JP2010504489A - Male coupling to connect to female coupling with screw - Google Patents

Abstract

  A male coupling is provided that is coupled to and separable from a threaded female coupling. The threaded female coupling is sized to receive at least a portion of the sealing surface and the male coupling and includes a receiving portion having an internal threaded portion on itself. The male coupling includes a body having a passage extending therethrough and a locking member that moves between a locking position and a release position and is disposed about the body. The locking member has a holding structure that engages with the inner threaded portion of the female coupling with screw when in the locking position. The male coupling includes an axially moving sleeve disposed about the body and an annular seal disposed about the sleeve. When the locking member is in the locking position after insertion of the male coupling into the threaded female coupling, the locking member holding structure is engaged with one or more locations of the inner threaded portion of the threaded female coupling. Match. As the sleeve moves toward the threaded female coupling, the annular seal is compressed against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling.

Description

  The present invention relates to fluid couplings and, more particularly, to fluid couplings configured to connect to threaded female couplings.

  This application claims priority based on US provisional application number 60 / 826,701 filed on September 22, 2006 and US provisional application number 60 / 912,052 filed on April 16, 2007. The contents disclosed therein are incorporated herein by reference.

  Coupling assemblies are known for carrying a gas or liquid, both of which are firmly engaged together by moving the male coupling axially to the female coupling. In typical applications, male and female couplings act as adapters between flexible conduits such as hoses and devices such as pumps. Several methods are commonly used to connect a male coupling to a flexible conduit such as a barbed horse. On the other hand, a female coupling is typically connected to a standard threaded female port in the device.

  Coupling assembly manufacturers have attempted to reduce complexity and cost by incorporating the female coupling directly into the customer's equipment (this is known as “direct porting”). It was. As a result, the need for a standard, threaded female port has been eliminated. In many cases, however, the customer is not interested in incorporating the coupling manufacturer's special female coupling directly into the device. This is because it may be difficult to return to the standard threaded female port again. Further, the customer is not interested in integrating a particular manufacturer's female coupling directly into the device. In doing so, it is because the customer may have to purchase all replacement hoses from the coupling manufacturer. There is a constant effort to improve the current design of the coupling assembly. In particular, not only designing couplings that are compatible with standard fittings (eg, standard threaded female ports), but also efforts to reduce the complexity and cost of the coupling assembly is needed.

  In one embodiment, a male coupling is provided that is connected to and is separable from a threaded female coupling (eg, a threaded female port). The threaded female coupling includes a sealing surface and a receiving portion dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the male coupling. This housing has an inner threaded portion therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passage extending through itself and a locking member (eg, for a ratchet or non-ratchet) disposed about the body, wherein the locking position And configured to move between the release positions. The retaining member is configured to engage with the inner threaded portion of the threaded female coupling when the retaining member is in the retaining position (for example, a partially threaded structure). including. The male coupling further includes a sleeve moveable on an axis disposed about the body and an annular seal disposed about the sleeve. After the male coupling is inserted into the threaded female coupling, the retaining structure of the locking member is one or more of the inner threads in the threaded female coupling when the locking member is in the locked position. Engage. As the sleeve moves toward the threaded female coupling, the annular seal is compressed against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling.

  In other embodiments, a male coupling is provided that is connectable to and separable from a threaded female coupling (eg, a threaded female port). The threaded female coupling includes a sealing surface and a receiving portion dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the male coupling. This housing has an inner threaded portion therein. Here, the female coupling is a ratchet that is configured to move between a locking position and a releasing position, and to be disposed around the body, with a body having a passage extending through the female coupling. Includes a locking member (eg, an integrated locking member having a number of segments or elastic fingers). The ratchet locking member has a holding structure (for example, a partially threaded structure). This holding structure is configured to engage with the inner threaded portion of the female coupling with screw when the locking member is in the locking position. The male coupling also includes a movable sleeve disposed about the body and an annular seal disposed about the sleeve. When the male coupling is inserted into the threaded female coupling, the ratchet locking member retaining structure gradually engages the inner threaded portion of the threaded female coupling. As the sleeve moves axially toward the threaded female coupling, the annular seal is compressed against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling.

  In other embodiments, a male coupling is provided that is connected to and separable from a threaded female coupling (eg, a threaded female port). The threaded female coupling includes a sealing surface and a receiving portion dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the male coupling. This housing has an inner threaded portion therein. The male coupling includes a body having an outer threaded portion and a passage extending through itself, and a ratchet locking member is disposed about the body and unlocked from the locking position. It has many elastic fingers configured to move between positions. Each elastic finger has a holding structure (for example, a threaded structure). The holding structure is configured to engage the inner threaded portion of the female coupling with screw when the elastic finger-like portion is in each locking position. The male coupling further includes a nut. The nut includes an inner threaded portion that is threadedly engaged with the outer threaded portion of the main body, and an annular seal disposed around the nut. As the male coupling is inserted into the threaded female coupling, each elastic finger-like retaining structure gradually engages the inner threaded portion within the threaded female coupling. As the nut rotates, the male coupling is pulled closer to the threaded female coupling, thereby compressing the annular seal against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling.

  In other embodiments, a male coupling is provided that is connectable to and separable from a threaded female coupling (eg, a threaded female port). The threaded female coupling includes a sealing surface and a receiving portion dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the male coupling. This accommodating portion has an inner threaded portion therein. The male coupling includes a body and a ratchet locking member (eg, an integrated locking member having a number of segments or elastic fingers). The ratchet locking member is arranged around the main body and is configured to move between a locking position and a release position. The ratchet locking member has a holding structure (for example, a partially threaded structure) and is configured to engage with an inner threaded portion of a female coupling with a screw. The male coupling also includes a sleeve disposed about the body and engaging the ratchet locking member. As a result, rotation of the sleeve causes rotation of the ratchet locking member. When the male coupling is inserted into the threaded female coupling, the ratchet locking member retention structure gradually engages the inner threaded portion in the threaded female coupling. When the sleeve is rotated, the ratchet locking member rotates with respect to the main body. This pulls the male coupling toward the female coupling with screw.

  A method is provided for sealingly coupling a male coupling to a threaded female coupling (eg, a threaded female port). The threaded female coupling has a sealing surface and a receiving portion, the receiving portion being sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling. Here, the accommodating portion has an inner threaded portion therein. The method includes a body having a passage extending therethrough and an inner threaded portion of a threaded female coupling disposed around the body and the locking member in the locked position. Providing a locking member having a retaining structure configured to engage the body, a sleeve disposed about the body, and an annular seal disposed about the sleeve; Inserting the male coupling into the threaded female coupling until the retaining structure engages the inner thread in the threaded female coupling; moving the sleeve toward the threaded female coupling; And compressing the annular seal against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling.

1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a male coupling 10 for connection to a threaded female coupling. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the male coupling 10 relative to the threaded female coupling 12 in a non-coupling position and a coupling position. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the male coupling 10 relative to the threaded female coupling 12 in a non-coupling position and a coupling position. A detailed view of a portion of the male coupling 10 is shown. A top view and a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a body 22 used in the male coupling 10 are shown. FIG. 2 shows a plan view, a cross-sectional view and an end view of one embodiment of a nut 42 used in the male coupling 10. A top view, a cross-sectional view, and a detailed view of one embodiment of a locking member segment 55 used in the male coupling 10 are shown. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a male coupling 300 configured to be connected to a threaded female coupling. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a male coupling 300 configured to be connected to a threaded female coupling. Sectional drawing of the male coupling 10 in the position where it couples with respect to the female coupling 12 with a screw is shown. FIG. 4 shows a top view of one embodiment of a body 310 used in the male coupling 300. A top view, a detailed view and an end view of one embodiment of a locking member 346 used in the male coupling 300 are shown. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a nut 366 used in the male coupling 300. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a male coupling 500 configured to connect to a threaded female coupling. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a male coupling 500 configured to connect to a threaded female coupling. A top view and a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a body 510 used in the male coupling 500 are shown. A perspective view and a detailed view of one embodiment of a locking member 538 used in the male coupling 500 are shown. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a sleeve 556 used in the male coupling 500. As a matter of course, the boundary between the elements in the drawing represents just one example of the boundary. One skilled in the art will appreciate that an element can be designed as a plurality of elements, or a plurality of elements can be designed as a single element. Elements shown as inner features can also function as outer features and vice versa. Further, in the following drawings and description, components are shown through the drawings and description using the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawings are not to scale and element proportions are exaggerated for convenience of illustration.

