KR20090120450A - Male coupling for connecting to female threaded coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

A male coupling that is connectable to and separable from a female threaded coupling (e.g., a female threaded port) is provided. The female threaded coupling includes a sealing surface and a receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the receiving portion has internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway extending therethrough and a locking member (e.g., ratcheting or non-ratcheting) disposed about the body and configured to move between locking and releasing positions. The locking member has a retaining formation configured to engage the internal threads of the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in its locking position. The male coupling also includes an axially movable sleeve disposed about the body and an annular seal disposed about the sleeve. After insertion of the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of the locking member engages one or more of the internal threads in the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in its locking position. Upon movement of the sleeve towards the female threaded coupling, the annular seal is compressed against the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling.

Description

Male coupling to female threaded coupling {MALE COUPLING FOR CONNECTING TO FEMALE THREADED COUPLING}

This application claims interest in US Provisional Application No. 60 / 826,701, filed September 22, 2006, and US Provisional Application No. 60 / 912,052, filed April 16, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Included as.

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

Coupling assemblies for the delivery of gases or fluids which can be fixed to each other by axial movement of the male coupling with female coupling are known in the art. In typical applications, male and female couplings function as adapters between flexible conduits such as hoses and devices such as pumps. Although several methods are commonly used to connect male couplings to flexible conduits such as barbed hose adapters, female couplings are typically connected to standard female threaded ports of the device.

Manufacturers of coupling assemblies attempt to reduce complexity and cost by eliminating the need for standard female threaded ports by integrating female coupling directly into their customer's device (known as "direct porting"). It was. However, the customer is not willing to integrate the female coupling of a particular coupling manufacturer directly into their device, because doing so makes it difficult to convert back to a standard female threaded port. In addition, the customer may not be willing to integrate a specific manufacturer's female coupling directly into this device, because doing so requires the customer to purchase all replacement hoses from the coupling manufacturer. . Efforts to improve the current design of the coupling assembly, in particular to reduce the complexity and cost of the coupling assembly, as well as to design a coupling compatible with standard fittings (eg, standard female threaded ports). This is going on.

In one embodiment, a male coupling is provided that is connectable and detachable to a female threaded coupling (eg, female threaded port). The female threaded coupling includes a receiving portion and a sealing surface sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, wherein the receiving portion includes internal threads provided herein. Have The male coupling includes a body having a passageway extending therethrough and a locking member (eg, ratcheting or non-ratcheting) disposed around the body and configured to move between the locking and unlocking positions. Ting). The locking member has a retaining formation (eg, a partial threaded formation) that is configured to engage the inner thread of the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in the locked position. The male coupling also includes an axially movable sleeve disposed around the body and an annular seal disposed around the sleeve. After inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of the locking member engages one or more inner threads of the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in the locked position. In moving the sleeve with the female threaded coupling, the annular seal is compressed to the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling.

In another embodiment, a male coupling is provided that is connectable and detachable to a female threaded coupling (eg, female threaded port). The female threaded coupling includes a receiving portion and a sealing surface sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, wherein the receiving portion has an internal thread provided herein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway extending therethrough and a ratcheting locking member (eg, having many segments or resilient fingers) arranged around the body and configured to move between the locked and unlocked positions. Locking member). The ratcheting locking member has a retention formation (eg, a partial threaded formation) configured to engage the inner thread of the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in the locked position. The male coupling also includes a movable sleeve disposed around the body and an annular seal disposed around the sleeve. When inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of the ratcheting locking member engages gradually with the inner thread of the female threaded coupling. In the axial movement of the sleeve with the female threaded coupling, the annular seal is pressed against the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling.

In another embodiment, a male coupling is provided that is connectable and detachable to a female threaded coupling (eg, female threaded port). The female threaded coupling includes a receiving portion and a sealing surface sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, wherein the receiving portion has an internal thread provided herein. The male coupling includes a body having an outer thread and a passage extending therethrough, and a ratcheting locking member having a number of elastic fingers disposed around the body and configured to move between the locked and released positions. Each elastic finger has a retaining formation (eg, a partial threaded formation) configured to engage the inner thread of the female threaded coupling when the elastic finger is in their respective locking position. The male coupling also includes a nut having an inner thread threadedly engaged with an outer thread of the body, and an annular seal disposed around the nut. When inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of each elastic finger engages gradually with the inner thread of the female threaded coupling. When rotating the nut, the male coupling is pulled closer to the female threaded coupling, compressing the annular seal to the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling.

In another embodiment, a male coupling is provided that is connectable and detachable to a female threaded coupling (eg, female threaded port). The female threaded coupling includes a receiving portion and a sealing surface sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, wherein the receiving portion has an internal thread provided herein. The male coupling includes a body and a ratcheting locking member (eg, a single locking member with many segments or elastic fingers) arranged around the body and configured to move between the locked and unlocked positions. The ratcheting locking member has a retaining formation (eg, a partial threaded formation) configured to engage an inner thread of the female threaded coupling. The male coupling is also disposed around the body and includes a sleeve engaged with the ratcheting lock member such that rotation of the sleeve causes the ratcheting lock member to rotate. When inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of the ratcheting locking member engages gradually with the inner thread of the female threaded coupling. When rotating the sleeve, the ratcheting locking member rotates relative to the body, pulling the male coupling into the female threaded coupling.

A method is provided for sealingly connecting a male coupling to a female threaded coupling (eg, female threaded port). The female threaded coupling includes a receiving portion and a sealing surface sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, wherein the receiving portion has an internal thread provided herein. The method includes a body having a passage extending through the body, a locking member disposed around the body and configured to engage the inner thread of the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in the locked position. Providing a male coupling comprising a sleeve disposed about the body and an annular seal disposed around the sleeve; Inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling until the retaining formation of the locking member engages the inner thread of the female threaded coupling; Moving the sleeve with the female threaded coupling to compress the annular seal to the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling.

It will be appreciated that the boundaries of the described elements in the figures represent only one example of the boundaries. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a single device may be designed as multiple devices, or multiple devices may be designed as a single device. Elements shown as internal features may be implemented as external features or vice versa.

In addition, in the following accompanying drawings and description, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and the description, respectively. This figure may not be drawn to scale, and the ratio of certain elements is highlighted for ease of explanation.

1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a male coupling 10 for connecting to a female threaded coupling.

1B and 1C are cross-sectional views of the male coupling 10 in the unengaged and engaged position relative to the female threaded coupling 12, respectively.

1D is a detail view of a portion of the male coupling 10.

2A is a plan view, cross sectional view and end views of one embodiment of the body 22 used in the male coupling 10.

2B is a plan view, cross-sectional view and cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a nut 42 used in the male coupling 10.

2C is a plan view, cross sectional view and cross sectional view of one embodiment of a locking member segment 55 used in the male coupling 10.

3A and 3B are perspective and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a male coupling 300 configured to be connected to a female threaded coupling, respectively.

3C is a cross-sectional view of the male coupling 10 in the engaged position with respect to the female threaded coupling 12.

4A is a top view of one embodiment of a body 310 used in male coupling 300.

4B is a plan view, detail view, and cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a locking member 346 used in male coupling 300.

4C is a perspective and cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a nut 366 used in male coupling 300.

5A and 5B are perspective and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a male coupling 500 configured to connect to a female threaded coupling, respectively.

6A is a plan view, cross-sectional view and cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a body 510 used in male coupling 500.

6B is a perspective and detailed view of one embodiment of a locking member 538 used in male coupling 500.

6C is a perspective and cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a sleeve 556 used in male coupling 500.

Some terms will be used in the following description only for convenience of reference and will not be limited. The terms "forward" and "rearward" for each component of the coupling assembly will denote directions in the coupling direction and directions away from the coupling direction, respectively. The terms "right direction" and "left direction" denote directions in the figures, and the term is used in this regard. The terms "inner direction" and "outer direction" will each refer to a direction along the geometric centerline or longitudinal axis of the coupling assembly and away from this longitudinal direction. The terms "upward" and "downward" will refer to the direction as taken in the figures, in which the term is used. All of the above terms include normal derivatives and their equivalents.

