A COUPLING FOR CONNECTING A WORKING APPARATUS TO A WORKING ARM

Abstract

 A coupling (1) for connecting a working apparatus (BN) to a working arm, comprises: a containing body (11), including a coupling profile (116) configured to be coupled to a corresponding pin of the working apparatus; a slide unit (2), movable along the coupling direction (DA) between a cocked position (PAR) and a coupled position (PAG), and configured to be positioned, at its coupled position (PAG), in a corresponding cavity of a coupling box (SC) locked to the working apparatus (BN); - a thrust member (3), connected to the slide unit (2) to exert a coupling force on the slide unit (2) along the coupling direction (DA) in a coupling sense (VA); - a retraction member (6), associated with the slide unit (2) to exert an uncoupling force on the slide unit (2) along the coupling direction (DA) in an uncoupling sense (VS); a cocking device (4), including a locking member (43), movable between a locked position (PBLO), where it prevents the slide unit (2) from sliding, and an unlocked position (PSBL), where the slide unit (2) is free to slide, and including an activating member (41), movable along an activating direction responsive to its contacting the coupling box (SC). The displacement of the activating member (41) causes a corresponding displacement of the locking member (43). The activating direction is perpendicular to the coupling direction (DA).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a coupling for connecting a working apparatus to a working arm.

[0002] In the field of couplings, a connecting system comprising the coupling and a coupling box connected to the working apparatus has been known for some time. Generally speaking, the coupling is removably connected to the working arm by corresponding pins, while the box is welded to the working apparatus. That way, the same coupling (which is the most complex and expensive component) can be used on different working arms, whereas the box, which is relatively simple, is irremovably connected to a corresponding working apparatus.

[0003] Couplings of a kind like the one of this disclosure are described, for example, in patents IT0001328845 and EP1900880B1.

[0004] In those patents, the box has two similar pins which can be hooked arbitrarily to a hooking profile of the coupling or to a closing bolt of the coupling, located at the opposite end with respect to the end where the hooking profile is located.

[0005] The coupling thus has a spring-operated closing bolt which slidably engages a corresponding bolt on the box to make the coupling or withdraws to release the box.

[0006] When the closing bolt is at the disengaged position, it is held in place by a blocking member which opposes the action of the springs.

[0007] The device of document EP1900880B1 also comprises a feeler (or activating element) which, responsive to contact with the bolt on the box, releases the blocking member and allows the closing bolt to slide under the action of the springs.

[0008] The system provided by these patents, however, has a structure which is very complex and articulated, hence subject to wear. Furthermore, wear on the components used in those systems means worn profiles which in turn means that the blocking member becomes less effective allowing unintended opening of the coupling even when the box is not present. The feeler also comprises several rotary mechanisms which are complex and not very effective. Moreover, over time, the feeler wears, thus delaying the activation condition and preventing an effective connection from being made.

[0009] Other technical solutions regarding couplings for connecting working apparatuses are described in the following documents: EP1138833B2, JPH06248661A and DE3832266A1.

[0010] In particular, document EP1138833B2 describes a coupling comprising vertical actuation levers which, however, are not very practical and which have the same disadvantages as those described above.

[0011] The aim of this disclosure is to provide a coupling, and a related method, for connecting a working apparatus to a working arm to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] This aim is fully achieved by the coupling and method of this disclosure as characterized in the appended claims.

[0013] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides a coupling for connecting a working apparatus to a working arm.

[0014] The coupling comprises a connecting system, configured to be connected to the working arm. For example, a system of pins and slots known in the field of the coupling described herein.

[0015] The coupling comprises a containing body. The containing body is elongated along a coupling direction between a first end and a second end. The containing body also extends along a transverse direction. Lastly, the coupling has an elevation along a normal direction, perpendicular to the coupling direction and to the transverse direction. The containing body comprises a coupling profile located at the second end of the body. The coupling profile is configured to be coupled to a corresponding pin of the working apparatus.

[0016] The coupling comprises a slide unit. The slide unit is movable along the coupling direction between a cocked position, where it is spaced from the coupling profile by a first distance, and a coupled position, where it is spaced from the coupling profile by a second distance. The first distance is greater than the second distance. In other words, at the cocked position, the slide unit is inside the containing body whereas, at the coupled position, it protrudes from the containing body. The slide unit is configured to be positioned, at its coupled position, in a corresponding recess of a coupling box which is locked to the working apparatus, so as to prevent relative movement between the coupling and the working apparatus.

[0017] The coupling comprises a thrust member. The thrust member is connected to the slide unit to exert a coupling force on the slide unit along the coupling direction in a coupling sense, oriented from the second to the first end of the containing body.

[0018] The coupling comprises a retraction member. The retraction member is connected to the slide unit to exert an uncoupling force on the slide unit along the coupling direction in a coupling sense, oriented from the first to the second end of the containing body.

[0019] The coupling comprises a cocking device. The cocking device is configured to keep the slide unit at the cocked position, ready to be coupled when necessary.

[0020] To fulfil this function, the cocking device comprises a locking member. The locking member is movable between a locked position, where it prevents the slide unit from sliding along the coupling direction in the coupling sense and an unlocked position, where the slide unit is free to slide along the coupling direction in the coupling sense by the effect of the coupling force. The cocking device also comprises an activating member. The activating member is movable along an activating direction responsive to its coming into contact with the coupling box. The displacement of the activating member causes a corresponding displacement of the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0021] It should be noted that the locking member may be distinct from the activating member or a single cocking member may define both the locking member and the activating member because it fulfils both of the aforesaid functions.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the activating direction is perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0023] An activating member which moves perpendicularly to the coupling direction is visible to the operator when coupling and uncoupling the working apparatus, as required by the CE marking directive (which is not the case with the activating member disclosed in the aforementioned prior art document).