  Several word usages are used in the following description for convenience of reference only, but are not limited to these usages. For each element of the coupling assembly, the phrases “forward” and “backward” refer to the coupling direction and the direction away from the coupling direction, respectively. The phrases “to the right” and “to the left” refer to directions in the drawing, and the usage of the phrases is applied in relation thereto. The phrases “inward” and “outward” refer to the direction of the geometric centerline or longitudinal axis of the coupling assembly and away from them. The phrases “upward” and “downward” refer to directions in the drawing, to which the phrase usage is applied. All of the above phrases typically include derived phrases and equivalent phrases.

  In each of FIGS. 1A and 1B, one embodiment of a male coupling 10 that is connectable (separable, coupled, coupled) and separable to a threaded female coupling 12 is illustrated. At the same time, the male coupling 10 and the female coupling 12 operate as a coupling assembly that is connected by pushing (push-to-connect type). This will be discussed in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 1B, the male coupling 10 and the female coupling 12 are in a disconnected position. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded female coupling 12 is a threaded female port, for example, a standard threaded female port. In one embodiment, the standard threaded female port is a SAE O-ring boss port. In an alternative embodiment, the standard threaded female port is an ISO, DIN or BSPP O-ring port.

  FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view of the male coupling 10 and the threaded female coupling 12 in the connected position. In the connected position, the male coupling 10 and the threaded female coupling 12 function as a coupling assembly for carrying fluid through itself. Both male coupling 10 and threaded female coupling 12 are adapted to share the same central longitudinal axis A when they are in the connected position as shown in FIG. 1C. . In one embodiment, male coupling 10 and / or threaded female coupling 12 are made of stainless steel. In still other embodiments, male coupling 10 and / or threaded female coupling 12 are made of other materials such as carbon steel, bronze, aluminum, plastic.

  Referring back to FIG. 1B, the threaded female coupling 12 includes a receiving end 14 and a not-shown long distance portion having a remote end (not shown). Extending through the female coupling 12 is a passage 16 that allows fluid to flow through itself between the receiving end 14 and a far distance (not shown). In one embodiment, the remote portion of the threaded female coupling 12 includes an outer thread for mounting on an inner thread of a separate component (not shown) or a threaded female port. Are integrated into a device such as a pump or manifold. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the threaded female coupling 12 includes other suitable connection means for mounting to a separate part (not shown).

  The female coupling 12 with a screw further includes a chamfered processing surface (a C-processed surface or a surface with a gentle surface) 18 extending rearward and inwardly from the receiving end 14. Then, one set of the inner threaded portions 20 extends rearward from the chamfered processed surface 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamfered working surface 18 functions as a sealing surface to accommodate the annular seal. This will be described later in more detail. In another embodiment, the receiving end 14 of the threaded female coupling 12 functions as a sealing surface for receiving the annular seal.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the inner threaded portion 20 has a trapezoidal profile when viewed in cross section, and includes seven threaded portions (threads) 20a to 20g. In another embodiment (not shown), the inner threaded portion 20 takes the form of another profile (eg, triangle, square, rectangular) when viewed in cross section and includes a number of threaded portions (threaded portions). . In yet another embodiment (not shown), the threaded female coupling 12 does not include a machined surface 18.

  In the illustrated embodiment above, the male coupling 10 includes a body 22. As shown in FIG. 2A, the body 22 includes a collar 24. The collar portion 24 separates the leading portion having the leading end portion 26 and the trailing portion having the trailing end portion 28. The passage 30 that allows fluid to flow through the passage extends through the male coupling 10 from the distal end 26 to the rear end 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear portion of the male coupling 10 includes a hose nipple for receiving a hose. In other embodiments (not shown), the tail includes an outer thread for attachment to other threaded couplings. Collar 24 includes a flat portion for engagement by a wrench if the tail (not shown) includes an outer threaded portion.

  With continued reference to FIG. 2A, the leading portion of the body 22 is separated from the first outer surface 30 by a first outer cylindrical surface 31 extending forward from the collar 24 and a shoulder 33. A tapered surface 32. The tapered surface 32 tapers toward the distal end 26 of the body 22 and is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle B is about 2 °. In another embodiment (not shown), the angle B is between 0 ° and about 90 °. The surface 32 includes a stepped (stepped) shape instead of the tapered shape. Alternatively, the surface 32 may include a step portion instead of a tapered portion.

  A retaining structure 34 extending radially and outward from itself is in front of the tapered surface 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining structure 34. An inclined portion 35 extending outward and rearward from the tip portion 26 of the main body 22 is included. A second outer and cylindrical surface 36 that conforms to the shoulder 37 extends from the ramp 35. Shoulder 37 bends inward toward tapered surface 32.

  Referring back to FIG. 1D, male coupling 10 further includes an annular support element, such as a separate, elastically expandable retaining ring 38. The annular support element is disposed around the tapered surface 32 and engages the shoulder 37. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining ring 38 has a circular cross section and a larger outer diameter than the second outer surface 36. The retaining ring 38 functions as an auxiliary shoulder when the male coupling member 10 and the female coupling 12 with a screw are kept in a locked state. This will be further described later. In other embodiments (not shown), the separate locking rings have different cross-sections such as triangles, trapezoids, squares. In one embodiment, the retaining ring 38 is made of stainless spring steel. In other embodiments, the retaining ring 38 is comprised of other metals such as springs tempered with phosphor bronze, carbon steel, or stainless steel. In other embodiments (not shown), the body 22 includes integral ribs that function as an annular support element instead of the retaining ring 38.

  The first outer surface 31 of the body 22 includes an annular groove 39 that faces outward, which extends radially and inwardly from itself. Inside the groove 39 is disposed a support ring 40 made of a rigid material such as plastic, leather or hard rubber, and an annular seal 41 made of a suitable sealing material such as neoprene or other plastic material. Yes. The annular seal 41 is disposed in the groove 39 between the support ring 40 and the distal end portion 26 of the main body 22. The support ring 40 serves to protect the annular seal 41 from impact when the coupling assembly is used in high pressure applications. In other embodiments (not shown), the support ring 40 is removed when the coupling assembly is used in low pressure applications.

  The male coupling 10 further includes an axially movable and rotatable sleeve 42 that is configured to serve to sealingly connect the male coupling 10 to the threaded female coupling 12. This is discussed in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 42 is disposed around the leading portion of the body 22 and is configured to move and rotate axially relative to the body 22. As shown in FIG. 2B, the sleeve 42 includes a spline portion 43 and a body portion 44. The body portion 44 includes an outer surface having an inner cylindrical surface 45 and a continuous flat portion 46 for engagement by a wrench. The spline portion 43 includes a stepped inner surface 47 formed with ribs 49 having three spaces around the circumference, and having three grooves 48 spaced circumferentially and having grooves 48 facing inward. Tabs 50 extend axially and forward from each rib 49. In other embodiments (not shown), the stepped inner surface 47 may form a different number of ribs and include a different number of grooves. The stepped inner surface 47 of the spline portion 43 is separated from the inner surface 45 of the main body portion 44 by the shoulder portion 51. The spline portion 43 of the sleeve 42 further includes an outer surface 52 and a shoulder 53 extending radially outward from itself.

  Referring back to FIG. 1D, the inner surface 45 of the main body portion 44 is sized to receive the first outer surface 31 of the main body 22 and the support ring 40 in the groove 39 of the main body 22. ing. The inner surface 45 of the body portion 44 is further dimensioned to sealingly engage the annular seal 41 in the groove 39 of the body 22 so that dust or other contaminants do not enter the area in front of the annular seal 41. And maintaining fluid pressure inside the coupling assembly. The shoulder portion 51 is configured to engage with the shoulder portion 33 of the main body 22.

  The male coupling 10 further includes an annular seal 54 disposed around the outer surface 52 of the sleeve 42. The annular seal 54 is constructed from neoprene or other suitable sealing material and is configured to sealingly engage the chamfered processed surface 18 of the threaded female coupling 12.

  The male coupling 10 further includes a ratchet engagement member that simultaneously locks the male coupling 10 and the threaded female coupling 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member is in the form of a three-part ratchet locking member segment 55 that is disposed around the leading portion of the body 22 and at the same time the ratchet locking member. Form. In other embodiments (not shown), the locking member may include a different number of ratchet locking member segments.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, each locking member segment 55 includes a key portion 58 having a front end portion 56, a rear end portion 57, and an outer cylindrical surface 59. The key portion 58 of each locking member segment 55 engages one of the grooves 48 in the spline portion 43 of the sleeve 42, thereby creating an interference portion between the locking member segment 55 and the sleeve 42. When the sleeve 42 is rotated by the interference portion, the locking member segment 55 is rotated.