1A and 1B show, respectively, a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a male coupling 10 connected to a female threaded coupling 12 and configured to be detachable from. In total, the male coupling 10 and the female threaded coupling 12 operate as a push-to-connect type coupling assembly, which will be discussed in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 1B, the male coupling 10 and the female threaded coupling 12 are in an unengaged position. In the illustrated embodiment, the female threaded coupling 12 is a female threaded port, such as a standard female threaded port. In one embodiment, the standard female threaded port may be a SAE O-ring boss port. In an optional embodiment, the standard female threaded port may be an ISO, DIN or BSPP O-ring port.

In FIG. 1C, a cross-sectional view of the male coupling 10 and the female threaded coupling 12 in the engaged position is shown. In the engaged position, the male coupling 10 and the female threaded coupling 12 function as a coupling assembly to transfer fluid through it. Both male coupling 10 and female threaded coupling 12 share the same central longitudinal axis A when they are in the engaged position as shown in FIG. 1C. In one embodiment, the male coupling 10 and / or the female threaded coupling 12 may be formed of stainless steel. In optional embodiments, male coupling 10 and / or female threaded coupling 12 may be formed of other materials, such as carbon steel, brass, aluminum, and plastic.

Referring again to FIG. 1B, the female threaded coupling 12 includes a receptacle with a receiving end 14 and a remote (not shown) with a remote end (not shown). Extending through the female threaded coupling 12 between the receiving end 14 and the remote end (not shown) is a passage 16 through which fluid flows. In one embodiment (not shown), the remote portion of the female threaded coupling 12 may include an external thread for attaching to an internal thread of a separating component (not shown), or the female threaded port may be a pump Can be integrated into a device such as a manifold. In an optional embodiment (not shown), the female threaded coupling 12 may include other suitable connection means for attaching to a disconnect component (not shown).

The female threaded coupling 12 also has a chamfered surface 18 extending rearward and inwardly from the receiving end 14 and a set of internal threads extending rearwardly from the chamfered surface 18. And 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamfer 18 serves as a sealing surface for receiving the annular seal, which will be discussed in more detail below. In another embodiment, the receiving end 14 of the female threaded coupling 12 may serve as a sealing surface for receiving the annular seal.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner thread 20 has a trapezoidal profile when viewed in cross section and includes seven threads 20a-g. In an optional embodiment (not shown), the inner thread 20 may take the form of another profile (eg, triangle, square, or rectangle) when viewed in a cross-sectional view, and includes any number of threads. In another optional embodiment (not shown), the female threaded coupling 12 may not include a chamfer face 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the male coupling 10 includes a body 22. As shown in FIG. 2A, the body 22 separates the leading portion with a leading end 26 and the trailing portion with a trailing end 28. And a collar 24. Extending from the leading end 26 to the rear end 28 through the male coupling 10 is a passageway 30 through which the fluid flows. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailing portion of the male coupling 10 includes a hose nipple to receive the hose. In optional embodiments (not shown), the trailing portion may be provided with an external thread for attaching to the threaded coupling of another component. The collar 24 includes a flat that engages with a wrench when the trailing portion (not shown) has an external thread.

With continued reference to FIG. 2A, the leading portion of the body 22 is defined by a first outer cylindrical surface 31 extending forwardly from the collar 24 and a first outer surface 30 by a shoulder 33. A tapered surface 32 which is separated from. The tapered surface 32 tapers to the tip 26 of the body 22 and is directed at angle B with respect to the longitudinal axis A. FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle B is about ^20. In optional embodiments (not shown), each B may be between about 0 ⁰ and about 90 ⁰ . Optionally, face 32 may include a step instead of a taper.

In front of the tapered surface 32 there is a retaining formation 34 extending radially outward therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer formation 34 includes a ramp 35 extending outwardly and rearwardly from the tip 26 of the body 22. Extending from the ramp 35 is a second outer cylindrical surface 36 in contact with the shoulder 37 that bends inwardly toward the tapered surface 32.

Referring again to FIG. 1D, the male coupling 10 also includes an annular support element, such as an elastically expandable split retaining ring 38, which is disposed around the tapered surface 32. And meshes with the shoulder 37. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining ring 38 has a circular cross section and an outer diameter larger than the second outer surface 36. The retaining ring 38 serves as a shoulder to help lock the male coupling member 10 and the female threaded coupling 12 together, which will be discussed in more detail below. In optional embodiments (not shown), the split locking ring can have different cross sections, such as triangular, trapezoidal and square. In one embodiment, retaining ring 38 may be formed of stainless spring steel. In alternative embodiments, retaining ring 38 may be formed of other metals, such as bronze material, carbon steel or stainless steel that is spring tempered. In another embodiment (not shown), body 22 may include an integral rib that acts as an annular support element instead of retaining ring 38.

The first outer surface 31 of the body 22 includes an outward facing annular groove 39 extending therefrom in a radially inward direction. In the groove 39 is located a support ring 40 made of a hard material such as plastic, leather or hard rubber and an annular seal 41 composed of a suitable sealing material such as neoprene or other elastomeric material. The annular seal 41 is located in the groove 39 between the tip 26 of the body 22 and the support ring 40. The support ring 40 serves to prevent the annular seal 41 from being damaged when the coupling assembly is used for high pressure applications. In other embodiments (not shown), the support ring 40 can be removed when the coupling assembly is used for low pressure applications.

The male coupling 10 further includes an axially movable and rotatable sleeve 42 configured to help seal and connect the male coupling 10 to the female threaded coupling 12, which It will be discussed in more detail below. In the embodiment shown, the sleeve 42 is arranged around the leading portion of the body 22, and is configured to rotate and move axially relative to the body 22. As shown in FIG. 2B, the sleeve 42 includes a spline portion 43 and a body portion 44. Body portion 44 includes an inner cylindrical surface 45 and an outer surface having a series of flats 46 engaged by a wrench. The spline portion 43 is a stepped inner surface with three inner facing grooves 48 spaced in the circumferential direction forming three ribs 49 circumferentially-spaced in the circumferential direction. And (47). Extending axially forward from each rib 49 is a tab 50. In an optional embodiment (not shown), the stepped inner surface 47 may include different numbers of grooves forming different numbers of ribs. The stepped inner surface 47 of the spline portion 43 is separated from the inner surface 45 of the body portion 44 by the shoulder 51. The spline portion 43 of the sleeve 42 also includes an outer surface 52 and a shoulder 53 extending therefrom in a radially outward direction.

Referring again to FIG. 1D, the inner surface 45 of the body portion 44 receives the first outer surface 31 of the body 22 and supports ring 40 in the groove 39 of the body 22. Is sized to accommodate The inner surface 45 of the body portion 44 is also sized to receive and seal and engage the annular seal 41 in the groove 39 of the body 22 so that dust or other contaminants are annularly sealed. Do not enter in front of the region of section 41 and maintain fluid pressure inside the coupling assembly. The shoulder 51 is configured to engage the shoulder 33 of the body 22.

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

The male coupling 10 further includes a ratcheting locking member that locks the male coupling 10 and the female threaded coupling 12 together. In the embodiment shown, the locking member is in the form of three separate ratcheting, the locking member segment 55 arranged around the leading part of the body 22, and as a whole, forms a ratcheting locking member. In optional embodiments (not shown), the locking member may comprise a different number of ratcheting locking member segments.

As shown in FIG. 2C, each locking member segment 55 includes a key portion 58 having a front end 56, a rear end 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 causing interference between the locking member segment 55 and the sleeve 42. ). Due to this interference, the lock member segment 55 is rotated by the rotation of the sleeve 42.