[0024] In addition to that, it is a solution with notable advantages: constructional simplicity, low cost, easy replication and scalability for different models.

[0025] In an embodiment, the slide unit comprises at least one closing pin, configured to be engaged in the cavity of coupling box. Preferably, the slide unit comprises two pins, juxtaposed with (and spaced from) each other along the transverse direction.

[0026] In an embodiment, the slide unit comprises a slide block. The slide block is locked to, or made in a single piece with, the closing pin to slide as one with the closing pin along the coupling direction. In the embodiment with two juxtaposed pins, the slide block is interposed between the two pins along the transverse direction.

[0027] In a particularly practical and advantageous embodiment, the activating member is an activating rod. The activating rod is elongated along an axis between a first end and a second end. The activating rod is slidable along the activating direction. The first end of the activating rod protrudes from the containing body when the locking member is at the locked position. When the locking member is at the unlocked position (and the coupling is connected to the box), the first end of the rod is inside the containing body. The first end of the activating rod is configured to come into contact with the coupling box to move along the activation direction and to start the coupling process.

[0028] In an embodiment, the locking member is a bushing. The bushing is mounted to the activating rod.

[0029] In an embodiment, the bushing is mounted fixedly to (or made in one piece with) the activating rod. In more advantageous solutions, on the other hand, the locking member comprises a plurality of grub screws (or dowels) which connect the bushing to the activating rod. The grub screws can be slackened to adjust the position of the bushing along the axis of the activating rod and then tightened again. Preferably, the locking member and the activating member are defined by a single element having a first section and a second section which is larger than the first section. The first section extends along the axis of the element, preferably on both sides of the second section.

[0030] This solution is particularly advantageous because it allows compensating for wear of the activating rod, thus keeping a constant distance between the first end of the activating rod and the bushing. It is understood that this adjustment is not carried out during use of the device but beforehand, after which, while the device is being used, the position of the bushing remains substantially fixed.

[0031] In an embodiment, the slide block comprises a slide slot. The slide slot is elongated along the coupling direction between a first end and a second end. The activating rod and the bushing mounted thereto are positioned inside the slide slot. The activating rod and the bushing are movable relative to the slot along the coupling direction. In particular, the activating rod and the bushing are integral with the containing body (along the coupling direction) while the slide block slides along the coupling direction. Preferably, the slide slot comprises a first stretch which extends from the first end of the slide slot. The first stretch has a first section which is perpendicular to the normal direction. The first section is larger than the section (perpendicular to its axis) of the activating rod. This allows the activating rod to slide therein. The first section is smaller than an outside diameter of the bushing. That means that when the bushing is positioned inside the slide slot (along the normal direction), the slide block cannot slide along the coupling direction because the bushing cannot slide in the first stretch.

[0032] The slide slot comprises a second stretch which extends from the second end of the slide slot. The second stretch has a second section which is perpendicular to the normal direction.

[0033] The second section is larger than the section of the activating rod and larger than the outside diameter of the bushing. This allows the bushing to enter the slide slot so as to lock it at its current position.

[0034] Thus, when the bushing is at the locked position, it is inside the second stretch. When the bushing is at the unlocked position, it is outside the second stretch (outside the slide slot).

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling comprises a return member. The return member is associated with the activating rod to exert on the activating rod or on the bushing connected thereto, a cocking force directed along a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (preferably the normal direction) in a return sense oriented from the second end to the first end of the activating rod. The return member is configured to keep the bushing at the locked position, so as to prevent the slide unit from being displaced. Thus, when the bushing is inside the second stretch of the slot, it is held therein by the force of the return member.

[0036] On the other hand, contact between the activating rod (the first end of the activating rod) and the coupling box produces an unlocking force, in the sense opposite of the cocking force, causing the bushing to be dislodged from the second stretch of the slide slot and to be placed at the unlocked position to allow the slide unit to move in the coupling direction.

[0037] Preferably, the second stretch of the slot comprises a supporting constriction. The supporting constriction is configured to supportably receive the bushing at its locked position. The supporting constriction defines a shoulder for the bushing, along the activation direction in the return sense. That way, the thrust applied by the return member keeps the bushing supported on said shoulder, ensuring that the first end of the activating rod does not come too far out of the containing body.

[0038] In an embodiment, the slide unit comprises an abutment wall. The abutment wall is integral with the slide block. The abutment wall includes an abutment surface.

[0039] The coupling comprises a safety device. The safety device is configured to keep the slide unit at the coupled position. The safety device comprises a safety element which, when the slide unit is at the coupled position, is configured to contact the abutment surface along the coupling direction in an uncoupling sense. Preferably, the safety element is a safety hook.

[0040] In an embodiment, the device comprises an abutment spring. The abutment spring is connected to the containing body and to the safety element to exert on the latter an abutment force having at least one component which is such as to keep the safety element abutted against the abutment surface.

[0041] It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the safety device is a latch type device. In other words, the safety device can be positioned at an undercut position where it interferes with a movement of the slide block along the coupling direction. The safety device is kept at the undercut position by the action of the abutment spring which, as we saw earlier, ensures that the hook remains abutted against the slide block. The safety device is at the undercut position even when the slide block is at the cocked position.

[0042] In the latch type device, the safety device comprises a wedge surface. The wedge surface faces the second end of the containing body when the safety device is at the undercut position.

[0043] That means that when the slide block is at the cocked position, the wedge surface faces the slide block. The wedge surface converges with the coupling direction in the coupling sense.

