JPH0356793A - Releasable quick connection fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To certainly and easily carry out connection and disconnection by limiting a distance in which an insertion member moves forward and enters a receiving member by a stopper at the time of assembly, preventing a pushing surface from moving a retainer to a releasing groove and making it possible to release a coupler by removing the stopper. CONSTITUTION: It is made possible to draw an insertion member 11 from a receiving member 12 by firstly removing a stopper 16, making a dust cap 17 contact with a front end 46 of the receiving member 12 by pushing in the insertion member 11, moving a retainer 14 to a releasing groove 24 over a top part 21 from a lock groove 23 by a pushing surface 51 and reducing an outside diameter of the retainer 14, at the time of maintenance such as replacement of an O ring 13. Thereafter, in the case of connecting them again, the stopper 16 is returned to the inside of a groove 33, the retainer 14 is manually moved from the releasing groove 24 to a load groove 22, and when the insertion member 11 is inserted into the receiving member 12 in this state, the retainer 14 is pushed by the pushing surface 51, enters the lock groove 23 and extends in diameter, and movement to the releasing groove 24 is prevented by the stopper 16 and a connecting state is maintained.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (Industrial application field) The present invention relates to quick-connect pipe fittings that are easy to release.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Quick connect fittings are well known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in G.I. N. Vys
No. 4,565,392 to E. This type of pipe fitting. Generally, a nipple 9 or insert member is provided, which insert member is inserted into a hole in a socket or receiving member during assembly. Additionally, an extensible split ring extends across the annular groove of the two members to secure the two members together. Furthermore, the quick-connect fitting is provided with means by which it is possible to separate the two parts when necessary. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,540,760 and 4,063,7
No. 60 discloses a pipe fitting with a sleeve that is attached by means of screws, and when the sleeve is removed from the other part, the ring is released, thereby making it possible to uncouple the pipe fitting.

Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,359 discloses a quick connect fitting with an expandable ring for holding fitting members together and a movable cage for expanding the ring and uncoupling the fitting. is disclosed.

One of the disadvantages of conventional releasable pipe joints is that they are relatively complex and therefore expensive. The one with the screw-mounted sleeve is the Kaikai one. There is the further disadvantage of having to unscrew the parts to remove them, and the design of Patent No. 4, Q55.359 requires a special cage around the fitting.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to: It is possible to release the hatch when necessary. And the production cost is relatively low. The object of the present invention is to provide a quick-connect pipe joint that is easy to operate.

A releasable quick-connect pipe fitting according to the present invention includes a tubular insertion member and a receiving member, and the insertion member is moved on the axis of both members and inserted into the receiving member. Is possible. The insert member has annular load, lock, and release grooves on its outer periphery, each groove having a first... and has second and third radial dimensions. The lock groove is located between the load groove and the release groove.
It has a larger radial dimension than the load groove and release groove. An annular expansion retainer is inserted into one of the backs of the three grooves. The receiving member has a forward end having a first inner diameter, the i-th inner diameter being greater than the outer diameter of the retainer when the retainer is in either the load groove or the release groove, but when the retainer is in the lock groove. in some cases. Smaller than the outer diameter of the retainer. Furthermore, the receiving parts. a rear end spaced apart from the forward end, the push surface has a second inner diameter; the second inner diameter is . It is smaller than the outer diameter of the retainer when the retainer is in any groove. The push surface is. When assembling parts. Move the retainer from the load groove to the lock groove. Additionally, the fitting includes a removable stopper that limits the distance that the insert member can move forward into the receiving member during assembly. The push surface prevents the retainer from moving into release 114.

However, if the stopper is removed, it becomes possible to move the member forward to a position where the push surface moves the retainer into the release groove, thereby allowing the part to be released.

(Example) The operation of the present invention will be described below along with specific examples.