Each lock member segment 55 is also configured to engage the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12 when the male coupling 10 is inserted into the female threaded coupling 12. Formations, which are discussed in more detail below. In the embodiment shown, the retaining formation includes an outer partial threaded formation 60. The threaded formation 60 is characterized as "partial" due to the fact that the ratcheting locking member consists of the locking member segment 55. Thus, the partial threaded formation 60 of each locking member segment 55 includes only a portion of the threaded formation. However, it will be appreciated that the locking member segments 55 form a threaded formation as a whole, although the threads may not be continuous because adjacent locking member segments 55 will have a small space in the middle thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, the partial threaded formation 60 includes six trapezoidal threads 60a-f when viewed in cross section. However, in optional embodiments (not shown), the partial threaded formations 60 may comprise different numbers of threads, and / or these threads may be internal threads of the female threaded coupling 12. As long as it can mesh and engage with 20, it may take other forms of shape (eg, triangles, squares or rectangles) when viewed in cross section. In addition, in optional embodiments (not shown), the retaining formation may include a plurality of discrete outwardly extending projections in a radially outward direction that may engage the inner thread 20 of the female threaded port 12. In these embodiments, the plurality of discretely extending protrusions in the radially outward direction can take the form of any shape and are arranged in any pattern as long as they can engage the inner thread 20 of the female threaded port 12. Can be.

Each locking member segment 55 also includes an inner tapered surface 61 provided adjacent the rear end 57. The tapered surface 61 is tapered to the rear end 57 of the locking member segment 55 and directed at angle C about the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, each of C is about ^20. In an optional embodiment (not shown), each C may be between about 0 ⁰ and about 90 ⁰ . As shown in FIG. 1D, a gap 62 is provided 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 opposing tapered surfaces, that is, tapered surface 61 of each locking member segment 55 and tapered surface 32 of the body 22.

A locking or pivoting surface 63 is provided between the rear end 57 and the tapered surface 61 of each locking member segment 55. In the embodiment shown, the pivot surface 63 is bent. Optionally, pivot surface 63 can be chamfered. Pivot surface 63 forms pivot axis P (extending in the figure), around which each locking member segment 55 pivots. The pivot axis P of each locking member segment 55 forms a constant space on the longitudinal axis A and is oriented at right angles to this longitudinal axis A.

Due to the surface forming the pivot axis P, each locking member segment 55 can pivot between a first position (ie, a locking position) and a second position (ie, 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 unlocked position (not shown), each locking member segment 55 is pivoted about the pivot axis P (collapsing the partial threaded formation 60 in a radially inward direction) so that each locking member segment ( The tapered surface 61 of 55 is in contact with the tapered surface 32 of the body 22. However, it will be appreciated that the release position does not require the tapered surface 32 of each locking member segment 55 to abut the tapered surface 32 of the body 22. Instead, each lock member segment 55 merely has an outer extremities of the partially threaded formation 60 of the lock member segment 55 and an internal thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12. It is necessary to pivot a sufficient amount to provide clearance on the inner distal end of the.

There is a groove formation in front of the tapered surface 61 of each locking member segment 55. As shown in FIG. 2C, the groove formation of each locking member segment 55 includes two inner facing grooves 64, 65 separated by triangular ribs 66. In total, the grooves 64 of the locking member segment 55 form a first annular groove 64. Likewise, the groove 65 of the locking member segment 55 forms a second annular groove 98. In optional embodiments (not shown), the ribs 66 may take other forms of shape (eg, square, rectangular or trapezoidal) when viewed in cross section.

The first groove 64 is formed at least in part by an inner cylindrical surface 67 and a shoulder 68 extending therefrom in the radially inward direction. The inner surface 67 is sized to receive the retaining ring 38 as the locking member segments 55 are moved to their respective release positions. The chamfer 69 extends obliquely inward from the shoulder 68 to the rear end 63 of each retaining member segment 55 so as to contact the tapered surface 61. The chamfer 69 serves as a locking surface, which will be discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the chamfer 69 with respect to the longitudinal axis A is about 45 ⁰ . It will be appreciated that the angle of the chamfer 69 relative to the longitudinal axis A may vary depending on the design. In optional embodiments (not shown), the chamfer 69 can be bent (eg, convex or concave) instead of chamfering. The second groove 65 is formed at least in part by an inner cylindrical surface 70 and a shoulder 71 extending therefrom in the radially inward direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the male coupling 10 also includes an annular elastic bias element 72 located in the second groove 65, thereby engaging the inner surface 70. The bias element 72 is configured to bias the locking member segment 55 to the locked position. Bias element 72 is trapped between rib 66 and shoulder 71 to limit its axial movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the bias element 72 is a spring ring that can be folded and returned to its original state due to its elasticity. In alternative embodiments, the bias element 72 may be made of rubber or plastic material.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the bias element 72 has a circular cross section and a larger outer diameter than the second outer surface 36 of the body 22. In optional embodiments (not shown), bias element 72 may have different cross sections, such as triangular, trapezoidal and square. In one embodiment, bias element 72 may be formed of stainless spring steel. In alternative embodiments, the bias element 72 may be formed from other metals, such as spring tempered phosphor bronze material, carbon steel or stainless steel.

In order to couple the male coupling 10 to the female threaded coupling 12, the male coupling 10 is provided with the most partial front thread of the partial threaded formation 60 of each locking member segment 55. 60a is moved forward in female threaded coupling 12 until it engages the most front thread 20a of female threaded coupling 12. In the continuous forward movement of the male coupling 10, the thread 20a of the female threaded coupling 12 interacts with the locking member segment 55 such that the locking member segment 55 forces the bias element ( Pivot around the pivot axis P against the pressing of 72). This causes the partially threaded formation 60 of each locking member segment 55 to contract radially inward, causing the bias element 72 to contract. The locking member segment 55 contracts in a radially inward direction until it cams or "ratchets" through the apex of the thread 20a of the female threaded coupling 12. As soon as this occurs, the locking member segments 55 are biased or " spring back " to their respective locking positions due to the resilience of the bias elements 72, thereby leading to the most of the partial threaded formation 60. The partial front thread 60a meshes and engages with the most front thread 20a of the female threaded coupling 12.

Upon further forward movement of the male coupling 10 into the female threaded coupling 12, the partial threaded formations 60 of each locking member segment 55 are alternately locked and released, Cam or "ratchet" along the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12 to progressively mesh and engage with the additional inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12.

When all of the partial threads 60 of the locking member segment 55 are engaged with the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12, the male coupling 10 and the female threaded coupling 12 are mechanical to each other. Are combined. However, the connection is not complete until the male coupling 10 is also sealedly coupled to the female threaded coupling 12. To achieve this, the sleeve 42 is rotated (eg clockwise) until its shoulder 53 engages the receiving end 14 of the female threaded coupling 12. Thereafter, the sleeve 42 is torqued to fully compress the annular seal 54 to the chamfered surface 18 of the female threaded coupling 12, thereby compressing the male coupling 10 with the female threaded coupling ( 12) to seal (Fig. 1C). By torqueing the sleeve 42, the mechanical connection between the male coupling 10 and the female threaded coupling 12 is also strengthened by detaching the body 22 from the female threaded coupling 12. Further torquing of the sleeve 42 also eliminates the gap between the receiving end 14 of the female threaded coupling 12 and the sleeve 42, thereby protruding the annular seal 54 under high pressure. To prevent. Preferably, the male coupling 10 is designed such that only one quarter to one half turn of the sleeve 42 is needed to complete the connection. In this position only, the male coupling 10 does not come off the female threaded coupling 12 and is sealed and engaged. In addition, the male coupling 10 is not swiveled with respect to the female threaded coupling 12.

When it is desired to separate the male coupling 10 from the female threaded coupling 12, the sleeve 42 is rotated in an opposite direction (eg counterclockwise) so that the two components are in the non-engaged position. Unthread the male coupling 10 from the female threaded coupling 12 until it is present (FIG. 1B).

3A and 3B, respectively, are perspective and cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a male coupling 300 coupled to and detachable from a female threaded coupling 12 similar to that described above and shown in FIG. 1B, respectively. . In total, the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling 12 operate as push connection coupling assemblies, discussed in more detail below.

In the engaged position, the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling 12 function as a coupling assembly to transfer fluid therethrough. Both male coupling 300 and female threaded coupling 12 share the same central longitudinal axis A when they are in the engaged position (not shown). In one embodiment, the male coupling 300 may be formed of stainless steel. In optional embodiments, male coupling 300 may be formed of other materials, such as carbon steel, brass, aluminum, and plastic.

