Rapid-coupling device for optical equipment and the like

Abstract

A rapid-coupling device for optical equipment and the like, in particular for cinematographic / photographic equipment items, comprising a first coupling element (10) and a second coupling element (20) which can be coupled to each other in a removable manner.

Description

[0001] Rapid-coupling device for optical equipment and the like

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a rapid-coupling device for optical equipment and the like, in particular for cinematographic / photographic equipment items, having the features set out in the preamble of the main claim.

[0005] Background art

[0006] The term "optical equipment" in the present context is intended to be understood to be any equipment which needs to be applied to a support (such as, for example, a tripod or stand, a plate for photographic equipment, a support for laser levels and the like) or other device used in the field.

[0007] Normally, the equipment items and the supports are provided with respective engaging means, typically of the type with a screw and nut or of the bayonet type, which allow the equipment to be reversibly secured to the support.

[0008] However, these means have the serious disadvantage that they require relatively long handling times in both the connection phase and disconnection phase.

[0009] This is greatly in contrast with the need, particularly felt in the cinematographic / photographic field, of very rapidly mounting equipment items on respective supports and further transferring them rapidly from one support to another. The need is particularly relevant in areas where it is desirable to depict snapshots or clips of events which are difficult to repeat. It is evident that, under such circumstances, it is extremely important not to waste time while mounting or transferring the equipment, in order to be able to catch the essential moment.

[0010] In this case, there are used rapid-coupling devices which include two mutually couplable elements which are fixed to the support and the equipment, respectively, in order to be able to connect or disconnect them in extremely short times.

[0011] One example of such devices is described in US 2020 / 0272031. The system used in this case uses a male element and a female element which can be coupled to each other in an interlocking manner and retention elements on the female element in order to retain the male / female elements in a mutually connected state when they are coupled together. The connection is brought about in a snap-fitting manner and is virtually instantaneous as a result of the effect of inserting the male element in a seat of the female element which produces the release of the retention elements. However, this solution has the disadvantage of requiring the specific alignment of a number of parts which act as a reference for the correct insertion condition and which allow the snap-fitting of the retention elements only when the respective positional references are in conditions of precise abutment.

[0012] This means that, besides inserting the male element in the female element, it is necessary to rotate such elements with respect to each other in order to find out the correct angular position for connection. If not, the connection between the two coupling elements does not take place. It is evident that this requirement may seriously compromise the possibility of getting the equipment ready rapidly.

[0013] An ameliorative solution is described in WO 2023 / 012560 in the name of the same Applicant, which describes a rapid-coupling device of the type comprising a male element and a female element which can be connected to each other in an interlocking manner which allows the male element to be interlocked in the female element in any mutual angular position, and overcomes the disadvantage encountered in US 2020 / 0272031.

[0014] However, the Applicant has felt the need to further improve the coupling device of WO 2023 / 012560, particularly in terms of simplifying the construction and assembly thereof.

[0015] Disclosure of the invention

[0016] The technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a rapidcoupling device for optical equipment items and the like, in particular for cinematographic / photographic equipment items, which is structurally and functionally configured to meet the above-mentioned need, overcoming at least some of the disadvantages set out with reference to the cited prior art.

[0017] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a rapid-coupling device which provides for a contained number of components and which can be constructed with simple processing operations and which can be readily assembled.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to ensure the maximum rigidity of the connection in all the most varied working conditions, such as, for example, in cases in which the centre of gravity of the equipment is not precisely above the vertical passing through the coupling device, therefore when there are generated occurrences of imbalance which urge the device, including with flexion stresses, which have to be adequately supported by the device without generating play which can be perceived by the user. This problem is solved and these objects and other objects are achieved by the invention by means of a coupling device which is constructed according to one or more of the appended claims.

[0019] In a first aspect thereof, the present invention is therefore directed to a rapidcoupling device for optical equipment and the like, in particular for cinematographic / photographic equipment items, comprising a first coupling element and a second coupling element which can be coupled to each other in a removable manner.

