EP2860318A1 - Secure linking system between a tool and an arm of a public works vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The secure link system (10) comprises: - Locking means (13) biased from a disengaged position to an engaged position in which it retains a tool; a safety member (25) biased from a deactivated position, in which it does not hinder the movement of the locking means, to an activated position, in which it limits the movement of the locking means from its engaged position to at an intermediate position beyond which the locking means no longer holds the tool; a tool release member (45) causing the safety member to move towards its deactivated position and the locking means to move towards its disengaged position, so that when the locking means reaches its intermediate position , the safety member is no longer in the activated position.

Description

The present invention relates to a secure connection system between a tool and an arm of a public works machine. The invention also relates to a coupler intended to be mounted at the end of an arm of a public works machine and comprising such a system, and a public works machine equipped with such a coupler.

The secure connection system according to the invention is intended for a quick coupler assembly. The general principle of a quick attachment assembly of a tool on the end of an arm of a public works machine provides the tool with a connection device which usually has male connection means such as pins or pins, and provide the end of the arm of a coupler which has female connection means such as hooks on which engage the male connection means.

A quick coupler assembly of this type is for example described in the document FR 2 944 534 This set has a secure connection system comprising a locking means which, in an engaged position, cooperates with the connection device to ensure the retention of the tool. There is further provided a safety member which, in an activated position, prevents inadvertent disengagement of the locking means, which could occur during working operations under certain extreme conditions. Such unwanted disengagement would lead to unwanted release of the tool, which could have damaging consequences for both men and equipment.

Such a quick coupler assembly makes it possible to connect a tool to an arm of a machine without manual intervention by the driver of the machine and generally satisfies the safety of the connection.

However, the release of the tool initially requires the deactivation of the safety member and in a second time the disengagement of the locking means. These two actions, when they must be carried out manually, require a complex and tedious gesture, and, when they must be performed hydraulically, require the establishment of two actuators whose operating order must be controlled.

Thus, with this type of quick coupler assembly, if the implementation of the tool is simple, however the release of the tool is difficult.

The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

• au moins un moyen de verrouillage sollicité par des moyens de rappel d'une position désengagée, dans laquelle, en fonctionnement, il autorise le déplacement du dispositif de connexion par rapport au coupleur, à une position engagée, dans laquelle il est apte à coopérer avec le dispositif de connexion pour assurer la retenue de l'outil ;
• au moins un organe de sécurité mobile entre une position désactivée, dans laquelle il n'entrave pas le déplacement du moyen de verrouillage entre ses positions engagée et désengagée, et une position activée, dans laquelle il limite le déplacement du moyen de verrouillage depuis sa position engagée jusqu'à une position intermédiaire au-delà de laquelle le moyen de verrouillage ne peut pas retenir l'outil, en fonctionnement ;
• un dispositif de libération de l'outil conçu pour libérer le dispositif de connexion du système de liaison.

To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a secure connection system for a quick coupler assembly comprising a connection device attached to a tool and a coupler which is mounted at the end of an arm a public works machine and which is designed to connect to the connection device, the secure connection system being intended to be mounted on the coupler and to cooperate with the connection device, and comprising:

• at least one locking means biased by return means of a disengaged position, in which, in operation, it authorizes the displacement of the connection device relative to the coupler, to an engaged position, in which it is able to cooperate with the connection device for holding the tool;
• at least one movable safety member between a deactivated position, in which it does not impede the displacement of the locking means between its engaged and disengaged positions, and an activated position, in which it limits the movement of the locking means from its position engaged to an intermediate position beyond which the locking means can not hold the tool, in operation;
• a tool release device adapted to release the connection device from the linkage system.

• le système de liaison comprend :
• des moyens de rappel qui sollicitent l'organe de sécurité de sa position désactivée vers sa position activée ;
• un moyen de détection de la présence d'un outil, qui est sollicité par des moyens de rappel vers une position armée et qui peut être déplacé, sous l'action du dispositif de connexion en cours de connexion et à l'encontre desdits moyens de rappel, vers une position désarmée ;
• et le dispositif de libération de l'outil comprend un organe de libération mobile conçu pour, lors d'un mouvement d'une première position à une deuxième position, provoquer à la fois le déplacement de l'organe de sécurité vers sa position désactivée, et le déplacement du moyen de verrouillage vers sa position désengagée, de telle façon que, lorsque le moyen de verrouillage atteint sa position intermédiaire, l'organe de sécurité ne soit plus en position activée.

In addition, according to a general definition of the invention:

• the linking system comprises:
• return means which urge the safety member from its deactivated position to its activated position;
• means for detecting the presence of a tool, which is biased by biasing means towards an armed position and which can be moved, under the action of the connecting device during connection and against said means of recall, to an unarmed position;
• and the tool release device comprises a movable release member adapted to, upon movement from a first position to a second position, causing both the movement of the safety member to its deactivated position, and moving the locking means to its disengaged position, such that when the locking means reaches its intermediate position, the safety member is no longer in the activated position.

Thus, by providing a release member arranged to cause, in one and the same movement, both the deactivation of the safety member and the disengagement of the locking means, the invention makes it possible to considerably simplify the process of releasing the the tool. The implementation of the secure link system is more convenient and less tedious. Moreover, the invention makes it possible to maintain an automatic connection of the tool, without manual intervention, on the ground, by an operator or the driver of the machine.

Another advantage of the invention is to further improve the securing of the connection between the coupler - linked to the arm of the machine - and the connection device - linked to the tool - since the safety member is always called upon to its activated position.

The invention also makes it possible to obtain excellent stability of the system, both in the engaged and disengaged position of the locking means.

In the armed position, the detection means is waiting for the tool and ready to be disarmed.

In practice, the return means can urge the locking means from the disengaged position to the position engaged over the entire stroke of the locking means between these two positions. Said return means can be fixed on the locking means.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the biasing means biasing the locking means and the biasing means biasing the detection means are distinct, that is to say that the detection means is biased towards a position independently of the means of locking.

In practice, the intermediate position is distinct from the engaged position.

The secure connection system may further comprise a stop which can occupy a locking position in which it keeps the safety member in the deactivated position, and an unlocking position in which it allows the movement of the safety member towards its position. activated position.

The stop facilitates the connection of the tool because, when in the locking position, it prevents the operator manually maintain the safety member in the deactivated position, which would be necessary since this safety member is biased to its activated position. By elsewhere, the stop occupies its unlocked position at least when the tool is connected, so as to allow the connection to be secured.

The abutment may be constituted by one of the constituent elements of the system according to the invention, for example by the locking means or by the detection means.

Advantageously, the secure connection system can be designed so that, when the detection means is in the armed position, the safety member is kept in its deactivated position. This holding can be obtained either directly, the detection means forming the abutment and now itself the safety member, or indirectly, the detecting means holding the locking means which forms the abutment and which holds the safety member .

The detection means is for example designed to maintain the stop in the locked position when in the armed position.

The connection system according to the invention can provide that the safety member is kept in the deactivated position at the beginning of the connection process of the tool, then suddenly switches to its activated position. Thus, the security organ can not be activated from the beginning of the connection process.

According to one possible embodiment, the locking means is rotatable between its engaged and disengaged positions.

For example, the locking means, the safety member and the detecting means are rotatable between their disengaged and engaged, deactivated and activated positions, armed and disarmed, respectively, about substantially parallel axes.

In this case, it can further be provided that the release member is rotatable between its first and second positions, about an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the locking means, of the safety member, and detection means.

According to one embodiment, the stop is constituted by a portion of the locking means, the locking means being adapted to, when in the disengaged position, keep the safety member in the deactivated position. Preferably, the locking means may be adapted to maintain the safety member in the deactivated position when the locking means is between its disengaged position and its intermediate position.

The detection means may be designed to, when in the armed position, keep the locking means in the disengaged position. Thus, there is an indirect holding of the safety member in its deactivated position, since the detection means maintains the locking means, the latter forming the stop which holds the safety member. The advantage of keeping the locking means in the disengaged position when the detection means is in the armed position is that the locking means does not occupy the space in which the tool is going to be engaged, and that it is not therefore not necessary, prior to the engagement of the tool, to move the locking means.

For example, the locking means and the detecting means comprise a pin and the other a recess, the pin being designed to be able to fit in the recess so that the detection means can maintain the means of detection. lock in disengaged position.

According to another embodiment, the stop is constituted by a portion of the detection means, the detection means being designed for, when in the armed position, keep the safety member in the off position. Thus, there is a direct maintenance of the safety member in its deactivated position, since the detection means forms the stop and maintains itself the safety member.