In the illustrated embodiment, the male coupling 300 includes a body 310. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4A, the body 310 has a collar 312 that separates the leading portion with the leading end 314 and the trailing portion with the trailing end 316. Extending from the front end 314 to the rear end 316 through the male coupling member 300 is a passage 318 that allows fluid to flow through it. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailing portion of the male coupling 300 includes a hose nipple to receive the hose. In optional embodiments (not shown), the trailing portion may be provided with an external thread for attaching to the threaded coupling of another component. The collar 312 includes a flat that engages with a wrench when the trailing portion (not shown) has an external thread.

The leading portion of the body 310 is from the first outer surface 320 by a first outer cylindrical surface 320 extending from the collar 312 and an outward facing annular groove 324 extending in a radially inward direction. A second outer cylindrical surface 322 to be separated. The leading portion of the body 310 also includes a third outer cylindrical surface 326 separated from the first outer surface 320 by the shoulder 328. In front of the second outer surface 326 is a set of outer threads 330 that may be threads that turn left or right depending on the design.

The leading portion of the body 310 further includes a fourth outer cylindrical surface 332 which is separated from the set of outer threads 330 by the shoulder 334. Extending forward and inward from the fourth outer surface 332 is the first outer tapered surface 336, which tapered to the tip 314 of the body 310 to a length. It is directed at angle B with respect to the direction axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, each B is about 9 ⁰ . In an optional embodiment (not shown), each B may be directed at a different angle depending on the design.

Extending rearward from the tip 314 of the body 310 is a fifth outer cylindrical surface 338. The second outer tapered surface 340 extends rearward and inwardly from the fifth outer surface 338 to contact the first tapered surface 336. The second tapered surface 340 tapers to the rear end 316 of the body 310 and is directed at angle C with respect to the longitudinal axis A. FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, each C is about 50 ⁰ . In alternative embodiments (not shown), each C may be directed at a different angle depending on the design.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support ring 342, which may be composed of hard plastic, leather, or hard rubber, and the annular seal 344, which may be composed of neoprene or other suitable sealing material, are located in the groove 324. do. The support ring 342 is located in the groove 324 between the tip 314 of the body 310 and the annular seal 328. The support ring 342 serves to prevent the annular seal 344 from being damaged when the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling 12 are used in high pressure applications. In other embodiments (not shown), the support ring 342 can be removed in certain applications, for example, when the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling 12 are used in low pressure applications.

The male coupling 300 further includes a locking member disposed around the leading portion of the body 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member is in the form of a crown-shaped ratcheting lock having a front end 348 and a rear end 350 that engages the shoulder 334 of the body 310. Member 346. It will be appreciated that the locking member 346 may take the form of a shape different from the crown shape, depending on the design.

3B and 4B, extending from the front end 348 of the locking member 346 forms a plurality of elastic fingers 354 that are coupled to each other adjacent the rear end 350 of the locking member 346. A plurality of axial slots 352. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 346 includes eight elastic fingers 354. In an alternative embodiment, the locking member may include different numbers of slots and fingers. In one embodiment, the locking member 346 is formed of stainless spring steel. In alternative embodiments, the locking member 346 may be formed from other metals such as spring tempered phosphor bronze material, carbon steel, stainless steel, plastic or rubber.

Each elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346 engages the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12 when the male coupling 300 is inserted into the female threaded coupling 12. And a retention formation configured to be discussed, which will be discussed in more detail below. In the embodiment shown, the retaining formation includes an external partial threaded formation 355. The threaded formation 355 is characterized as "partial" due to the fact that the locking member 346 consists of an elastic finger 354. Thus, the partial threaded formation 355 of each elastic finger 354 includes only a portion of the threaded formation. However, it will be appreciated that the elastic fingers 354 will form a threaded formation as a whole, although the threads may not be continuous because adjacent elastic fingers 354 will have a small space in the middle of them.

In the illustrated embodiment, the partial threaded formation 355 includes four trapezoidal partial threads 356 when viewed in cross section. Each partial thread 356 includes a lead-in taper surface 357 and a locking taper surface 358. The introduction taper surface 357 of each partial thread 356 tapers to the front end 348 of the locking member 346, and is directed at angle D about the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, each D is about 30 ⁰ . In an optional embodiment (not shown), each D may be directed at a different angle depending on the design. It will be appreciated that the smaller the angle D, the smaller the amount of force required to insert the male coupling 300 into the female threaded coupling 12. The locking taper surface 358 of each partial thread 356 tapers to the rear end 350 of the locking member 346, and is directed at each E about the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, each E is about 60 ⁰ . In alternative embodiments (not shown), each E may be directed at a different angle depending on the design.

In optional embodiments (not shown), the partial threaded formations 355 may comprise different numbers of threads, and / or these threads may be internal threads 20 of the female threaded coupling 12. ), As long as it can be meshed and engaged, it can take other forms of shape (eg, triangles, squares or rectangles) when viewed in a cross-sectional view. In addition, in optional embodiments (not shown), the retaining formation may include a plurality of discrete outwardly extending projections in a radially outward direction that may engage the inner thread 20 of the female threaded port 12. In these embodiments, the plurality of discretely extending protrusions in the radially outward direction can take the form of any shape and can be arranged in any pattern as long as they can engage the inner thread 20 of the female threaded port 12. Can be.

Each elastic finger 354 can move between a first position (ie, a locked position) and a second position (ie, a released position). In the locked position, the thread of the partially threaded formation 355 is internal thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12 when the male coupling 300 is inserted into the female threaded coupling 12. To interlock. In the release position (not shown), each elastic finger 354 flexes at its base where it engages with the other elastic finger 354, thereby partially threading forming 355 of each elastic finger 354. Fold radially inward, so that the partially threaded formation 355 disengages from the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12. Due to its elasticity, the elastic fingers 354 can return to their respective locking positions without the need for additional force.

Each resilient finger 354 of the locking member 346 also includes a stem portion 359 provided behind the partially threaded formation 355. The stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354 includes an outer surface 360 having radially outwardly projecting bumps 362 extending therefrom. This bump 362 may include a combination of curved surfaces, curved surfaces and straight surfaces, or a combination of straight surfaces.

In addition, the locking member 346 includes an inner tapered surface 364 extending rearward from the front end 348 of the locking member 346. The inner tapered surface 364 tapers to the rear end 350 of the locking member 346 and is directed at angle F about the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, each F is about 50 ⁰ equal to the angle C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310. In optional embodiments (not shown), each F may be directed at a different angle depending on the design.

When the male coupling 300 is coupled to the female threaded coupling 12 discussed in more detail below, two competing forces acting on the resilient fingers 354 of the locking member 346, That is, (i) is 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 so that the elastic fingers 354 are radially external to their locking position. Direction force, and (ii) the interaction between the partial thread 356 of the elastic finger 354 and the internal thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12 to produce the elastic finger 354. There is a force pushing radially inward to the release position of. Inside of the locking member 346 and the angle C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310 so that the elastic fingers 354 are reliably exerted radially outward to their respective locking positions under pressure. Each F of the tapered surface 364 should be less than an angle E of the locking tapered surface 358 of each partial thread 356 of the locking member 346. In the illustrated embodiment, each C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310 and each F of the inner tapered surface 364 of the locking member 346 are each partial thread 356 of the locking member 346. Is about 10 ⁰ less than the angle E of the locking tapered surface 358. However, it will be appreciated that these angles may vary by different amounts depending on the design. In addition, each C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310 and each F of the internal tapered surface 364 of the locking member 346 are each partial thread 356 of the locking member 346 in some circumstances. It will be appreciated that there is no need to be smaller than the angle E of the locking taper surface 358 of (e.g., when a biasing element such as a spring is used to assist in applying the elastic finger 354 in a radially outward direction). Or wedges or other retaining devices are used to force the elastic fingers 354 radially outward and prevent them from moving in a radially inward direction until the wedge or other retaining device is removed.