  Each locking member segment 55 further includes a retaining structure. This holding structure is configured to engage the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12 when the male coupling 10 is inserted into the threaded female coupling 12. This will be discussed in more detail later. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining structure includes a structure 60 that is partially threaded (threaded) to the exterior. The threaded structure 60 is characterized as “partial” by the fact that the ratchet locking member comprises a locking member segment 55. On the other hand, the partially threaded structure 60 of each locking member segment 55 has only a portion of the threaded structure. However, the threaded portion is not continuous because the adjacent locking member segments 55 have a small space between the segments, but naturally, the locking member segments 55 form a structure that is screwed at the same time. To do.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the partially threaded structure 60 includes six trapezoidal threaded portions 60a-60f when viewed in cross-section. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the partially threaded structure 60 can include a different number of threads and / or the threads can be threaded. As long as it can engage and engage with the inner threaded portion 20 of the female coupling 12, other shaped structures can be observed when viewed in a cross-sectional view (eg, triangular, square, or rectangular). Can be adopted. Furthermore, in other embodiments (not shown), the holding structure can have a plurality of radially extending outwardly extending protrusions or protrusions, which are threaded. The inner threaded portion 20 of the female port 12 can be engaged. In these embodiments, the plurality of radially or outwardly extending projections or protrusions can engage the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female port 12. As long as possible, any shape can be employed, and it can be arranged in any pattern.

  Each locking member segment 55 further includes an inner tapered surface 61 provided adjacent to the rear end 57. The inner tapered surface 61 tapers towards the rear end 57 of the locking member segment 55 and is oriented in the direction of angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle C is about 2 °. In other embodiments (not shown), the angle C can be set between 0 ° and 90 °. As shown in FIG. 1D, a gap 62 is defined between the tapered surface 61 of each locking member segment 55 and the tapered surface 32 of the body 22. This gap 62 is created by the opposing tapered surfaces, ie, the tapered surface 61 of each locking member segment 55 and the tapered surface 32 of the body 22.

  A locking or pivoting surface 63 is provided between the rear end 57 of each locking member segment 55 and the tapered surface 61. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivoting surface 63 is bent. Further, the turning surface 63 is chamfered. The pivoting surface 63 forms a pivot axis P (extending out of the drawing). Around the axis P, each locking member segment 55 pivots. The pivot axis P of each locking member segment 55 is spaced from the longitudinal axis A and is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the axis A.

  Due to the surface forming the pivot axis P, each locking member segment 55 can pivot between a first position (i.e. a locking position) and a second position (i.e. a release position). In the locked position, the outer surface 59 of the key portion 58 of each locking member segment 55 abuts the inner surface 45 of the sleeve 42 as shown in FIG. 1D. In the release position (not shown), each locking member segment 55 is pivoted about the pivot axis P (this squeezes the partially threaded structure 60 radially and inward). As a result, the tapered surface 61 of each locking member segment 55 abuts the tapered surface of the body 22. However, it should be understood that the release position does not require the tapered surface of each locking member segment 55 to abut the tapered surface of the body 22. Instead, each locking member segment 55 is between the outer end of the partially threaded structure 60 of the locking member segment 55 and the inner end of the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12. In between, only a sufficient amount of pivoting is required to provide clearance.

  The front of the tapered surface 61 of each locking member segment 55 is a groove structure. As shown in FIG. 2C, the groove structure in each locking member segment 55 includes two grooves 64, 65 separated by a triangular rib 66 and facing inward. At the same time, the groove 64 in the locking member segment 55 forms a first annular groove 64. Similarly, the groove 65 in the locking member segment 55 forms a second annular groove 98. In other embodiments (not shown), the ribs 66 take the form of other shapes (eg, square, rectangular or trapezoidal) when viewed in cross section.

  The first groove 64 is at least partially formed by an inner cylindrical surface 67 and a shoulder 68 extending radially and inwardly from itself. The inner surface 67 is dimensioned to receive the retaining ring 38 when the locking member segment 55 is moved to the release position of each segment. The chamfered machined surface 69 extends from the shoulder 68 toward the rear end 63 of each retaining member segment 55 at an angle inwardly to match the tapered surface 61. To do. The chamfered processed surface 69 serves as a locking surface. This will be discussed in detail later. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the machined surface 69 chamfered with respect to the longitudinal axis A is about 45 °. Of course, the angle of the chamfered machined surface 69 relative to the longitudinal axis A can vary depending on its design. In addition, in other embodiments (not shown), the surface 69 is bent (eg, convex or concave) instead of chamfered. The second groove 65 is at least partially defined by an inwardly cylindrical surface 70 and a shoulder 71 that extends radially and inwardly from itself.

  In the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 1D), the male coupling 10 further includes an annular, resilient biasing element 72 disposed within the second groove 65. As a result, the male coupling 10 engages the inner surface 70. The biasing element 72 is configured to bias the locking member segment 55 to the locked position. The biasing element 72 is trapped between the rib 66 and the shoulder 71. This limits axial movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 72 is a spring-like ring, which can be crushed or returned to its original state depending on its elastic properties. In other embodiments, the biasing element 72 comprises a rubber material or a plastic material.

  As shown in FIG. 1D, the biasing element 72 has a circular cross-section and a larger outer diameter than the second outer surface 36 of the body 22. In other embodiments (not shown), the biasing element 72 may have different cross-sections such as triangles, trapezoids, and squares. In one embodiment, the biasing element 72 can be formed from stainless spring steel. In other embodiments, the biasing element 72 can be formed from other metals such as phosphor bronze, carbon steel, or stainless steel, such as tempered springs.

  In order to connect the male coupling 10 to the threaded female coupling 12, the majority of the front of the partially threaded body 60 of each locking member segment 55 is the large front of the threaded female coupling 12. The female coupling 10 is moved forward into the threaded female coupling 12 until it engages the part. When the male coupling 10 continuously moves forward, the threaded portion 20a of the threaded female coupling 12 intersects the locking member segment 55 and applies a force to bias the biasing element 72. On the other hand, it turns around the turning axis P. This causes the partial threaded structure 60 of each locking member segment 55 to contract radially and inward. This causes the biasing element 72 to contract. The locking member segment 55 shrinks radially and inward beyond the apex of the threaded portion 20a of the threaded female coupling 12 until a cam or “ratchet” operation is performed. As soon as this happens, the locking segment 55 is biased or “springed back” by the resiliency of the biasing element 72, resulting in the front of the partially threaded structure 60. Of the threaded portion 20a of the female coupling 12 with a screw engages with and engages with most of the front portion.

  As the male coupling 10 is moved further forward into the threaded female coupling 12, the partially threaded structure 60 of each locking member segment 55 is between the locked and unlocked positions. By alternating, the cam action or “ratchet action” is made along the inner threaded portion 20 of the female coupling 12 with screw, and gradually meshes with the additional inner threaded portion 20 of the female coupling 12 with screw. And engage.

  Once all of the partial threaded portions 60 of the locking member segment 55 engage the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12, the male coupling 10 and the threaded female coupling 12 are Are mechanically connected to each other. However, this connection is not complete until the male coupling 10 is further sealed to the threaded female coupling 12. To accomplish this, the sleeve 42 is rotated (eg, clockwise) until the shoulder 53 engages the receiving end 14 of the threaded female coupling 12. At that time, the sleeve 42 receives torque and sufficiently compresses the annular seal 54 against the chamfered machined surface 18 of the threaded female coupling 12, so that the male coupling 10 becomes the threaded female coupling 12. The seal is connected (FIG. 1C). By applying torque to the sleeve 42, the mechanical connection between the male coupling 10 and the threaded female coupling 12 is further enhanced by pulling the body 22 away from the threaded female coupling 12. Furthermore, the additional torque application of the sleeve 42 eliminates the gap between the sleeve 42 and the receiving end 14 of the threaded female coupling 12 and prevents the annular seal 54 from protruding under high pressure. . Preferably, the male coupling 10 is designed such that 1/4 to 1/2 of the entire circumference of the sleeve 42 is required to complete the above connection. Once in this position, the male coupling 10 is prevented from being pulled out and the male coupling 10 is sealingly engaged with the threaded female coupling 12. Furthermore, the male coupling 10 is prevented from pivoting relative to the threaded female coupling 12.

  When it is desired to disconnect the male coupling 10 from the threaded female coupling 12, the sleeve 42 is rotated in the opposite direction (eg, counterclockwise) until the two components are in the disconnected position. The male coupling 10 is changed from the female coupling 12 with a screw to a non-screwing state (FIG. 1B).

  1B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a male coupling 300 that is connected to and is separable from a threaded female coupling 12 similar to one of those shown in FIG. 1B and described above. And cross-sectional views are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. At the same time, the male coupling 300 and the threaded female coupling 12 operate as a push-to-connect type coupling assembly. This will be discussed in detail below.

