CA1320519C - Straight connecting hydraulic quick coupler - Google Patents
Straight connecting hydraulic quick couplerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1320519C CA1320519C CA000565137A CA565137A CA1320519C CA 1320519 C CA1320519 C CA 1320519C CA 000565137 A CA000565137 A CA 000565137A CA 565137 A CA565137 A CA 565137A CA 1320519 C CA1320519 C CA 1320519C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- check valve
- connector
- hydraulic
- annular
- male
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001808 coupling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L29/00—Joints with fluid cut-off means
- F16L29/04—Joints with fluid cut-off means with a cut-off device in each of the two pipe ends, the cut-off devices being automatically opened when the coupling is applied
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/87917—Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
- Y10T137/87925—Separable flow path section, valve or closure in each
- Y10T137/87941—Each valve and/or closure operated by coupling motion
- Y10T137/87949—Linear motion of flow path sections operates both
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/87917—Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
- Y10T137/87925—Separable flow path section, valve or closure in each
- Y10T137/87973—Coupling interlocked with valve, or closure or actuator
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
- Joints That Cut Off Fluids, And Hose Joints (AREA)
Abstract
STRAIGHT CONNECTING HYDRAULIC QUICK COUPLER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A quick connect/disconnect hydraulic coupler is provided especially for connecting rigid hydraulic members where no axial movement of the coupling halves can be achieved. The quick coupler comprises a male connector attached to one hydraulic line and a female connector attached to another hydraulic line. The male and female connectors each include an annular check valve that is spring-biased against a poppet seat to prevent loss of hydraulic fluid when the coupler halves are disconnected. The male connector has an annular coupling nut surrounding and confining the male check valve. When the male and female connector halves are aligned, the coupling nut can be moved axially toward the female connector and rotated to engage threads on the outside circumference of the female connector.
Tightening the coupling nut onto the female connector forces the male check valve to extend and to form a seal with the female check valve. Tightening the coupling nut also forces both the male and female check valves off their poppet seats to open hydraulic ports and establish fluid flow through the coupler.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A quick connect/disconnect hydraulic coupler is provided especially for connecting rigid hydraulic members where no axial movement of the coupling halves can be achieved. The quick coupler comprises a male connector attached to one hydraulic line and a female connector attached to another hydraulic line. The male and female connectors each include an annular check valve that is spring-biased against a poppet seat to prevent loss of hydraulic fluid when the coupler halves are disconnected. The male connector has an annular coupling nut surrounding and confining the male check valve. When the male and female connector halves are aligned, the coupling nut can be moved axially toward the female connector and rotated to engage threads on the outside circumference of the female connector.
Tightening the coupling nut onto the female connector forces the male check valve to extend and to form a seal with the female check valve. Tightening the coupling nut also forces both the male and female check valves off their poppet seats to open hydraulic ports and establish fluid flow through the coupler.
Description
~.32~5~L~
.. 1 STRAIGHT CONNECTING HYDRAULIC QUICK COUPLER
TFCHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to hydraulic line couplers and, in particular, to a quick connect/disconnect hydraulic coupler for connecting rigid hydraulic members where no axial movement of the coupling halves can be achieved.
~b 2 ~L~æ~ ?~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many different types of couplers have been used for connecting and disconnecting hydraulic lines and for preventing loss of hydraulic fluid upon disconnection.
In most hydraulic systems, it is advanta~eous to provide these couplers at convenient locations for the rapid connection and disconnection of hydraulic lines.
Hydraulic couplers generally comprise a female connector on one hydraulic llne and a male connector on a line to be connected. The connection of this type of coupler is accomplished simply by moving one or both of the coupling halves along the axis of the line so that the male connector "plugs into" the female connector.
The "plug-in" type of hydraulic coupler is very convenient to use and is satisfactory for many coupling situations. However, the axial movement necessary to complete the coupling action in presently available hydraulic couplers prevents their use with hard-line plumbing where no axial movement can be achieved.
Hard-line connections may be required between two rigid hydraulic lines where flexible lines cannot be accommodated or between a fixed hydraulic component and a rigid hydraulic line. Thus, there exists a need for an hydraulic coupler which provides for rapid connection and disconnection of rigid hydraulic lines where no axial movement of the coupling halves can be achieved.