[0020] The first coupling element preferably comprises a base which is preferably intended to be supported on the second coupling element when the first coupling element is coupled to the second coupling element.

[0021] Preferably, the first coupling element comprises a groove which preferably opens at the base.

[0022] Preferably, the second coupling element comprises a main body which is preferably configured to abut the first coupling element when the first coupling element is coupled to the second coupling element.

[0023] Preferably, the main body has a centre axis.

[0024] Preferably, the second coupling element comprises at least one blocking element which can be moved between a non-operating position, in which it can be freely inserted in the groove and can be removed from the groove, and an operating position, in which it is engaged inside the groove so as to retain the first coupling element in a coupled state with the second coupling element.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one blocking element projects from the main body in the direction defined by the centre axis.

[0026] Preferably, the second coupling element comprises an actuator which is connected to the at least one blocking element.

[0027] Preferably, the actuator is mounted inside the main body with the capacity to rotate about the centre axis between a blocking position, in which the at least one blocking element is in the operating position, and a release position, in which the at least one blocking element is in the non-operating position.

[0028] Preferably, the second coupling element comprises a spring member which is configured to urge the actuator into the blocking position.

[0029] Preferably, the spring member is interposed between the main body and the actuator. Preferably, the second coupling element comprises a control push-button which can be moved between a first position, in which it retains the actuator in the release position, and a second position, in which it does not hinder the rotation of the actuator about the centre axis.

[0030] Preferably, the control push-button is mounted in the main body.

[0031] Preferably, the control push-button, when moved into the first position, projects from the main body.

[0032] Preferably, the control push-button can be moved between the first position and the second position in an axial direction parallel with the centre axis.

[0033] As a result of these features, the coupling device of the present solution is compact, at the same time providing optimum solidity in terms of connection.

[0034] Furthermore, the axial connection configuration between the blocking elements of the second coupling element and the groove of the first coupling element allows all the possible support surface to be used both between the two coupling elements and between the coupling device and the optical equipment.

[0035] Again, the coupling device of the present solution requires dimensional tolerances which are not particularly tight so that the various components can be constructed with processing methods which are relatively simple, such as, for example, moulding. In the above-mentioned aspect, the present solution may have one or more of the preferred features described below.

[0036] In some embodiments, the main body of the second coupling element comprises a base and a cover which are joined to each other removably.

[0037] Preferably, the base of the main body comprises a connection element, for example, of the screw type, with respect to a support for optical equipment items, such as, for example, a tripod.

[0038] Preferably, there remains defined between the base and cover an internal chamber in which the actuator, the spring member and the control push-button are received. In some embodiments, the second coupling element comprises a plurality of blocking elements, preferably three blocking elements.

[0039] In some embodiments, the blocking elements are received with the capacity to slide in guides which extend radially from the centre axis of the main body.

[0040] Preferably, the guides are formed as through-guides in the main body, more preferably on the cover of the main body.

[0041] Preferably, the blocking elements are positioned so as to be angularly equidistant from each other, for example, in the case of three elements, they are arranged at 120° relative to each other.

[0042] In this manner, the retention action carried out by the blocking elements on the first coupling element is uniformly distributed.

[0043] Preferably, the blocking elements are moved radially between the operating position and the non-operating position in respective radial directions and, more preferably, when in the operating position, they are further away from the centre axis with respect to when they are moved into a non-operating position.

[0044] In this manner, the retention action of the blocking elements on the first coupling element is carried out in positions remote from the centre axis so as to encounter, in a more effective manner, any force torques which tend to partially lift the first coupling element from the second coupling element by tilting about an axis perpendicular to the centre axis. It will be noted that this type of force torques is generated very frequently, for example, in the case of any imbalance of the optical equipment fixed to the coupling device, so that in fact it is particularly this type of stress which the coupling device is most commonly called upon to counteract.

[0045] In some embodiments, the blocking elements comprise an abutment surface which is inclined so as to diverge away from the centre axis in a direction away from the main body.

[0046] Preferably, the groove which is formed in the first coupling element comprises an internal wall with a profile which conforms to the abutment surface of the blocking elements.