According to one embodiment, the release member is adapted to cause, during its movement from its first position to its second position, simultaneously the movement of the safety member towards its deactivated position and the movement of the locking means towards his position disengaged. In this case, the relative shapes and arrangements of the safety member and the locking means are designed so that when the locking means reaches its intermediate position, the safety member is no longer in the activated position. The simultaneity of said displacements can take place on the entire movement of the release member from its first position to its second position or only part of this movement.

According to another embodiment, the release member is designed to cause, during its movement from its first position to its second position, sequentially the movement of the safety member towards its deactivated position and then, once the safety member is no longer in the activated position, the displacement of the locking means towards its disengaged position. In other words, the movements of the security organ and locking means are not simultaneous but successive, at least in a first phase of the movement of the release member from its first position to its second position. It should be noted that it is not necessary that the safety member is in the deactivated position so that the locking means can begin to be moved. The important thing is that the safety member is no longer in the activated position when the locking means is in the intermediate position, so as not to prevent further movement.

According to one embodiment, the release member is designed, when moving from its first position to its second position, to come into contact on the one hand with the safety member and on the other hand with the means of locking to cause their movements. In other words, the release member acts directly on the safety member and on the locking means.

According to another embodiment, the release member is designed, when moving from its first position to its second position, to come into contact with a movable lever and to cause this lever to move from a waiting position. an actuating position, the lever being designed to, when so moved, come into contact on the one hand with the safety member and on the other hand with the locking means to cause their movements. In other words, the release member acts indirectly on the safety member and on the locking means via an intermediate lever.

According to one embodiment, the release member consists of a removable key adapted to be moved manually by an operator from its first position to its second position. Typically, the key can be releasably engaged with the locking means and / or the safety member and / or the coupler frame. The release action performed by the key on the secure connection system can be obtained directly, or indirectly - that is via an intermediate part.

It can be provided that the key comprises a contact face formed on a projecting nose and intended to cooperate with a corresponding contact face - generally rounded or oblique - arranged on the safety member, the key and the contact faces being arranged for the rotation of the key from its first position to its second position causes the rotation of the safety member to its deactivated position. In addition, the key may comprise a means of temporary assembly by means of locking, so that the rotation of the key from its first position to its second position simultaneously causes the rotation of the locking means to its disengaged position and the rotation of the safety member to its deactivated position.

As a variant and / or in addition, the release member may comprise a hydraulic actuator permanently mounted on the connection system, or intended to be permanently mounted on the coupler, the actuator being able to be moved from its first position , or retracted position, in its second position, or deployed position, and can be returned to its first position. The hydraulic actuator can typically be moved by remote control means, such as a button disposed in the cab of the machine operable by the driver. For the recall of the actuator in its first position, it can be provided that it is biased by biasing means, or that it consists of a double-acting cylinder.

The secure connection system may further comprise means for indicating the position of the safety member, visible by the driver of the machine, from the cabin. These indication means can typically be mechanically linked to the safety member to be simultaneously animated the same movement. The visibility of the correct position of the safety device ensures the driver that the connection system has worked properly. In other words, the good position of the indicating means ensures that the locking means are engaged and that the safety member is activated.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a coupler intended to be mounted at the end of an arm of a public works machine and designed to connect to a connection device attached to a tool, the coupler comprising a system secure link as previously described.

According to one embodiment, this coupler may comprise one or two hooks intended to cooperate with one or two journals of the connection device, while the locking means has a convex curved face configured to cooperate by support. with a complementary face provided on the connection device, in operation and when the locking means are in the engaged position.

According to another embodiment, this coupler may comprise a hook intended to cooperate with a first axis of the connection device and a notch intended to receive a second axis of the connection device, while the locking means is in the form of a movable hook which, in its engaged position, is adapted to close the notch to trap the second axis of the connection device, in operation.

• un bras à l'extrémité duquel est monté un coupleur ;
• et un outil sur lequel est fixé un dispositif de connexion ;

le coupleur étant conçu pour se connecter au dispositif de connexion et comportant un système de liaison sécurisée tel que précédemment décrit.According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a public works machine comprising:

• an arm at the end of which is mounted a coupler;
• and a tool on which is attached a connection device;

the coupler being adapted to connect to the connection device and having a secure link system as previously described.

In addition, the coupler may have one or the other of the aforementioned structures.

• La figure 1 est une vue du bras d'un engin de travaux publics sur lequel est connecté un outil, le bras étant équipé d'un coupleur comportant un système de liaison sécurisée selon l'invention ;
• La figure 2 est une vue similaire à la figure 1, pour un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'outil étant en cours de connexion ;
• La figure 3 est une vue de dessous du coupleur de la figure 2, montrant le système de liaison sécurisée ;
• Les figures 4 et 5 illustrent le système de liaison sécurisée de la figure 3, respectivement en vue montée, en perspective, et en vue éclatée ;
• Les figures 6 à 8 sont des vues en perspective respectivement d'un organe de sécurité, d'un moyen de verrouillage et d'un organe de libération appartenant au système de liaison sécurisée de la figure 3 ;
• Les figures 9 à 14 illustrent des étapes successives de connexion d'un outil sur le coupleur de la figure 3 ;
• La figure 15 représente l'outil connecté au coupleur de la figure 3, dans une position de sécurité ;
• Les figures 16 à 20 illustrent des étapes successives de libération de l'outil connecté au coupleur de la figure 3 ;
• La figure 21 est une vue de détail montrant le moyen de détection coopérant avec le moyen de verrouillage pour le maintenir en position désengagée ;
• La figure 22 est une vue de détail du coupleur de la figure 3, montrant des moyens d'indication de la position de l'organe de sécurité ;
• Les figures 23 à 25 illustrent des étapes successives de connexion d'un outil à un coupleur selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• La figure 26 représente l'outil connecté au coupleur des figures 23 à 25, dans une position de sécurité ;
• Les figures 27 à 30 illustrent des étapes successives de libération de l'outil connecté au coupleur des figures 23 à 25, selon une première variante ;
• La figure 31 est une vue de détail du coupleur de la figure 30, montrant un actionneur hydraulique ;
• Les figures 32 et 33 illustrent des étapes successives de libération de l'outil connecté au coupleur des figures 23 à 25, selon une deuxième variante ;
• La figure 34 est une vue en perspective d'un système de liaison sécurisée selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• La figure 35 est une vue analogue à la figure 34, le système de liaison sécurisée étant représenté en éclaté ;
• Les figures 36 à 41 illustrent des étapes successives de connexion d'un outil au coupleur de la figure 34 ;
• La figure 42 représente l'outil connecté au coupleur de la figure 34, dans une position de sécurité ;
• Les figures 43 à 46 illustrent des étapes successives de libération de l'outil connecté au coupleur de la figure 34.
• La figure 1 montre un outil 1 - ici un godet - connecté à un bras 2 d'un engin de travaux publics (non représenté) au moyen d'un ensemble d'attache rapide 3. Cet ensemble d'attache rapide 3 comporte :
  • un dispositif de connexion 4 fixé sur l'outil 1 ;
  • et un coupleur 5 qui est monté à l'extrémité du bras 2 et qui est conçu pour se connecter au dispositif de connexion 4.

Several possible embodiments of the invention are now described by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended figures:

• The figure 1 is a view of the arm of a public works machine on which is connected a tool, the arm being equipped with a coupler comprising a secure connection system according to the invention;
• The figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 for a first embodiment of the invention, the tool being connected;
• The figure 3 is a bottom view of the coupler of the figure 2 , showing the secure link system;
• The Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the secure link system of the figure 3 respectively in a mounted view, in perspective, and in an exploded view;
• The Figures 6 to 8 are perspective views respectively of a safety member, a locking means and a release member belonging to the secure connection system of the figure 3 ;
• The Figures 9 to 14 illustrate successive steps of connecting a tool on the coupler of the figure 3 ;
• The figure 15 represents the tool connected to the coupler of the figure 3 in a safety position;
• The Figures 16 to 20 illustrate successive steps of release of the tool connected to the coupler of the figure 3 ;
• The figure 21 is a detail view showing the detecting means cooperating with the locking means to hold it in the disengaged position;
• The figure 22 is a detail view of the coupler of the figure 3 , showing means for indicating the position of the safety member;
• The Figures 23 to 25 illustrate successive steps of connecting a tool to a coupler according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• The figure 26 represents the tool connected to the coupler of the Figures 23 to 25 in a safety position;
• The Figures 27 to 30 illustrate successive steps of release of the tool connected to the coupler of the Figures 23 to 25 according to a first variant;
• The figure 31 is a detail view of the coupler of the figure 30 , showing a hydraulic actuator;
• The Figures 32 and 33 illustrate successive steps of release of the tool connected to the coupler of the Figures 23 to 25 according to a second variant;
• The figure 34 is a perspective view of a secure link system according to a third embodiment of the invention;
• The figure 35 is a view similar to the figure 34 , the secure link system being shown exploded;
• The Figures 36 to 41 illustrate successive steps of connecting a tool to the coupler of the figure 34 ;
• The figure 42 represents the tool connected to the coupler of the figure 34 in a safety position;
• The Figures 43 to 46 illustrate successive steps of release of the tool connected to the coupler of the figure 34 .
• The 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 coupler assembly 3. This quick coupler assembly 3 comprises:
  • a connection device 4 fixed on the tool 1;
  • and a coupler 5 which is mounted at the end of the arm 2 and which is adapted to connect to the connection device 4.

