Patent ID: 6428265
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
In a heavy-duty machine for performing work including a ground-supporting base having an operator station, a boom pivotally mounted on one end to the base, a stick pivotally mounted to the free end of the boom to swing vertically relative to the boom, a working tool mounted on the free end of the stick, at least one power line extending from the stick, at least one power line on the boom for connecting to the power line on the stick, means for driving the boom and the stick, a quick-disconnect coupling between the boom and stick to permit a quick interchange of sticks which includes means to pivotally connect the stick to the boom, wherein the quick-disconnect coupling includes a male coupling member pivotally mounted on the boom and a female coupling member mounted on the stick, means on said coupling members defining engaging faces that prevent sliding movement between the faces, means on said coupling members for pivotally connecting the members at one of their ends and swinging the other of their ends toward each other until the members are folly engaged, a power coupling including a male power coupling element and a female power coupling element for connecting the power lines of the stick and boom, one of the power coupling elements mounted on the male coupling member and connected to the boom power line and the other of said elements mounted on the female coupling member and connected to the stick power line such that when the coupling members are brought together in engaging relation the power coupling elements will couple to connect the power lines, the improvement in means mounting the power coupling elements on the coupling members to permit movement between the coupling elements and the coupling members over the X, Y and Z axes for aligning the coupling elements prior to the complete coupling of said coupling members and said coupling elements.