[0047] In this manner, when the blocking elements are moved into an operating position, the first coupling element cannot be separated from the second coupling element. Furthermore, the radial thrust applied to the blocking elements which are moved into the operating position is partially converted into an axial force which presses the first coupling element against the second coupling element.

[0048] In some embodiments, the actuator is coupled to each blocking element by means of a cam-like profile which is eccentric with respect to the centre axis. Preferably, the cam-like profile is configured so that a rotation of the actuator about the centre axis causes the movement of the at least one blocking element between the nonoperating position and the operating position.

[0049] Preferably, the actuator comprises, for each blocking element, a relief which extends along a curved line which is eccentric with respect to the centre axis and which is engaged in a sliding manner inside a seat which is formed in the respective blocking element. In this manner, by rotating the actuator each blocking element is urged into translational movement along the respective guide between the non-operating position and the operating position. Preferably, the actuator is received inside the main body and is fixed to a ring which is mounted externally with respect to the main body.

[0050] Preferably, the ring and the actuator are fixed by means of connection arms which extend in openings which are formed in the main body, preferably between the base and cover.

[0051] In this manner, the actuator may be readily caused to rotate between the release position and the blocking position by acting on the ring.

[0052] In some embodiments, the control push-button is resiliently urged towards the first position.

[0053] Preferably, the control push-button is urged towards the first position by the same spring member which urges the actuator towards the blocking position.

[0054] The spring member is therefore preferably interposed not only between the base of the main body and the actuator in order to rotate the actuator towards the blocking position, but also between the base and the control push-button in order to axially urge the control push-button towards the first position.

[0055] Preferably, the spring member comprises a torsion and compression spring.

[0056] In this manner, it is sufficient to have a single component to perform both the functions required.

[0057] In some embodiments, the control push-button comprises at least one tooth which projects axially from the main body, preferably from the cover.

[0058] Preferably, the at least one tooth is configured to be abutted by the base of the first coupling element when it is engaged with the second coupling element.

[0059] In this manner, the control push-button is urged towards the second position, overcoming the potential resilient action of the spring member, by the movement of the first coupling element towards the second coupling element.

[0060] In some embodiments, when the control push-button is in the second position, the at least one tooth does not project axially from the main body, preferably it is substantially flush with the cover of the main body.

[0061] Preferably, the control push-button comprises a base ring which is received in the internal chamber of the main body, from which the at least one tooth which projects from the main body extends.

[0062] Preferably, the control push-button comprises three teeth and the three teeth extend in an axial direction.

[0063] Preferably, the base ring is coaxial with respect to the actuator.

[0064] Preferably, the control push-button is secured in rotation with respect to the central body. In other words, the control push-button can only be moved axially between the first position and second position inside the main body.

[0065] In some embodiments, one of the control push-button and the actuator comprises a retention projection which is configured to engage with a seat which is formed in the other of the control push-button and the actuator when the actuator is moved into the release position and the control push-button is moved into the first position.

[0066] In this manner, the actuator is retained in the release position by the control pushbutton when it is retained in the first position, for example, by the resilient stress applied thereto by the spring member.

[0067] Preferably, this retention projection or this seat is provided on the base ring.

[0068] Preferably, the base ring is supported on the spring member at the side opposite the base of the main body.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first coupling element is of discoidal shape.

[0070] Preferably, the first coupling element comprises one or more attachment elements with respect to an optical equipment item, for example, a video-camera or a camera. Preferably, the groove formed in the base of the first coupling element is delimited externally by a peripheral portion and internally by a central portion.

[0071] In some embodiments, the peripheral portion comprises a toothed surface which is configured to engage with a corresponding toothed surface which is formed on the main body of the second coupling element, preferably on the cover portions interposed between the guides of the blocking elements.

[0072] In this manner, the rotation of the first coupling element is prevented with respect to the second coupling element about the centre axis when the two coupling elements are connected.

[0073] Preferably, the central portion is configured to abut the at least one tooth of the control push-button when it is in the first position.