The male coupling 300 further includes an axially movable and rotatable sleeve 366 configured to help seal and connect the male coupling 300 to the female threaded coupling 12, which It will be discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve is in the form of a threaded nut (hereinafter referred to as "nut 366"), which nut is disposed about the leading portion of the body 310 and rotates to allow the body 310 to rotate. And move axially relative to As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4C, the nut 366 includes a front end 368 and a rear end 370. Extending rearward from the front end 368 of the nut 366 is the first inner cylindrical surface 372, which is sized to receive the outer surface 360 of the stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354. It is decided. The first inner surface 372 is located in 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. Extending rearwardly and outwardly from the first interior surface 372 is a ramped surface 374, where the meeting of the first interior surface 372 and the sloped surface 374 is an edge 376. To form. The second inner cylindrical surface 378 extends rearward from the inclined surface 374.

Edge 376 of nut 366 is configured to engage bump 362 on stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354 of lock member 346, where nut 366 is (eg, counterclockwise). The nut 366 in a direction). When the edge 376 of the nut 366 engages the bump 362 on the stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354, it causes the elastic fingers 354 to flex radially inward to their respective release positions. It starts. Upon continuous rearward movement of the nut 366, the first inner surface 372 and the edge 376 of the nut 366 cam through the bumps 362 to partially thread the formation of each elastic finger 354. The elastic fingers 354 flex radially inward to their respective release positions until 355 no longer engages the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12.

Extending forward from the rear end 370 of the nut 366 is a third inner cylindrical surface 380, which receives the first outer surface 320 of the body 310, and a support ring in the groove 324. Sized to accommodate 42. The third inner surface 380 is also sized to receive and seal the engagement of the annular seal 344 in the groove 324 of the body 310 so that dust or other contaminants may enter the annular seal 344. The fluid pressure is maintained inside the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling 12.

Provided between the second and third inner surfaces 378, 380 is a set of inner threads 382 that are configured to threadedly engage a set of outer threads 334 on the body 310. Due to the thread engagement between the nut 366 and the body 310, the nut 366 is a "jam nut" that will further strengthen the connection between the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling 12. And also helps to seal and connect the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling 12, which will be described in more detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, an inward facing groove 384 is provided between the second inner surface 378 and a set of inner threads 382 of the nut 366 so as to radially outward from the second inner surface 378. To extend. Within the groove 378 is a limited friction element, such as an O-ring 386 having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second inner surface 378. Because of the difference in diameter, the O-ring 386 is compressed between the nut 366 and the locking member 346 when the nut 366 is assembled on the locking member 346. The purpose of the limited friction element (eg, the compressed O-ring 386) is to create friction between the nut 366 and the locking member 346 so that the locking member 346 rotates when the nut 366 is rotated. In this way, the nut 366 is mechanically linked to the locking member 346. The locking member 346 is allowed to rotate by the nut 366 until the nut 366 touches the bottom of the female threaded coupling 12, in which case the nut 366 and the locking member 346. The friction bond between) is broken. In other words, the O-ring 386 is rotated under a predetermined load (e.g., before the nut 366 engages the female threaded coupling 12) when the nut 366 is rotated. Lock member 346 is allowed to rotate, but under greater load (eg, after the nut 366 is engaged with the female threaded coupling 12), the lock member is rotated when the nut 366 is rotated. 346 will no longer rotate (ie, nut 366 can rotate independent of locking member 346).

Rotation of the locking member 346 by the nut 366 is two things: i) It helps to insert the male coupling 300 into the female threaded coupling 12, so that the installer Reducing the likelihood of not inserting the ring 300 sufficiently into the female threaded coupling 12; And ii) it achieves reducing the rotational speed of the nut 366 to complete the connection between the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling 12. In an optional embodiment (not shown), the O-ring 386 is a corresponding component, plastic ring, or any other configuration that can create a limited amount of friction between the nut 366 and the locking member 346. It can be replaced by a series of ball detents on the element (s) (ring or acyclic).

The nut 366 also has 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 radially outer from the outer surface 390. A shoulder 392 extending in the direction. On the outer surface 390, an annular seal 394 is arranged that is configured to seal and engage the chamfered surface 18 of the female threaded coupling 12. Annular seal 394 may be comprised of neoprene or other suitable sealing material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the male coupling 300 further includes a beveled washer 396 provided between the annular seal 394 and the shoulder 392 of the nut 366. Bevel washers 396 are shown in FIG. 3B in the neutral state and in FIG. 3C in the compressed state. In another optional embodiment (not shown), the bevel washer 396 may be removed in some applications, such as when male coupling 300 and female threaded coupling 12 are used in low pressure applications. .

The purpose of the bevel washer 396 is to prevent involuntary unthreading of the nut 366 which may occur when the coupling assembly is subjected to high impulse pressure conditions. In these situations, unthreading of the nut 366 creates a gap between the nut 366 and the receiving end 14 of the female threaded coupling 12 such that the annular seal 394 pushes through this gap. To cause fluid leakage. Experimentally, unintentional unthreading of the nut 366 may include (i) an elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346 indented into the body 310, and (ii) a female threaded couple. It was determined to be caused by the resilient fingers 354 of the locking member 346 extending radially outward to the inner thread 20 of the ring 12. Due to this indention and expansion, the nut 366 loses the preload (applied at the time the nut 366 has been torqued), causing the nut 366 and female nut to loosen. It has been found to create a gap between the receiving ends 14 of the sand coupling 12. By employing the bevel washer 396 between the annular seal 394 and the shoulder 392 of the nut 366, the bevel washer 396 allows the male coupling 300 to be inserted into the female threaded coupling 12. And platen in a compressed state after the nut 366 is torqued. Bevel washers 396 can compensate for any preload loss in nut 366 (to the extent that any preload loss is present) by being biased due to its elasticity while in compression. Another way to prevent inadvertent unthreading of the nut 366 that may occur when the coupling assembly is subjected to high impulse pressure conditions is the surface of the body 310, the locking member 346 and / or the nut 366. Some or all of the is heat treated to make them harder to limit the amount of indentation that occurs between these components.

When bevel washer 396 is installed on nut 366, it will be appreciated that there is a small diameter diametrical clearance between bevel washer 396 and nut 366. In some high impulse pressure conditions, a small diameter gap protrudes sufficiently through the annular seal 394 through it. To avoid this, a through-hole in the bevel washer 396 can be formed when the bevel washer 396 is in a neutral state, as opposed to being formed in a flat or compressed state. have. By forming the through hole in the bevel washer 396 in a neutral state, the inner diameter of the bevel washer 396 is tapered inward when the bevel washer 396 is flat, so that the nut 366 torques down. After down), reduce or eliminate the gap between bevel washer 396 and nut 366.

In order to couple the male coupling 300 to the female threaded coupling 12, the male coupling 300 is formed by the partial threaded formation 355 of each elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346. The most partial front thread 355a is moved forward in the female threaded coupling 12 until it engages the most front thread 20a of the female threaded coupling 12. In the continuous forward movement of the male coupling 300, the foremost thread 20a of the female threaded coupling 12 interacts with the elastic fingers 354 such that the elastic fingers 354 are forced inwards. By flexing, the partially threaded formation 355 of the elastic finger 354 contracts in the radially inward direction. The resilient fingers 354 contract in a radially inward direction until they cam or "ratchet" through the vertices of the thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12. As soon as this occurs, the elastic fingers 354 “spring back” to their respective locking positions due to their elasticity, such that the most partial front thread 355a of the partial threaded formation 355 is a female threaded couple. Meshing with the foremost thread 20a of the ring 12 to engage it.

Upon further forward movement of the male coupling 300 into the female threaded coupling 12, the partially threaded formations 355 of each of the elastic fingers 354 are alternately locked and unlocked so that the female Cam or "ratchet" along the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12 to gradually mesh and engage with the additional inner thread 20 of the threaded coupling 12.