In addition, a secure connection system 10 according to the invention is mounted on the coupler 5 and is intended to cooperate with the connection device 4, in the connected position of the tool 1.

The coupler 5 generally comprises two flanges 6 substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction Y.

Furthermore, the longitudinal direction X is defined as the substantially horizontal direction and parallel to the mean plane of the flanges 6. The terms "front" and "rear" will be used with reference to the direction X and a movement of the machine forward. . The vertical direction Z is also defined, with respect to which the terms "upper", "lower" and the like will be used.

We first refer to Figures 2 to 22 which illustrate a secure connection system 10 and a coupler 5 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the coupler 5 comprises a hook 7 formed on each of its flanges 6, at a first longitudinal end portion of the coupler 5. In addition, the secure connection system 10 is mounted between the two flanges 6, at the second longitudinal end portion of the coupler 5.Quant to the connecting device 4 fixed on the tool 1, it comprises firstly two substantially transverse and coaxial pins 8 intended to cooperate each with a hook 7, and on the other hand an interface 9 intended to cooperate with the secure connection system 10.

The secure link system 10 is described with reference to Figures 3 to 8 .

The secure connection system 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical rod 11, of axis 12, arranged transversely and fixed to the flanges 6, to the second longitudinal end portion of the coupler 5. In practice, each of the transverse ends of the bar 11 can be mounted in an orifice formed in the flange 6 corresponding.

On the bar 11 is mounted a locking means 13, shown more specifically on the figure 7 .

The locking means 13 comprises a substantially annular base 14, engaged on the bar 11, from which projects, towards the rear, a substantially planar plate 15 parallel to a plane (X, Z). The core 15 has at its front portion an orifice 16. The locking means 13 further comprises a curved wall 17 located at the end of the core 15 opposite the base 14. The wall 17 has a convex functional face 18 . In the wall 17, and in the lower part thereof, is formed a recess 19 open rearwardly. In addition, the wall 17 comprises a front face 23.

The locking means 13 and the bar 11 are the main elements of the secure connection system 10 intended to cooperate with the interface 9 of the connection device 4 fixed to the tool 1.

The figures 2 , 9 and 10 show more precisely the quick coupler assembly 3, the tool 1 being being connected to the arm 2. In this embodiment, the hooks 7 are located at the rear of the coupler 5 and are open to the opposite of the machine; they are caught on the pins 8 of the connection device 4. In addition, the interface 9 of the connection device 4 is located in front of the pins 8 and comprises a functional face 20, directed forwardly. The face 20 may be substantially planar. The face 20 of the interface 9 is functionally complementary to the face 18 of the locking means 13. The interface 9 may further comprise notches 21 intended to receive the bar 11 in support.

• une position engagée - en pratique une position abaissée - dans laquelle les faces fonctionnelles 18 et 20 coopèrent par appui, de façon à assurer la retenue de l'outil 1 sur le bras 2 ;
• et une position désengagée- en pratique une position relevée - dans laquelle les faces fonctionnelles 18 et 20 ne coopèrent pas, le moyen de verrouillage 13 autorisant donc le déplacement du dispositif de connexion 4 par rapport au coupleur 5.

In operation, the locking means 13 is rotatable around the bar 11 between:

• a position engaged - in practice a lowered position - in which the functional faces 18 and 20 cooperate by support, so as to ensure the retention of the tool 1 on the arm 2;
• and a disengaged position - in practice a raised position - in which the functional faces 18 and 20 do not cooperate, the locking means 13 thus allowing the displacement of the connection device 4 with respect to the coupler 5.

In addition, the locking means 13 is biased towards its engaged position by return means, here comprising two torsion springs 22.

The secure connection system 10 further comprises a safety member 25, more particularly illustrated on the figure 6 .

The safety member 25 comprises, at its front portion, a through hole 26 in which is fixedly engaged a rod 27 of substantially transverse axis 28. The rod 27 is rotatably mounted in bearings 29 of the coupler 5 (see FIG. figure 3 and 4 ), and comprises two flats 30. Each of the bearings 29 comprises a housing in which is engaged a compression spring 32 whose upper end bears on one of the flats 30.

• une position désactivée - en pratique une position relevée - dans laquelle il n'entrave pas le déplacement du moyen de verrouillage 13 entre ses positions engagée et désengagée ;
• et une position activée - en pratique une position abaissée - dans laquelle il limite le déplacement du moyen de verrouillage 13 depuis sa position engagée jusqu'à une position intermédiaire au-delà de laquelle le moyen de verrouillage 13 ne peut pas retenir l'outil 1, en fonctionnement.

The safety member 25 is located above the locking means 13 and is rotatable about the axis 28, between:

• a deactivated position - in practice a raised position - in which it does not interfere with the displacement of the locking means 13 between its engaged and disengaged positions;
• and an activated position - in practice a lowered position - in which it limits the displacement of the locking means 13 from its engaged position to an intermediate position beyond which the locking means 13 can not hold the tool 1 , Operating.

In addition, the safety member 25 is biased from its deactivated position to its position activated by the springs 32, through the flats 30 and the rod 27.

The safety member 25 has a substantially flat bottom face 33 and a stop face 34 which is substantially transverse and perpendicular to the lower face 33 and which faces towards the rear. Above the stop face 34, the safety member 25 has a rear part raised in the shape of a beak 35. The safety member 25 is further delimited by two lateral faces 36 substantially perpendicular to the Y axis. In the junction area between the lower face 33 and the stop face 34, the safety member 25 has a contact face 37. In the embodiment shown, the contact face 37 forms a chamfer. Alternatively, the contact face 37 could be rounded or have a cam-like profile, and / or not extend over the entire transverse dimension of the security member 25.

It is also possible to provide means 38 for indicating the position of the safety member 25 which are easily visible by the driver of the machine from the cab, hence from outside the coupler 5. For example, in the realization of Figures 3 to 5 these indication means 38 are attached to one end of the rod 27, outside a flange 6. Being connected in rotation to the rod 27, itself linked in rotation to the safety member 25, these indicating means 38 may reflect the position of the safety member 25 between its deactivated and activated positions. When the indicating means 38 is raised, the driver - or another operator - feels that the safety member is in the deactivated position, whereas when the indicating means 38 is lowered, the operator knows that the organ security is in the activated position.

• une position armée - en pratique une position abaissée - lorsqu'aucun outil 1 n'est connecté au coupleur 5 ;
• et une position désarmée - en pratique une position relevée.

The secure connection system 10 further comprises a means 40 for detecting the presence of a tool 1, which is movable between:

• an armed position - in practice a lowered position - when no tool 1 is connected to the coupler 5;
• and a disarmed position - in practice a raised position.

In the embodiment shown, the detection means 40 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 41 of substantially transverse axis 42 fixed to the flanges 6. The detection means 40 is disposed at the rear of the locking means 13 and the safety member 25. It is biased by return means 43 to its armed position, and can be moved, under the action of the connecting device 4 during connection and against said biasing means 43, to its disarmed position. The detection means 40 may for example be in the form of a finger.

Furthermore, the secure connection system 10 comprises a release member designed to release the connection device 4 from the coupler 5. In this first embodiment, the release member is in the form of a key 45 illustrated on the figure 8 .

The key 45 comprises a handle 46 on which the operator will be able to press to rotate the key 45 from a first position - high - to a second position - low, about a substantially transverse axis.

• un téton 47 d'axe 44sensiblement transversal, qui peut être engagé dans l'orifice 16 du moyen de verrouillage 13, formant ainsi un moyen d'assemblage temporaire au moyen de verrouillage 13 ;
• une face d'appui 48 incurvée tournée vers l'arrière ;
• et un nez 49 en saillie vers le haut.