.. 1 STRAIGHT CONNECTING HYDRAULIC QUICK COUPLER
TFCHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to hydraulic line couplers and, in particular, to a quick connect/disconnect hydraulic coupler for connecting rigid hydraulic members where no axial movement of the coupling halves can be achieved.
~b 2 ~L~æ~ ?~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many different types of couplers have been used for connecting and disconnecting hydraulic lines and for preventing loss of hydraulic fluid upon disconnection.
In most hydraulic systems, it is advanta~eous to provide these couplers at convenient locations for the rapid connection and disconnection of hydraulic lines.
Hydraulic couplers generally comprise a female connector on one hydraulic llne and a male connector on a line to be connected. The connection of this type of coupler is accomplished simply by moving one or both of the coupling halves along the axis of the line so that the male connector "plugs into" the female connector.
The "plug-in" type of hydraulic coupler is very convenient to use and is satisfactory for many coupling situations. However, the axial movement necessary to complete the coupling action in presently available hydraulic couplers prevents their use with hard-line plumbing where no axial movement can be achieved.
Hard-line connections may be required between two rigid hydraulic lines where flexible lines cannot be accommodated or between a fixed hydraulic component and a rigid hydraulic line. Thus, there exists a need for an hydraulic coupler which provides for rapid connection and disconnection of rigid hydraulic lines where no axial movement of the coupling halves can be achieved.
3 ~32~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a quick connect/disconnect hydraulic coupler designed to achieve all of the advantages of prior couplers plus the additional adYantage of providing a quick connection between ri~id hydraulic members where no axial movement of the connectors can be achieved. In addition, the coupler of the present invention is designed to be compact and lightweight as compared to presently avallable hydraulic couplersO
The hydraulic coupler of the present invention comprises a male connector attached to one hydraulic line and a female connector attached to another hydraulic line. The male and female coupler halves each include an annular check valve which is spring- biased against a poppet seat to prevent loss of hydraulic fluid when the coupler halves are disconnected. The male connector includes an annular coupling nut placed around the male check valve. The coupling nut has inside threads adapted to engage corresponding threads on the outside circumference of the female connector.
When the coupling halves are disconnected, the check valves are spring-biased against their poppet seats to prevent loss of fluid through hydraulic ports in each coupling half. The hydraulic pressure in each hydraulic line is applied through the ports to cavities formed by the chec~ valves so as to apply additional pressure to force the chec~ valves against the poppet seats.
The two connectors of the hydraulic coupler must be aligned before they can be connected. Howe~er, aligning the connectors may be accomplished without axial movement of either o~ the coupling halves. When the connectors are aligned, the coupling nut can be moved 4 132~1! 9 axially and rotated to engage the threads on the female connector. As the coupling nut is tightened, the male check valve is forced against the female check valve to form a seal.
~s the coupling nut is tightened further, the nut forces both the male and female check valves off of their poppet seats to open the hydraulic ports and establish fluid flow through the hydraulic coupler.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic coupler comprising: a first connector having a first axis and a first annular check valve for closing a first fluid port; a second connector having a second axis and a second annular check valve for closing a second fluid port; said second annular check valve slidably disposed around said second connector for translation along said second axis; and an annular c~upling nut slidably disposed in a juxtaposed position around said second annular check valve for rotation about and translation along said second axis, said nut adapted, upon alignment of said axes, to engage said first connector without movement of said connectors along said axes, thereby urging said second annular check valve into contact with said first annular check valve to form a seal therebetween and to open said first and second fluid ports.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic coupler for quick connection and disconnection, comprising: a female connector having a first axis, a first poppet seat, a first fluid port, and a first annular check valve, said first annular check valve slidably disposed within said female connector for translation along said first axis; a first means for biasing said first annular check valve against said first poppet seat to close said first fluid port; a male connector having a second axis, a second poppet seat, a second fluid port, and a second annular check valve, said second annular check valve slidably disposed around said male connector for translation along said second axis and having a means for forming a seal with said first 4a ~ 3 2 0 5 ~ 9 annular check valve; a second means for biasing said second annular check valve against said second poppet seat to close said second fluid port; and an annular coupling nut slidably disposed in a juxtaposed posi.tion around said second annular check valve for rotation about and translation along said second axis, said coupling nut adapted to align said axes, to engage said female connector, and to urge said second annular check valve into contact with said first annular check valve to for.m said seal, unseat said first and second annular check valves, and open said first and second fluid ports.