When all of the partial threads of the partial threaded formation 355 of the resilient finger 354 are engaged with the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12, the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling ( 12) are mechanically connected to each other. However, the connection is not complete until the male coupling 300 is also sealedly connected to the female threaded coupling 12. To accomplish this, the nut 366 is rotated (eg clockwise) until its shoulder 392 is engaged with the receiving end 14 of the female threaded coupling 12. Thereafter, the nut 366 is torqued to sufficiently compress the annular seal 394 to the chamfered surface 18 of the female threaded coupling 12, thereby compressing the male coupling 300 to the female threaded coupling ( Seal in 12) and combine. By torqueing the nut 366, the mechanical connection between the male coupling 300 and the female threaded coupling 12 is also strengthened by detaching the body 310 from the female threaded coupling 12. In particular, each C of the second tapered surface 340 of the body 310 and each F of the internal tapered surface 364 of the locking member 346 are locking tapered surfaces of each partial thread 356 of the locking member 346. Since it is smaller than the angle E of 358, the elastic fingers 354 slide radially outward to their locked position.

Furthermore, by torqueing the nut 366, the bevel washer 396 is platen in compression (FIG. 3C) to remove the gap between the nut 366 and the receiving end 14 of the female threaded coupling 12. do. In the compressed state, the bevel washer 396 is biased in a neutral state due to its elasticity, thereby compensating for any preload loss in the nut 366 (to the extent that any preload loss is present), so that the annular seal under high pressure ( 394 can be prevented from protruding. Preferably, male coupling 300 is designed such that only one quarter to one half turn of nut 366 is needed to complete the connection. Only in this position, the male coupling 300 will not slip out of the female threaded coupling 12 and will be sealed and engaged. In addition, the male coupling 300 is not swiveled with respect to the female threaded coupling 12.

When it is desired to separate the male coupling 300 from the female threaded coupling 12, the nut 366 is rotated in an opposite direction (eg counterclockwise) such that the nut 366 moves backwards. Do it. When the edge 376 of the nut 366 is engaged with the bump 362 on the stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354 of the locking member 346, the elastic finger 354 is formed of each elastic finger 354. The partial threaded formations 355 are allowed to flex in a radially inward direction (to their respective release positions) until they no longer engage the threads 20 of the female threaded coupling 12. When this happens, the male coupling 300 can be pulled out of the female threaded coupling 12.

In an optional embodiment (not shown), the nut 366 may be replaced with a sleeve biased in the forward direction. The third inner surface 380 of the nut 366 is dimensioned larger than the outer diameter of the chamfered surface 18 of the female threaded coupling 12 to produce a force that biases the sleeve 366 in the forward direction. Can be done. The pressing force on the sleeve 366 may help compress the annular seal 394 to the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling 12. In another optional embodiment (not shown), the nut 366 may be replaced with a spring-loaded sleeve biased in the forward direction. As in the optional embodiment described above, the pressing force on the sleeve 366 may help compress the annular seal 394 to the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling 12. In another optional embodiment (not shown), the nut 366 may be replaced with a spring loaded sleeve biased in the forward direction, and the third inner surface 380 of the nut 366 is the sleeve 366 in the forward direction. Can be dimensioned larger than the outer diameter of the chamfered surface 18 of the female threaded coupling 12 to create an additional force that biases.

5A and 5B, respectively, of another embodiment of a male coupling 500 connected to and detachable from a female threaded coupling 12 (not shown) similar to that described above and shown in FIG. 1B, respectively. Perspective and cross sectional views are shown. In total, the male coupling 500 and the female threaded coupling 12 operate as push connection coupling assemblies, which will be discussed in more detail below.

In the engaged position, the male coupling member 500 and the female threaded coupling 12 function as a coupling assembly to transfer fluid therethrough. Both male coupling 500 and female threaded coupling 12 share the same central longitudinal axis A when they are in the engaged position. In one embodiment, the male coupling 500 can be formed of stainless steel. In optional embodiments, male coupling 500 may be formed of other materials, such as carbon steel, brass, aluminum, and plastic.

In the illustrated embodiment, the male coupling 500 includes a body 510. As shown in FIG. 6A, the body 510 includes a collar 512 that separates the leading portion with the leading end 514 and the trailing portion with the trailing end 516. Extending from the front end 516 to the rear end 516 through the male coupling member 500 is a passage 518 that allows fluid to flow through it. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailing portion of the male coupling 500 includes a hose nipple to receive the hose. In optional embodiments (not shown), the trailing portion may be provided with an external thread for attaching to the threaded coupling of another component. The collar 512 includes a flat that engages with a wrench when the trailing portion (not shown) has an external thread.

The leading portion of the body 510 includes a first outer cylindrical surface 520 extending from the collar 512. The first outer surface 520 includes an outwardly facing annular groove 522 extending therefrom in a radially inward direction. In front of the first outer surface 520, there is a shoulder 524 that extends to the second outer tapered surface 526, which taper surface 526 tapers to the tip 514 of the body 510, the length thereof. It is directed at angle B with respect to the direction axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, each B is about 9 ⁰ . In optional embodiments (not shown), each B may be between about 0 ⁰ and about 90 ⁰ .

Extending rearward and outward from the tip 514 of the body 510 is a ramped surface 528. The third outer cylindrical surface 530 extends rearward from the ramp surface 528. Extending rearward and inwardly from the first outer surface 534 is a second outer tapered surface 532, which engages with the first outer tapered surface 526 and extends along the longitudinal axis A. FIG. For each C. In the illustrated embodiment, each C is about 40 ⁰ . In optional embodiments (not shown), each C may be directed at a different angle depending on the design.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the support ring 534, which may be composed of hard plastic, leather, or hard rubber, and the annular seal 536, which may be composed of neoprene or other suitable sealing material, includes a groove 522. Is located within. The support ring 534 is located in the groove 522 between the annular seal 536 and the tip 516 of the male coupling member 500. The support ring 534 serves to protect the annular seal 536 from being damaged when the male coupling 500 and the female threaded coupling 512 are used in high pressure applications. In other embodiments (not shown), the support ring 534 may be removed in some applications, such as when male coupling 500 and female threaded coupling 512 are used in low pressure applications.

The male coupling 500 further includes a locking member disposed around the leading portion of the body 510. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member is a ratcheting locking member 538 having a front end 540 and a rear end 542 that engages the shoulder 528 of the body 510 in the form of a crown. . It will be appreciated that the locking member 346 may take the form of a shape different from the crown shape, depending on the design.

Extending from the front end 540 of the locking member 538 is a plurality of axial slots 544 that form a plurality of elastic fingers 546 that are coupled to each other adjacent to the rear end 542 of the locking member 538. )to be. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 538 includes four elastic fingers 546. In an alternative embodiment, the locking member may comprise different numbers of slots and elastic fingers. In one embodiment, the locking member 538 is formed of stainless spring steel. In alternative embodiments, the locking member 538 may be formed from other metals such as spring tempered phosphor bronze material, carbon steel, or stainless steel.

Each resilient finger 546 of the locking member 538 has a mesh with the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12 when the male coupling 500 is inserted into the female threaded coupling 12. And retaining formations configured to interlock, as will be discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention formation includes an external partial threaded formation 548. The threaded formation 548 is characterized as "partial" due to the fact that the locking member 538 consists of an elastic finger 546. Thus, the partial threaded formation 548 of each elastic finger 546 includes only a portion of the threaded formation. However, it will be appreciated that the elastic fingers 546 form a threaded formation as a whole, although the threads may not be continuous because adjacent elastic fingers 546 will have a small space in their middle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the partial threaded formation 548 includes five trapezoidal threads 548a-e when viewed in cross section. However, in optional embodiments (not shown), the partial threaded formations 548 may comprise different numbers of threads, and / or these threads may be internal threads of the female threaded coupling 12. As long as it can mesh and engage with (20), it may take other forms of shape (eg, triangles, squares or rectangles) when viewed in a cross-sectional view. In addition, in optional embodiments (not shown), the retaining formation may include a plurality of discrete outwardly extending projections in a radially outward direction that may engage the inner thread 20 of the female threaded port 12. In these embodiments, the plurality of discretely extending protrusions in the radially outward direction can take the form of any shape and can be arranged in any pattern as long as they can engage the inner thread 20 of the female threaded port 12. Can be.

