refer to Figures 11 to 19 to describe the successive steps of the process of connecting the tool 1 to the coupler 5.

[0124] It is specified that, although in Figure 2 the first coupling member 11 is the one located on the side of the opening of the bucket, for a connection of the tool 1 to the arm 2 of the machine in the direction illustrated in Figure 1, the connection could be made with the tool 1 in the other direction (that is to say, in the case of a bucket, with the opening opposite the machine). In this case, it would be the coupling member located opposite the opening of the bucket which would be the first coupling member 11 and which would be introduced, during a first step, into the first housing 21, while the coupling member located on the side of the opening of the bucket would be the second coupling member 12 and would be introduced, during a subsequent step, into the second housing 22.

[0125] As illustrated in Figure 11, in an initial configuration, where the tool 1 is not connected to the coupler 20, the appendage 210 of the lever 200 is engaged in the channel 301 of the part 300 so that, preferably, the nose 215 does not protrude under the lower face 305 of the part 300. The return means 250 pushes the head 214 of the pin 213 against the flat area 203 of the base 201 of the lever 200, the first contact face 221 of the lever 200 cooperating with the rear face 304 of the part 300. This rear face 304 thus forms a first stop limiting the movement of the lever 200.

[0126] Furthermore, the locking parts 401 are in the unlocking position, the unlocking means 500 therefore being in the active position. Furthermore, the unlocking means 500 is in the primed state. In this position, the unlocking means 500, typically its boss 505, is in contact with the lower face 305 of the part 300. It can be provided that, in this position, the unlocking means 500 is slightly bent relative to its rest position - defined by the absence of stresses exerted on the unlocking means 500 - so that it is elastically biased towards the part 300, to ensure good contact with the lower face 305. The end portion 502 of the unlocking means 500 which is located on the side of the lever 200 is for example located at the right of the channel 301, along the direction Z. However, said end portion 502 cannot enter the channel 301, for example because it has a transverse dimension greater than that of the channel 301.Furthermore, said end portion 502 is here located at a distance from the lever 200. In a variant not shown, this end portion 502 could be in contact with the lever 200, provided that it does not exert any action on it, so as not to interact with the lever 200.

[0127] Finally, the retaining member 100 can be in the retracted position.

[0128] Starting from such an initial configuration, during a first step of the connection phase of the tool 1, the operator actuates the orientation system 6 of the coupler 5 so that the first coupling member 11 of the tool 1 passes through the opening 24 of the housing and then moves towards the operational zone 23, that is to say towards the bottom face 27 in the case of hooks 35, as illustrated by the arrow F1 of FIG. 11. This movement is not hindered by the retaining member 100 since it is in the retracted position.

[0129] The first coupling member 11, continuing its movement according to the arrow F1, is housed in the recess 102 of the retaining member 100, which does not modify the position of the constituent parts of the retaining system 40 (figure 12), until it comes into contact with the second wing 104, more specifically with the second face 107.

[0130] The support of the first coupling member 11 on the second face 107 leads to the rotation of the retaining member 100 relative to the axis A100 towards the extended position (arrow F2, figure 13). Consequently, the lever 200 is moved according to the arrow F3, according to a combined movement of lowering and rotation around the axis A200 towards the release position (i.e. according to the arrow R'200 of figure 7), without reaching this release position. The pin 213 stressed by the return means 250 is then no longer in contact with the flat zone 203 of the base 201 of the lever 200, but with the bead 204.

[0131] The appendage 210 remains partially engaged in the channel 301 during this movement. The nose 215 of the lever 200, projecting out of the channel 301 beyond the lower face 305 of the part 300, comes into contact with the end portion 502 of the unlocking means 500, for example in the hollow 506, and pushes the unlocking means 500 according to the arrow F4, moving the end portion 502 away from the part 300. The nose 215 thus forms an actuator sector of the lever 200 which cooperates with the unlocking means 500, here by pushing it downwards and flexing it, towards its deactivated state. As the rotational movement of the retaining member 100 continues along arrow F2, the lever 200 continues to be moved along arrow F3 until the first contact face 221 is no longer opposite the rear face 304 of the part 300.Under the action of the return means 250, the lever 200 is then moved in rotation around the axis A200 towards and up to its locking position (i.e. according to the arrow R'200 of figure 7), according to the arrow F5 of figure 14. Consequently, the lever 200 continues to move the end part 502 of the unlocking means 500 according to the arrow F4, causing the unlocking means 500 to pass to its disarmed state.