, ., . 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
E~or a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Description of the Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying ~rawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the hydraulic coupler of the present invention showing the male and female connectors disconnected but aligned for connecting;
FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a fully connected hydraulic coupler of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the disconnected male and female connectors of the hydraulic coupler of the present invention;
FIGURE 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connected hydraulic coupler of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 is a longit~dinal cross-sectional view illustrating a possible leakage path during connection of the hydraulic coupler of the present invention; and FIGURE 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the hydraulic coupler of the present invention.
6 ~ 3 2 ~
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG~RES 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same components in the FIGURES, FIGURES 1 and 3 illustrate the disconnected male and female connectors of the present invention and FIGURES ~ and 4 illustrate the fully connected hydraulic coupler of the present invention.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 3, reference numeral 10 refers to the female connector and reference numeral 30 refers to the male connector of the present invention.
The female connector 10 includes a base 12 which can be attached to a hydraulic line so that hydraulic fluid can flow through a bore 28. Likewise, the male connector 30 includes a base 32 which may be connected to another hydraulic line so that fluid can flow through a bore 48.
A portion of the base 12 includes threads 14 around the outside circumference of the base 12. An annular check valve 16 is slidably disposed within the base 12. A
biasing means, such as a coil spring 18, urges the check valve 16 against a poppet seat 22 to prevent the loss of hydraulic fluid when the connectors 10 and 30 are disconnected. Hydraulic fluid from the bore 28 flows through ports 24 into a cavity 26 to provide pressure to further urge the check valve 16 against the seat Z2. An O-ring 20 provides a seal between the base 12 and the check valve 16 to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid.
The male connector 30 includes an annular check valve 36 disposed around the base 32. The check valve 36 is connected to a retaining ring 37. The O- ring seals 39 and 40 prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid. A
biasing means, such as a coil spring 38, urges the check valve 36 against a poppet seat 4~ to prevent the loss of hydraulic fluid from the bore 48. Hydraulic fluid from the bore 48 passes through ports 44 into a cavity 46 to 7 ~32~
provide pressure to further urge the check valve 36 against the seat ~2. ~n annular coupling nut 50 surrounds and contains the check valve 36 and the retaining ring 37, which are slidably disposed between the base 32 and the coupling nut 50. The coupling nut 50 includes threads 34 on a portion of its inside circumference. The threads 34 are adapted to engage the threads 14 of the female connector 10~
The hydraulic coupler of the present invention may be connected by aligning the female connector 10 with the male connector 30. The connectors 10 and 30 may be placed in physical contact with each other and aligned without the necessity for axial movement of either or both of the connectors 10 and 30.
The connectors 10 and 30 may be coupled together as shown in FIGURES 2 and 4. After the connectors 10 and 30 are in contact with each other and aligned, the coupling nut 50 can be moved axially toward the female connector 10 so that rotational movement of the coupling nut 50 engages the threads 34 with the threads 14. As the connectors 10 and 30 are being connected, the check valve 36 and the O-ring seal 3g are forced by the coupling nut 50 to unseat from the poppet seat 42 and to extend over the check valve 16 of the female connector 10. The 0-ring 39 provides a seal between the check valve 16 and the check valve 36 to prevent the loss of fluid from the bore 48 and the ports 44. As the coupling nut 50 is tightened on the threads 14, the check valve 36 is urged against a flange 17 on the outer surface of the check valve 16, thereby forcing the check valve 16 to unseat from the poppet seat 22. When the connectors 10 and 30 are fully coupled, the check valves 16 and 36 are unseated and fluid communication is established between the bores 28 and 48 through the ~L 3 ~
ports 24 and 44 and a channel 54 created by the coupling of the connectors 10 and 30.
The hydraulic coupler of the present invention may be disconnected simply by unthreading the coupling nut 50 in a reverse of the connecting procedure set forth above. The biasing springs 18 and 38 urge the check valves 16 and 36 back against their seats 22 and ~2, respectively, to prevent loss of fluid when the hydraulic coupler is disconnected.
In the embodiment described in conjunction with FIGURES 3 and 4, it is possible for hydraulic fluid to escape during coupling when the bore ~8 of the male connector 30 is pressurized and the bore 28 of the female connector 10 is unpressurized or at a relatively low pressure. In this situation, as illustrated in FIGURE 5, it is possible during coupling for the higher pressure from the bore 48 to unseat the check valve 16 when the O-ring 39 just begins to seal against the check valve 16. If the check valve 16 is unseated from the poppet seat 22 by the higher pressure from the bore 48, the O-ring 39 can become unsealed from the check valve 16. This unsealed condition could allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to escape from the coupler through the leakage path 23.