[0074] In some embodiments, the second coupling element comprises a security mechanism which is configured to prevent the movement of the actuator towards the release position.

[0075] Preferably, the security mechanism comprises a tooth which is resiliently urged into engagement inside a seat which is formed in the ring so as to prevent the rotation of the ring towards the release position of the actuator and a security push-button which can be selectively controlled to move the security tooth so as to disengage from the ring so as to allow the rotation of the ring towards the release position of the actuator. Brief description of the drawings

[0076] The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0077] - Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a support for optical equipment items provided with a rapid-coupling device constructed according to the present invention,

[0078] - Figure 2 is a schematic, perspective view of the rapid-coupling device of Figure 1 in a connected condition,

[0079] - Figures 3 and 4 are axially sectioned views of the device of Figure 1 in a connected condition and in a disconnected condition, respectively,

[0080] - Figure 5 is a perspective bottom view of the first coupling element of the device of Figure 1,

[0081] - Figures 6 and 7 are a perspective view from above and a plan view from above of the second coupling element of the device of Figure 1, respectively,

[0082] - Figures 8 and 9 are a plan view from above and a perspective view from above of a cross-section of the second coupling element of the device of Figure 1, respectively,

[0083] - Figure 10 is a plan view from above of the second coupling element of the device of Figure 1 with a number of components removed,

[0084] - Figure 11 and Figure 12 are perspective views of a number of isolated components of the second coupling element of the device of Figure 1.

[0085] Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0086] In the Figures, there is generally designated 1 a releasable rapid-coupling device for optical equipment and the like, in particular for cinematographic / photographic equipment items. The device is suitable, for example, for mounting on a support, such as a tripod or a stand, any type of equipment which requires anchoring to the support in a stable, rapid and readily releasable manner. Typically, such equipment items may comprise video / photographic equipment items and devices, laser devices, lighting systems, reflectors and the like. In Figure 1, this equipment item is generically illustrated as a video-camera M which is mounted on a column C of a tripod S.

[0087] The device 1 comprises a first coupling element 10 and a second coupling element 20 which can be coupled to each other in a removable manner.

[0088] The first coupling element 10 has a discoidal formation on which there is defined a base 11 which is intended to be supported on the second coupling element 20 when the first coupling element 10 and the second coupling element 20 are connected to each other and an opposite upper surface 12.

[0089] The first coupling element 10 is configured to be connected to the video / photographic equipment item M and, to this end, has on the upper surface 12 a plurality of fixing elements, which are preferably different from each other and which are suitable for the different types of standard attachment provided in optical equipment items. In particular, the fixing elements comprise a screw 13 which is received in a central hole of the first coupling element 10 and a pin and a threaded hole which are positioned laterally with respect to the screw 13.

[0090] A groove 14 which is annular and which is delimited internally by a central portion 15 and externally by a peripheral portion 16 having a toothed surface 16a with teeth with a triangular profile which project axially towards the second coupling element 20, is open at the base 11 of the first coupling element 10.

[0091] The groove 14 has an opening in the base 11 with a constant width and has a section with a substantially trapezoidal profile, with an internal wall 17 which delimits the peripheral portion 16 which is inclined with respect to an axial direction of the first coupling element 10 so as to diverge from the base 11 towards the upper surface 12. In this manner, the groove 14 is wider at the inner side thereof than in the region of the opening in the base 11.

[0092] The second coupling element 20 comprises a main body 21 with a generically cylindrical shape and through which a centre axis X which is configured to abut the first coupling element 10 when it is connected to the second coupling element 20 passes.

[0093] The main body 21 comprises a base 22 on which there is formed a connection element, for example, a threaded hole 22a, for fixing to the column C of the tripod S and a cover 23 which is removably joined to the base 22 by means of a screw 24.

[0094] The second coupling element 20 comprises three blocking elements 25 which are received with the capacity to slide in guides 26 which are formed as through-guides in the cover 23 and which extend radially from the centre axis X at an angle of 120° relative to each other.