[0044] This particular configuration allows breaking down a thrust of the slide block along the coupling direction in the coupling sense into a transverse component, which causes the safety device to withdraw, until reaching a position where it does not interfere with the displacement of the slide block (free position) along the coupling direction. This allows the slide block to pass through the safety device which, once the slide block has passed, returns to the undercut position by the effect of the force of the abutment spring so as to prevent the slide block from withdrawing.

[0045] It should also be noted that this embodiment is made possible by a correct calibration of the force exerted by the spring relative to the force exerted by the thrust member. In particular, the force exerted by the thrust member must produce a swing torque on the safety device in a first sense, which is greater than the swing torque produced by the abutment spring, which is, instead, oriented in a second sense, opposite of the first.

[0046] The abutment wall comprises a thrust wall. The thrust wall is opposite the abutment surface with respect to the coupling direction. The coupling comprises a thrust cam. The thrust cam is in contact with the thrust wall to convert its rotation into a displacement of the slide unit along the coupling direction in the uncoupling sense. The thrust cam defines the retraction member.

[0047] In an embodiment, the thrust cam comprises a tightening profile, protruding from the containing body on a wall of the containing body perpendicular to the normal direction and opposite the wall from which the activating member protrudes.

[0048] In an embodiment, the tightening profile is configured to receive a tightening spanner which allows the thrust cam to be rotated manually to disconnect the coupling from the working apparatus.

[0049] In other embodiments, the thrust cam is connected to a (linear or rotary) thrust actuator which causes the cam to rotate and (automatically) disconnects the coupling from the working apparatus.

[0050] Preferably, the safety hook and the thrust cam are made as a single part. Said single part rotates about the same rotation axis, perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0051] That way, when the thrust cam pushes forward to uncouple, its rotation imparts a corresponding rotational movement to the safety hook, which prevents contact thereof with the abutment wall.

[0052] In a particularly practical embodiment, the coupling comprises a dowel pin. The aforesaid closing pin (or pair of closing pins) and the aforesaid slide block comprise respective holes, extending along a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (transverse direction). The dowel pin is inserted into the holes in the closing pin and slide block.

[0053] Such an embodiment is simple to make and, above all, reduces the time needed to assemble the device, besides making assembly much simpler.

[0054] Alternatively, a compact solution is imaginable, where the slide block and the closing pins are a single, integrated block connected to the outer casing by commercial dowels.

[0055] In an embodiment, the containing body comprises a first chamber. The first chamber includes a first space, which is open to allow partial egress of the slide unit. The first chamber comprises at least one opening for egress of the closing pin. In other embodiments, the first chamber comprises a pair of juxtaposed openings for egress of the pair of closing pins.

[0056] The containing body comprises a second chamber. The second chamber includes a second space in which the aforesaid cocking device is positioned. The first chamber comprises a first lubrication nipple. The second chamber comprises a second lubrication nipple. The first and second chambers are hydraulically isolated.

[0057] That way, it is possible to use more expensive and high-performing lubricants only for the first chamber, where the closing pins must be able to slide easily, and more economical lubricants, where movements are effectively more reduced.

[0058] Instead of the double lubricant system, the solution may comprise self-lubricating bushes, which are less expensive and make the coupling easier to manufacture.

[0059] The activation direction coincides with the normal direction. That is to say, in use, the activation direction is perpendicular to a bottom wall of the coupling box.

[0060] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides a quick connect system for connecting a working apparatus to a working arm. Said connecting system comprises a coupling characterized by one or more of the features described above and connectable removably to the working arm.

[0061] The connecting system comprises a coupling box which is connectable to the working apparatus.

[0062] The coupling box comprises a cavity, configured to at least partly accommodate the slide unit, and a pin, configured to engage the coupling profile of the coupling.

[0063] In an embodiment, the cavity and the pin are made as a single component, that is, a mills pin, which can, without distinction, be engaged with the coupling profile or coupled to the closing pins of the slide unit of the coupling. This allows mounting the working apparatus in both senses. The working apparatus may be, for example, a bucket, a hammer or a shredder.

[0064] According to an aspect of this disclosure, the coupling comprises a supporting partition. The supporting partition is perpendicular to the coupling direction. The supporting partition comprises a first portion, on one side of the slide block along the transverse direction, and a second portion, on the opposite side of the slide block along the transverse direction. The first portion is connected to the bottom wall and to a side wall of the aforesaid pair of side walls. The first portion is in contact with one side of the slide block, perpendicular to the transverse direction. The second portion is connected to the bottom wall and to the other side wall of the pair of side walls. The second portion is in contact with the side of the slide block, perpendicular to the transverse direction, opposite to that which the first portion is in contact with. The first portion comprises a first supporting hole, in which one of the closing pins of the pair of closing pins is slidable. The second portion comprises a second supporting hole, in which the other closing pin of the pair of closing pins is slidable.

[0065] The supporting partition allows giving added support to the pins which, otherwise, would only have one supporting point in the coupling, which would be subjected to heavy stresses, hence rapid wear, with the risk of the pins snapping and the working apparatus breaking loose.

[0066] In an embodiment, the supporting partition has a thickness or between 2 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm, along a direction parallel to the coupling direction.

[0067] This dimension constitutes an optimum compromise between partition strength, dimensions and weight.

[0068] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides a method for connecting a working apparatus to a working arm.

[0069] The method comprises a step of providing a coupling and a coupling box connected to the working apparatus and including a pin and a cavity.

[0070] The method comprises a step of connecting the coupling to a working arm via a connecting system of the coupling.

[0071] The method comprises a step of engaging a coupling profile of the coupling with a pin of the coupling box of the working apparatus.

[0072] The method comprises a step of moving a slide unit of the coupling along a coupling direction between a cocked position, where it is spaced from the cavity of the coupling box, and a coupled position, where it is inside the cavity of the coupling box so as to prevent relative movement between the coupling and the working apparatus.