[0132] The movement of the lever 200 according to the arrow F5 is stopped by the cooperation between the second contact face 222 of the lever 200 and the face 307 of the part 300. Thus, the face 307 forms a second stop configured to cooperate with the protuberance 220 of the lever 200, more specifically with the second contact face 222 of the lever 200, when the lever 200 is in the locking position.

[0133] Furthermore, the rotation of the retaining member 100 according to the arrow F2 caused by the movement of the first coupling member 11 according to the arrow F1 is limited by the stop face 110 which abuts against the body 20 of the coupler 5. The retaining member 100 is then in the extended position. The position reached at the end of these steps is illustrated in FIG. 14. The installation of the first coupling member 11 in the first housing 21 is then complete. Thus, the rear face 304 of the part 300 acts as a first stop cooperating with the first contact face 221 of the lever 200 to prevent the lever 200 from reaching its locking position if the retaining member 100 is not in the extended position.

[0134] As seen in Figure 15, the exit of the first coupling member 11 from the first housing 21 is then no longer possible. Indeed, if the first coupling member 11 moves according to the arrow F6 in the direction of the opening 24 of the housing 21, it comes into contact with the first wing 103, against the first face 106 of the recess 102. To exit the first housing 21, the first coupling member 11 should move the retaining member 100 from the extended position that it occupies to the retracted position, by rotation around the axis A100 according to the arrow R'100 of FIG. 6. However, this movement is not possible because the lever 200 is in the locking position, by cooperation between the second contact face 222 of the lever 200 and the face 307 of the part 300. In addition, the lever 200 is held in this locking position by the return means 250.

[0135] The first coupling member 11 is therefore retained in the first housing 21, even though the phase of connecting the tool 1 to the arm 2 of the machine is not complete.

[0136] The second coupling member 12 must then be placed in the second housing 22. To do this, the operator can lift the tool 1 by the arm 2 and orient the coupler 5 appropriately using the orientation system 6. The second coupling member 12 moves according to the arrow F7 in FIG. 16, to be placed in the second housing 22, for example against the fillet 39. The operator then controls the actuation of the locking system 400 to move the locking parts 401 to their locking position, according to the arrow F8. To do this, in practice, the operator can control the jack 404.

[0137] This movement of the locking parts 401 causes the same movement according to the arrow F8 of the unlocking means 500, from a configuration where the unlocking means 500 is in its active position and in the deactivated state.

[0138] At the start of the movement, the unlocking means 500 deforms elastically so that the boss 505 can come out of the space provided between the trunk 205 and the nose 215 of the lever and place itself under the nose 215, as seen in Figure 17.

[0139] Then the boss 505 is released from the nose 215 and, by elastic return (arrow F9 in figure 18), the unlocking means 500 comes back into contact with the lower face 305 of the part 300. The unlocking means 500 can be slightly stressed, here in flexion, relative to its rest position, preferably over its entire travel between its active position and its inactive position, so as to always be in contact with the lower face 305 of the part 300.

[0140] The movement of the locking parts 401 according to the arrow F8 continues until they reach their locking position, illustrated in Figure 19. Simultaneously, the unlocking means 500 has also moved according to the arrow F8, the boss 505 cooperating throughout this movement with the lower face 305 of the part 300, until the inactive position of the unlocking means 500.

[0141] During the steps illustrated in Figures 16 to 19, the positions of the retaining member 100 and the lever 200 have not changed.

[0142] In the position illustrated in Figure 19, each of the coupling members 11, 12 is in the mounted position in the corresponding housing 21, 22. The axis A11 of the first coupling member 11 is substantially coincident with the axis A21 of the first housing 21, and the axis A12 of the second coupling member 12 is substantially coincident with the axis A22 of the second housing 22. The first coupling member 11 is located in the operational zone 23 of the first housing 21, substantially against the bottom face 27. The second coupling member 12 is located substantially against the fillet 39 and the upper face 37 of the notches forming the second housing 22, and against the notch 402 of the locking parts 401. The tool 1 is then in the use position, ready for the working phases.

[0143] Reference is now made to Figures 20 to 25 to describe the successive steps of the process of disconnecting the tool 1 and the coupler 5. First, the locking parts 401 of the locking system 400 are moved to their unlocking position, following the operator's command. The locking parts 401 thus move according to the arrow F10 of Figure 20, causing the same movement of the unlocking means 500, to its active position.

[0144] As when moving the unlocking means 500 from its active position to its inactive position, when moving from its inactive position to its active position, the unlocking means 500 is in contact with the lower face 305 of the part 300 which thus forms a support face.