[0095] There are formed on the cover portions 23 which are interposed between the guides 26 toothed surfaces 23a which are configured to engage with the corresponding toothed surface 16a which is formed on the peripheral portion 16 of the first coupling element 10.

[0096] The blocking elements 25 project axially from the main body 21 towards the first coupling element 10 and can be moved in translation along the guides 26 between a non-operating position which is closer to the centre axis X and in which they can be freely introduced into and move out of the groove 14, and an operating position which is spaced apart from the centre axis X and in which they are engaged inside the groove 14 in order to retain the first coupling element 10 in a connected state with the second coupling element 20.

[0097] The blocking elements 25 comprise an abutment surface 27 which is radially external and which is inclined with respect to the cover 23, diverging away from the centre axis X in the direction away from the main body 21, so as to conform to the profile of the internal wall 17 of the groove 14 when the blocking elements 25 are moved into an operating position.

[0098] The second coupling element 20 further comprises an actuator 30 which is received inside an internal chamber 28 of the main body 21 which is delimited by the base 22 and the cover 23.

[0099] The actuator 30 is secured to the base 22 with the capacity to rotate about the centre axis X between a blocking position, in which the blocking elements 25 are moved into the operating position, and a release position, in which the blocking elements 25 are moved into the non-operating position.

[0100] To this end, the actuator 30 comprises three reliefs 31 which project axially from the surface thereof facing the cover 23 and each of which is engaged in a sliding manner in a seat 29 which is formed in the respective blocking element 25.

[0101] Each relief 31 extends along a curved line which is eccentric with respect to the centre axis and which constitutes a helical portion.

[0102] As a result of this type of connection, the rotation of the actuator 30 between the blocking position and the release position (and vice versa) brings about the simultaneous sliding of the blocking elements 25 between the operating position and the non-operating position (and vice versa).

[0103] In order to control the rotation of the actuator 30 about the centre axis X, it is fixed to a ring 32 which is mounted externally on the main body 21 and which is connected to the actuator 30 by means of three connection arms 33 which are introduced into the main body 21 through respective openings defined between the base 22 and the cover 23.

[0104] The second coupling element 20 further comprises a control push-button 40 which can be moved axially between a first position, in which it retains the actuator 30 in the release position, and a second position, in which it does not hinder the rotation of the actuator 30 about the centre axis X.

[0105] The control push-button 40 comprises a base ring 41 which is received in the internal chamber 28 of the main body 21 and three teeth 42 which extend upwards axially from the base ring 41 and which, when the control push-button 40 is in the first position, project from the cover 23 of the main body 21 through suitable holes which are formed therein.

[0106] The base ring 41 is secured in terms of rotation with respect to the base 22 so that the control push-button can be moved only in the axial direction.

[0107] The base ring 41 is further coaxial and in a radially internal position with respect to the actuator 30 so that the three teeth 42 project from the cover 23 in a position near the centre axis X and axially corresponding to the central portion 15 of the first coupling element 10.

[0108] There are further formed on the base ring 41 two seats 43 which are configured to engage with corresponding retention projections 34 of the actuator 30 when the actuator 30 is moved into the release position and the control push-button 40 is moved into the first position.

[0109] A spring member comprising a torsion and compression spring 35 which is interposed between the base 22 at one side and the actuator 30 and the control push-button 40 at the other side is further received in the internal chamber 28 of the main body 21. In particular, the spring 35 is a helical spring with a first end secured in a seat 37 of the base 22 and the second end secured in a seat 38 of the actuator 30 while the base ring 41 is supported on the upper turn of the spring 35.

[0110] In this manner, the spring 35 acts both as a compression spring, urging the control push-button 40 towards the first position, and as a torsion spring, urging the actuator 30 towards the blocking position.

[0111] The second coupling element 20 further comprises a security mechanism 50 which is configured to prevent the inadvertent movement of the actuator 30 towards the release position.

[0112] The security mechanism 50 comprises a tooth 51 which is received in the internal chamber 28 substantially in contact with the base 22 and which is resiliently urged into engagement inside a seat 36 which is formed on the ring 32 so as to prevent the rotation of the ring 32 towards the release position of the actuator 30.