[0073] The method comprises a step of pushing the slide unit along the coupling direction in a coupling sense to move the slide unit from the cocked position to the coupled position.

[0074] The method comprises a step of pushing the slide unit along the coupling direction in an uncoupling sense to move the slide unit from the coupled position to the cocked position.

[0075] The method comprises a step of moving a locking member between a locked position, where it prevents the slide unit from sliding along the coupling direction in the coupling sense and an unlocked position, where the slide unit is free to slide along the coupling direction in the coupling sense by the effect of the coupling force.

[0076] The method comprises a step of moving an activating member along an activating direction responsive to contact of the activating member with the coupling box. The displacement of the activating member causes a corresponding displacement of the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0077] The activating direction is perpendicular to the coupling direction. The activation direction is perpendicular to a bottom wall of the coupling box. These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a detail inside a coupling according to this disclosure, for connecting a working apparatus to a working arm;
• Figures 2A and 2B show cross sections of the coupling of Figure 1 in a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration, respectively;
• Figures 3A and 3B show partially exploded front and rear views of the coupling of Figure 1, respectively;
• Figures 4A and 4B show front and rear perspective views of a detail of the coupling of Figure 1, respectively;
• Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a feeler of the coupling according to this disclosure;
• Figure 6 shows a section of an embodiment of the coupling of Figure 1;
• Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the coupling of Figure 6, when partly open.

[0078] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a coupling for connecting a working apparatus BN to a working arm. The coupling 1 comprises a connecting system for connecting it removably to the working arm.

[0079] The coupling 1 comprises a containing body 11. The containing body 11 comprises a bottom wall 111, a top wall 112, a pair of side walls 113, a front wall 114 and a rear wall 115.

[0080] The containing body 11 extends along a coupling direction DA between a first end 11A and a second end 11B. The containing body 11 also extends along a transverse direction T, perpendicular to the coupling direction DA and perpendicular to the side walls 113. Moreover, the containing body 11 extends along a normal direction N, perpendicular to the coupling direction DA and to the transverse direction T.

[0081] The containing body 11 comprises a coupling profile 116. The coupling profile 116 is located at the second end 11B of the containing body 11. The coupling profile 116 comprises hooked profiles to be able to receive a corresponding pin of a coupling box SC of the working apparatus BN.

[0082] It is specified here that the coupling box SC preferably comprises a first pin P1 and a second pin P2, positioned on opposite sides of the box along the coupling direction DA. Preferably, the first pin P1 and the second pin P2 are mirror symmetric.

[0083] The first pin P1 and/or the second pin P2 comprises a respective contact surface SC1, SC2, configured to come into contact with corresponding closing pins of the coupling 1 (as explained in more detail below).

[0084] The containing body 11 comprises an opening 117 on the front wall 114. Preferably, the containing body 11 comprises a pair of openings 117, spaced from each other along the transverse direction T.

[0085] The containing body 11 comprises a pair of slide bushes 118, each located inside a corresponding opening 117 of said pair of openings 117. The containing body 11 comprises an assembly opening 119 on the top wall 112, to enable components to be inserted in a practical and easy manner into the containing body 11.

[0086] The containing body 11 comprises a cover 110, removably connected to the top wall 112 to allow or prevent access to the inside of the containing body 11.

[0087] The cover 110 comprises an uncoupling hole 1101. The coupling 1 comprises an uncoupling nut DS, which protrudes from the uncoupling hole 1101 of the cover 110. In proximity to the uncoupling hole 1101, the cover comprises illustrations representing the rotation direction of the uncoupling nut DS to uncouple the coupling 1.

[0088] The coupling comprises a slide unit 2. The slide unit 2 is movable along the coupling direction DA between a cocked position PAR, where it is spaced from the coupling profile 116 by a first distance D1, and a coupled position PAG, where it is spaced from the coupling profile 116 by a second distance D2, which is greater than the first distance D1.

[0089] The slide unit 2 comprises at least one closing pin 21, preferably a pair of closing pins 21, spaced along the transverse direction T. The pair of closing pins 21 protrude from the containing body 11 at the coupled position PAG so as to be coupled to the first pin P1 or the second pin P2 of the box SC (in the cavity defined between the first and/or the second pin P1, P2 and the bottom of the box SC). The pins 21 of the pair of pins are each inserted into a corresponding slide bushing 118.

[0090] Each closing pin 21 comprises an inclined (wedge) surface 211, which comes into contact with the contact surface SC1, SC2 of the first pin P1 or of the second pin P2, depending on the sense in which the coupling 1 is mounted.

[0091] Each closing pin 21, comprises a first end 21A, facing outwards from the containing body 11, and a second end 21B, inside the containing body 11. Each closing pin 21 comprises, at its second end 21B, a thrust cavity 212 open in the coupling direction DA towards the rear surface 115 of the containing body 11.

[0092] The inclined surface 211 is made on the first end 21A of the corresponding closing pin 21.

[0093] Additionally, each closing pin 21 comprises an assembly hole 213 which passes right through it along the transverse direction T. The assembly hole 213 is interposed between the first and the second ends 21A, 21B.

[0094] The slide unit 2 comprises a slide block 22.

[0095] The slide block 22 is interposed between the pair of closing pins 21 along the transverse direction T. The slide block 22 comprises a respective assembly hole which passes right through it along the transverse direction T.

[0096] The slide unit 2 comprises a dowel pin 23. The dowel pin 23 is inserted into the assembly holes 213 of the closing pins 21 and into the assembly hole of the slide block 22 so as to make them slidable as one along the coupling direction DA.