[0145] At the end of the movement, the unlocking means 500 is in the active position and the flat end portion 504 of the unlocking means 500 comes into contact with the lever 200, more specifically with the front face 212 of the appendage 210. Continuing the movement according to the arrow F10 has the effect, by the thrust exerted on the front face 212, of rotating the lever around the axis A200, towards its release position, as illustrated by the arrow F11 in FIG. 21. This rotation is carried out against the force exerted by the return means 250.

[0146] The front face 212 of the appendage 210 thus forms an actuated sector of the lever 200, on which the release means 500 acts to move the lever 200 towards its release position.

[0147] As a result, there is no longer any cooperation between the first contact face 221 of the lever 200 and the second stop - namely the face 307 - of the part 300, so that the lever 200 is no longer in the locking position. However, the appendage 210 of the lever 200 can remain engaged in the channel 301 of the part 300.

[0148] Due to the rotation of the lever 200 around the axis A200, the head 214 of the pin 213 pushed by the return means 250 is no longer in contact with the flat zone 203 of the base 201 of the lever 200, but with the bead 204.

[0149] When the locking parts 401 reach their unlocked position, the second coupling member 12 is free to exit from the second housing 22. Furthermore, the lever 200 no longer being in the locking position, it no longer opposes the movement of the retaining member 100 towards its retracted position, and it is therefore possible for the first coupling member 11 to exit from the first housing 21.

[0150] Thus, as illustrated in Figure 22, when the first coupling member 11 moves towards the opening 24 of the housing 21, according to the arrow F12, it comes into contact with the first wing 103 of the retaining member 100 and pushes against the first face 106 of the recess 102. This causes the rotation of the retaining member 100 around the axis A100 towards its retracted position, as indicated by the arrow F13 in Figure 23. Consequently, the lever 200 is moved according to the arrow F14, namely in an upward displacement movement. Due to this movement according to arrow F14, the appendage 210 moves upwards, the front face 212 of the appendage 210 then no longer being in contact with the flat end part 504 of the unlocking means 500, and the nose 215 coming into contact with the boss 505 (figure 23).

[0151] The lever 200 no longer being blocked by the flat end portion 504 of the unlocking means 500, it can rotate under the effect of the return means 250 around the axis A200 towards the locking position, as indicated by the arrow F15 in FIG. 24. The lever 200 is thus driven by a combined movement of translation upwards and rotation around the axis A200 according to the arrow R200 in FIG. 7. It follows that the nose 215 moves further upwards, moving away from the boss 505 of the unlocking means 500, and that the first contact face 221 of the protuberance 220 of the lever 200 again comes into contact with the rear face 304 of the part 300 (FIG. 24). The rear face 304, as a first stop, therefore prevents the lever 200 from reaching its locking position.

[0152] The lever 200 not being in the locking position, the first coupling member 11, still moving according to the arrow F12, can continue to rotate the retaining member 100 until the latter reaches its retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. 25. The first coupling member 11 is then no longer retained and can come out of the first housing 21, which ensures the complete disconnection of the tool 1.

[0153] The coupler 5 is then ready to receive a new tool 1, according to the sequence of figures 11 to 19.

[0154] Whether in the connection or disconnection phase of the tool 1, preferably, the appendage 210 of the lever 200 always remains engaged - that is to say at least partially housed - in the channel 301 of the part 300.

[0155] Finally, we refer to figure 26 which illustrates another possible configuration of the coupler 5 and tool 1 assembly at the start of the process of connecting the tool to the coupler.

[0156] The configuration of figure 26 is not the usual configuration at the start of the connection phase of the tool 1, but is nevertheless a possible configuration which may result from certain circumstances or manipulations of the retaining system 40. In this configuration, the locking parts 401 are in the unlocked position and the retaining member 100 is in the extended position. In addition, the lever 200 is lower than in the usual initial position, the flat end portion 504 of the release means 500 being in contact with the front face 212 of the appendage 210 and tending to maintain the lever 200 in its release position, against the force exerted by the return means 250. On the other hand, there is no contact between the protuberance 220 of the lever 200 and the walls 302 of the part 300. The retaining system 40 is configured to allow the connection of the tool 1 even starting from this initial configuration.When the first coupling member 11 passes through the opening 24 (arrow F20 in FIG. 26), it comes into contact with the retaining member 100 since the latter is in the extended position. However, by pressing on the first wing 103, the first coupling member 11 can move the retaining member 100 to its retracted position, by rotation around the axis A100 (arrow 21). Indeed, the lever 200, not being in the locking position, cannot oppose this rotation of the retaining member 100. It follows that the lever 200 is moved according to the arrow F22, in an upward movement leading to the release of the front face 212 of the appendage 210 from contact with the flat end portion 504 of the unlocking means 500. Then, under the action of the return means 250, the lever 200 is moved in rotation around the axis A200 in the direction of its locking position, until the first contact face 221 comes into abutment against the rear face 304 of the part 300.