[0113] To this end, the tooth 51 is defined at one end of a leaf spring element 52 which is articulated to the base 22.

[0114] The security mechanism 50 further comprises a security push-button 53 which projects from the main body 21 under the ring 32 and which can be controlled selectively in order to move the security tooth 51 into a state disengaged from the ring 32 so as to allow the rotation of the ring 32 towards the release position of the actuator 30.

[0115] To this end, the security push-button 53 is connected to a runner 54 which is also received in the internal chamber 28 and which is provided with a seat 55 which engages with a pin of the security tooth 51. The seat 55 has an eccentric profile which is configured in such a manner that, when the security push-button 53 is moved into an unblocking position, the security tooth 51 is moved radially inside the main body 21, disengaging the ring 32.

[0116] The operation of the device of this invention is as follows.

[0117] Initially, the first coupling element 10 is applied to the video camera M and the second coupling element 20 is applied to the tripod S.

[0118] Where applicable, a plurality of first coupling elements 10 may be applied to different optical equipment items in order to make these equipment items rapidly interchangeable on the tripod S.

[0119] With the first coupling element 10 disconnected from the second coupling element 20, the blocking elements 25 are fixed in a non-operating position (radially internal position) by the actuator 30 which is in turn fixed in the release position by the control push-button 40 which is moved into the first position by the spring 35. In this configuration, in fact, the rotation of the actuator 30 towards the blocking position, which is urged by the spring 35, is prevented by the interference between the retention projections 34 and the seats 43 of the base ring 41.

[0120] In this position, the teeth 42 of the control push-button 40 project axially from the cover 23.

[0121] When the base 11 of the first coupling element 10 is moved into abutment against the cover 23 in order to connect the first coupling element 10 to the second coupling element 20, the blocking elements 25 are introduced into the groove 14 and the central portion 15 of the base 11 urges the teeth 42 axially towards the interior of the main body 21, overcoming the resilient axial force of the spring 35.

[0122] The axial movement of the teeth 42 causes the base ring 41 to move away from the actuator 30, moving the control push-button 40 into the second position and causing the disengagement of the retention projections 34 from the seats 43 of the base ring 41 with the resultant immediate rotation of the actuator 30 towards the blocking position caused by the action of resilient torsion applied by the spring 35. The rotation of the actuator 30 into the blocking position in turn brings about the radial translational movement of the blocking elements 25 into the operating position so that, by moving radially inside the groove 14, the abutment wall 27 abuts the respective internal wall 17, blocking in position the first coupling element 10 on the second coupling element 20.

[0123] It may be noted that the solidity of the connection is ensured both by the engagement of the blocking elements 25 in the groove 14 and by the mutual engagement of the toothed surfaces 16a and 23a.

[0124] In this manner, the connection of the first coupling element 10 with the second coupling element 20 is brought about in a simple and rapid manner, only with the base 11 of the first coupling element 10 being supported on the cover 23 of the second coupling element 20.

[0125] In this position, the security tooth 51 engages with the seat 36 of the ring 32, preventing the rotation thereof about the centre axis X.

[0126] In order to disconnect the first coupling element 10 from the second coupling element 20, it is necessary to move the security push-button 53 so as to disengage the security tooth 51 from the ring 32 and to manually rotate the ring 32, overcoming the resilient torsion force of the spring 35 so as to bring the actuator 30 into a release position.

[0127] In this position, the base ring 41 of the control push-button 40 which is constantly urged by the spring 35 against the actuator 30 is located with the seats 43 axially aligned with the retention projections 34 so that they are introduced into the respective seats 43, blocking the actuator in the release position, and the control push-button 40 is moved axially into the first position. The teeth 42 which are urged outside the cover 23 cause the detachment of the base 11 of the first coupling element 10 from the cover 23 of the second coupling element 20 and the resultant movement of the blocking elements 25 out of the groove 24.

[0128] The rapid-coupling device which is constructed in this manner solves the technical problem identified above and further achieves the predetermined objectives.