[0097] The slide block 22 comprises a slide slot 222. The slide slot 222 extends along the coupling direction DA between a first end 222A and a second end 222B. The slide slot 222 crosses the slide block 22 along its full extent along the normal direction N.

[0098] The slide slot 222 comprises a first stretch T1 and a second stretch T2. The first stretch T1 extends from the first end 222A of the slide slot 222. The second stretch T2 extends from the second end 222B of the slide slot 222 to the first stretch T1.

[0099] The first stretch T1 has a first section which is perpendicular to the normal direction N. The second stretch T2 has a second section which is perpendicular to the normal direction N. More precisely, the second stretch T2 comprises a section which is variable along the normal direction N. Specifically, the second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222 comprises a supporting constriction S21, which defines a shoulder.

[0100] The first stretch T1 is proximal to the rear wall 115 of the containing body 11, while the second stretch T2 is proximal to the front wall 114 of the containing body 11.

[0101] The slide block 22 comprises an abutment wall 223. The abutment wall 223 is positioned along the normal direction N, above the slide slot 222. The abutment wall 223 comprises an abutment surface 223A, facing towards the rear wall 115 of the containing body 11. The abutment wall 223 comprises a thrust surface 223B, facing towards the front wall 114 of the containing body 11.

[0102] The coupling 1 comprises a thrust member 3. Preferably, the coupling comprises two thrust members 3. The thrust members are preferably two springs 3, configured to exert a coupling force on the slide unit 2 along the coupling direction DA in the coupling sense VA to move the slide unit to its coupled position.

[0103] Each of said springs 3 is configured to exert said force on a corresponding closing pin 21.

[0104] Each of said springs 3 is inserted in the thrust cavity 212 of the corresponding closing pin 21.

[0105] Each spring 3 is provided with a corresponding guide rod 31, inserted in the spring 3 to prevent it from bending while it is being deformed.

[0106] The spring 3 and the corresponding guide rod 31 are connected to the rear wall 115 of the containing body 11.

[0107] In an embodiment, the coupling 1 comprises an activating member 4. In technical jargon, the activating member 4 is also called "feeler" 4.

[0108] The feeler 4 is inserted in the slide slot 222. The slide slot 222 (the slide unit 2) and the feeler 4 are mutually movable along the coupling direction DA.

[0109] The feeler 4 comprises an activating rod 41, extending along the normal direction N between a first end 41A and a second end 41B. The feeler 4 is movable along the normal direction N. The feeler 4 is movable along the normal direction N in an uncoupling sense, oriented from the first end 41A to the second end 41B by the effect of contact between the first end 41A of the feeler 4 with a bottom of the coupling box SC. The feeler 4 is movable along the normal direction N in a locking sense, oriented from the second end 41B to the first end 41A by the effect of a thrust exerted by a return member 42 which is described in more detail below.

[0110] The activating rod 41 has a section along the normal direction which allows it to slide along the coupling direction DA along the full extent of the slide slot 222.

[0111] The first end 41A of the activating rod 41 has a hemispherical shape to reduce the probability of jamming and to reduce wear.

[0112] The feeler 4 comprises a bushing 43, which defines a locking member 43. The bushing 43 is mounted to the activating rod 41 at an intermediate position between the first and the second ends 41A, 41B of the activating rod 41.

[0113] The bushing 43 is connected to the activating rod 41 by grub screws. Such a connection allows adjusting the position of the bushing 43 along the normal direction N. This makes it possible, for example, to compensate for wear of the activating rod 41.

[0114] The bushing 43 has a cross section size such that the bushing can be inserted into the second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222 but not into the first stretch T1 of the slide slot 222.

[0115] The feeler 4 is movable between a locked position PBLO, where the bushing 43 is inside the second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222, and an unlocked position PSBL, where the bushing 43 is outside the slide slot 222.

[0116] It is important to stress that the purpose of this disclosure is also to protect a solution in which the activating rod 41 and the bushing 43 are defined by a single feeler shaft 4' having a first section PS1 which performs the function of the activating rod 41, and a second section PS2 which performs the function of the bushing 43. The first section extends before and after the second section along the activation direction. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 5, for the purposes of interpreting claim 1, the activating member 41 is defined by the first section PS1, in particular that between the second section PS2 and the bottom wall of the containing body, while the locking member 43 is defined by the second section PS2. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the feeler 4 (irrespective of its embodiment) comprises an adjustment member 44 at its first end 41A. The adjustment member 44 is configured to vary a distance between the first section PS1 (that is, the bushing 43) and the first end 41A of the feeler 4.

[0117] For this purpose, and solely by way of an example, a possible embodiment of the adjustment member 44 is now described. In such an embodiment, the adjustment member 44 comprises a screw 441, preferably a round head screw.

[0118] Additionally, the adjustment member 44 comprises a plurality of spacers 442, for example, circular ring nuts.

[0119] At its first end 41A, the feeler 4 comprises an adjustment hole 443 in which the screw 441 is screwed. Between the screw 441 and the adjustment hole 443 there are one or more of these spacers 442, which allow the screw head to be brought closer or further away, thus determining the variation in the distance between the first section PS1 (that is, the bushing 43) and the first end 41A of the feeler 4.

[0120] That way, it is possible to compensate for the wear and clearances between the box and the quick connect coupling without having to open the quick connect coupling, easily, and thus in a manner that can be performed even by a user without the intervention of an expert maintenance person.

[0121] The feeler 4 comprises a return member 42. The return member 42 is configured to exert on the bushing 43 and activating rod 41 assembly a thrust force to move the feeler 4 to the locked position PBLO the moment the bushing 43 aligns with second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222 along the normal direction N. It is noted that such an alignment between the bushing 43 and the second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222 corresponds to the cocked position PAR of the slide unit 2.