[0157] The assembly is then in the position illustrated in Figure 11, and the connection phase of tool 1 can continue as already described.

[0158] Thus, the invention provides a decisive improvement to the prior art, which notably presents the advantages mentioned below.

[0159] The coupler is particularly compact. In fact, the entire retention system can be located between the coupler flanges, thus not creating any additional bulk. In addition, this limits the distance between the end of the tool (typically the teeth when the tool is an earthmoving bucket) and the rotation axis of the quick coupler around the machine arm. As a result, the force on this end (the teeth) can be reduced, thus preserving the machine's performance as much as possible.

[0160] Furthermore, the coupler has a great structural simplicity. Indeed, the restraint system comprises a small number of parts, including few complex components (in particular, the restraint system has a single actuator, namely the locking system cylinder). The restraint system is therefore more robust, including over time, because it presents less risk of failure. In addition, this helps to reduce weight and costs.

[0161] In addition, the restraint system is very simple to implement, since the only action required from the operator is the locking / unlocking command of the locking system.

[0162] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above as an example but that it includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Coupler (5) intended to be mounted at the end of an arm (2) of a work machine and designed to connect to a tool (1), the coupler (5) comprising: - a body (20) comprising at least one first housing (21) for receiving a first coupling member (11) provided on the tool (1), the first housing (21) having an opening (24) for the passage of said first coupling member (11); - a retention system (40) of the first coupling member (11) in the first housing (21), comprising at least: -- a retaining member (100) mounted on the body (20) so as to be movable between an extended position, in which the opening (24) of the first housing (21) is at least partially closed to prevent the first coupling member (11) from coming out of the first housing (21), and a retracted position allowing the first coupling member (11) to come out of the first housing (21), the retaining member (100) having contact surfaces (106, 107) configured to cooperate with the first coupling member (11) so that the first coupling member (11) can move the retaining member (100) towards its extended position or its retracted position; -- a lever (200) mounted on the retaining member (100) so as to move between a locking position, in which it prevents the retaining member (100) from moving from the extended position to the retracted position, and a release position allowing the retaining member (100) to move from the extended position to the retracted position; -- a return means (250) urging the lever (200) towards its locking position; -- a first stop (304), integral with the body (20), configured to cooperate with a first contact face (221) of the lever (200) to prevent the lever (200) from reaching its locking position if the retaining member (100) is not in the extended position; -- an unlocking means (500) movable relative to the body (20) of the coupler (5), in a manner controllable by an operator, between an inactive position, in which the unlocking means (500) does not interact with the lever (200) and an active position, in which the unlocking means (500) and the lever (200) can interact; so that, during a connection phase of the tool (1) where the first coupling member (11) is placed in the first housing (21), the retaining member (100) is moved from its retracted position to its extended position, leading to the movement of the lever (200) towards its locking position, thus securing the retention of the first coupling member (11) in the first housing (21), and so that, during a disconnection phase of the tool (1), the movement of the unlocking means (500) from its inactive position to its active position causes the movement of the lever (200) towards its release position, against the force exerted by the return means (250), thus authorizing the exit of the first coupling member (11) from the first housing (21).

2. Coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the unlocking means (500) is configured to be able to furthermore pass elastically, when it is in its active position, from a primed state to a deprimed state, under the action of the lever (200) moving from its release position to its blocking position during the coupling phase of the tool (1) and to be able to return to its inactive position and to its primed state, following a command from the operator, and by elastic return.

3. Coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the unlocking means (500) is configured: - to be in a primed state when in the inactive position, when moving to its inactive position, and when reaching its active position where the release means (500) is then in contact with the lever (200) and capable of moving the lever to its release position; - to be able to pass elastically, when it is in its active position, from the primed state to a deprimed state, under the action of the lever (200) moving from its release position to its blocking position during the coupling phase of the tool (1), so as to authorize said movement of the lever (200); - and to return to its inactive position and to its primed state, following an operator command and by elastic return.

4. Coupler according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the lever (200) has: - an actuated sector (212) configured to cooperate with the release means (500) so that said release means (500) moves the lever (200) towards its release position; and - an actuator sector (215) configured to cooperate with the unlocking means (500), in the active position of said unlocking means, to cause it to pass from the primed state to the deprimed state.

5. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the unlocking means (500) is movable in translation between its active and inactive positions.