[0129] Naturally, in order to comply with specific and contingent application requirements, a person skilled in the art may apply to the above-described invention additional modifications and variants which are still included within the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rapid-coupling device for optical equipment and the like, in particular for cinematographic / photographic equipment items, comprising a first coupling element (10) and a second coupling element (20) which can be coupled to each other in a removable manner, wherein:- the first coupling element (10) comprises a base (11) which faces the second coupling element (20) when the first coupling element (10) is coupled to the second coupling element (20) and a groove (14) which opens at the base (11),- the second coupling element (20) comprises a main body (21) which has a centre axis (X) and which is configured to abut the first coupling element (10) when the first coupling element (10) is coupled to the second coupling element (20),- the second coupling element (20) comprises at least one blocking element (25) which projects axially from the main body (21) and which can be moved between a non-operating position, in which it can be freely inserted in the groove (14) and can be removed from the groove (14), and an operating position, in which it is engaged inside the groove (14) so as to retain the first coupling element (10) in a coupled state with the second coupling element (20),- the second coupling element (20) comprises an actuator (30) which is connected to the at least one blocking element (25) and which is mounted inside the main body (21) with the capacity to rotate about the centre axis (X) between a blocking position, in which the at least one blocking element (25) is in the operating position, and a release position, in which the at least one blocking element (25) is in the non-operating position,- the second coupling element (20) comprises a spring member (35) which is interposed between the main body (21) and the actuator (30) which is configured to urge the actuator (30) into the blocking position,- the second coupling element (20) comprises a control push-button (40) which is mounted in the main body (21) and which can be moved axially between a first position, in which it projects from the main body (21) and retains the actuator (30) in the release position, and a second position, in which it does not hinder the rotation of the actuator (30) about the centre axis (X).

2. A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the second coupling element (20) comprises a plurality of blocking elements (25) which are received with thecapacity to slide in guides (26) which are formed in the main body (21) and which extend radially from the centre axis (X).

3. A coupling device according to claim 2, wherein the blocking elements (25) comprise an abutment surface (27) which is inclined so as to diverge away from the centre axis (X) in a direction away from the main body (21).

4. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (30) is coupled to the at least one blocking element (25) by means of a cam-like profile which is eccentric with respect to the centre axis so that a rotation of the actuator (30) about the centre axis (X) causes the movement of the at least one blocking element (25) between the non-operating position and the operating position.

5. A coupling device according to claim 4, wherein the actuator (30) comprises, for each blocking element (25), a relief (31) which extends along a curved line which is eccentric with respect to the centre axis (X) and which is engaged in a sliding manner inside a seat (29) which is formed in the respective blocking element (25).

6. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (30) is received inside the main body (21) and is fixed to a ring (32) which is mounted externally with respect to the main body (21).

7. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control push-button (40) is resiliently urged towards the first position by the spring member (35).

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring member (35) comprises a torsion and compression spring.

9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the control push-button (40) and the actuator (30) comprises a retention projection (34) which is configured to engage with a seat (43) which is formed in the other of the control push-button (40) and the actuator (30) when the actuator (30) is moved into the release position and the control push-button (40) is moved into the firstposition.

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control pushbutton (40) comprises at least one tooth (42) which projects from the main body (21) and which is configured to be abutted by the base (11) of the first engaging element (10) when it is engaged with the second coupling element (20) so as to move the control push-button (40) towards the second position.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (14) which is formed in the base (11) of the first coupling element (10) is delimited externally by a peripheral portion (16) comprising a toothed surface (16a) which is configured to engage with a corresponding toothed surface (23a) which is formed on the main body (21) of the second coupling element (20).

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second coupling element (20) comprises a security mechanism (50) comprising:- a security tooth (51) which is resiliently urged into engagement inside a seat (36) which is formed on the ring (32) so as to prevent the rotation of the ring (32) towards the release position of the actuator (30), and- a security push-button (53) which can be controlled selectively in order to move the security tooth (51) into a state disengaged from the ring (32) so as to allow the rotation of the ring (32) towards the release position of the actuator (30).

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