[0122] The bushing 43 comprises a pressure surface 431, facing towards the top wall of the containing body 11, and a contact surface 432, facing the opposite way to the pressure surface 431.

[0123] The return member 42 is a spring which pushes towards the first end 41A of the activating rod 41. The spring 42 is in contact with the top wall of the containing body 11 and with the pressure surface 431 of the bushing 43. Instead, when the feeler 4 is at the locked position PBLO, the contact surface 432 of the bushing 43 interacts with the supporting constriction S21 (the shoulder S21) of the second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222.

[0124] The first end 41A of the activating rod 41 protrudes from the bottom wall of the containing body. In particular, when the feeler 4 is at the locked position PBLO, the first end 41A of the activating rod 41 protrudes from the bottom wall of the containing body by a first value, whereas, when the feeler 4 is at the unlocked position PSBL, the first end 41A of the activating rod 41 protrudes from the bottom wall of the containing body by a second value, smaller than the first value. Not excluded are solutions in which the first end 41A of the activating rod 41 is inside the containing body 11 when the feeler 4 is at the locked position PBLO.

[0125] The coupling 1 comprises a safety system 5. The safety system 5 is configured to prevent the slide unit 2 from moving along the coupling direction DA in the uncoupling sense VS.

[0126] The coupling 1 comprises a retraction member 6. The retraction member 6 is configured to exert a thrust on the slide unit 2 along the coupling direction DA in the uncoupling sense VS.

[0127] Preferably, the safety system 5 comprises a safety hook 51. The safety hook 51 rotates about a rotation axis A1 between a safety position, where it is interposed between the abutment wall 223 and the rear wall of the containing body 11, relative to the coupling direction DA, and a free position, where it does not interfere with a movement of the slide unit 2 along the coupling direction DA in the uncoupling sense VS.

[0128] The safety hook 51, at its safety position (also called "undercut position" in this disclosure) is abutted against the abutment surface 223A of the abutment wall 223 when the slide block 22 is at the coupled position PAG. In an embodiment, the retraction member 6 is a thrust cam 6.

[0129] The thrust cam 6 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis A1 to convert its rotation into a linear displacement along the coupling direction DA. The thrust cam 6 is in contact with the thrust surface 223B of the abutment wall 223.

[0130] On the other hand, when the slide unit 2 has to return to the cocked position PAR, the uncoupling nut DS and an uncoupling spanner are used to turn the thrust cam 6 in a second sense, opposite of the first sense, thus pushing the slide unit 2 along the coupling direction DA in the uncoupling sense VS.

[0131] Preferably, the safety hook 51 and the thrust cam 6 are constrained to rotate as one and, still more preferably, are made in one piece.

[0132] That way, when the thrust cam 6 is rotated under the action of the translation of the slide unit in the coupling sense VA, the rotation of the thrust cam 6 causes the safety hook 51 to rotate to the safety position. Conversely, when the thrust cam 6 is turned with the uncoupling spanner, its rotation causes a corresponding rotation of the safety hook 51, which moves to the free position. All this occurs thanks to the synchronization between the rotational movements of the thrust cam 6 and of the safety hook 51 and the translational movement of the slide unit 2.

[0133] It should be noted that the safety device 5 also comprises a retaining spring 52, connected to the safety hook 51 and to the containing body 11, to exert on the safety hook 51 a force which causes a rotation in the first sense, that is to say, the sense which allows keeping the safety hook 51 abutted against the abutment surface 223A.

[0134] Described in detail below is the mechanism for activating the safety system 5, which has significant advantages in terms of activation simplicity and reliability.

[0135] First of all, it should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the safety hook 51 is held constantly at the safety position by the action of the retaining spring 52 (also called "abutment spring" in this disclosure). That means the safety hook 51 is at the safety position when the slide block 22 is at the cocked position PAR as well as when it is at the coupled position PAG.

[0136] The safety hook 51 comprises a wedge surface 511. The wedge surface 511 faces the second end of the containing body when the safety device 51 is at the safety position.

[0137] That means that when the slide block 22 is at the cocked position PAR, the wedge surface 511 faces the slide block 22. The wedge surface 511 converges with the coupling direction DA in the coupling sense VA.

[0138] This particular configuration allows breaking down a thrust of the slide block 22 along the coupling direction DA into a transverse component, which causes the safety hook 51 to withdraw until it reaches the free position. This allows the slide block to pass through the safety hook 51 which, once the slide block 22 has passed, returns to the safety position by the effect of the force of the retaining spring 52 so as to prevent the slide block 22 from withdrawing.

[0139] Having described all the components of the coupling 1, described below is the method for coupling and uncoupling the coupling 1 to and from the box SC.

[0140] Generally speaking, it is possible to define a connected configuration CCO of the coupling 1, in which it is coupled to the box SC, and a disconnected configuration CSC, in which it is uncoupled from the box SC.

[0141] In the connected configuration CCO, the slide unit 2 is at the coupled position PAG, the safety hook 51 is at the safety position and the feeler 4 (the bushing 43) is at the unlocked position PSBL.

[0142] In the disconnected configuration, on the other hand, the slide unit 2 is at the cocked position PAR, the safety hook 51 is at the free position and the feeler 4 (the bushing 43) is at the locked position PBLO.

[0143] Described below in terms of the method are the steps of coupling and uncoupling, that is to say, the switching of the coupling 1 from the connected configuration CCO to the disconnected configuration CSC, and vice versa.

[0144] Starting from the connected configuration CCO, a user, using the uncoupling spanner or a linear actuator ATL, drives the thrust cam 6 in rotation in the second sense, which causes the slide unit 2 to be displaced along the coupling direction DA in the uncoupling sense VS. The displacement of the slide unit 2 removes the closing pins 21 from the pins of the box SC, allowing the coupling 1 to be disconnected from the box SC.