At its rear end, in operation, the key 45 comprises:

• a pin 44 with a substantially transverse axis 44, which can be engaged in the orifice 16 of the locking means 13, thus forming a temporary assembly means for the locking means 13;
• a bearing surface 48 curved facing back;
• and a nose 49 projecting upwards.

The upper face of the nose 49 forms a convex contact face 50. As will be seen below, the contact face 50 of the key is intended to cooperate with the contact face 37 of the safety member 25, for the release of the tool 1.

We now describe the process of connecting a tool 1 to the coupler 5 with reference to Figures 9 to 14 .

Once the hooks 7 engaged around the pins 8, the coupler 5 is tilted relative to the tool 1, so that the bar 11 approaches the interface 9 ( figure 9 then figure 10 ).

Before the interface 9 and the secure connection system 10 interact, the quick coupler assembly 3 is in the position shown in FIG. figure 11 .

The detecting means 40 is in its armed position, and its front end forms a lug which is engaged and retained in the recess 19 of the locking means 13. As a result, the detecting means 40 holds the locking means 13 in position. its disengaged position, against the springs 22 which urge the locking means 13 to its engaged position. Consequently, there exists under the coupler 5 a free space in which the interface 9 of the connection device 4 can be introduced.

In addition, in the position of figure 11 , the functional face 18 is held substantially oriented towards the safety member 25. Under the action of the springs 32 urging the safety member 25 towards its activated position, the lower face 33 of the safety member 25 is held in position. pressing against the functional face 18 of the locking means 13, and the locking means 13 thus keeps the safety member 25 in its deactivated position. The functional face 18 thus forms a stop in the locked position, which keeps the safety member 25 in the deactivated position.

Since the tool 1 and the connection device 4 are close to the coupler 5, the connection device 4 comes into contact with the connection system 10. More precisely, as illustrated in FIG. figure 12 a part of the interface 9 - here a protuberance 56 formed above the functional face 20 - comes into contact with the detection means 40, on the lower face thereof, and tends to raise it against return means 43, to move it to its disarmed position. Prior to this step, the protrusion 56 may have caused a slight displacement of the locking means 13 to its disengaged position.

The displacement of the detection means 40 towards its disarmed position leads to its exit from the recess 19 formed on the locking means 13. It follows that the locking means 13, which is no longer retained by the means of detection 40, is moved, under the action of the torsion springs 22, to its engaged position.

During a first phase of this movement, the locking means 13 continues to keep the safety member 25 in the deactivated position, the safety member 25 being in abutment on the functional face 18. Then, as shown in FIG. figure 13 , the locking means 13 has reached a position where the lower face 33 of the safety member 25 is no longer abutted on the functional face 18: the safety member, which is no longer maintained, then switches to its activated position under the effect of the springs 32. The stop formed by the functional face 18 is thus in the unlocking position, allowing the movement of the safety member towards its activated position.

The locking means 13 continues its movement until it reaches its engaged position, the safety member 25 reaching its activated position. In this position, illustrated on the figure 14 , the quick coupler assembly 3 and the secure connection system 10 are in the normal position of use. The functional faces 18 and 20 are in contact and ensure the retention of the tool 1 connected to the arm 2. In addition, there is a clearance j between the front face 23 of the locking means 13 and the stop face 34 of the safety organ 25.

In the event that the locking means 13 is moved to its disengaged position, during the work operations, the secure connection system 10 would prevent a total disengagement of the locking means 13. Indeed, the stop face 34 of the safety member 25 cooperating with the front face 23 of the locking means 13 is able to hinder the movement of the locking means 13 to its disengaged position. This safety position, where the faces 34, 23 are in contact, is illustrated on the figure 15 and corresponds to an intermediate position of the locking means 13. The clearance j is determined so that the overlap d between the functional faces 18 and 20 is sufficient to ensure the retention of the tool 1 safely. In other words, the intermediate position of the locking means 13 is the limit position beyond which the locking means 13 can not hold the tool 1.

Now described with reference to Figures 16 to 20 , the process of release of the tool 1 relative to the coupler 5, that is to say the release of the connection device 4 with respect to the secure connection system 10.

The quick coupler assembly 3 being in its normal position of use (illustrated in FIG. figure 14 ), the key 45 is inserted between the locking means 13 and the safety member 25, as shown in FIG. figure 16 .

The pin 47 is engaged in the hole 16 of the locking means 13, then the operator presses the handle 46 to pivot the key 45 from its first position, or up position ( figure 16 ) at its second position, or down position ( figure 20 ).

Due to the pin 47 engaged in the orifice 16, the movement of the key 45 towards its second position causes the locking means 13 to move towards its disengaged position. Moreover, during this movement, the contact face 50 of the nose 49 of the key 45 comes into contact with the contact face 37 of the safety member 25 and raises to its deactivated position.

In this embodiment, the rotation of the key 45 from its first position to its second position simultaneously causes the rotation of the locking means 13 towards its disengaged position and the rotation of the safety member 25 towards its deactivated position.

The figure 17 illustrates a first phase of this double displacement.

The various constituent elements of the secure connection system 10 - in particular the locking means 13, the safety member 25 and the key 45 - are designed and arranged so that, when the locking means 13 reaches its intermediate position, the safety member 25 is no longer in the activated position, which would cause a blockage of the system and prevent further movement of the key to result in the release of the tool 1.

So, as illustrated on the figure 18 the specific shape of the projecting nose 49, the contact faces 37, and 50, and the lower face 33 leads to a displacement of the safety member 25 to its deactivated position before the locking means 13, pulled towards its disengaged position by the pivoting of the key 45, does not reach its intermediate position.

Since the stop face 34 of the safety member 25 is no longer opposite the front face 23 of the locking means 13, the safety member 25 no longer impedes the further movement of the locking means 13 until 'to its disengaged position.

When continuing the pivoting of the key 45 to its second position, as shown in FIG. figure 19 , the nose 49 abuts under the lower face 33 of the security member 25, maintaining the latter in its deactivated position while the locking means 13 continues to be moved to its disengaged position. The functional face 18 of the locking means 13 is thus partly under the safety member 25. In addition, the functional faces 18 and 20 are no longer in contact, the tool 1 is no longer retained and begins its release . It follows that the protrusion 56 no longer holds the detection means 40 in the disarmed position, the detection means 40 is thus moved, under the effect of the spring 43, to its armed position.

When the key 45 is in its second position, as illustrated on the figure 20 , the nose 49 is no longer in contact with the safety member 25. The safety member 25 is now retained in its deactivated position by the abutment contact of the lower faces 33 and functional 18. In addition, the means of detection 40 is in the armed position.

Once the pin 47 of the key 46 disengaged from the orifice 16, the locking means 13 tends to be moved to its engaged position by the springs 22. This movement is prevented because the detection means 40 which is in the armed position and which is housed in the recess 19, as illustrated more precisely on the figure 21 . This ensures the maintenance of the locking means 13 in the disengaged position and, consequently, the holding of the safety member 25 in the deactivated position. The secure connection system 10 is then again in the position of the figure 11 , ready for connecting another tool 1.

The figure 22 illustrates more precisely a possible embodiment of the indication means 38 of the position of the safety member 25. On the figure 22 , the indicating means 38 not only have an orientation corresponding to that of the safety member 25, but in addition can be placed in alignment with a mark 57 formed on the coupler 5 when the safety member 25 is in the activated position - or in the deactivated position. In the realization of the figure 22 , the indicating means 38 consist of a shoulder forming a line, while the mark 57 consists of the edge of a relief formed on a flange 6, this is not limiting.

We are now talking about Figures 23 to 33 which illustrate a secure connection system 110 and a coupler 105 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

An element of the secure connection system 110 or the coupler 105 which is identical or corresponding, in structure or function, respectively to an element of the secure connection system 10 or the coupler 5, has the same numerical reference increased by 100.

• un dispositif de connexion 104 fixé sur l'outil 1 ;
• et un coupleur 105 qui est monté à l'extrémité du bras 2 et qui est conçu pour se connecter au dispositif de connexion 104.

A set of quick couplers 103 is thus defined which comprises:

• a connection device 104 fixed on the tool 1;
• and a coupler 105 which is mounted at the end of the arm 2 and which is adapted to connect to the connection device 104.

The coupler 105 comprises two flanges 106, a single flange being represented on the figure 32 to facilitate understanding.

On each of its flanges 106, the coupler 105 comprises, at a first longitudinal end portion, a hook 107, here open towards the machine and, at a second longitudinal end portion, a notch 131, open downwards. The secure connection system 110 is mounted between the two flanges 106, in the vicinity of the notches 131.

The connection device 104 fixed on the tool 1 comprises a first axis 108 and a second axis 109 - which belongs to the interface - substantially transverse and parallel, intended to cooperate one with the hook 107, the other with the notch 131 of the coupler 105.