In the modified coupler shown in FIGURE 6, the check valve 116 includes at least one channel 115 providing fluid communication between the chamber 126 and the channel 154. During coupling of the modified coupler illustrated in FIGURE 6, the coupling nut 150 forces the check valve 136 to extend over the check valve 116. If the higher pressure from the bore 158 unseats the check valve 116, pressurized fluid in the bore 148 passes through the port 144, through the channel 154, through the channe~ 115, and into the 9 132~19 chamber 126. The additional fluid pressure in the chamber 126 causes the check valve 116 to reseat on the poppet seat 122, thereby allowing the O-ring 139 to maintain the seal against the check valve 116 and prevent any loss of hydraulic fluid during coupling.
The remaining details of the coupling sequence of the modified coupler shown in FIGURE 6 are substantially the same as those described above in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIGURES 3 and 4.
Although the quick connect/disconnect hydraulic coupler of the present invention has been dascribed with respect to specific embodiments thereof, various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a quick connect/disconnect hydraulic coupler designed to achieve all of the advantages of prior couplers plus the additional adYantage of providing a quick connection between ri~id hydraulic members where no axial movement of the connectors can be achieved. In addition, the coupler of the present invention is designed to be compact and lightweight as compared to presently avallable hydraulic couplersO
The hydraulic coupler of the present invention comprises a male connector attached to one hydraulic line and a female connector attached to another hydraulic line. The male and female coupler halves each include an annular check valve which is spring- biased against a poppet seat to prevent loss of hydraulic fluid when the coupler halves are disconnected. The male connector includes an annular coupling nut placed around the male check valve. The coupling nut has inside threads adapted to engage corresponding threads on the outside circumference of the female connector.
When the coupling halves are disconnected, the check valves are spring-biased against their poppet seats to prevent loss of fluid through hydraulic ports in each coupling half. The hydraulic pressure in each hydraulic line is applied through the ports to cavities formed by the chec~ valves so as to apply additional pressure to force the chec~ valves against the poppet seats.
The two connectors of the hydraulic coupler must be aligned before they can be connected. Howe~er, aligning the connectors may be accomplished without axial movement of either o~ the coupling halves. When the connectors are aligned, the coupling nut can be moved 4 132~1! 9 axially and rotated to engage the threads on the female connector. As the coupling nut is tightened, the male check valve is forced against the female check valve to form a seal.
~s the coupling nut is tightened further, the nut forces both the male and female check valves off of their poppet seats to open the hydraulic ports and establish fluid flow through the hydraulic coupler.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic coupler comprising: a first connector having a first axis and a first annular check valve for closing a first fluid port; a second connector having a second axis and a second annular check valve for closing a second fluid port; said second annular check valve slidably disposed around said second connector for translation along said second axis; and an annular c~upling nut slidably disposed in a juxtaposed position around said second annular check valve for rotation about and translation along said second axis, said nut adapted, upon alignment of said axes, to engage said first connector without movement of said connectors along said axes, thereby urging said second annular check valve into contact with said first annular check valve to form a seal therebetween and to open said first and second fluid ports.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic coupler for quick connection and disconnection, comprising: a female connector having a first axis, a first poppet seat, a first fluid port, and a first annular check valve, said first annular check valve slidably disposed within said female connector for translation along said first axis; a first means for biasing said first annular check valve against said first poppet seat to close said first fluid port; a male connector having a second axis, a second poppet seat, a second fluid port, and a second annular check valve, said second annular check valve slidably disposed around said male connector for translation along said second axis and having a means for forming a seal with said first 4a ~ 3 2 0 5 ~ 9 annular check valve; a second means for biasing said second annular check valve against said second poppet seat to close said second fluid port; and an annular coupling nut slidably disposed in a juxtaposed posi.tion around said second annular check valve for rotation about and translation along said second axis, said coupling nut adapted to align said axes, to engage said female connector, and to urge said second annular check valve into contact with said first annular check valve to for.m said seal, unseat said first and second annular check valves, and open said first and second fluid ports.