[0145] It should be noted that, in an embodiment, the return spring 52, also connected to the safety hook 51 and to the containing body 11, may be used instead of the linear actuator ATL to exert on the safety hook 51 a force which causes a rotation in the first sense, that is to say, the sense which allows keeping the safety hook 51 abutted against the abutment surface 223A. When the device needs to be disconnected, the force exerted through the spanner overcomes the force of the spring and allows uncoupling.

[0146] Additionally, rotating the thrust cam 6 in the second sense causes the safety hook 51 to be rotated into the free position, thus preventing it from interfering with the movement of the slide unit 2.

[0147] As the slide unit 2 moves along the coupling direction DA, the feeler 4 (which is fixed) aligns with the second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222 until the bushing 43 is aligned with the second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222 along the normal direction N. As soon as this alignment occurs, since the coupling 1 is raised from the box SC (hence the first end 41A of the activating rod is not supported from below), the return spring 42 pushes the bushing into the second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222, thus preventing the relative sliding movement between the feeler 4 and the slide unit 2.

[0148] The first end 41A of the activating rod 41 thus protrudes from the containing body 11.

[0149] The coupling 1 is thus in the disconnected configuration CSC (that is, the cocked configuration). For subsequent connection of the coupling 1, when the coupling profiles are coupled to the pins of the box SC, the bottom wall of the containing body 11 approaches the bottom of the box SC until the first end 41A of the activating rod 41 comes into contact with the bottom. This contact produces a thrust which opposes the return spring 42 causing the egress of the bushing 43 from the second stretch T2 of the slide slot 222. At this point, since the bushing 43 no longer constitutes an abutment for the slide unit 2, the thrust springs 3 push the slide unit 2 along the coupling direction DA in the coupling sense VA.

[0150] During this sliding movement, the abutment wall 223 pushes the thrust cam 6 which, by rotating, causes the safety hook 51 to rotate and move into the safety position. On competing its sliding movement, the slide unit 2 is positioned at the coupled position PAG, where the closing pins 21 are lodged under the pins of the box SC.

[0151] The coupling 1 is thus in the connected configuration CCO again and the working apparatus is ready to be used again. According to an aspect of this disclosure, the coupling comprises a supporting partition 7. The supporting partition 7 is perpendicular to the coupling direction DA. The supporting partition 7 comprises a first portion 71, on one side of the slide block 22 along the transverse direction T, and a second portion 72, on the opposite side of the slide block 22 along the transverse direction T. The first portion 71 is connected to the bottom wall 111 and to a side wall 113 of the aforesaid pair of side walls. The first portion 71 is in contact with one side of the slide block 22, perpendicular to the transverse direction T. The second portion 72 is connected to the bottom wall 111 and to the other side wall 113 of the aforesaid pair of side walls. The second portion 72 is in contact with the side of the slide block 22, perpendicular to the transverse direction T, opposite to that which the first portion 71 is in contact with. The first portion 71 comprises a first supporting hole 711, in which one of the closing pins 21 of the pair of closing pins is slidable. The second portion 72 comprises a second supporting hole 721, in which the other closing pin 21 of the pair of closing pins is slidable.

[0152] In an embodiment, the supporting partition 7 has a thickness of between 5 mm and 10 mm, along a direction parallel to the coupling direction.

Claims

1. A coupling (1) for connecting a working apparatus (BN) to a working arm, comprising:

- a connecting system, configured to be connected to the working arm;

- a containing body (11), elongated along a coupling direction (DA) between a first end and a second end and including a coupling profile (116), located at the second end of the containing body and configured to be coupled to a corresponding pin of the working apparatus;

- a slide unit (2), movable along the coupling direction (DA) between a cocked position (PAR), where it is spaced from the coupling profile (116) by a first distance (D1) and a coupled position (PAG), where it is spaced from the coupling profile (116) by a second distance (D2), greater than the first distance (D1), the slide unit (2) being configured to be positioned, at its coupled position (PAG), in a corresponding cavity of a coupling box (SC) locked to the working apparatus (BN) so as to prevent relative movement between the coupling (1) and the working apparatus (BN);

- a thrust member (3), connected to the slide unit (2) to exert a coupling force on the slide unit (2) along the coupling direction (DA) in a coupling sense (VA), oriented from the second to the first end of the containing body (11);

- a retraction member (6), associated with the slide unit (2) to exert an uncoupling force on the slide unit (2) along the coupling direction (DA) in an uncoupling sense (VS), oriented from the first to the second end of the containing body (11);

- a cocking device (4), including:

a locking member (43), movable between a locked position (PBLO), where it prevents the slide unit (2) from sliding along the coupling direction (DA) in the coupling sense (VA), and an unlocked position (PSBL), where the slide unit (2) is free to slide along the coupling direction (DA) in the coupling sense (VA) by the effect of the coupling force,

an activating member (41), movable along an activating direction responsive to its contacting the coupling box (SC) and wherein the displacement of the activating member (41) causes a corresponding displacement of the locking member (43) from the locked position (PBLO) to the unlocked position (PSBL),

characterized in that the activating direction is perpendicular to the coupling direction (DA).

2. The coupling (1) according to claim 1, wherein the slide unit (2) comprises:

- at least one closing pin (21), configured to be engaged in the coupling box (SC);

- a slide block (22), locked to or made in a single piece with the closing pin (21) to slide as one with the closing pin (21) along the coupling direction (DA).