  In the connected position, the male coupling 300 and the threaded female coupling 12 function as a coupling assembly through which fluid is carried. Both male coupling 300 and threaded female coupling 12 share the same central longitudinal axis A when they are in the connected position (not shown). In one embodiment, the male coupling 300 can be formed from stainless steel. In other embodiments, the male coupling 300 can be formed from other materials such as carbon steel, bronze, aluminum and plastic.

  In the illustrated embodiment, male coupling 300 includes a body 310. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4A, the main body 310 has a collar portion 312, and the collar portion 312 separates a leading portion having a leading end portion 314 and a trailing portion having a trailing end portion 316. A passage 318 through which fluid passes through itself extends from the leading end 314 to the trailing end 316 through the male coupling member 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the follower of male coupling 300 includes a hose nipple for receiving a hose. In another embodiment (not shown), the follower includes an outer thread for mounting on a thread coupling of another component. Collar 312 includes a flat portion for engagement by a wrench if the tail (not shown) includes a threaded portion.

  The leading portion of the body 310 is separated from the first outer surface 320 by a first outer cylindrical surface 320 extending from the collar 312 and an annular groove 324 having an outer surface extending radially and inwardly from itself. A second outer cylindrical surface 322 to be separated. The leading portion of the body 310 further has a third outer cylindrical surface 326. This surface 326 is separated from the first outer surface 320 by a shoulder 328. In front of the second outer surface 326 is a set of outer threads 330, which can be left-handed or right-handed, depending on the design. .

  The leading portion of the body 310 further includes a fourth outer cylindrical surface 332. This surface 332 is separated from the set of outer threads 330 by shoulders 334. A first outer tapered surface 336 extends forward and inward from the fourth outer surface 332. The first outer tapered surface 336 then tapers toward the leading end 314 of the body 310 and is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle B is about 9 °. In another embodiment (not shown), the angle B can be directed at other angles depending on the design.

  A fifth outer cylindrical surface 338 extends rearward from the tip 314 of the body 310. The second outer tapered surface 340 extends rearward and inward from the fifth outer surface 338 and coincides with the first tapered surface 336. The second tapered surface 340 tapers toward the rear end 316 of the body 310 and is oriented at an angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle C is about 50 °. In another embodiment (not shown), the angle C can be oriented at other angles depending on the design.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the support ring 342, which can be constructed of hard plastic, leather, or hard rubber, is disposed within a groove 324 that can be constructed of neoprene or other suitable sealing material. The support ring 342 is disposed in the groove 324 between the annular seal 328 and the tip 314 of the main body 310. The support ring 342 functions to prevent the annular seal 344 from being damaged when the male coupling 300 and the threaded female coupling 12 are used under high pressure. In other embodiments (not shown), the support ring 342 is omitted in certain applications. For example, when male coupling 300 and threaded female coupling 12 are used under low pressure.

  The male coupling 300 further includes a locking member of the body 310 around the leading portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member takes the form of a crown-shaped ratchet locking member 346 that is engaged with the front end 348 and the shoulder 334 of the body 310. Part 350. The locking member 346 may adopt a different shape other than the crown shape, depending on the design.

  With reference to FIGS. 3B and 4B, a plurality of axial slots 352 that form a plurality of flexible fingers 354 extend from the front end 348 of the locking member 346. The plurality of elastic fingers 354 are joined together adjacent to the rear end 350 of the locking member 346. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 346 includes eight flexible fingers 354. In other embodiments, the locking member can include a different number of slots and fingers. In one embodiment, the locking member 346 is formed from stainless steel spring steel. In other embodiments, the locking member 346 can be formed from a phosphor bronze member, carbon steel or stainless steel tempered, spring steel, or other material such as plastic or rubber.

  Each elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346 includes a holding structure. When the male coupling 300 is inserted into the threaded female coupling 12, the retaining structure is configured to engage the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12. This will be described in more detail later. In the illustrated form, the retaining structure includes a partially threaded structure 355 that is external. The threaded structure 355 is characterized as “partial” by the fact that the locking member 346 consists of elastic fingers 354. On the other hand, the partially threaded structure 355 of each elastic finger 354 has only a portion of the threaded structure. However, since the adjacent elastic fingers 354 have a small space between them, it is possible to prevent the threaded portions from being continuous. Can be formed.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the partially threaded structure 355 includes four trapezoidal partially threaded portions 356 when viewed in cross-section (FIG. 4B). Each partial thread 356 includes a retractable partial thread 357 and a locking tapered surface 358. The retractable tapered surface 357 of each partial thread 356 tapers in the direction of the front end 348 of the locking member 346 and is oriented at an angle D with respect to the longitudinal axis A. Yes. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle D is about 30 °. In other embodiments (not shown), the angle D is directed to other angles depending on the design. The smaller the angle D, the smaller the amount of force required to insert the male coupling 300 into the threaded female coupling 12. A tapered surface 358 for locking each partial thread 356 tapers toward the rear end 350 of the locking member 346 and is oriented at an angle E with respect to the longitudinal axis A. Has been. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle E is about 60 °. In other embodiments (not shown), the angle E can be oriented at other angles depending on the design.

  In other embodiments (not shown), the partially threaded structure 355 has a different number of threads and / or the threads are internal threads of the threaded female coupling 12. Other shapes (triangles, squares, or rectangles) can be taken when viewed in cross section as long as they engage and engage the portion 20. Furthermore, in another embodiment (not shown), the retaining structure is capable of engaging the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female port 12 and separating the plurality of radially extending outer portions. A protrusion or protrusion may be included. In these embodiments, the separated, radially and outwardly extending protrusions or protrusions can have any shape as long as they can engage the inner threaded portion 20 of the female port 12 into which they are threaded. And can be arranged in any pattern.

  Each elastic finger-like part 354 is movable between a first position (for example, a locking position) and a second position (for example, a release position). In the locked position, the threaded portion of the partial threaded structure 355 is such that when the male coupling 300 is inserted into the threaded female coupling 12, the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12. Engage with. In the release position (not shown), each elastic finger 354 bends at the base that joins the other elastic finger 354, and as a result, the partially threaded structure 355 of each elastic finger 354 is radially inward. The engagement state is released from the inner threaded portion 20 of the female coupling 12 with a screw. Due to its elasticity, the elastic finger 354 can be restored to each locking position without requiring additional force.

  Each elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346 further includes a stem portion 359 provided toward the rear of the partially threaded structure 355. The stem portion 359 of each resilient finger 354 includes an outer surface 360 having a radially and outwardly projecting bump 362 extending therefrom. The bump 362 can include a curved surface, a combination of a curved surface and a plane, or a combination of planes.

  Further, the locking member 346 includes an inner tapered surface 364 that extends rearward from the front end 348 of the locking member 346. The inner tapered surface 364 tapers toward the rear end 350 of the locking member 346 and is oriented at an angle F with respect to the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle F is about 50 °, which is the same angle as the angle C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310. In other embodiments (not shown), the angle F can be directed at other angles by design.

  When the male coupling 300 is connected to the threaded female coupling 12 (which will be described in more detail later), the following two competing forces acting on the elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346: There is. (I) the force created by the interaction between the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310 and the inner tapered surface 364 of the locking member 346 of the locking member 346; This force is applied to the elastic finger-like portion 354 outward and radially in the locking position. (Ii) Force created by the interaction between the partial threaded portion 356 of the elastic finger 354 and the inner threaded portion 20 in the female coupling 12 with the screw. This force applies the elastic fingers 354 inward and radially with respect to their release positions. In order to ensure that the elastic finger 354 is exerted outwardly and radially with respect to each locking position under constant pressure, the angle C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310 and The angle F of the inner tapered surface 364 of the locking member 346 should be less than the angle E of the locking tapered surface 358 of the locking member 346. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310 and the angle F of the inner tapered surface 364 of the locking member 346 are such that each partial thread of the locking member 346 is threaded. About 10 degrees less than the angle E of the locking tapered surface 358 of the portion 356. However, it will be appreciated that these angles can be varied to different sizes depending on the design. Furthermore, the angle C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310 and the angle F of the inner tapered surface 364 of the locking member 346 are such that each partial thread of the locking member 346 is in a fixed environment. It is not necessary to make the angle 356 smaller than the angle E of the locking tapered surface 358 of the notch 356 (for example, a constant environment means that the biasing element, such as a spring, exerts a force on the elastic finger 354 outward and radially. Or when the wedge member or other holding device applies an outward and radial force to the elastic fingers 354 and until the wedge-shaped member or other holding device is removed. Used to prevent inward and radial movement).