, ., . 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
E~or a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Description of the Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying ~rawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the hydraulic coupler of the present invention showing the male and female connectors disconnected but aligned for connecting;
FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a fully connected hydraulic coupler of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the disconnected male and female connectors of the hydraulic coupler of the present invention;
FIGURE 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connected hydraulic coupler of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 is a longit~dinal cross-sectional view illustrating a possible leakage path during connection of the hydraulic coupler of the present invention; and FIGURE 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the hydraulic coupler of the present invention.
6 ~ 3 2 ~
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG~RES 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same components in the FIGURES, FIGURES 1 and 3 illustrate the disconnected male and female connectors of the present invention and FIGURES ~ and 4 illustrate the fully connected hydraulic coupler of the present invention.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 3, reference numeral 10 refers to the female connector and reference numeral 30 refers to the male connector of the present invention.
The female connector 10 includes a base 12 which can be attached to a hydraulic line so that hydraulic fluid can flow through a bore 28. Likewise, the male connector 30 includes a base 32 which may be connected to another hydraulic line so that fluid can flow through a bore 48.
A portion of the base 12 includes threads 14 around the outside circumference of the base 12. An annular check valve 16 is slidably disposed within the base 12. A
biasing means, such as a coil spring 18, urges the check valve 16 against a poppet seat 22 to prevent the loss of hydraulic fluid when the connectors 10 and 30 are disconnected. Hydraulic fluid from the bore 28 flows through ports 24 into a cavity 26 to provide pressure to further urge the check valve 16 against the seat Z2. An O-ring 20 provides a seal between the base 12 and the check valve 16 to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid.
The male connector 30 includes an annular check valve 36 disposed around the base 32. The check valve 36 is connected to a retaining ring 37. The O- ring seals 39 and 40 prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid. A
biasing means, such as a coil spring 38, urges the check valve 36 against a poppet seat 4~ to prevent the loss of hydraulic fluid from the bore 48. Hydraulic fluid from the bore 48 passes through ports 44 into a cavity 46 to 7 ~32~
provide pressure to further urge the check valve 36 against the seat ~2. ~n annular coupling nut 50 surrounds and contains the check valve 36 and the retaining ring 37, which are slidably disposed between the base 32 and the coupling nut 50. The coupling nut 50 includes threads 34 on a portion of its inside circumference. The threads 34 are adapted to engage the threads 14 of the female connector 10~
The hydraulic coupler of the present invention may be connected by aligning the female connector 10 with the male connector 30. The connectors 10 and 30 may be placed in physical contact with each other and aligned without the necessity for axial movement of either or both of the connectors 10 and 30.
The connectors 10 and 30 may be coupled together as shown in FIGURES 2 and 4. After the connectors 10 and 30 are in contact with each other and aligned, the coupling nut 50 can be moved axially toward the female connector 10 so that rotational movement of the coupling nut 50 engages the threads 34 with the threads 14. As the connectors 10 and 30 are being connected, the check valve 36 and the O-ring seal 3g are forced by the coupling nut 50 to unseat from the poppet seat 42 and to extend over the check valve 16 of the female connector 10. The 0-ring 39 provides a seal between the check valve 16 and the check valve 36 to prevent the loss of fluid from the bore 48 and the ports 44. As the coupling nut 50 is tightened on the threads 14, the check valve 36 is urged against a flange 17 on the outer surface of the check valve 16, thereby forcing the check valve 16 to unseat from the poppet seat 22. When the connectors 10 and 30 are fully coupled, the check valves 16 and 36 are unseated and fluid communication is established between the bores 28 and 48 through the ~L 3 ~
ports 24 and 44 and a channel 54 created by the coupling of the connectors 10 and 30.
The hydraulic coupler of the present invention may be disconnected simply by unthreading the coupling nut 50 in a reverse of the connecting procedure set forth above. The biasing springs 18 and 38 urge the check valves 16 and 36 back against their seats 22 and ~2, respectively, to prevent loss of fluid when the hydraulic coupler is disconnected.
In the embodiment described in conjunction with FIGURES 3 and 4, it is possible for hydraulic fluid to escape during coupling when the bore ~8 of the male connector 30 is pressurized and the bore 28 of the female connector 10 is unpressurized or at a relatively low pressure. In this situation, as illustrated in FIGURE 5, it is possible during coupling for the higher pressure from the bore 48 to unseat the check valve 16 when the O-ring 39 just begins to seal against the check valve 16. If the check valve 16 is unseated from the poppet seat 22 by the higher pressure from the bore 48, the O-ring 39 can become unsealed from the check valve 16. This unsealed condition could allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to escape from the coupler through the leakage path 23.