3. The coupling (1) according to claim 2, wherein the activating member is an activating rod (41) slidable along the activating direction and wherein the locking member is a bushing (43), mounted to the activating rod (41) or made in a single piece with the activating rod (41).

4. The coupling (1) according to claim 3, wherein the slide block (22) comprises a slide slot (222), elongated along the coupling direction (DA) between a first end (222A) and a second end (222B), and inside which the activating rod (41) and the bushing (43) mounted thereto are positioned, and wherein the activating rod (41) and the bushing (43) are movable relative to the slot (222) along the coupling direction (DA).

5. The coupling (1) according to claim 4, wherein the slide slot (222) comprises a first stretch (T1), which extends from the first end (222A) of the slide slot (222) and has a first cross section which is larger than the cross section of the activating rod (41) and smaller than an outside diameter of the bushing (43), and a second stretch (T2), which extends from the second end (222B) of the slide slot (222) and has a second cross section which is larger than the cross section of the activating rod (41) and larger than the outside diameter of the bushing (43).

6. The coupling (1) according to claim 5, wherein the bushing (43) is located in the second stretch (T2) when it is at the locked position (PBLO) and wherein, when the bushing (43) is at the unlocked position (PSBL), it is outside the second stretch (T2) of the slide slot (222), and wherein the coupling (1) comprises a return member (42), associated with the activating rod (41) to exert on the activating rod (41) a cocking force, directed along a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (DA), and wherein the return member (42) is configured to keep the bushing (43) at the locked position (PBLO), so as to prevent the slide unit (2) from being displaced, and wherein contact of the activating rod (41) with the coupling box (SC) results in an unlocking force in a sense opposite of that of the cocking force, causing the bushing (43) to come out of the second stretch (T2) of the slide slot (222), to bring it to the unlocked position (PSBL) and allow the slide unit (2) to be displaced in the coupling sense (VA).

7. The coupling (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second stretch (T2) of the slot comprises a supporting constriction (S21), configured to supportably receive the bushing (43) at its locked position (PBLO).

8. The coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide unit (2) comprises an abutment wall (223), including an abutment surface (223A), and wherein the coupling comprises a safety device (5), configured to keep the slide unit (2) at the coupled position (PAG) and including a safety hook (51) which, at the coupled position (PAG) of the slide unit (2), is configured to contact the abutment surface (223A) along the coupling direction (DA) in an uncoupling sense (VS).

9. The coupling (1) according to claim 8, wherein the safety hook (51) comprises a wedge surface facing the slide unit (2) when it is at the cocked position (PAR) and converging with the coupling direction in the coupling sense, so as to break down a thrust of the slide unit (2) along the coupling direction (DA) in the coupling sense (VA) into a transverse component, causing the safety device (5) to withdraw correspondingly to a position where it does not interfere with the slide unit (2) being displaced along the coupling direction (DA).

10. The coupling (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the abutment wall (223) comprises a thrust surface (223B), opposite the abutment surface (223A) with respect to the coupling direction (DA), and wherein the coupling comprises a thrust cam (6) in contact with the thrust surface (223B) to convert its rotation into a displacement of the slide unit (2) along the coupling direction (DA) in the uncoupling sense (VS), and wherein the thrust cam (6) defines the return member.

11. The coupling (1) according to claim 10, wherein the safety hook (51) and the thrust cam (6) are made in a single piece rotating about the same axis of rotation (A1), perpendicular to the coupling direction (DA).

12. The coupling (1) according to claim 3, wherein the activating rod (41) comprises a first end (41A), configured to come into contact with the coupling box (SC), and wherein the coupling comprises an adjustment system, configured to vary the distance between the first end (41A) of the activating rod (41) and the bushing (43).

13. The coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the activating direction is, in use, perpendicular to a bottom wall (PF) of the coupling box (SC).

14. A quick connect system for connecting a working apparatus (BN) to a working arm, comprising:

- a coupling (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, removably connectable to the working arm;

- a coupling box (SC), connectable to the working apparatus (BN), wherein the coupling box comprises a cavity, configured to at least partly accommodate the slide unit, and a pin, configured to engage the coupling profile (116) of the coupling (1).

15. A method for connecting a working apparatus (BN) to a working arm, comprising the following steps:

- providing a coupling (1) and a coupling box (SC) connected to the working apparatus (BN) and including a pin and a cavity;

- connecting the coupling (1) to a working arm via a connecting system of the coupling;

- engaging a coupling profile (116) of the coupling (1) with a pin of the coupling box (SC) of the working apparatus (BN);

- moving a slide unit (2) of the coupling along a coupling direction (DA) between a cocked position (PAR), where it is spaced from the cavity of the coupling box (SC), and a coupled position (PAG), where it is inside the cavity of the coupling box (SC) so as to prevent relative movement between the coupling (1) and the working apparatus (BN);

- pushing the slide unit (2) along the coupling direction (DA) in a coupling sense (VA) to move the slide unit (2) from the cocked position (PAR) to the coupled position (PAG);

- pushing the slide unit (2) along the coupling direction (DA) in an uncoupling sense (VS) to move the slide unit (2) from the coupled position (PAG) to the cocked position (PAR);

- moving a locking member (43) between a locked position (PBLO), where it prevents the slide unit (2) from sliding along the coupling direction (DA) in the coupling sense (VA), and an unlocked position (PSBL), where the slide unit (2) is free to slide along the coupling direction (DA) in the coupling sense (VA) by the effect of the coupling force;

- moving an activating member (41) along an activating direction responsive to contact of the activating member (41) with the coupling box (SC),

wherein the displacement of the activating member (41) causes a corresponding displacement of the locking member (43) from the locked position (PBLO) to the unlocked position (PSBL),

characterized in that the activating direction is perpendicular to the coupling direction (DA).

Drawing