As illustrated on figures 23 and 32 , in particular, the secure connection system 110 comprises a substantially cylindrical bar 111 of axis 112, arranged transversely and fixed to the flanges 106, at the second longitudinal end portion of the coupler 5.

On the bar 111 is mounted a locking means 113, which may be in the form of a part having side faces 160 substantially parallel to the flanges 106. The locking means 113 comprises a base 114 provided with an orifice 161 substantially transversely in which is engaged the bar 111. The base 114 is here located at a first end portion of the locking means 113 which, when the tool 1 is connected to the arm 2, is located substantially towards the front and towards the top of the coupler 105.

From the base 114 can project, substantially forwards, a spout 162 which protrudes a substantially transverse pin 116. The locking means 113 further includes a hook-shaped portion 163, generally at the second end portion of the locking means 113, opposite the base 114.

On the locking means 113, here between the base 114 and the hook 163, is arranged a pin 164 extending substantially transversely from a side face 160 towards the flange 106 adjacent.

Furthermore, the locking means 113 comprises, on its rear face - opposite to the opening of the hook 163 - on the one hand an oblique face 165 and on the other hand a notch extending the oblique face 165 in the direction of the base 114 and having a bottom face 166 and a locking face 167 substantially perpendicular to each other.

• une position engagée - correspondant, dans la réalisation représentée, à une position avancée - dans laquelle le crochet 163 ferme l'encoche 131 pour y emprisonner l'axe 109, de façon à assurer la retenue de l'outil 1 sur le bras 2 ;
• et une position désengagée - correspondant, dans la réalisation représentée, à une position reculée - dans laquelle le crochet 163 ne ferme pas l'encoche 131, autorisant donc le déplacement du dispositif de connexion 104 par rapport au coupleur 105.

In operation, the locking means 113 is rotatable around the bar 111 between:

• an engaged position - corresponding, in the embodiment shown, to an advanced position - in which the hook 163 closes the notch 131 to trap the axis 109, so as to ensure the retention of the tool 1 on the arm 2;
• and a disengaged position - corresponding, in the embodiment shown, to a retracted position - in which the hook 163 does not close the notch 131, thus allowing the displacement of the connection device 104 relative to the coupler 105.

In addition, the locking means 113 is biased towards its engaged position by return means, here comprising a spring 122.

The secure connection system 110 further comprises a safety member 125. The safety member 125 comprises an annular base 170 integral with a rod 127 of substantially transverse axis 128. The rod 127 is rotatably mounted in bearings made in the flanges 106. The safety member 125 further comprises a substantially radial finger 171 having a stop face 134 and a locking face 172.

It is also possible to provide means 138 for indicating the position of the safety member 125 which are easily visible by the driver of the machine, hence from outside the coupler 105. For example, in this embodiment ( figure32 ), these indicating means 138 are attached to one end of the rod 127, outside a flange 106. Being connected in rotation to the rod 127, itself rotatably connected to the safety member 125 these indicating means 138 may reflect the position of the security member 125 between its deactivated and activated positions.

• une position désactivée - correspondant, dans la réalisation représentée, à une position reculée - dans laquelle il n'entrave pas le déplacement du moyen de verrouillage 113 entre ses positions engagée et désengagée ;
• et une position activée - correspondant, dans la réalisation représentée, à une position avancée - dans laquelle il limite le déplacement du moyen de verrouillage 113 depuis sa position engagée jusqu'à une position intermédiaire au-delà de laquelle le moyen de verrouillage 113 ne peut pas retenir l'outil 1, en fonctionnement.

The safety member 125 is located behind the locking means 113 and is rotatable about the axis 128 between:

• a deactivated position - corresponding, in the embodiment shown, to a retracted position - in which it does not interfere with the displacement of the locking means 113 between its engaged and disengaged positions;
• and an activated position - corresponding, in the embodiment shown, to an advanced position - in which it limits the movement of the locking means 113 from its engaged position to an intermediate position beyond which the locking means 113 can not not retain the tool 1, in operation.

In addition, the safety member 125 is biased from its deactivated position to its activated position by a torsion spring 132.

• une position armée - en pratique une position abaissée - lorsqu'aucun outil 1 n'est connecté au coupleur 105, et dans laquelle le moyen de détection 140 s'étend en partie dans l'encoche 131 ;
• et une position désarmée - en pratique une position relevée.

The secure connection system 110 further comprises a means 140 for detecting the presence of a tool 1, which is movable between:

• an armed position - in practice a lowered position - when no tool 1 is connected to the coupler 105, and wherein the detection means 140 extends in part in the notch 131;
• and a disarmed position - in practice a raised position.

In the embodiment shown, the detection means 140 is rotatably mounted about a substantially transverse axis 142 attached to the flanges 106, and disposed in front of the locking means 113. It has a recess 173 (see in particular the figure 24 ) open towards the rear, and intended to cooperate with the pin 164 as will be described later. It also comprises a lower face 182 intended to cooperate with the axis 109 of the connection device 104.

The detection means 140 is biased by return means 143 towards its armed position, and can be moved, under the action of the connecting device 104 during connection and against said return means 143, to its position. disarmed.

Furthermore, the secure connection system 110 comprises a lever 175 movable in rotation with respect to one of the components of the connection system 110 or with respect to the flanges 106, for example on the side of the locking means 113 opposite by means of 140. The lever 175 comprises, at the front, a flange having a front face 176 adapted to cooperate with the release means and a rear face 179 adapted to cooperate with the locking means 113. The lever further comprises a rear portion 177 adapted to cooperate with the security organ 125.

The secure link system 110 also includes a release member configured to release the connection device 104 from the linkage system 110.

• un creux 178, qui peut coopérer avec le pion 116, de sorte à former un moyen d'assemblage temporaire au moyen de verrouillage 113 ;
• et un nez 149 en saillie apte à coopérer avec la face avant 176 du levier 175.

This release member may be in the form of a key 145, illustrated on the Figures 32 and 33 The key 145 comprises a handle 146 on which the operator will be able to press to rotate the key 145 from a first position - high - to a second position - low, about a substantially transverse axis. At the end portion of the handle 146 which, in operation, is located towards the rear, the key comprises:

• a depression 178, which can cooperate with the pin 116, so as to form a temporary connection means to the locking means 113;
• and a projecting nose 149 capable of cooperating with the front face 176 of the lever 175.

Alternatively or in addition, this release member may be in the form of a hydraulic actuator 180 mounted on the secure connection system 110 or on the coupler 105 and can be moved from a retracted position ( figure 23 in particular) to a deployed position ( figure 28 especially). In addition, the hydraulic actuator 180 can be returned to its retracted position, for example by a return spring 181, as shown in FIG. figure 31 .

We now describe the process of connecting a tool 1 to the coupler 105 with reference to the Figures 23 to 25 .

Before the connection device 104 interacts with the secure connection system 110, the quick coupler assembly 103 is in the position shown in FIG. figure 23 .

The detection means 140 is in its armed position, its lower face 182 being located at the right of the notch 131, that is to say lower than the bottom 183 of the notch 131. The recess 173 provided to the rear end of the detection means 140 cooperates with the pin 164 formed on the locking means 113. Accordingly, and because of the bias exerted by the spring 143, the detection means 140 maintains the locking means 113 in its position disengaged, against the spring 122 which urges the locking means 113 to its engaged position. There is thus under the coupler 105 a free space in which the axis 109 of the connection device 104 can be introduced.

In addition, in the position of figure 23 under the action of the spring 132 urging the safety member 125 towards its activated position, the finger 171 of the safety member 125 is held in abutment against the oblique face 165. The oblique face 165 thus forms a stop in position blocking, which keeps the safety member 125 in the off position.

In addition, the lever 175 is arranged so that its rear portion 177 is located - transversely - in correspondence with the notch of the locking means 113, and the rear face 179 of the flange is against the locking means 113.

Once the hooks 107 are engaged around the axis 108, the coupler 105 is tilted with respect to the tool 1, so that the axis 109 enters the notch 131.

The displacement of the axis 101 to the bottom 183 of the notch 131 leads to the thrust of the lower face 182 of the detection means 140, against the spring 143, to its disarmed position as illustrated in FIG. figure 24 .

When the detection means 140 is in the disarmed position, the recess 173 no longer cooperates with the pin 164. It follows that the locking means 113, which is no longer held by the detection means 140, is moved, under the action of the spring 122, to its engaged position.