  Male coupling 300 further includes a sleeve 366 that is axially movable and rotatable. The sleeve 366 is configured to seal-connect the male coupling 300 to the threaded female coupling 12. This will be described in more detail later. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve is in the form of a threaded nut (hereinafter “nut 366”). The nut 366 is disposed around the leading portion of the main body 310 and is configured to rotate. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4C, the nut 366 includes a front end 368 and a rear end 370. The first inner cylindrical surface 372 extends rearward from the front end 368 of the nut 366. The surface 372 is dimensioned to accommodate the outer surface 360 of the stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354. The first inner surface 372 is disposed toward the front of the bump 362 on the stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354 when the male coupling 300 is in the assembled state. The inclined surface 374 extends rearward and outward from the first inner surface 372, and the coincidence of the first inner surface 372 and the inclined surface 374 forms an edge 376. The second inner cylindrical surface 378 extends rearward from the inclined surface 374.

  The edge 376 of the nut 366 is a bump 362 on the stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346 when the nut 366 moves backward (eg, by rotating the nut 366 counterclockwise). It is comprised so that it may engage with. Since the edge 376 of the nut 366 once engages with the bump 362 on the stem portion 359 of each elastic finger-like portion 354, the edge 376 bends inward and radially toward each release position. Then, force is applied to the elastic finger-like portion 354. As the rearward movement of the nut 366 continues, the first inner surface 372 of the nut 366 cams over the bumps, so that the partial threaded structure 355 of each elastic finger 354 no longer A force is applied so that the elastic finger-like portion 354 is bent inward and radially in each release position until the female coupling 12 with screw 12 does not engage with the inner threaded portion 20.

  A third inner cylindrical surface 380 extends forward from the rear end 370 of the nut 366 (see FIG. 4C). The cylindrical surface 380 is sized to receive the first outer surface 320 of the body 310 and to receive the support ring 42 in the groove 324. The third inner surface 380 is further sized to receive and seal-engage the annular seal 344 in the groove 324 of the body 310 so that dust or other contaminants can be removed from the annular seal 344. The fluid pressure inside the male coupling 300 and the threaded female coupling 12 is maintained so as not to enter the forward region.

  A set of inner threaded portions 382 is provided between the second inner surface 378 and the third inner surface 380. The set of inner screw portions 382 is configured to engage the set of outer screw portions 334 in a screw shape on the main body 310. According to the screw engagement between the nut 366 and the body 310, the nut 366 acts like a “jam nut” and further between the male coupling 300 and the threaded female coupling 12. It functions as a supplement to seal the male coupling 300 and the threaded female coupling 12 together. This is described in detail below.

  In the illustrated embodiment, an inwardly facing groove 384 is provided between the second inner surface 378 and the set of inner threads 382 of the nut 366, and the second inner surface. 378 extends outwardly and radially. A friction element of a limiting member (a member with limited friction) such as an O-ring 386 is disposed inside the groove 378. The O-ring 386 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second inner surface 378. Due to the different diameters, O-ring 386 is compressed between nut 366 and locking member 346 when nut 366 is assembled onto locking member 346. The purpose of the friction element (eg, compressed O-ring 386) is to mechanically couple the nut 366 to the locking member 346 by creating friction between the nut 366 and the locking member 346. As a result, when the nut 366 rotates, the locking member 346 rotates. The locking member 346 is allowed to be rotated by the nut 366 until the nut 366 is in the lowest position of the threaded female coupling 12. In this case, the frictional joint between the nut 366 and the locking member 346 is broken. In other words, the O-ring 386 functions as a clutch. In this clutch, the locking member 346 rotates when the nut 366 rotates under a constant load (for example, at a certain time before the nut 366 engages the threaded female coupling 12). However, under a greater load (eg, when the nut 366 engages the threaded female coupling 12), the locking member 346 will rotate as the nut 366 rotates (ie, the nut 366 is in contact with the locking member 346). And can no longer rotate).

  The rotation of the locking member 346 by the nut 366 accomplishes the following two things. (I) The rotation pulls the male coupling 300 into the threaded female coupling 12. This reduces the possibility of the installer not fully inserting the male coupling 300 into the threaded female coupling 12, and (ii) reduces the number of rotations of the nut 366 and reduces the male coupling 300. And the threaded female coupling 12 is completed. In other embodiments (not shown), the O-ring 386 can have a corresponding component, plastic ring or other component (annular) that can create a limited amount of friction between the nut 366 and the locking member 346. (Or non-annular) can be replaced by a set of ball-shaped detents.

  The nut 366 further includes a series of flats 388 engaged by a wrench, an outer cylindrical surface 390 extending rearward from the front end 368 of the nut 366, and a shoulder extending outwardly and radially from the outer surface 390. Part 392. An annular seal 394 is disposed on the outer surface 390. The annular seal 394 is configured to sealingly engage the chamfered machined surface 18 of the threaded female coupling 12. The annular seal 394 is made of neoprene or other suitable sealing material.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the male coupling 300 further includes a diagonal washer 396 provided between the annular seal 394 and the shoulder 392 of the nut 366. The diagonal washer 396 is shown in a neutral state in FIG. 3B and in a compressed state in FIG. 3C. In other embodiments (not shown), the diagonal washer 396 can be replaced with a spring washer or a lock washer. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the diagonal washer 396 is omitted in certain applications, such as when the male coupling 300 and the threaded female coupling 12 are used at low pressure.

  The purpose of the oblique washer 396 is to prevent accidental unscrewing (non-threading) of the nut 366. This can occur when the coupling assembly is exposed to high and shocking high pressures. Under these circumstances, non-threading of the nut 366 creates a gap between the nut 366 and the receiving end 14 of the threaded female coupling 12, causing the annular seal 394 to protrude through the gap, As a result, it was recognized that fluid leakage occurred. According to experiments, accidental unscrewing of the nut 366 was caused by two things. (I) the elastic finger-like portion 354 of the locking member 346 is recessed in the main body 310; and (ii) the elastic finger-like portion 354 of the locking member 346 is inside the female coupling 12 with a screw. Expanding outward and radially toward the threaded portion 20. Due to this indentation and expansion, the nut 366 loses its preload (this was applied when the nut 366 was torqued) so that the receiving end of the nut 366 and the female coupling 12 with the screw A gap was formed between the two. By using an oblique washer 396 between the annular seal 394 and the shoulder 392 of the nut 366, the oblique washer 396 has the male coupling 300 inserted into the threaded female coupling 12 and torque on the nut 366. After being applied, it flattens to its compressed state (FIG. 3C). The diagonal washer 396 is biased toward a neutral state due to its elasticity during the compressed state. As a result, the preload loss in the nut 366 can be compensated (to some preload loss extent). Other ways to prevent involuntary unscrewing of the nut 366 that may occur when the coupling assembly is exposed to high and shocking pressure conditions are available on some or all surfaces of the body 310, locking Heat treating the member 346 and / or the nut 366 to make them harder and limit the amount of indentation that occurs between these components.

  Of course, when the diagonal washer 396 is installed over the nut 366, there is a small diameter clearance between the diagonal washer 396 and the nut 366. Under certain high impact pressure conditions, the small diameter clearance is sufficient to cause the annular seal 394 to protrude through itself. In order to avoid this, the through hole in the oblique washer 396 is formed when the oblique washer 396 is in a neutral state, as opposed to being formed in a flat or compressed state. By forming the through hole in the oblique washer 396 in a neutral state, the inner diameter of the oblique washer 396 tapers inward when the oblique washer 396 is flattened, thereby reducing the torque applied to the nut 366. After that, the clearance between the diagonal washer 396 and the nut 366 is reduced or removed as much as possible.

  To connect the male coupling 300 to the threaded female coupling 12, most of the partial threaded portion in front of the partially threaded structure 355 of each elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346 The male coupling member 300 is moved forward of the threaded female coupling 12 until 355a engages most of the threaded portion 20a in front of the threaded female coupling 12. When the male coupling 300 continuously moves forward, the most threaded portion 20a in the front of the female coupling 12 with the screw urges the elastic finger-like portion 354 and bends inward. As a result, the elastic finger The partially threaded structure 355 of the ridge 354 contracts radially and inwardly. The elastic fingers 354 contract radially and inwardly until they are camped or “ratcheted” beyond the apex of the threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12. As soon as this happens, the elastic fingers 354 return to their respective locking positions (spring back) due to their elasticity. As a result, the front part of the partially threaded portion 355a of the partially threaded structure 355 meshes with and engages with the frontmost threaded portion 20a of the female coupling 12 with the screw. Match.

  As the male coupling 300 moves further into the threaded female coupling 12, the partially threaded structure 355 of each elastic finger 354 alternates between a locked position and a released position. To move along the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12 or become “latched” and gradually into the additional inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12. Engage and engage.