First, explanation will be given based on FIG. The pipe joint according to the present invention is. It comprises a tubular nimble or insert member 11 and a tubular receiving member (or socket portion) 12. Insertion part kidnapping 11
and the receiving part 12 can be removably connected to each other as described below, and the left end of the receiving member 11 and the right end of the receiving member 12 are connected to parts such as pipes and hoses. (not shown) in a conventional manner. Insertion member 11 and receiving member 12
has an internal passage for passage of liquid or gas or for vacuum. Further, the tube's hand is provided with an annular O-ring 13 and an annular retainer 14 (seventh ring) on the outer periphery of the insertion member 11.
(see also Figure 6), a stop 1 and a sleeve 16 (see also Figure 6), and a dust guard 17 (also called a dust cap, which is not necessarily required).

Next, a description will be given based on FIG. 2. The O-ring 13 is mounted in an annular groove 2l formed on the outer periphery of the insert member 11 adjacent to the front (ie, right side as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) end of the insert member 11. Further, on the outer periphery of the insertion member 11, a load groove 22 is provided at a distance i behind the groove 21.
(Closest to groove 21) 1 Lock groove 23 and release groove 24
is formed. 3 grooves 22. 23 and 24 are annular and, in this embodiment, the two grooves 22 and 24 are of substantially the same diameter. The lock groove 23 is located between the load groove 22 and the release groove 24, and its diameter is smaller than that of the other two {
It's bigger than the groove of cause.

On the outer surface of the insert member between the load groove 22 and the lock groove 230.
A slope 26 is formed rearwardly from the load groove 22 and slopes radially outward. This slope 26 ends at a top 27. The top 27 is connected to the bottom of the locking groove 23 by another slope 28 . The slope 28 slopes radially outward from the lock groove 23 toward the top 27 in a forward direction. Between the two grooves 23 and 24, the slope 29
is sloped rearwardly and radially outwardly from the [:I-cut groove 23 to reach the apex 31 which is substantially at the end of the release trough 24.

Behind the release groove 24 is a guide surface 32 for a one-diameter person, and an annular groove 33 is further formed in this guide surface 32.

Another guide surface 34 is formed between the grooves 2l and 22, the diameter of the guide surface 34 being smaller than the diameter of the other guide surface 32.

The glue retainer 14 of this embodiment is made from an extensible coiled metal spring. It has a ring shape as shown in FIG. Like this 6; Toneha. Commonly called a garter spring. Cut a piece of coil spring, secure both ends, and make the 7th coil spring.
It may be annular as shown in the figure. The inner diameter of the retainer 14 is sized so that the retainer 14 is slightly elongated when the retainer 14 is fully loaded 22 (the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

Furthermore, the pipe joint has a stopper 16. This stopper, in this embodiment, is in the form of a conventional E-ring of the type typically mounted in a groove in a spindle for retaining a member on the spindle.

The stopper 16 is split, thereby forming an opening 38 between the ends of the stopper.

Furthermore, the sides of the stopper are sufficiently flexible so that the opening 38 can be widened slightly to fit the stopper tightly into the groove 33. It is also possible to remove it from the groove 33. The inner diameter of the stopper l6 is selected to be such that the stopper receives a slight tension when it is installed in the groove 33.

The dust cap 17 is preferably provided when the pipe joint is installed in a location where it is exposed to dust and dirt. The dust cap consists of an annular radially extending plate portion 3
9, the plate portion is in the groove 33 and located immediately in front of the stopper l6 (on the right side in Figure 2);
Worth it. The annular flange 40. A flange 40 is formed adjacent the outer end of the plate portion 39 and extends forwardly to cover the end of the receiving portion 12 when the parts are fully assembled as shown in FIG. If the dust cap knob is not required, it is a matter of convenience to omit the cap. In this case, the stopper l6 needs to be installed at the current position of the dust cap 17 shown in Figure 2. . Also, groove 3
By shortening the axial dimension of 3, the stopper 16 can be positioned to the right of its position as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the stopper 16 is installed at the position of the plate portion 39 of the dust cap in the groove 33 in FIG.
It may be provided on the left side of 6.