During this movement, the finger 171 of the safety member 125 moves, due to the spring 132, forwardly and along the oblique face 165 of the locking means 113, until reaching the notch. Once reached the notch, the safety member 125, which is no longer maintained, then switches to its activated position under the effect of the spring 132, the finger 171 being housed in the notch. The stop formed by the oblique face 165 is thus in the unlocking position, allowing the movement of the safety member towards its activated position.

The figure 25 shows the quick coupler assembly 103 and the secure link system 110 in the normal position of use. The locking means 113 is in its engaged position, the axis 109 being held in the notch 131 by the hook 163, ensuring the retention of the tool 1 connected to the arm 2. The safety member 125 is in its position activated, housed in the notch of the locking means 113, the locking face 172 of the finger 171 being in contact with the locking face 167 of the notch of the locking means 113. Moreover, since the lever 175 has been pushed by the finger 171 it is now placed so that its rear portion 177 is substantially in contact with the locking face 172 of the safety member. Consequently, the rear face 179 of the rim of the front portion of the lever 175 has moved away from the locking means 113 by a value marked L. In addition, the indication means 138 have been moved. There is a clearance j between the stop face 134 of the safety member 125 and the bottom face 166 of the catch of the locking means 113.

In the event that the locking means 113 is moved to its disengaged position, during the work operations, the secure connection system 110 would prevent a total disengagement of the means of disengagement. 113. Indeed, the stop face 134 of the safety member 125 cooperating with the bottom face 166 of the notch of the locking means 113 is able to hinder the movement of the locking means 113 to its disengaged position. This safety position, where the faces 134, 166 are in contact, is illustrated on the figure 26 , and corresponds to an intermediate position of the locking means 113.

The game j is determined so that the recovery of figure 26 ) between the hook 163 and the axis 109 is sufficient to ensure the retention of the tool 1 safely.

Now described with reference to Figures 27 to 30 , a first variant of the process of release of the tool 1 with respect to the coupler 105, that is to say the release of the connection device 104 with respect to the secure connection system 110.

• la face arrière 179 du rebord de sa partie avant soit espacé d'une distance L du moyen de verrouillage 113 ;
• et sa partie arrière 177 soit sensiblement en contact avec le doigt 171 de l'organe de sécurité, du côté de la face de blocage 172.

The quick coupler assembly 103 is in its normal use position (shown in FIG. figure 25 ). The lever 175 is then in a waiting position, such that:

• the rear face 179 of the rim of its front portion is spaced a distance L from the locking means 113;
• and its rear portion 177 is substantially in contact with the finger 171 of the safety member, on the side of the locking face 172.

Following the action of the driver of the machine, for example on a button placed in the cabin, the hydraulic actuator 180 is moved to its deployed position, which leads to the movement of the lever 175 to an actuated position.

During a first phase of this movement the hydraulic actuator 180 comes into contact with the front face 176 of the lever 175 to push it towards the locking means 113. This results in the displacement of the safety member 125 towards its position deactivated, by pushing the rear portion 177 of the lever 175 on the finger 171. Simultaneously, the rear face 179 of the rim of the front part approaches the locking means 113, until it comes into contact with it, the distance L being then zero. This position is illustrated on the figure 27 .

Continued movement of the hydraulic actuator 180 to its deployed position results in the locking means 113 being moved to its disengaged position. This displacement is possible insofar as the safety member 125 has been previously removed from the notch by means of the lever 175, the safety member 125 no longer impedes the movement of the locking means 113 to its disengaged position.

When the hydraulic actuator 180 is in the deployed position ( figure 28 ), it keeps the locking means 113 in the disengaged position, and the axis 109 is free to exit the notch 131, under the effect of the weight of the tool 1.The safety member 125 is held in abutment against the oblique face 165 of the locking means 113 by means of the springs 132.

Once the axis 109 has come out of the notch 131, as illustrated in FIG. figure 29 the detection means, under the action of the spring 143, returns to its armed position and maintains the locking means 113 in its disengaged position, via the pin 164 housed in the recess 173.

The hydraulic actuator 180 can thus be returned to its retracted position ( figure 30 ), without this causing the locking means 113 to move towards its engaged position.

In this embodiment, the release member is therefore designed to cause, during its movement from its first position to its second position, sequentially the displacement of the safety member 125 towards its deactivated position and, once the safety member 125 is no longer in the activated position, the displacement of the locking means 113 towards its disengaged position.

A second variant of the process of release of the tool 1 with respect to the coupler 105 is described with reference to the Figures 32 and 33 .

The key 145 is inserted in front of the locking means 113, as shown in FIG. figure 32 , so that the pin 116 of the locking means 113 is housed in the recess 178 and the nose 149 comes to bear with the front face 176 of the rim of the lever 175. Then the operator presses the handle 146 to rotate the key 145 from his first position to his second position.

This pivoting of the key 145 leads to the thrust of the lever 175, via the nose 149, similarly to the action of the hydraulic actuator 180. We thus find all the movements described above of the various components of the system. secure link 110.

Alternatively, the key can be removably engaged with the safety member 125 and / or the frame of the coupler 105.

Thus, an advantage of this second embodiment is that the release of the tool 1 can be obtained in two different ways, via a manual action on a key, or remotely via an action on a hydraulic actuator.

We are now talking about Figures 34 to 46 which illustrate a secure link system 210 and a coupler 205 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

• un dispositif de connexion 204 fixé sur l'outil 1 ;
• et un coupleur 205 qui est monté à l'extrémité du bras 2 et qui est conçu pour se connecter au dispositif de connexion 204.

An element of the secure connection system 210 or the coupler 205 identical or corresponding, by its structure or by its function respectively to an element of the secure connection system 10 or the coupler 5, has the same numerical reference increased by 200. It defines thus a set of quick couplings 203 which comprises:

• a connection device 204 fixed to the tool 1;
• and a coupler 205 which is mounted at the end of the arm 2 and is adapted to connect to the connection device 204.

The secure link system 210 is described with reference to Figures 34 and 35 .

The secure connection system 210 comprises a substantially cylindrical bar 211, of axis 212, arranged transversely and fixed to the flanges 206, to the second longitudinal end portion of the coupler 205. In practice, each of the transverse ends of the bar 211 can be mounted in an orifice formed in the corresponding flange 206.

On the bar 211 is mounted a locking means 213. The locking means 213 comprises a substantially annular base 214, engaged on the bar 211, from which projects, towards the rear, a core 215 substantially flat and parallel to a plane (X, Z). The core 215 has at its front a hole 216. The locking means 213 further comprises a curved wall 217 located at the end of the core 215 opposite the base 214. The wall 217 has a convex functional face 218 . In addition, the wall 217 comprises a front face 223.

The locking means 213 and the bar 211 are the main elements of the secure connection system 210 intended to cooperate with the interface 209 of the connection device 4 fixed to the tool 1.

The figure 36 shows more precisely the quick coupling assembly 203, the tool 1 being being connected to the arm 2. In this embodiment, the hooks 207 are located at the rear of the coupler 205 and are open to the opposite of the machine; they come to be caught on the pins 208 of the connection device 204. In addition, the interface 209 of the device of connection 204 is located at the front of the journals 208 and comprises a functional face 220, directed towards the front. The face 220 may be substantially flat. The face 220 of the interface 209 is functionally complementary to the face 218 of the locking means 213. The interface 209 may further comprise notches 221 intended to receive the bar 211 in support.

• une position engagée - en pratique une position abaissée - dans laquelle les faces fonctionnelles 218 et 220 coopèrent par appui de façon à assurer la retenue de l'outil 1 sur le bras 2 ;
• et une position désengagée - en pratique une position relevée - dans laquelle les faces fonctionnelles 218 et 220 ne coopèrent pas, le moyen de verrouillage 213 autorisant donc le déplacement du dispositif de connexion 204 par rapport au coupleur 205.

In operation, the locking means 213 is rotatable around the bar 211 between:

• a position engaged - in practice a lowered position - in which the functional faces 218 and 220 cooperate by support so as to ensure the retention of the tool 1 on the arm 2;
• and a disengaged position - in practice a raised position - in which the functional faces 218 and 220 do not cooperate, the locking means 213 thus allowing the displacement of the connection device 204 with respect to the coupler 205.

In addition, the locking means 213 is biased towards its engaged position by return means, here comprising two torsion springs 222.

The secure connection system 210 further comprises a security member 225.

The safety member 225 comprises, at its front portion, a through hole 226 in which is fixedly engaged a rod 227 of axis 228 substantially transverse. The rod 227 is rotatably mounted in bearings 229 of the coupler 205 (see FIG. figures 34 and 36 ), and comprises two flats 230. Each of the bearings 229 comprises a housing in which is engaged a compression spring 232 whose upper end bears on one of the flats 230.