  Once all the partially threaded portions of the partially threaded structure 355 of the elastic fingers 354 engage the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12, the male coupling 300 and threaded The female couplings 12 are mechanically connected to each other. However, the connection is not complete until the male coupling 300 is further sealed to the threaded female coupling 12. To accomplish this, the nut 366 is rotated (eg, clockwise) until its shoulder 392 engages the receiving end 14 of the threaded female coupling 12. The nut 366 is then torqued to provide an annular seal 394 against the chamfered machined surface 18 of the threaded female coupling 12 for sealingly connecting the male coupling 300 to the threaded female coupling 12. Compress sufficiently. By applying torque to the nut 366, the mechanical connection between the male coupling 300 and the threaded female coupling 12 is further enhanced by pulling the body 310 away from the threaded female coupling 12. In particular, the angle C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 10 and the angle F of the inner tapered surface 364 of the locking member 346 depend on the locking of each partial thread 356 of the locking member 346. Due to the smaller angle E of the tapered surface 358, the elastic fingers 354 are forced outward and radially toward their locking portions.

  Furthermore, by applying torque to the nut 366, the diagonal washer 396 is flattened to its compressed state (FIG. 3C). This removes the gap between the nut 366 and the receiving end of the female coupling 12 with the screw. In the compressed state, the oblique washer 396 is biased in the neutral state by its elasticity. As a result, the loss of the preload at the nut 366 can be compensated (to some extent the loss of any preload). This prevents the annular seal 394 from protruding under high pressure. Preferably, male coupling 300 is designed to be required to complete the connection with only 1/4 to 1/2 turn of nut 366. Once in this position, the male coupling 300 is prevented from being pulled out and is sealingly engaged with the threaded female coupling 12. Furthermore, the male coupling 300 is prevented from turning with respect to the threaded female coupling 12.

  When it is desired to disconnect the male coupling 300 from the threaded female coupling 12, the nut 366 is rotated in the opposite direction (eg, counterclockwise) to move the nut 366 backward. Once the edge 376 of the nut 366 engages the bump on the stem 359 of each elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346, a partially threaded structure 355 of each elastic finger 354 is formed. The elastic fingers 354 are forced to bend inwardly and radially (until each release position) until the threaded male coupling 12 no longer engages the threaded portion 20. When this happens, the male coupling 300 can be removed from the threaded female coupling 12.

  In other embodiments (not shown), the nut 366 can be replaced by a sleeve biased in the forward direction. In this other embodiment, the third inner surface 380 of the nut 366 can be sized larger than the outer diameter of the chamfered working surface 18 of the threaded female coupling 12, thereby Creates a force that biases the sleeve 366 in the forward direction. The force for applying pressure on the sleeve 366 helps compress the annular seal 394 against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling 12. In other embodiments (not shown), the nut 366 can be replaced by a spring loaded sleeve biased in the forward direction. As with the other embodiments described above, the pushing force on the sleeve 355 helps compress the annular seal 394 against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling 12. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the nut 366 can be replaced with a spring loaded sleeve biased in the forward direction. The third inner surface 380 of the nut 366 is then dimensioned to be larger than the outer diameter of the chamfered machined surface 18 of the threaded female coupling 12 and adds to bias the sleeve 366 in the previous direction. Create a powerful force.

  5A and 5B are similar to those described above and are configured to be connected to and disconnected from the threaded female coupling 12 (not shown) illustrated in FIG. 1B. They are the perspective view and sectional drawing of each other embodiment of the made male coupling 500, respectively. At the same time, the male coupling 500 and the threaded female coupling 12 operate as a push-to-connect type coupling assembly. This is explained in more detail below.

  In the connected position, the male coupling member 500 and the threaded female coupling 12 function as a coupling assembly through which fluid is passed. The male coupling 500 and the threaded female coupling 12 separate the same central, longitudinal axis A when both are in a connected position. In one embodiment, the male coupling 500 can be formed from stainless steel. In other embodiments, the male coupling 500 can be formed from other materials such as carbon steel, bronze, aluminum and plastic.

  In the illustrated embodiment, male coupling 500 includes a body 510. As shown in FIG. 6A, the body 510 includes a collar 512. The collar portion 512 separates the leading portion 514 having the front end portion 514 and the rear portion having the rear end portion 516. A passageway 518 allowing fluid to flow through itself extends through the male coupling member 500 from the distal end 516 to the rearward end 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the tail of the male coupling 500 includes a hose nipple for receiving a hose. In an embodiment (not shown), the tail includes an outer thread for mounting on a threaded coupling of another component. Collar 512 includes a flat portion for engagement by a wrench when the tail (not shown) has an outer threaded portion.

  The lead portion of the body 510 includes a first outer cylindrical surface 520 that extends from the collar 512. First outer surface 520 includes an annular groove 522 that faces inwardly and extends inwardly and radially from itself. In front of the first outer surface 520 is a shoulder 524 that extends to a second outer tapered outer surface 526. The second outer tapered surface 526 tapers toward the tip 514 of the body 510 and is oriented at an angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle B is about 9 °. In other embodiments (not shown), the angle B can be set between about 0 ° and about 90 °.

  The inclined surface 528 extends rearward and outward from the tip 514 of the main body 510. Third outer cylindrical surface 530 extends rearward from inclined surface 528. The second outer tapered surface 532 extends rearward and inward from the second outer surface 534. The second outer tapered surface 532 joins the first tapered outer surface 526 and is oriented in the direction of angle C relative to the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle B is about 9 °. In other embodiments (not shown), the angle C can be directed at other angles depending on the design.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, a support ring 534 made of hard plastic, leather, or hard rubber and an annular seal 536, which can be composed of neoprene or other suitable sealing material, are disposed within the groove 522. The The support ring 534 is disposed in the groove 522 between the annular seal 536 and the tip 516 of the male coupling member 500. Support ring 534 functions to protect annular seal 536 from damage when male coupling 500 and threaded female coupling 512 are used in high pressure applications. In other embodiments (not shown), the support ring 534 is removed in certain applications, for example when the male coupling 500 and the threaded female coupling 12 are used in low pressure applications.

  Male coupling 500 further includes a locking member disposed around the leading portion of body 510. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member is in the form of a crowned ratchet locking member 538 having a front end 540 and a rear end 542 that engages a shoulder 528 of the body 510. Of course, the locking member 346 may take a different shape other than the crown, depending on the design.

  A plurality of axial slots 544 forming a plurality of elastic fingers 546 extend from the front end 540 of the locking member 538. The plurality of elastic fingers 546 are joined together adjacent to the rear end 542 of the locking member 538. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 538 includes four elastic fingers 546. In other embodiments, the locking member may include a different number of slots and elastic fingers. In one embodiment, the locking member 538 is formed from stainless spring steel. In other embodiments, the locking member 538 can be formed from other metals, such as a spring tempered phosphor bronze material, carbon steel or stainless steel.

  Each elastic finger 546 of the locking member 538 includes a holding structure. The retaining structure is configured to engage and engage the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12 when the male coupling 500 is inserted into the threaded female coupling 12. This will be described in more detail later. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention structure includes an external partially threaded structure 548. The threaded structure 548 is characterized as “partial” by the fact that the locking member 538 is comprised of elastic fingers 546. On the other hand, the partially threaded structure 548 of each elastic finger 546 has only a portion of the threaded structure. However, it will be appreciated that both adjacent elastic fingers 546 have a small space in them, so that the threaded portions are not continuous but form a threaded structure.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the partially threaded structure 548 includes five trapezoidal threaded portions 548a-e when viewed in cross section. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the partially threaded structure 548 has a different number of threads and / or the threads of the threaded female coupling 12. As long as the inner threaded portion 20 can be engaged and engaged, other shapes can be adopted when observed in a cross section (for example, a triangular, square, or rectangular cross section). Further, in another embodiment (not shown), the holding structure includes a plurality of radially or outwardly extending protrusions or protrusions, the protrusions or protrusions being threaded female ports 12. The inner threaded portion 20 can be engaged. In these embodiments, the plurality of radially extending outwardly extending protrusions or protrusions are as long as they can engage the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female port 12. Any shape and shape can be adopted, and they can be arranged in any pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, each resilient finger 546 of the locking member 538 further includes a stem portion 550 provided behind the partially threaded structure 548. Each stem portion 550 includes an outer surface 552. On the opposite side of the partially threaded structure 548 is an inner tapered surface 554 that tapers outwardly towards the rear end 542 of the locking member 538.