The receiving member 12 has a forward end 46 (on the left in FIG. 2) with an internal bore whose inner surface 47 has a diameter such that when the retainer l4 is in either the load groove 22 or the release groove 24, It is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the retainer 14. Furthermore, the diameter of the inner surface 47 of the hole is slightly larger than the diameter of the guide surface 32. Therefore, with the retainer l4 in the load groove 22. The insertion member 11 is moved to the right in FIGS. 1 and 2. When inserted into the receiving member 12, the inner tfD47 passes through the O-ring l3 and the outside of the retainer 14, and further slides on the guide surface 32. Front end 4
The thickness of 6 is such that the end 46 can move between the guide surface 32 and the flange 40 of the dust cap, as shown in FIG. During assembly, the end portion 46 slides over the guide surface 32 so that the movement of the insert member is guided to align well with the hole in the receiving member.

An annular groove 48 is provided at a distance from the front end 46 of the receiving member toward the rear (rightward in FIGS. 1 to 3). This groove is of sufficient size to allow retainer 14 to fit therein. The radial dimension of groove 48 is large enough to receive the retainer when nottainer 14 is on top 27. The front side of the groove 48 has a slope 49 extending from the inner surface 47 to the bottom of the groove 48 . On the rear side of the groove 48,
There is a radially extending push surface 51 which extends radially inwardly from the bottom H'; has a large radial dimension. the result. When the insertion member is inserted into the interior of the receiving member, the guide surface 34 is guided by the small diameter hole 52 and at the same time the guide surface 32 is guided by the inner surface 47 at the forward end of the receiving member. The hole 52 has a small step 5 extending radially outwardly.
3 so that the receiving member can slip over the O-ring 13 without damaging it.

Here, the structure and assembly of the pipe joint will be explained. As having the stopper 16 and the dust cap 17, the dust cap l7 is installed in the groove 33, and the retainer 1 is attached.
4 to the load 22, and the O-ring 13 to the groove 21. The dust cap 17 can also be made of a stretchable material such as rubber or polyethylene and stretched to fit over the end of the nipple and into the groove 33.

Next, the persimmon inserting member 11 is moved rightward from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. The insert member guide 34 enters the hole 52. O-ring 13 is compressed by the inner surface of hole 52, as shown in FIG. The pushing surface 51 contacts the front side surface of the retainer 14 and pushes the retainer t4 up along the inclined surface 26 as the insertion member is inserted into the receiving member. Retainer l4 is. It is moved by the pushing surface 51 to pass over the top portion 27, and is further fitted tightly into the locking groove 23 due to the elongation or tension of the retainer 14. This position is shown in Figure 4. The member is in the locked position. The forward end 46 of the receiving member 12 is located between the guide surface 32 and the flange 40 of the dust cap l7. The guide surfaces 32 and 34 of the insert member are connected to the inner surface 4 of the hole.
7 and the inner surface of the bore 52, the insert member does not tilt within the receiving member.

The O-ring 13 is compressed to form a seal as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the retainer 14 is inserted into the lock 1
It is within 23. As shown in FIG. 4, the diameter of the hole inner surface 47 is smaller than the outer diameter of the retainer 14 when the retainer is in the lock groove 23.

Therefore, by applying internal pressure to disengage the pipe fitting member, or by moving the insert member 11 to the left of the receiving member l2 or by removing it from the receiving member. The slope 49 of the receiving member contacts one side of the retainer 14, while the other side of the retainer contacts the slope 28 of the locking groove 23.

The retainer 14 expands into the lock groove 23 and the annular groove 48.
Enter both sides. And the retainer 14 has two slopes 49
Sandwiched between and 28. Thereby, the pipe fitting parts are reliably locked together. The slope 49 acts as a cam or wedge 7 to press the retainer 14 against the bottom of the lock groove 23.