In the modified coupler shown in FIGURE 6, the check valve 116 includes at least one channel 115 providing fluid communication between the chamber 126 and the channel 154. During coupling of the modified coupler illustrated in FIGURE 6, the coupling nut 150 forces the check valve 136 to extend over the check valve 116. If the higher pressure from the bore 158 unseats the check valve 116, pressurized fluid in the bore 148 passes through the port 144, through the channel 154, through the channe~ 115, and into the 9 132~19 chamber 126. The additional fluid pressure in the chamber 126 causes the check valve 116 to reseat on the poppet seat 122, thereby allowing the O-ring 139 to maintain the seal against the check valve 116 and prevent any loss of hydraulic fluid during coupling.
The remaining details of the coupling sequence of the modified coupler shown in FIGURE 6 are substantially the same as those described above in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIGURES 3 and 4.
Although the quick connect/disconnect hydraulic coupler of the present invention has been dascribed with respect to specific embodiments thereof, various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (5)
1. A hydraulic coupler comprising:
a first connector having a first axis and a first annular check valve for closing a first fluid port;
a second connector having a second axis and a second annular check valve for closing a second fluid port, said second annular check valve slidably disposed around said second connector for translation along said second axis;
and an annular coupling nut slidably disposed in a juxtaposed position around said second annular check valve for rotation about and translation along said second axis, said nut adapted, upon alignment of said axes, to engage said first connector without movement of said connectors along said axes, thereby urging said second annular check valve into contact with said first annular check valve to form a seal therebetween and to open said first and second fluid ports.
a first connector having a first axis and a first annular check valve for closing a first fluid port;
a second connector having a second axis and a second annular check valve for closing a second fluid port, said second annular check valve slidably disposed around said second connector for translation along said second axis;
and an annular coupling nut slidably disposed in a juxtaposed position around said second annular check valve for rotation about and translation along said second axis, said nut adapted, upon alignment of said axes, to engage said first connector without movement of said connectors along said axes, thereby urging said second annular check valve into contact with said first annular check valve to form a seal therebetween and to open said first and second fluid ports.
2. The hydraulic coupler of claim 1, further comprising:
a first valve seat disposed in said first connector;
a first means for biasing said first check valve against said first valve seat for closing said first fluid port;
a second valve seat, disposed in said first fluid port;
a second valve seat disposed in said second connector;
and a second means for biasing said second check valve against said second seat for closing said second fluid port.
a first valve seat disposed in said first connector;
a first means for biasing said first check valve against said first valve seat for closing said first fluid port;
a second valve seat, disposed in said first fluid port;
a second valve seat disposed in said second connector;
and a second means for biasing said second check valve against said second seat for closing said second fluid port.
3. The hydraulic coupler of claim 1, wherein:
said first connector has a circumference with outside threads thereon; and said annular coupling nut has an inside circumference with threads thereon adapted to engage said outside threads of said first connector.
said first connector has a circumference with outside threads thereon; and said annular coupling nut has an inside circumference with threads thereon adapted to engage said outside threads of said first connector.
4. A hydraulic coupler for quick connection and disconnection, comprising:
a female connector having a first axis, a first poppet seat, a first fluid port, and a first annular check valve, said first annular check valve slidably disposed within said female connector for translation along said first axis;
a first means for biasing said first annular check valve against said first poppet seat to close said first fluid port;
a male connector having a second axis, a second poppet seat, a second fluid port, and a second annular check valve, said second annular check valve slidably disposed around said male connector for translation along said second axis and having a means for forming a seal with said first annular check valve;
a second means for biasing said second annular check valve against said second poppet seat to close said second fluid port; and an annular coupling nut slidably disposed in a juxtaposed position around said second annular check valve for rotation about and translation along said second axis, said coupling nut adapted to align said axes, to engage said female connector, and to urge said second annular check valve into contact with said first annular check valve to form said seal, unseat said first and second annular check valves, and open said first and second fluid ports.
a female connector having a first axis, a first poppet seat, a first fluid port, and a first annular check valve, said first annular check valve slidably disposed within said female connector for translation along said first axis;
a first means for biasing said first annular check valve against said first poppet seat to close said first fluid port;
a male connector having a second axis, a second poppet seat, a second fluid port, and a second annular check valve, said second annular check valve slidably disposed around said male connector for translation along said second axis and having a means for forming a seal with said first annular check valve;
a second means for biasing said second annular check valve against said second poppet seat to close said second fluid port; and an annular coupling nut slidably disposed in a juxtaposed position around said second annular check valve for rotation about and translation along said second axis, said coupling nut adapted to align said axes, to engage said female connector, and to urge said second annular check valve into contact with said first annular check valve to form said seal, unseat said first and second annular check valves, and open said first and second fluid ports.
