GB1341667A - Releasable connector - Google Patents

Abstract

1341667 Clamps AMPICO CORP 6 June 1972 26334/72 Headings E2A and E2B A releasable connector comprises two portions 24, 26 connectable by latch elements 106 engageable in a groove 42 in the portion 24 the latch elements being connected together by a spring 108 and engaging in a recess between parts 60, 72 of the portion 26, the part 72 being movable towards the fixed part 60 to displace the latch elements outwardly to engage in the groove 42. The portion 26 comprises a cylinder 46 with side flanges for attachment to a support and an internal collar 48 into which is screwed a sleeve 54 having slots for the slidable pin connection of the part 72 to a piston rod 68 whereby fluid pressure applied through an opening 80 in the cylinder moves the part 72 against the pressure of a spring 78 away from the part 60 which is screwed to the sleeve 54. The parts are maintained apart by balls 118 in bores in the sleeve and of greater diameter than the bores whereby when the connector is released, Fig. 3, the balls abut one end of the part 72 and prevent its sliding towards the part 60. The balls are urged outwardly by a enlarged portion 128 of a plunger 120 within the sleeve and projecting therefrom urged by a spring 122. When the portion 24 descends onto the portion 26, a base 34 of the portion depresses the plunger 120, removing an enlarged head 128 from between the balls 118 allowing them to move inwardly as the part 72 rises under the force of the spring 78. The parts 60 and 72 are thus brought together and their curved surfaces force the latch elements 106 outwardly and into the groove 42 holding the portions 24, 26 together. The portions are released by applying fluid pressure above the piston 66 through the opening 80 to lower the part 72 to allow the latch elements to disengage the groove 42. Air may be applied through a bottom opening 94 to relieve any fluid pressure when the portions are fastened together. The latch elements may be spherical or barrel shaped. The plunger 120 is replaced by a pivoted lever 120' in a modification shown in Fig. 8, one end of the lever is spring urged to abut one end of the part 72 to hold it depressed, until the base 34 contacts the other end of the lever and pivots it to disengage the part 72. The portions 24 and 26 may be fixed to the chassis and tiltable cab of a vehicle whereby the portions are disconnected when jacks tilting the cab are operated by connecting the portions 26 in the fluid supply circuit for the jacks.