As shown in FIG. 6B, each elastic finger 546 of the locking member 538 also includes a stem portion 550 provided behind the partially threaded formation 548. Each stem portion 550 includes an outer surface 552. On the opposite side of the partial threaded formation 548 is an inner tapered surface 554 that tapers outward to the rear end 542 of the locking member 538.

The elastic finger 546 can move between a first position (ie, a locked position) and a second position (ie, a released position). In the locked position, the thread of the partial threaded formation 548 is the internal thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12 when the male coupling 500 is inserted into the female threaded coupling 12. Meshes with. In the release position (not shown), each elastic finger 546 flexes at its base where it engages with the other elastic finger 546 so that the threaded formations 548 of each elastic finger 546 are radially inwardly oriented. Folded, the partial threaded formation 548 disconnects the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12. Due to its elasticity, the finger 546 can return to the locked position without the need for additional force.

The male coupling 500 further includes an axially moveable and rotatable sleeve 556 configured to help seal and connect the male coupling 500 to the female threaded coupling 12, which It will be discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 556 is disposed around the leading portion of the body 510 and is configured to rotate and 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. Extending rearward from the front end 558 of the sleeve 556 is a step with four inner facing grooves 564 spaced in the circumferential direction forming four ribs 566 spaced in the circumferential direction. Internal surface 562. The groove 564 is aligned with the slot in the locking member 538. In optional embodiments (not shown), the stepped interior surface 562 may include different numbers of grooves and ribs.

Extending forward from the rear end 560 of the sleeve 556 is a second inner cylindrical surface 568, which accommodates the first outer surface 520 of the body 510 to support the ring in the groove 522. Sized to accommodate 534. The second inner surface 568 is also sized to receive and seal and engage the annular seal 536 in the groove 522 of the body 510 so that dust or other contaminants may enter the annular seal 536. The fluid pressure is maintained inside the male coupling 500 and the female threaded coupling 12.

Referring again to FIG. 5B, the male coupling 500 further includes a key 570 located in each slot 544 of the locking member 538 and each groove 564 of the sleeve 556. The key 570 serves to couple the locking member 538 to the sleeve 556 so that the locking member 538 rotates by the rotation of the sleeve 556. In the illustrated embodiment, four keys 570 are used. However, in other embodiments, different numbers of keys 570 may be used.

Sleeve 556 also includes a series of flats 572 that are engaged by a wrench, an outer cylindrical surface 574 extending rearward from the front end 558 of the sleeve 556, and radially outer from the outer surface 574. A shoulder 576 extending in the direction. On the outer surface 574, an annular seal 578 is arranged, which is configured to seal and engage the chamfered surface 18 of the female threaded coupling 12. Annular seal 578 may be comprised of neoprene or other suitable sealing material.

In order to couple the male coupling 500 to the female threaded coupling 12, the male coupling 500 is the most partial front thread 548a of the partial threaded formation 548 of each elastic finger 546. ) Moves forward in the female threaded coupling 12 until it engages the most front thread 20a of the female threaded coupling 12. In the continuous forward movement of the male coupling 500, the foremost thread 20a of the female threaded coupling 12 interacts with the elastic fingers 546 such that the elastic fingers 546 are forced inwards. By flexing, the partially threaded formation 548 of the elastic finger 546 contracts in a radially inward direction. The elastic finger 546 contracts in a radially inward direction until it cams or "ratches" through the apex of the thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12. As soon as this occurs, the elastic fingers 546 "spring back" to their respective locking positions due to their elasticity, such that the most partial front thread 548a of the partial threaded formation 540 is a female threaded couple. Meshing with the foremost thread 20 of the ring 12 to engage it.

Upon further forward movement of the male coupling 500 into the female threaded coupling 12, the partially threaded formations 548 of each of the elastic fingers 546 alternate between locking and releasing positions so that the female Cam or "ratchet" along the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12 to gradually mesh and engage with the additional inner thread 20 of the threaded coupling 12.

When all of the partial threads of the partial threaded formation 548 of the resilient finger 546 engage with the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12, the male coupling 500 and the female threaded coupling ( 12) are mechanically coupled to each other. However, the connection is not complete until the male coupling 500 is also sealedly coupled to the female threaded coupling 12. To accomplish this, the sleeve 556 is rotated (eg clockwise) until its shoulder 576 engages the receiving end 14 of the female threaded coupling 12. Thereafter, the nut 355 is torqued to sufficiently compress the annular seal 578 to the chamfered surface 18 of the female threaded coupling 12, thereby compressing the male coupling 500 with the female threaded coupling ( Seal in 12) and combine. By torqueing the sleeve 556, the mechanical connection between the male coupling 500 and the female threaded coupling 12 is also strengthened by detaching the body 510 from the female threaded coupling 12. This causes the second tapered surface 532 of the body 510 to engage the inner tapered surface 554 of the locking member 538, pushing the elastic fingers 546 radially outward to their locking position. In addition, the additional talking of the sleeve 556 eliminates the gap between the sleeve 556 and the receiving end 14 of the female threaded coupling 12, thereby preventing protrusion of the annular seal 578 under high pressure. Can be. Preferably, male coupling 500 is designed such that only one quarter to one half turn of sleeve 556 is needed to complete the connection. Only in this position, the male coupling 500 does not come off the female threaded coupling 12 and is sealed and engaged with the female threaded coupling 12. In addition, the male coupling 500 is not swiveled with respect to the female threaded coupling 12.

When it is desired to separate the male coupling member 500 from the female threaded coupling 12, the sleeve 556 is rotated in the opposite direction so that the male coupling 500 is the female threaded coupling 12. Escape from).

Although male coupling 300 is the only embodiment described above, and is shown in the figures including bevel washers 396, the other male couplings 10, 500 described above and shown in the figures are each annular seals. And bevel washers provided between the sleeve / nut.

Furthermore, the male couplings 10, 300, 500 shown above and shown in the figures, respectively, comprise a ratcheting locking member which gradually engages with the inner thread of the female threaded coupling during the coupling operation, but each male couple It will be appreciated that the locking member of the ring can be configured such that it does not need to gradually engage the inner thread of the female threaded coupling during the coupling operation. In other words, the locking member of each male coupling can be configured to not "ratchet" when the male coupling is inserted into the female threaded coupling.

For example, in the male coupling 300 described above, before inserting the male coupling 300 into the female threaded coupling 12, the edges 376 of the nut 366 are each resilient of the locking member 346. Engages bump 362 on stem portion 359 of finger 354 such that nut 366 is (eg, counterclockwise) until elastic fingers 354 flex radially inward to their respective release positions. By rotating the nut 366 in a direction). By means of the resilient fingers 354 moved to their respective release positions, the male coupling 300 allows the partial threaded formation 355 to not engage any internal thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12. It can be inserted into the female threaded coupling 12. Once in the female threaded coupling 12, the edge 376 separates the bumps 362 on the stem portion 359 of each elastic finger 354 so that the elastic fingers 354 are in their respective locking positions. The nut 366 may be moved forward (eg, by rotating the nut 366 clockwise) until it returns to engage the inner thread 20 of the female threaded coupling 12.

For all the embodiments described above, the one or more cylindrical surfaces described above have a linear profile angled with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling assembly (eg tapered surface) or curved surface (eg convex or concave). It will be appreciated that it can be replaced with an excited surface. In addition, it will be appreciated that one or more of the tapered or chamfered surfaces described above may be replaced by a cylindrical or curved surface (eg, convex or concave).

It will be appreciated that the male coupling described above also applies to other areas of fluid connection. For example, a component comprising a male coupling, in particular a ratchet lock, can be used as a push connected fastening device for connecting to a female thread in a separate component. In this example, this component does not need to deliver the fluid.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that the locking member (ratcheting or non-ratchetting) described above can be modified to be used in a female coupling for connecting to a male threaded coupling. For example, the locking member 346 used in the male coupling 300 described above may be modified to include a partial threaded formation 355 on the inner portion of each elastic finger 354 rather than the outer portion. Partially threaded formations 355 of each elastic finger 354 can be engaged with an external thread of male threaded coupling.