• une position désactivée - en pratique une position relevée - dans laquelle il n'entrave pas le déplacement du moyen de verrouillage 213 entre ses positions engagée et désengagée ;
• et une position activée - en pratique une position abaissée - dans laquelle il limite le déplacement du moyen de verrouillage 213 depuis sa position engagée jusqu'à une position intermédiaire au-delà de laquelle le moyen de verrouillage 213 ne peut pas retenir l'outil 1, en fonctionnement.

The safety member 225 is located above the locking means 213 and is rotatable about the axis 228 between:

• a deactivated position - in practice a raised position - in which it does not hinder the movement of the locking means 213 between its engaged and disengaged positions;
• and an activated position - in practice a lowered position - in which it limits the displacement of the locking means 213 from its engaged position to an intermediate position beyond which the locking means 213 can not hold the tool 1 , Operating.

In addition, the safety member 225 is biased from its deactivated position to its position activated by the springs 232, through the flats 230 and the rod 227.

The safety member 225 has a substantially flat bottom face 233 and a stop face 234 which is substantially transverse and perpendicular to the bottom face 233 and which faces rearwards. Above the stop face 234, the safety member 225 has a rear part raised in the form of spout 235. The safety member 225 is further delimited by two lateral faces 236 substantially perpendicular to the Y axis. In the junction area between the lower face 233 and the stop face 234, the safety member 225 has a contact face 237. In the embodiment shown, the contact face 237 forms a chamfer. As a variant, the contact face 237 could be rounded or have a cam-type profile, and / or not extend over the entire transverse dimension of the safety member 225.

The safety member 225 further includes a pin 251 located under the spout 235 and which projects laterally beyond a side face 236.

It is also possible to provide means 238 for indicating the position of the safety member 225 which are easily visible by a driver of the machine, from the cab, hence from outside the coupler 205. For example, these indication means 238 are attached to one end of the rod 227, outside a flange 206. Being connected in rotation to the rod 227, itself linked in rotation to the safety member 225, these indication means 238 may reflect the position of the security member 225 between its deactivated and activated positions. When the indicating means 238 is raised, the driver - or any other operator - knows that the safety member is in the deactivated position, whereas when the indicating means 238 is lowered, the driver or the operator knows that the safety member is in the activated position.

• une position armée - en pratique une position abaissée - lorsqu'aucun outil 1 n'est connecté au coupleur 205 ;
• et une position désarmée - en pratique une position relevée.

The secure connection system 210 further comprises a means 240 for detecting the presence of a tool 1, which is movable between:

• an armed position - in practice a lowered position - when no tool 1 is connected to the coupler 205;
• and a disarmed position - in practice a raised position.

In the embodiment shown, the detection means 240 is rotatably mounted on a rod 241 of substantially transverse axis 242 fixed to the flanges 206. The detection means 240 is disposed laterally by means 213 and the safety member 225, so as to cooperate with the pin 251 of the safety member 225, as shown in the figure 34 and 35 . The detection means 240 is biased by return means 243 towards its armed position, and can be moved, under the action of the connecting device 204 during connection and against said return means 243, to its position. disarmed.

The detection means 240 may be in the form of a part having lateral faces 285 substantially parallel to the lateral faces 236 of the safety member 225. From the axis 242, the detection means 240 comprises a tail 286 directed rearward and an appendix 287 extending towards the safety member 225. The appendix 287 is provided with a notch 288 having a bottom face 289 and a locking face 290 substantially perpendicular to each other. The notch 288 is connected to the shank 286 by an oblique face 291. The return means 243 can be connected to the detection means 240 in an area opposite the shank 286 with respect to the axis 242.

Moreover, the secure connection system 210 comprises a release member designed to release the connection device 204 from the coupler 205. In this third embodiment, the release member is in the form of a key 245 illustrated on FIG. the figure 35 .

• un téton 247 d'axe 244 sensiblement transversal, qui peut être engagé dans l'orifice 216 du moyen de verrouillage 213, formant ainsi un moyen d'assemblage temporaire au moyen de verrouillage 213 ;
• une face d'appui 248 incurvée tournée vers l'arrière ;
• et un nez 249 en saillie vers le haut.

The key 245 comprises a handle 246 on which the operator will be able to press to pivot the key 245 from a first position - high - to a second position - low, about a substantially transverse axis. At its rear end, in operation, the key 245 comprises:

• a pin 247 of substantially transverse axis 244, which can be engaged in the orifice 216 of the locking means 213, thus forming a temporary assembly means to the locking means 213;
• a bearing face 248 curved towards the rear;
• and a nose 249 projecting upwards.

The upper face of the nose 249 forms a convex contact face 250. As will be seen below, the contact face 250 of the key is intended to cooperate with the contact face 237 of the safety member 225, for the release of the tool 1.

We now describe the process of connecting a tool 1 to the coupler 205 with reference to Figures 36 to 41 .

Once the hooks 207 engaged around the pins 208, the coupler 205 is tilted with respect to the tool 1, so that the bar 211 approaches the interface 209.

Before the interface 209 and the secure link system 210 interact, the quick coupler 203 is in the position shown in FIG. figure 36 .

The detection means 240 is in its armed position. In this position, the pin 251 of the security member 225 is housed in the notch 288 of the detection means 240, and more precisely rests on the bottom face 289. As a result, the detection means 240 maintains the safety member 225 in its deactivated position, against the springs 232 which urge the safety member 225 to its activated position. The bottom face 289 of the detection means 240 thus forms a stop in the locked position, which keeps the safety member 225 in the deactivated position.

Moreover, the locking means 213 is in its engaged position, due to the action exerted by the springs 222.

With the tool 1 and the connection device 204 moving closer to the coupler 205, the connection device 204 comes into contact with the connection system 210. More precisely, as illustrated in FIG. figure 36 , a part of the interface 209 - here a protuberance 256 formed above the functional face 220 - comes into contact with the locking means 213, on the lower face of the wall 217, and tends to lift against return means 222, to move it to its disengaged position, as can be seen by comparing the Figures 36 and 37 .

The further movement of the connection device 204 towards the connection system 210 brings into contact a portion of the interface 209 - here a protuberance 256 'formed above the functional face 220 - with the detection means 240 ( figure 38 ). The detection means 240 is thus displaced, against the force exerted by the spring 243, towards its disarmed position. As a result, the bottom face 289 of the notch 288 moves under the pin 251 of the safety member 225.

When the pin 251 is substantially at the angle between the bottom face 289 of the notch 288 and the oblique face 291 of the detection means 240, a part of the functional face 218 of the means of latch 213 is below the lower face 233 of the safety member 225, as shown in FIG. figure 39 .

When the connection process of the tool 1 continues, the pin 251 escapes the notch 288. Thus, the stop formed by the bottom face 289 occupies an unlocking position, and allows the movement of the safety member 225 to its activated position, under the effect of the springs 232. However, the lower face 233 of the safety member 225 abuts against the operative face 218 of the locking means 213, the safety member 225reste maintained in its disabled position ( figure 40 ).

The figure 40 illustrates the end of the phase of the connection process of the tool 1 where the protuberance 256 is in contact with the locking means 213.

When the connection process of the tool 1 continues, the locking means 213 is no longer supported on the protrusion 256. Because of the springs 222, the locking means 213 switches to its engaged position, the functional faces 218 and 220 cooperating to ensure the retention of the tool 1 on the arm 2.

Then, as illustrated on the figure 41 , the locking means 213 has reached a position where the lower face 233 of the safety member 225 no longer abuts on the functional face 218: the safety member, which is no longer maintained, then switches to its position activated by the effect of the springs 232. The stop formed by the functional face 218 is thus in the unlocking position, allowing the movement of the safety member towards its activated position.

The detection means 240 remains in its disarmed position, resting on the protuberance 256 '.

The quick coupling assembly 203 and the secure connection system 210 are then in the position illustrated on the figure 41 , which corresponds to the normal position of use. The functional faces 218, 220 are in contact and ensure the retention of the tool 1 connected to the arm 2. In addition, there is a clearance j between the front face 223 of the locking means 213 and the stop face 234 of the security organ 225.

In the event that the locking means 213 is moved to its disengaged position, during the work operations, the secure connection system 210 would prevent a total disengagement of the locking means 213.

Indeed, the stop face 234 of the safety member 225 cooperating with the front face 223 of the locking means 213 is able to hinder the movement of the locking means 213 to its disengaged position. This safety position, where the faces 234, 223 are in contact, is illustrated on the figure 42 , and corresponds to an intermediate position of the locking means 213. The clearance j is determined so that overlap d between the functional faces 218 and 220 is sufficient to ensure the retention of the tool 1 safely. In other words, the intermediate position of the locking means 213 is the limit position beyond which the locking means 213 can not hold the tool 1.