5. The hydraulic coupler of claim 4, wherein said coupling nut is further adapted to align said axes and engage said female connector without movement of said male and female connectors along said axes.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US049,395 | 1987-04-29 | ||
| PCT/US1987/000935 WO1988008499A1 (en) | 1987-04-29 | 1987-04-29 | Straight connecting hydraulic quick coupler |
| USPCT/US87/00935 | 1987-04-29 | ||
| US07/049,395 US4819692A (en) | 1987-04-29 | 1987-04-29 | Straight connecting hydraulic quick coupler |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1320519C true CA1320519C (en) | 1993-07-20 |
Family
ID=22202363
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000565137A Expired - Fee Related CA1320519C (en) | 1987-04-29 | 1988-04-26 | Straight connecting hydraulic quick coupler |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4819692A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0312529A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0762514B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR960007440B1 (en) |
| AR (1) | AR241328A1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8707734A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1320519C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1988008499A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (24)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE456272B (en) * | 1987-01-13 | 1988-09-19 | Ekman K R | CONNECTION DEVICE |
| IT1255351B (en) * | 1992-07-22 | 1995-10-31 | Giovanni Stucchi | FITTING FOR QUICK COUPLING PIPES |
| DE4339676A1 (en) * | 1993-11-22 | 1995-05-24 | Messer Griesheim Gmbh | Coupling for cryogenic liquefied media |
| US6019349A (en) * | 1998-11-10 | 2000-02-01 | Watts Investment Company | Ball valve assemblies |
| HK1077154A2 (en) | 2003-12-30 | 2006-02-03 | Icu Medical, Inc. | Valve assembly |
| US7998134B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2011-08-16 | Icu Medical, Inc. | Medical connector |
| US20070088294A1 (en) | 2005-07-06 | 2007-04-19 | Fangrow Thomas F Jr | Medical connector with closeable male luer |
| WO2008071012A1 (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2008-06-19 | Oscar Meier Ag | Quick connect coupling for connecting hydraulic lines, especially in earth moving machines and the interchangeable add-on devices and tools thereof |
| DE102007025787A1 (en) * | 2007-05-24 | 2008-11-27 | Faster S.P.A. | Pipe coupling, method for pipe coupling, and for self-cleaning of coupling halves during pipe coupling |
| US20100013214A1 (en) * | 2008-07-18 | 2010-01-21 | Clark Equipment Company | Integral 90 Degree Fitting Hydraulic Quick Coupler and Attachments and Work Machines Employing the Same |
| US9168366B2 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2015-10-27 | Icu Medical, Inc. | Medical connector with closeable luer connector |
| US8113287B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2012-02-14 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Self sealing hydraulic coupler |
| WO2013036854A1 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2013-03-14 | Icu Medical, Inc. | Medical connectors with fluid-resistant mating interfaces |
| US9383046B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-07-05 | Uniweld Products, Inc. | High pressure fitting |
| US9878144B2 (en) | 2014-10-14 | 2018-01-30 | Wilmarc Holdings, Llc | Connector system |
| US10619786B2 (en) | 2015-04-24 | 2020-04-14 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Fireproof quick disconnect coupling assembly |
| US10173046B2 (en) | 2016-01-19 | 2019-01-08 | Wilmarc Holdings, Llc | Connector system for releasably connecting fluid conduits |
| US10350401B2 (en) | 2017-03-08 | 2019-07-16 | Wilmarc Holdings, Llc | Catch assembly for releasably connecting fluid conduits |