It is intended that the term “comprises” or “comprising” is used in the specification or in the claims, in a manner similar to “comprising” as the term is interpreted when used as a conjunction in the claims. Moreover, in the sense that the term “or” (eg, A or B) is used, it is intended to mean “A or B or both”. If the applicant is intended to indicate "only A or B but not both", the term "only A or B but not both" will be used. Thus, the use of the term “or” herein is inclusive and not exclusive. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, in the context of the specification or claims, the term "in" or "into" is used, which additionally means "on" or "onto". It is intended. Moreover, in the context of the specification or claims, the term "connect" is used to mean "directly connected" to "indirectly" as well as to "directly connected" such as through other components or a plurality of components. It is intended.

While the present application shows several embodiments and these embodiments have been described in some detail, the applicant is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described, in its broader aspects. Accordingly, modifications may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's claimed invention. Moreover, the above embodiments are illustrative and are not essential to all possible combinations in which a single feature or device may be claimed in this or a later application.

Claims (25)

A male coupling connectable and detachable to a female threaded coupling, wherein the female threaded coupling includes a receptacle and a sealing surface sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, the receptacle provided herein. In male coupling with internal thread, A body having a passageway extending through the body; A locking member disposed around the body and configured to move between a locked and unlocked position, the locking member having a retaining formation configured to engage an inner thread of a female threaded coupling when the locking member is in the locked position absence; An axially movable sleeve disposed about the body and having an inner surface sized to receive a portion of the locking member; And An annular seal disposed around the sleeve, After inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of the locking member engages one or more internal threads of the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in the locked position, The male coupling is characterized in that when the sleeve is moved to the female threaded coupling, the annular seal is compressed to the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling. The method of claim 1, And the retaining formation of the ratcheting locking member engages gradually with the inner thread of the female threaded coupling when inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling. The method of claim 2, The ratcheting locking member includes a crown-shaped locking member having many slots forming a number of elastic fingers, the elastic fingers configured to move between the locking position and the releasing position, each elastic finger having the elastic fingers being their A male coupling having a partially threaded portion configured to engage an inner thread of the female threaded coupling when in each locking position. The method of claim 1, The sleeve is in the form of a threaded nut threadedly engaged with an external thread on the body. The method of claim 4, wherein And a limited friction element disposed between the nut and the locking member for mechanically linking the nut and the locking member to each other such that the locking member is rotated by the rotation of the nut. The method of claim 1, And a bevel washer disposed between the annular seal and the shoulder of the sleeve. A male coupling connectable to and detachable from a female threaded coupling, wherein the female threaded coupling includes a receiving portion and a sealing surface sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, wherein the receiving portion is In the male coupling with the provided internal thread, A body having a passageway extending through the body; A ratcheting locking member disposed around the body and configured to move between a locked and unlocked position, the retaining formation being configured to engage an internal thread of the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in the locked position A ratcheting locking member; A moveable sleeve disposed about the body and having an inner surface sized to receive a portion of the ratcheting lock member; And An annular seal disposed around the sleeve, When inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of the ratcheting locking member gradually engages an internal thread in the female threaded coupling, And the annular seal is compressed to the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling upon axial movement of the sleeve with the female threaded coupling. The method of claim 7, wherein The ratcheting locking member includes a crown-shaped locking member having elastic fingers configured to move between a locking position and an unlocking position, each elastic finger being the female threaded when the elastic fingers are in their respective locking position. Male coupling characterized in that it has a partially threaded formation configured to engage an internal thread of the coupling. The method of claim 7, wherein The sleeve is in the form of a threaded nut threadedly engaged with an external thread on the body to convert the rotational movement of the nut into an axial movement of the nut. The method of claim 9, And an O-ring disposed between the nut and the locking member for mechanically linking the nut and the locking member to each other such that the locking member is rotated by the rotation of the nut. The method of claim 7, wherein And a bevel washer disposed between the annular seal and the shoulder of the sleeve. A male coupling connectable and detachable to a female threaded coupling, wherein the female threaded coupling includes a receptacle and a sealing surface sized to receive the male coupling, the receptacle provided with an internal thread provided herein. In the male coupling having A body having a passageway and an outer thread extending through the body; A ratcheting locking member having a plurality of elastic fingers disposed about the body and configured to move between a locked and unlocked position, the interior of the female threaded coupling when the elastic fingers are in their respective locking position. A ratcheting locking member having a retaining formation configured to engage a thread; A nut having an inner thread threadedly engaged with an outer thread of the body, the nut having an inner surface sized to receive a portion of each elastic finger; And An annular seal disposed around the nut, When inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of each elastic finger gradually engages an internal thread in the female threaded coupling, When rotating the nut, the male coupling is pulled closer to the female threaded coupling, compressing the annular seal to the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling. The method of claim 12, The male threaded coupling is a female threaded port. The method of claim 12, The nut comprises an inner edge and / or an inner surface, wherein each elastic finger is forced to its release position when each inner finger and / or the inner surface of the nut engages a radially outwardly projecting bump. A male coupling including radially outwardly projecting bumps to be moved to; The method of claim 12, And a limited friction element disposed between the nut and the locking member for mechanically linking the nut and the locking member to each other such that the locking member is rotated by the rotation of the nut. The method of claim 15, And the constrained friction element comprises an O-ring located in an inwardly facing groove in the nut. The method of claim 12, And a bevel washer disposed between the annular seal and the shoulder of the sleeve. A male coupling connectable and detachable to a female threaded coupling, wherein the female threaded coupling has a receptacle sized to receive the male coupling, the receptacle having a male thread provided herein. To Body; A ratcheting locking member disposed about the body and configured to move between a locked and unlocked position, the ratcheting locking member having a retention formation configured to engage an internal thread of the female threaded coupling; And A sleeve disposed around the body such that the ratcheting locking member is rotated by the rotation of the sleeve, and includes a sleeve engaged with the ratcheting locking member, When inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of the ratcheting locking member gradually engages the inner thread of the female threaded coupling, When rotating the sleeve, the ratcheting locking member rotates with respect to the body to pull the male coupling into the female threaded coupling. The method of claim 18, And the ratcheting locking member comprises a number of ratcheting locking member segments each including a partial threaded formation. The method of claim 19, And a resilient biasing element configured to bias the ratcheting locking member to its locked position. The method of claim 19, Each lock member segment includes a key portion, and the sleeve receives a key portion of each lock member segment for mechanically linking the lock member segment to the sleeve such that the lock member segment is rotated by rotation of the sleeve. A male coupling comprising a spline portion configured to: The method of claim 18, The ratcheting locking member includes a crown-shaped locking member having many slots forming a number of elastic fingers, the elastic fingers configured to move between the locked position and the released position, each elastic finger being configured to allow the elastic fingers to their A male coupling having a partially threaded portion configured to engage an inner thread of the female threaded coupling when in each locking position. The method of claim 22, And a plurality of keys for coupling the sleeve to the locking member such that the locking member is rotated by the rotation of the sleeve. A method of sealingly connecting a male coupling to a female threaded coupling, wherein the female threaded coupling includes a receiving portion and a sealing surface sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, wherein the receiving portion is excited here. A method of sealingly connecting a male coupling to a female threaded coupling having an internal thread provided in A body having a passage extending through the body, the locking member having a retaining portion disposed around the body and configured to engage the inner thread of the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in the locked position, the body Providing a male coupling comprising a sleeve disposed about the periphery and an annular seal disposed around the sleeve; Inserting the male coupling into the female threaded coupling until the retaining formation of the locking member engages the inner thread of the female threaded coupling; Sealingly connecting the male coupling to the female threaded coupling, comprising moving the sleeve with the female threaded coupling to compress the annular seal to the sealing surface of the female threaded coupling. How to. The method of claim 24, The sleeve includes an inner thread to threadly engage an outer thread on the body to allow rotation of the sleeve relative to the body to allow axial movement of the sleeve with the female threaded coupling. A method of sealingly connecting a ring to a female threaded coupling.

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