Next, a description will be given based on FIG. 4. The axial dimensions of the insertion member 11 and the receiving member 12 are the same as the forward end 46 of the receiving member.
When it is moved with respect to the radial plate portion 39 of the dust cap 17 so that there is no gap, the pressing surface 51 passes over the top 27 but does not contact the retainer 14 in the locking groove 23. Furthermore, the top portion 31 between the lock groove 23 and the release groove 24 is... To prevent the retainer I4 from accidentally entering the release groove 24. In other words. This is because the retainer 14 must expand to pass the top 31.

For maintenance purposes, for example for replacing the O-ring 13 or for servicing the components connected to the insert part 11 or the receiving part 12, it is sometimes necessary to uncouple the pipe coupling.

Therefore, the pipe fitting is configured such that the insertion member 11 can be pulled out from the receiving member 12. It is a precept that can be canceled.

Whatever the purpose, uncoupling the pipe fitting is easily accomplished by first removing the stopper 16. If the stopper 16 is not in the groove 33, the insertion member l1 is
It is now possible to move it a slightly longer distance in the forward direction (to the right) to the position shown in Figure 5. At this position. The front end 46 of the receiving member has a dust cap 1
7 and the dust cap is moved to the left end of the groove 33. During this extended movement to the release position. The pushing surface 5l moves the retainer 14 from the lock groove 23 over the top 31 to the release groove 24. As mentioned above, the release groove 24
The diameter of the lock groove 23 is smaller than that of the lock groove 23, and the release groove 24 is smaller in diameter than the lock groove 23.
The diameter of is. When the retainer 14 enters the release groove 24, it is small enough not to prevent the insertion member 11 from coming out of the receiving member 12. In other words, the diameter of the inner surface 47 is
4 is located within the release groove 24, it is slightly larger than or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the retainer.

When reconnecting pipe fittings. Place the stopper 16 into the groove 33
Return it to the position shown in Figures 1 to 4. The retainer l4 cannot be manually moved from the release groove 24 to the load groove 22. Furthermore, it is desirable to replace the O-ring 13 at this point. The fitting members can then be reattached in the manner described above.

FIG. 8 illustrates another arrangement in which the stopper and dust cap are formed into one piece.

The unitary structure 60 includes a stopper portion 6I and a dust cap portion 62. It is also possible to provide the handle 63 on an integral part of the unitary structure 60. The cross-sectional shape of the unitary structure 60 is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 2, except that the stopper and the dust cap are integrally formed. for example. The single structure is shaped using stretchable plastic, and when assembled, it is stretched to extend beyond the end of the nimple. Full 33 of insertion member 11
It may also be installed on. Although the unitary structure 60 (and including the dust cap 17) may be somewhat resilient, the unitary structure is... It should generally not be too soft, as the forward end of the receiving member 12 may be compressed to the extent that accidental release of the member may occur. On the other hand, depending on the device, a single structure can be sufficiently deformed. It is desirable to manually push the insert into the receiving member to deform the unitary structure without removing it, thereby allowing the coupling to be uncoupled. However, in general.
To uncouple the pipe fitting, grasp the handle 63 and release the unitary structure'! ! Remove the unitary structure 60 by pulling the yJ60 out of the groove 33.

Although it is possible to install the O-ring 1 (} in the groove formed in the hole 52 of the receiving member l2, it is preferable to install it on the insertion member 11 for easy installation and checking. Instead of being placed on the member 11, it is also possible to attach it to the end 46 of the receiving member 12.

The retainer 14, which consists of the garter spring mentioned above, becomes somewhat flattened when a large force is applied to separate the fitting members. Therefore, once the strength of the retainer is determined,
There is also a limit to the internal pressure within a pipe joint that can be safely introduced.

