Coupling arrangement

Abstract

A coupling arrangement for fluid coupling a work tool to a machine comprising at least one coupler assembly slideably mounted for coupling a machine fluid circuit and a worktool fluid circuit; at least one actuator for retracting the at least one coupler assembly from a connect position to a disconnect position; and a sensor to detect the position of the at least one actuator for actuation of a locking device.

1 . A coupling arrangement for fluid coupling a work tool to a machine comprising:
 at least one coupler assembly slideably mounted for coupling a machine fluid circuit and a work tool fluid circuit;   at least one actuator for retracting the at least one coupler assembly from a connect position to a disconnect position; and   a sensor to detect the position of the at least one actuator for actuation of a locking device.   
     
     
         2 . A coupling arrangement according to  claim 1  wherein the sensor is arranged to actuate a valve to permit pressurize fluid to flow to the locking device when the at least one actuator is in the fully retracted position. 
     
     
         3 . A coupling arrangement according to  claim 2  wherein the sensor is a solenoid switch. 
     
     
         4 . A coupling arrangement according to  claim 2  wherein the sensor is a hydro mechanical switch. 
     
     
         5 . A coupling arrangement according to  claim 4  wherein the coupler assembly is slideable in a cavity. 
     
     
         6 . A coupling arrangement according to  claim 5  comprising a plurality of coupler assemblies slideable in a plurality of cavities. 
     
     
         7 . A coupling arrangement according to  claim 6  comprising a plurality of actuators. 
     
     
         8 . A coupling arrangement according to  claim 7  wherein the plurality of actuators are connected to a rail circuit. 
     
     
         9 . A method of decoupling a worktool from a machine comprising:
 providing at least one coupler assembly slideably mounted for coupling a machine fluid circuit and a worktool fluid circuit;   arranging at least one actuator to retract the at least one coupler assembly from a connect position to a disconnect position;   arranging a sensor to detect the position of the at least one actuator; and   activating the sensor when the at least one actuator is fully retracted to permit pressurised fluid to flow to the locking device for decoupling of the worktool.