  The elastic finger-like portion 546 can move between a first position (that is, a locking position) and a second position (that is, a release position). In the locked position, the threaded portion of the structure 548 threaded externally is the inner threaded portion of the threaded female coupling 12 when the male coupling 500 is inserted into the threaded female coupling 12. 20 is engaged and engaged. In the release position (not shown), each elastic finger 546 bends at the base where it joins the other elastic finger 546. As a result, the threaded structure 548 of each elastic finger-like part 546 is divided radially and inward, and the partially threaded structure 548 is disengaged from the inner threaded part 20 of the female spring 12 with a screw. It becomes a joint state. According to this elastic characteristic, the finger-like part 546 can be returned to the locking position without requiring further force.

  Male coupling 500 further includes a sleeve 556 that is axially movable and rotatable. The sleeve 556 is configured to assist in sealingly connecting the male coupling 500 to the threaded female coupling 12. This is explained in detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 556 is disposed about the leading portion of the body 510 and is configured to move axially relative to the body 510. As shown in FIG. 6C, the sleeve 556 includes a front end 558 and a rear end 560. A stepped inner surface 562 extends rearward from the front end 558 of the sleeve 556. The surface 562 has four spaces forming ribs 566 having spaces in the four circumferential directions, and has a groove 564 that faces inward. The groove 564 is arranged in parallel with the slot in the locking member 538. In other embodiments (not shown), the stepped inner surface 562 can include a different number of grooves and ribs.

  A second inner cylindrical surface 568 extends forward from the rear end 560 of the sleeve 556. The second inner cylindrical surface 568 is sized to receive the first outer side 520 of the body 510 and the support ring 534 in the groove 522. The second inner surface 568 is further sized to receive and seal-engage the annular seal 536 in the groove 522 of the body 510. This prevents dust or contaminants from entering the area in front of the annular seal 536 and maintains fluid pressure inside the male coupling 500 and the threaded female coupling 12.

  Referring back to FIG. 5B, the male coupling 500 further includes a key 570 and a respective groove 564 in the sleeve 556 disposed within each slot 544 in the locking member 538. Key 570 functions to connect locking member 538 to sleeve 556. As a result, rotation of the sleeve 556 causes the locking member 538 to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, four keys 570 are used. However, a different number of keys 570 can be used in other embodiments.

  The sleeve 556 further includes a continuous flat 572 for engagement by a wrench, an outer cylindrical surface 574 extending rearward from the front end 558 of the sleeve 556, and extending radially and outwardly from the outer surface 574. Shoulder 576 to be included. An annular seal 578 configured to seal engage the chamfered working surface 18 of the threaded female coupling 12 is disposed on the outer surface 574. The annular seal 578 is constructed from neoprene or other suitable sealing material.

  In order to connect the male coupling 500 to the threaded female coupling 12, the male coupling 500 includes a front most threaded portion 548a of the partially threaded structure 548 of each elastic finger 546. Is moved forward in the threaded female coupling 12 until it engages most of the threaded portion 20a in front of the threaded female coupling 12. During the continuous forward movement of the male coupling 500, the majority of the threaded portion 20a in front of the threaded female coupling 12 interacts with the elastic finger 546, causing the elastic finger 546 to have a radius. Shrink in the direction and inward. As a result, the partially threaded structure 548 of the elastic finger 546 contracts radially and inwardly. The elastic fingers 546 contract radially and inward until a cam or “ratchet” operation is performed on the apex of the threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12. As soon as this action occurs, the elastic fingers 546 “restore” to their locked positions due to their elasticity. As a result, the front most threaded portion 548a of the partially threaded structure 540 meshes and engages with the most front threaded portion 20 of the female coupling 12 with the screw.

  As the male coupling 500 moves further forward into the threaded female coupling 12, the partially threaded structure 548 of each elastic finger 546 causes the inner threads of the threaded female coupling 12 to thread. By altering the locking position and the release position along the engraved portion 20, cam operation or “ratchet operation” is performed, and gradually engages and engages with the additional inner engraved portion 20 of the female coupling 12 with the screw. Match.

  Once all of the partially threaded portions of the partially threaded structure 548 of the elastic fingers 546 engage the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12, the male coupling 500 and Screwed female couplings 12 are mechanically connected to each other. However, this connection is not complete until the male coupling 500 is further connected to the threaded female coupling 12. To accomplish this, the sleeve 556 rotates (eg, in the clockwise direction) until the shoulder 576 engages the receiving end 14 of the threaded female coupling 12. Torque is then applied to the nut 355 to fully compress the annular seal 578 against the chamfered machined surface 18 and seal connect the male coupling 500 to the threaded female coupling 12. By applying torque to the sleeve 556, the mechanical coupling between the male coupling 500 and the threaded female coupling 12 is further enhanced by pulling the body 510 away from the threaded female coupling 12. The This causes the second tapered surface 532 of the body 510 to engage the tapered surface 554 inside the locking member 538 and to the elastic fingers 546 outside the locking position and Apply force in the radial direction. Furthermore, the additional torque application of the sleeve 556 removes the gap between the sleeve 556 and the receiving end 14 of the threaded female coupling 12 and prevents the annular seal 578 from protruding under high pressure. Preferably, male coupling 500 is designed such that only 1/4 to 1/2 turn of sleeve 556 is required to complete the connection. Once in this position, the male coupling 500 is prevented from being pulled and is sealingly engaged with the threaded female coupling 12. Furthermore, the male coupling 500 is prevented from pivoting with respect to the threaded female coupling 12.

  When the male coupling member 500 is to be disconnected from the threaded female coupling 12, the sleeve 556 rotates the male coupling 500 from the threaded female coupling 12 in the opposite direction in the form of a reverse screw.

  The male coupling 300 is the only embodiment shown in the drawing including the diagonal washer 396 and described above, but it should be understood that other male cups shown in the drawing and described above may be used. The ring 10, 500 may include a diagonal washer provided between each annular seal and the sleeve / nut.

  Furthermore, the male coupling 10, 300, 500 shown in the drawings and described above includes a ratchet locking member that gradually engages the inner threaded portion of the threaded female coupling during the connecting operation. However, each of the locking members of the male coupling can be configured so that it is not necessary to gradually engage the inner threaded portion of the threaded female coupling during the connecting operation. In other words, the locking member of each male coupling can be configured not to “ratchet” when the male coupling is inserted into the threaded female coupling.

  For example, in the above-described male coupling 300, before inserting the male coupling 300 into the threaded female coupling 12, the nut 366 has an edge 376 of the nut 366 and each elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346. (E.g., counterclockwise direction) until force is applied to the elastic finger-like portion 354 to bend in the radial direction and inward of each release position. Can be moved backward (by rotating the nut 366). As the elastic finger 354 is moved to each release position, the male coupling 300 engages the partially threaded structure 355 with the inner threaded portion 20 of the threaded female coupling 12. Without being inserted into the threaded female coupling 12. In the threaded female coupling 12, the nut 366 is rotated until the edge 376 disengages the bump 362 on the stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354 (for example, the nut 366 is rotated clockwise). To move forward). Thereby, the elastic finger-like part 354 is returned to each locking position and engaged with the inner threaded part 20 of the female coupling 12 with the screw.

  Of course, for all of the embodiments described above, one or more of the cylindrical surfaces described above may be longitudinal in the connection assembly (eg, tapered surface) or curved surface (eg, convex or concave surface). Can be replaced by a surface having a linear profile angled with respect to the axis A. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the one or more tapered or chamfered surfaces discussed above may be replaced with a cylindrical surface or a curved surface (eg, a convex or concave surface).

  Naturally, the male couplings discussed above are applicable in fields other than fluid connectors. For example, a male coupling, particularly a component including a ratchet lock, can be used as a push-to-connect type fastening device that couples to a female thread in a separate component. In this example, the component does not require a transport fluid.

  Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the locking member (ratchet or non-ratchet) discussed above can be modified to be used on a female coupling for coupling to a threaded male coupling. For example, the locking member 346 used in the male coupling 300 described above includes a partially threaded structure 355 on the inner side of each elastic finger 354 rather than the outer side. It can be modified so that the partially threaded structure 355 of each elastic finger 354 can engage the outer threaded portion of the threaded male coupling.

  To the extent that the phrase "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or claims, the phrase is used as an intermediate term in a claim Sometimes intended to be encompassed by aspects similar to the phrase “comprising”. Furthermore, to the extent that the phrase “or” is used (eg, A or B), the phrase is intended to mean “A or B, or both A and B”. When the applicant intends to indicate “A or B alone, both A and B”, the phrase “A or B alone or both” is used. In this way, the phrase “or” is used in an inclusive sense and not exclusively. See Brian A. Ghana's “Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624” (2nd edition, 1995). Furthermore, to the extent that the phrase “in” or “into” is used in the specification or in the claims, it is further referred to as “on” or “ The meaning of “onto” is intended. Furthermore, to the extent that the phrase “connect” is used in the description or in the claims, not only means “directly connected to”, For example, it is intended to mean “indirectly connected to”, such as being connected through another component or multiple components.

