QUICK COUPLER FOR BUCKET EXCAVATORS

摘要

A coupler (11) for connecting a dipper arm (3) of an excavator to a bucket (1) without the need for the operator of the excavator to leave the cab of the excavator, the coupler (11) having means for connecting it to the end of the dipper arm, and means, including a latching hook (17) for connecting it to one of a plurality of different buckets (1) and wherein locking means (25) is provided to prevent inadvertent unlatching of the latching hook (17), said locking means (25) being operable from the cab. The locking means may be gravity operated and include resiliently deformable means (27), thereon to prevent unlatching when the coupler (11) is inverted. Alternatively, it may be spring (71) operated in which case, further means (73, 75) is provided to move the locking means against the bias of the spring. Preferably, the hook (17) has a special internal profile (56, 57, 61) so that when it is supporting the weight of a bucket, it will tend to move to a latching position, not to an unlatching position.