6. Coupler according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the unlocking means (500) is movable in translation between its active and inactive positions, along a movement path, and in that, in the active position and in the unfired state, an end part (502) of the unlocking means (500) located on the side of the lever (200) is offset orthogonally to said path relative to the location of said end part (502) when the unlocking means (500) is in the active position and in the fired state.

7. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an end portion (502) of the unlocking means (500) located on the side of the lever (200) has a flat end portion (504) capable of coming into contact with the lever (200), in the active position of the unlocking means (500), so that the unlocking means can move the lever to its release position, and a boss (505) configured to cooperate with a portion (305) of the body (20) of the coupler (5) when the unlocking means (500) moves between its inactive and active positions, and / or to cooperate with a portion (215) of the lever (200) when the lever (200) moves from its release position to its locking position.

8. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the release means (500) is an elastically deformable part, the release means (500) being for example a semi-rigid metal blade capable of bending orthogonally to its mean plane.

9. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the unlocking means (500) is a rigid part and in that the coupler comprises an elastic return means which is distinct from the unlocking means (500) and which forces the unlocking means (500) towards its initiated state.

10. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the body (20) further comprises a second housing (22), distinct from the first housing (21), for receiving a second coupling member (12), arranged on the tool (1) and distinct from the first coupling member (11).

11. Coupler according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a locking system (400) of the second coupling member (12) in the second housing (22), the locking system (400) comprising at least one locking part (401) with which the unlocking means (500) of the retaining system (40) of the first coupling member (11) in the first housing (21) is integral, said locking part (401) being movable relative to the body (20) of the coupler (5) between: - a locking position, in which the second coupling member (12) is held in the second housing (22), and which corresponds to the inactive position of the unlocking means (500), and - an unlocking position, in which the second coupling member (12) is free to exit the second housing (22), and which corresponds to the active position of the unlocking means (500).

12. Coupler according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first and second coupling members (11, 12) are parallel cylindrical bars of the same diameter.

13. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the retaining member (100) is movable in rotation around an axis (A100) integral with the body (20) of the coupler (5) and / or in that the lever (200) is movable in rotation around an axis (A200) integral with the retaining member (100), said axes (A100, A200) being parallel.

14. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the retaining member (100) is rotatable about an axis (A100) integral with the body (20) of the coupler (5), the retaining member (100) having a recess (102) which is configured to receive the first coupling member (11) and which is bordered by two wings (103, 104) located opposite one another and located on either side of the axis of rotation (A100) of the retaining member (100), so that pressing on one of the wings (104) causes the retaining member (100) to tilt towards its extended position and pressing on the other of the wings (103) causes the retaining member (100) to tilt towards its retracted position.

15. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the retaining member (100) comprises a stop face (110) which is configured to cooperate with the body (20) of the coupler (5) to limit the movement of the retaining member (100) from its retracted position to its extended position.

16. Coupler according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the body (20) of the coupler (5) comprises a second stop (307) configured to cooperate with a second contact face (222) of the lever (200) when the lever (200) is in the locking position.

17. Coupler according to claim 16, characterized in that the lever (200) comprises an appendage (210) and a protuberance (220) which preferably projects from a face of the appendage (210), said protuberance (220) including the first contact face (221) and the second contact face (222), and in that the body (20) of the coupler (5) comprises a wall (302) having: - a face (303) substantially adjacent to the face of the appendage (210) from which the protuberance (220) of the lever (200) projects; - a face (304) forming the first stop; and - a face (307) forming the second stop.

18. Coupler according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises a part (300) integral with the body (20), the part (300) having a channel (301) which is bordered by said wall (302) and another wall (303) located opposite, the appendage (210) of the lever (200) being engaged in the channel (301), the part (300) further having a bearing face (305) against which the unlocking means (500) is in contact preferably over its entire travel between its inactive position and its active position.

19. Coupler according to claim 18, characterized in that the part (300) is made in one piece with the body (20) of the coupler (5).

20. Coupler according to claim 18, characterized in that the part (300) is initially separate from the body (20) of the coupler (5) and fixed to the body (20) of the coupler (5).

21. Work machine, such as a hydraulic excavator, comprising an arm (2), characterized in that it comprises a coupler (5) according to one of the preceding claims, said coupler (5) being mounted at the end of the arm (2).

22. Quick attachment assembly (3) of a tool on the end of an arm of a work machine, said quick attachment assembly comprising a coupler (5) according to one of claims 1 to 20, and a tool (1) provided with at least a first coupling member (11) capable of being received in the first housing (21) of the coupler (5).

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