Now described with reference to Figures 43 to 46 , the process of releasing the tool 1 relative to the coupler 205, that is to say the release of the connection device 204 relative to the secure connection system 210.

The quick coupler 203 being in its normal position of use (illustrated in FIG. figure 41 key 245 is inserted between the locking means 213 and the safety member 225, as shown in FIG. figure 43 .

The stud 247 is engaged in the hole 216 of the locking means 213, then the operator presses the handle 246 to pivot the key 245 from its first position, or up position ( figure 43 ) at its second position, or down position ( figure 45 ).

Because of the stud 247 engaged in the orifice 216, the movement of the key 245 towards its second position causes the locking means 213 to move towards its disengaged position. In addition, during this movement, the contact face 250 of the nose 249 of the key 245 comes into contact with the contact face 237 of the safety member 225 and lifts it to its deactivated position.

In this embodiment, the rotation of the key 245 from its first position to its second position simultaneously causes the locking means 213 to rotate to its disengaged position and the rotation of the safety member 225 to its deactivated position.

The figure 43 illustrates a first phase of this double displacement.

The various constituent elements of the secure connection system 210 - in particular the locking means 213, the safety member 225 and the key 245 - are designed and arranged so that, when the means the locking member 213 reaches its intermediate position, the safety member 225 is no longer in the activated position, which would cause a blockage of the system and prevent further movement of the key to result in the release of the tool 1.

So, as illustrated on the figure 44 the specific shape of the protruding nose 249, the contact faces 237, 250 and the lower face 233 leads to a displacement of the safety member 225 to its deactivated position before the locking means 213, pulled towards its position disengaged by the pivoting of the key 245, does not reach its intermediate position. The stop face 234 of the safety member 225 is no longer opposite the front face 223 of the wall 217 of the locking means 213, the safety member 225 no longer hinders the further movement of the means. locking 213 to its disengaged position.

When continuing to pivot the key 245 to its second position, as shown in FIG. figure 45 , the nose 249 abuts under the lower face 233 of the safety member 225, keeping it in its deactivated position while the locking means 213 continues to be moved to its disengaged position. The functional face 218 of the locking means 213 is thus partly under the safety member 225.

Once the functional faces 218, 220 are no longer in contact, the tool 1 is no longer retained and begins its release.

It follows that the protuberance 256 'now no longer the detection means 240 in the disarmed position, it is moved under the effect of the spring 243 to its armed position. The pin 251 is in contact with the face 290 of the detection means 240.

Then, the locking means 213 returns to its engaged position, under the effect of the springs 222 accompanied by the operator by means of the key 245.

When the key 245 is raised ( figure 46 ), the pin 251 rests on the bottom face 289 of the notch 288. The secure connection system 210 is thus again in the stable position of the figure 36 , ready for the connection of a tool 1, and the key 245 can be removed.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples but that it includes all the technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

In particular, the invention is not limited to the presence of a single locking means and a single safety member.

Claims (18)

Secure connection system for a quick coupler assembly (3,103,203) comprising a connecting device (4,104,204) attached to a tool (1) and a coupler (5,105,205) which is mounted at the end of an arm (2) of a public works machine and which is adapted to connect to the connection device (4, 104, 204), the secure connection system (10, 110, 210) being intended to be mounted on the coupler (5, 105, 205) and to cooperate with the connecting device (4, 104, 204), and comprising: at least one locking means (13, 113, 213) biased by return means (22, 122, 222) of a disengaged position, in which, in operation, it allows the displacement of the connection device (4, 104, 204) relative to the coupler (5, 105, 205), in an engaged position, in which it is adapted to cooperate with the connecting device (4, 104, 204) to ensure the retention of the tool (1 ); at least one safety member (25, 125, 225) movable between a deactivated position, in which it does not interfere with the displacement of the locking means (13, 113, 213) between its engaged and disengaged positions, and a position activated, in which it limits the displacement of the locking means (13, 113, 213) from its engaged position to an intermediate position beyond which the locking means (13, 113, 213) can not retain the tool (1), in operation; - a tool release device (1) adapted to release the connecting device (4, 104, 204) from the connecting system (10, 110, 210);
characterized in that the linking system (10, 110, 210) comprises: - return means (32, 132, 232) which urge the safety member (25, 125, 225) from its deactivated position to its activated position; a detection means (40, 140, 240) for the presence of a tool (1), which is biased by return means (43, 143, 243) towards an armed position and which can be moved, under action of the connection device (4, 104, 204) being connected and against said biasing means (43, 143, 243) to a disarmed position; and in that the device for releasing the tool comprises a movable release member (45, 145, 245, 180) designed for, during a movement from a first position to a second position, causing both the displacement of the safety member (25, 125, 225) to its deactivated position, and the displacement of the locking means (13, 113, 213) towards its position disengaged, so that when the locking means (13, 113, 213) reaches its intermediate position, the safety member (25, 125, 225) is no longer in the activated position. Secure connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a stop (18, 165, 218, 289) which can occupy a locking position in which it holds the safety member (25, 125, 225) in the deactivated position, and an unlocking position in which it allows the movement of the safety member (25, 125, 225) towards its activated position. Secure connection system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is designed so that when the detection means is in the armed position, the safety member (25, 125, 225) is held in its deactivated position . Secure link system according to claim 2, characterized in that the detecting means (40, 140, 240) is adapted to hold the stop (18, 165, 289) in the locked position when in the armed position. Secure connection system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking means (13, 113, 213) is rotatable between its engaged and disengaged positions. Secure connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the locking means (13, 113, 213), the safety member (25, 125, 225) and the detecting means (40, 140, 240) are rotatable between their disengaged and engaged, deactivated and activated positions, armed and disarmed, respectively, about substantially parallel axes (12, 112, 212, 28, 128, 228, 42, 142, 242). Secure connection system according to claim 6, characterized in that the release member (45, 145, 245) is rotatable between its first and second positions about an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the means of rotation. locking (13, 113, 213), the security member (25, 125, 225), and the detecting means (40, 140, 240). Secure connection system according to one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the stop is constituted by a portion (18, 165) of the locking means (13, 113), the locking means (13, 113) being adapted to, when in the disengaged position, holding the safety member (25, 125) in the off position. Secure connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the detecting means (40, 140) is adapted to hold the locking means (13, 113) in position when it is in the armed position. disengaged position. Secure connection system according to one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the stop is constituted by a portion (289) of the detection means (240), the detection means (240) being designed for when is in the armed position, keep the safety member (225) in the deactivated position. Secure connection system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the release member (45, 245) is adapted to cause, when moving from its first position to its second position, simultaneously moving the the safety member (25, 225) towards its deactivated position and the displacement of the locking means (13, 213) towards its disengaged position. Secure connection system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the release member (145, 180) is adapted to cause, when moving from its first position to its second position, to sequentially move the the safety member (125) to its deactivated position and then, once the safety member (125) is no longer in position, position activated, moving the locking means (113) to its disengaged position. Secure connection system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the release member (45, 245) is adapted to come into contact during its movement from its first position to its second position. a part with the safety member (25, 225) and secondly with the locking means (13, 223) to cause their movements. Secure connection system according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the release member (145, 180) is designed to come into contact with a moving part from its first position to its second position. lever (175) movable and causing the lever (175) to move from a waiting position to an actuating position, the lever (175) being adapted to come into contact when it is so moved. partly with the safety member (125) and secondly with the locking means (113) to cause their movements. Secure connection system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the release member consists of a removable key (45, 145, 245) designed to be moved manually by an operator from his first position to his second position. Secure connection system according to claims 7 and 15, characterized in that the key (45, 245) has a contact face (50, 250) formed on a protruding nose (49, 249) intended to cooperate with a face corresponding contact piece (37, 237) on the safety member (25, 225), the contact faces (37, 237) and (50, 250) being arranged so that the rotation of the key (45, 245) from its first position in its second position causes the rotation of the safety member (25, 225) towards its deactivated position. Secure connection system according to one of claims 1 to 15, when it does not depend on claim 7, characterized in that the release member comprises a hydraulic actuator (180) permanently mounted on the linkage system (110), or intended to be mounted permanently on the coupler (105), the actuator (180) being movable from its first position, or retracted position, to its second position, or deployed position, and can be returned to its first position. A coupler for mounting at the end of an arm (2) of a construction machine and adapted to connect to a connection device (4, 104, 204) attached to a tool (1), characterized in that that it comprises a secure connection system (10, 110, 210) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

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