(Effects of the Invention) In the new and useful releasable quick-connect fitting of the present invention, the various grooves in the inserting member and the receiving member are easy to machine, and the stopper 16 and (if provided) ) The dust cap l7 is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and install. The pipe fitting can not only be uncoupled if necessary, but also reassembled by simply fitting the stopper 16 into the groove 33. As a result, the cost of pipe fittings is relatively low. It is relatively easy to manufacture and install, and is highly reliable in use.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view including a partial cross section showing the pipe joint according to the present invention in an uncoupled state, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing the pipe joint member according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing the pipe joint according to the present invention when assembled. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing the pipe fitting according to the present invention in the locked position;
The figure is an enlarged sectional view showing the pipe joint according to the present invention in the released position. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the stopper of the pipe joint according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the retainer of the pipe joint according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view showing another form of the pipe joint according to the present invention. 11.. Insertion member, 12.. Receiving member, 14.. Retainer, 16.. Stopper, 17.. Dust guard (also called dust cap), 21.. Annular groove, 22.. Load groove. 23...lock groove, 24...release groove, 26...divert. 28. ・Slope, 29. ・Slope. 33 ・Annular groove, 48. ・Annular groove. 49・・Slope, 51・・Press surface 52・・Hole

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A releasable quick-connect pipe joint, comprising: (a) the tubular insertion member has a shaft, and an annular locking groove and an annular release groove are formed on the outer periphery of the tubular insertion member; (b) the cylindrical receiving member has a front surface sloped outwardly and forwardly with respect to said axis, and further said release groove has a smaller diameter than said locking groove; The hole is coaxial with the insertion member and has a hole for receiving the insertion member, and the hole has an annular hole groove formed therein, and the hole groove faces inwardly with respect to the axis of the receiving member. (c) an annular retainer is installed in either one of the locking groove and the release groove, and is movable to the other of the locking groove and the release groove; said retainer comprising a garter spring formed by a substantially annular radially extending coil; (d) said insert member being movable to a locking position within said receiving member, in which said said insert member being movable to a locking position within said receiving member; the locking groove and the bore groove are substantially radially aligned, and the retainer extends within the locking groove and the bore groove, and the retainer extends between the sloped front side of the locking groove and the sloped rear side of the bore groove; The retainer is sandwiched between the insertion member and the receiving member to prevent separation thereof, and furthermore, the retainer is movable to a release position within the receiving member, and in that position, the release groove and the hole groove are substantially closed. and (e) one of said insert member and receiving member is radially aligned and said retainer extends into said release groove and out of engagement with said receiving member; a stopper operatively connected and engageable with the other, said stopper preventing said insert member from moving into said released position, the removal of said stopper preventing movement of said insert member into said released position; 2) a releasable quick-connect fitting consisting of a releasable quick-connect fitting comprising a releasable member capable of movement; and 2) characterized in that the aforesaid receiving member has a push surface positioned to move the aforesaid retainer from the aforesaid locking groove to the aforesaid release groove. 3) The releasable quick-connect fitting of claim 1, wherein said insert member further has an annular load groove formed on its outer periphery, the inclined surface extending radially from said load groove to said lock groove. Extending outwardly and rearwardly in the direction, the said garter spring is initially installed in the said load groove, and further said pushing is carried out by rolling the said retainer from the said load groove over the said slope. 4) A releasable quick-connect fitting according to claim 2, characterized in that the said insert is in a position to move up to the said locking groove and the said insert has a locking groove between the said load groove and the said locking groove. 5) A releasable quick-connect fitting according to claim 3, characterized in that the apex is formed between the groove and the aforementioned release groove. 5) The aforementioned stopper is removably connected to the aforementioned insert member. 6) A releasable quick-connect fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a dust cap attached to one of said inserting member and said receiving member and surrounding a portion of said receiving member. 7) A releasable quick-connect fitting according to claim 3, characterized in that said garter spring is expanded when installed in said load groove. 8) The releasable quick-connect fitting of claim 1, wherein said retainer and said locking groove have substantially the same curved surface.