  This specification exemplifies various embodiments, and these embodiments are described in detail. However, the gist of the invention described in the claims is strictly described in such detailed contents. There is no intention to be limiting in any way. Further advantages or modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, according to a broader aspect, the invention is not limited to the specific details shown and described and the embodiments shown. Accordingly, the scope further extends from the details without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the claims of the applicant of the present application. In addition, the above-described embodiments are exemplary. And the above features or elements are not the only essential for all possible combinations described herein or claimed in later applications.

Claims (25)

A housing that is connectable and separable to a threaded female coupling, and wherein the threaded female coupling is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the male coupling and an inner threaded portion. A male coupling including a portion,
A body including a passage extending through the body;
Arranged around the main body and configured to move between a locking position and a releasing position, and when the locking member is in the locking position, the threaded female coupling A locking member having a holding structure that engages with the inner threaded portion;
An axially movable sleeve disposed around the body and having an internal surface dimensioned to receive a portion of the locking member;
And an annular seal disposed around the sleeve;
Comprising
After the male coupling is inserted into the threaded female coupling, the retaining structure of the locking member is one or more in the threaded female coupling when the locking member is in the locked position. Engaging the number of inner threads,
And,
A male coupling wherein the annular seal is compressed against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling when the sleeve moves toward the threaded female coupling. The locking member includes a ratchet locking member,
When the male coupling is inserted into the threaded female coupling, the ratchet locking member holding structure gradually engages with the inner threaded portion in the threaded female coupling. The male coupling according to claim 1.   The ratchet locking member includes a crown-shaped locking member, the crown-shaped locking member having a number of slots, and the many slots include a number of elastic finger-shaped members between the slots. The elastic finger-shaped member moves between a locking position and a release position, and each elastic finger-shaped member is threaded when the elastic finger-shaped member is in each locking position. The male coupling according to claim 2, wherein the male coupling has a partial threaded structure configured to engage an inner threaded portion of the female coupling.   2. The male coupling according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is in the form of a threaded nut that engages with an outer threaded portion in a threaded manner in the main body.   Including a limited friction element disposed between the nut and the locking member for mechanically connecting the nut and the locking member together, so that rotation of the nut is the locking The male coupling according to claim 4, wherein rotation of the member is caused.   The male coupling according to claim 1, further comprising an oblique washer disposed between the annular seal and the shoulder of the sleeve. Connectable and separable to threaded female coupling,
A male coupling including a receiving portion dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, the receiving portion having a sealing surface and an inner threaded portion;
A body including a passage extending through the body;
The screwed female is disposed around the main body and moves between a locking position and a releasing position, and the ratchet locking member is in the locking position when the locking member is in the locking position. A ratchet locking member having a holding state configured to engage an inner threaded portion of the coupling;
A movable sleeve disposed about the body and having an inner surface dimensioned to receive a portion of the ratchet locking member; and
An annular seal disposed around the sleeve;
When the male coupling is inserted into the threaded female coupling, the holding structure of the ratchet locking member gradually engages the inner threaded portion in the threaded female coupling. And when the sleeve moves on the sleeve shaft toward the female coupling with screw, the annular seal is compressed against the sealing surface of the female coupling with screw; Male coupling characterized by   The ratchet locking member includes a crown-shaped locking member, the crown-shaped locking member has an elastic finger-shaped member, and the elastic finger-shaped member moves between a locking position and a release position. Each of the elastic finger members has a partially threaded structure, and the structure of the threaded female coupling when each elastic finger member is in the locked position The male coupling according to claim 7, wherein the male coupling is configured to engage with the inner threaded portion.   The sleeve is in the form of a screw-type nut in which the screwed nut is screwed to the body-like outer threaded portion, so that the rotational movement of the nut is the axial movement of the nut. The male coupling according to claim 7, wherein the male coupling moves directly.   And an O-ring disposed between the nut and the locking member for mechanically connecting the nut and the locking member, so that the rotation of the nut The male coupling according to claim 9, wherein the stop member is rotated.   The male coupling according to claim 7, further comprising an oblique washer disposed between the annular seal and a shoulder of the sleeve. Connectable and separable to threaded female coupling,
The threaded female coupling includes a sealing surface and a receiving portion dimensioned to receive the male coupling, the receiving portion having an inner threaded portion in the restricting means. Male coupling,
A body including a passage extending through the body;
A ratchet locking member, which is disposed around the main body and has a number of elastic finger-shaped members, and the number of elastic finger-shaped members move between a locking position and a releasing position. Each elastic finger-like member has a holding structure configured to connect with the inner threaded portion of the female coupling with the screw when the elastic finger-like member is in the respective locking position. A ratchet locking member;
A nut having an inner threaded engagement with the outer threaded portion of the body in a threaded manner and having an inner surface dimensioned to accommodate a portion of each elastic finger member;
An annular seal disposed around the nut,
When inserting the male coupling into the threaded female coupling, the holding structure of each elastic finger-like member is gradually connected to the inner threaded portion in the threaded female coupling;
And,
When the nut rotates, the male coupling approaches the threaded female coupling, and the annular seal is compressed against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling. Male coupling.   13. The male coupling according to claim 12, wherein the threaded female coupling is a threaded female port.   The nut includes an inner edge and / or a surface, and each elastic finger includes a bump projecting radially outward so that the inner edge and / or the surface of the nut engages the bump. The male coupling according to claim 12, wherein each elastic finger-like member is forcibly moved to its release position.   The friction member further includes a limited friction element disposed between the nut and the locking member, so that the nut and the locking member are mechanically connected. The male coupling according to claim 12, wherein the stop member is rotated.   The male coupling according to claim 15, wherein the limited friction element includes an O-ring located in an inwardly directed groove in the nut.   The male coupling of claim 12, further comprising an oblique washer disposed between the annular seal and a shoulder of the sleeve. Connectable and separable to threaded female coupling,
The threaded female coupling includes a receiving portion dimensioned to receive the male coupling;
The housing is a male coupling having an inner threaded portion therein;
The body,
A ratchet locking member disposed around the body and configured to move between a locking position and a release position, wherein the ratchet locking member is located on the inner side of the threaded female coupling. A ratchet locking member having a holding structure configured to lock with a threaded portion;
A sleeve disposed around the body and engaged with a ratchet locking member, so that rotation of the sleeve causes rotation of the ratchet locking member;
When the male coupling is inserted into the threaded female coupling, the holding structure of the ratchet locking member gradually engages with an inner threaded portion in the threaded female coupling;
And,
When the sleeve rotates, the ratchet locking member rotates with respect to the main body, thereby pulling the male coupling toward the female coupling with screw.   19. The male coupling of claim 18, wherein the ratchet locking member includes a number of ratchet locking member segments, each of which includes a partially threaded structure.   20. The male coupling of claim 19, further comprising an elastic biasing element configured to bias the ratchet locking member to its locked position.   Each locking member segment has a key, and the sleeve includes a spline portion, and the spline portion is configured to receive the key of each locking member segment so that rotation of the sleeve is prevented. The male coupling according to claim 19, wherein the locking member segment is caused to rotate.   The ratchet locking member includes a crown-shaped locking member, the locking member has a number of slots, the number of slots forming a number of elastic finger-shaped members, and the number of elastic fingers Each of the elastic members is configured to move between a locking position and a releasing position, and each elastic finger member has a partially threaded configuration, and the threaded configuration is the elastic finger. 19. The male coupling according to claim 18, wherein the male member engages with an inner threaded portion of the threaded female coupling when the member is in each locking position.   23. The male coupling of claim 22, further comprising a number of keys for connecting the sleeve to a locking member so that rotation of the sleeve causes rotation of the locking member. . A threaded female coupling includes a sealing surface and a receiving portion, the receiving portion is sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, and the male coupling is connected to the screwed female A method of sealing connection to a coupling,
A main body having a passage extending through the main body, and disposed around the main body and engaged with an inner threaded portion of the female coupling with screw when the locking member is in the locking position. Providing a locking member having a holding structure configured as follows; a sleeve disposed around the body; and an annular seal disposed around the sleeve;
Inserting the male coupling into the threaded female coupling until the retaining structure of the locking member engages the inner threaded portion in the threaded female coupling;
Moving the sleeve toward the threaded female coupling to compress the annular seal against the sealing surface of the threaded female coupling;
A method comprising the steps of:   The sleeve includes an inner threaded portion that threadably engages an outer threaded portion on the body, so that rotation of the sleeve relative to the body causes axial movement of the sleeve with the threaded 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the method allows for female coupling.

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