| US11529154B2 (en) | 2018-08-08 | 2022-12-20 | Wilmarc Holdings, Llc | Stool management system |
| US11480273B2 (en) | 2018-08-09 | 2022-10-25 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Fluid coupling |
| US11454090B2 (en) * | 2019-02-04 | 2022-09-27 | Odessa Separator, Inc. | Chemical treatment well tool assembly pressure containment |
| CN110500463B (en) * | 2019-07-17 | 2021-08-20 | 华为技术有限公司 | A joint, cooling system and computer device |
| AU2024263735B2 (en) | 2023-04-25 | 2025-12-18 | Wilmarc Holdings, Llc | Genderless aseptic connector |
| USD1105422S1 (en) | 2024-02-09 | 2025-12-09 | Icu Medical, Inc. | Medical connector cover |
Family Cites Families (23)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US23586A (en) * | 1859-04-12 | Moktisiug-machine | ||
| USRE23586E (en) | 1952-11-18 | Mechanical connecting means | ||
| US1626729A (en) * | 1920-06-23 | 1927-05-03 | Jr Alexander H Handlan | Hose coupling |
| US2254997A (en) * | 1938-12-10 | 1941-09-02 | Avery Equipment Ltd | Pipe coupling |
| US2304390A (en) * | 1940-11-14 | 1942-12-08 | Arthur L Parker | Coupling |
| US2505093A (en) * | 1944-06-12 | 1950-04-25 | Aeroquip Corp | Pipe coupling |
| US2451441A (en) * | 1945-03-28 | 1948-10-12 | Aeroquip Corp | Self-sealing coupling |
| US2491406A (en) * | 1945-12-06 | 1949-12-13 | Aeroquip Corp | Coupling |
| US2436206A (en) * | 1945-12-06 | 1948-02-17 | Aeroquip Corp | Self-sealing coupling |
| US2451218A (en) * | 1946-07-13 | 1948-10-12 | Bendix Aviat Corp | Quick disconnect coupling |
| US2489919A (en) * | 1947-06-18 | 1949-11-29 | Aeroquip Corp | Mechanical connecting means |
| US2731058A (en) * | 1950-02-17 | 1956-01-17 | Aeroquip Corp | Locking pawl |
| US2709093A (en) * | 1951-12-10 | 1955-05-24 | Aeroquip Corp | Quick disconnect pipe coupling |
| US2898963A (en) * | 1953-09-17 | 1959-08-11 | Weatherhead Co | Nut locking mechanism with threaded pawl manipulating sleeve |
| US2828978A (en) * | 1954-03-25 | 1958-04-01 | Paul D Wurzburger | Locking ring structure for pipe couplings |
| US2934359A (en) * | 1957-01-31 | 1960-04-26 | Aeroquip Corp | Locking structure for self-sealing coupling |
| US3079178A (en) * | 1959-04-13 | 1963-02-26 | Airaterra | Flush coupling assemblies |
| US3205911A (en) * | 1961-08-11 | 1965-09-14 | Aeroquip Corp | Fluid coupling with improved sealing means |
| US3285283A (en) * | 1964-02-10 | 1966-11-15 | John H Calvin | Quick disconnect couplings |
| US3359015A (en) * | 1965-06-14 | 1967-12-19 | Crawford Fitting Co | Quick connect tube coupling |
| US3706318A (en) * | 1971-03-02 | 1972-12-19 | Fairchild Industries | Fluid coupling |
| US4269389A (en) * | 1978-03-08 | 1981-05-26 | Ekman Engineering Ag | Coupling device |
| US4543993A (en) * | 1983-04-04 | 1985-10-01 | Calvin John H | Positive locking connector |
-
1987
- 1987-04-29 JP JP62502792A patent/JPH0762514B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-04-29 WO PCT/US1987/000935 patent/WO1988008499A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1987-04-29 BR BR8707734A patent/BR8707734A/en unknown
- 1987-04-29 US US07/049,395 patent/US4819692A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-04-29 EP EP19870903164 patent/EP0312529A4/en not_active Ceased
-
1988
- 1988-04-26 CA CA000565137A patent/CA1320519C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-04-29 AR AR88310723A patent/AR241328A1/en active
- 1988-04-29 KR KR1019880004879A patent/KR960007440B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0312529A1 (en) | 1989-04-26 |
| WO1988008499A1 (en) | 1988-11-03 |
| KR880012938A (en) | 1988-11-29 |
| JPH0762514B2 (en) | 1995-07-05 |
| KR960007440B1 (en) | 1996-05-31 |
| US4819692A (en) | 1989-04-11 |
| EP0312529A4 (en) | 1989-08-30 |
| BR8707734A (en) | 1989-10-03 |
| AR241328A1 (en) | 1992-05-29 |
| JPH01503476A (en) | 1989-11-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |