Valves and valve actuation – With correlated flow path – Valve operated by joining flow path sections
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-26
2004-03-09
Look, Edward K. (Department: 3754)
Valves and valve actuation
With correlated flow path
Valve operated by joining flow path sections
C251S149600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06702254
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fluid quick connect couplers and, more particularly, to hydraulic and pneumatic quick couplers that include features of universal couplers integrated together with features of safety couplers, in a novel universal safety coupler apparatus.
Conventional pneumatic quick coupling designs typically consist of two connecting members, including a plug member or “male” half and a socket member or “female” half. Usually, the socket member is connected to a source of pressurized fluid such as compressed air or the like. The plug member is selectively received into and locked with the socket member to complete a fluid circuit. Historically, the plugs have evolved into several “standard” configurations or profiles. Accordingly, many varieties of quick couplers have been designed, each being adapted for limited use with a different specific male plug configuration.
Several multiple interchange or “universal” couplers have been developed to accept various male plug profiles into a single specialized socket by the use of stationary and/or sliding seals or O-rings disposed in the socket. The seals or O-rings are configured to permit sealing two or more distinctly different types or styles of male plugs into a single common universal coupler. Such universal couplers are correspondingly more complex relative to couplers which are compatible with only a single male plug type.
For safety reasons and for other considerations, several types of non-universal couplers have been developed which, by means of secondary valving, allow for safe coupling and uncoupling between the respective members. These systems provide for the controlled discharge or exhaust of entrapped air to relieve applied fluid pressure between the coupler components. This style of coupler often incorporates a means of preventing accidental disconnect under pressure. Basic to this concept is the avoidance of “hose whip”. These safety features have been accomplished in existing designs by means of one or more cylindrical sleeve arrangements incorporating various sleeve locking and interlocking devices often accomplished with ball bearings. Other air exhausting safety couplers use push-button camming arrangements to permit disconnection only after a controlled venting period. It is believed that incorporation of such safety features is mandated by law in many European countries and has become widely accepted domestically.
There remains an unfulfilled need, however, for an improved coupler which combines the features of universality, i.e. compatibility of a single female socket with various male plug types, together with effective safety features in a simple, practical, and integrated package. The present invention contemplates such a universal safety coupler improvement which overcomes the aforementioned limitations and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a coupling system for selectively connecting an associated fluid inlet with an associated fluid outlet is disclosed. An essentially hollow plug having a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of plug types is in fluid communication with the associated fluid outlet. A coupler is in fluid communication with the associated fluid inlet. The coupler includes a receiving region adapted for selective connection with a plug having a shape corresponding to one of the plurality of plug types. The coupler also has a lock that selectively locks the plug into the receiving region. The coupler additionally has a valve that is movable between an open position defining an operative connection between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet whereby fluid can pass from the inlet to the outlet, and a closed position defining an operative disconnection of the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet.
Preferably, the open position of the valve further includes an operative locked condition of the lock.
Preferably, the unlocked condition of the lock is conditional upon the closed position of the valve.
Preferably, the lock includes a plurality of holes, a plurality of locking balls disposed in the holes, a locking groove disposed on the plug, and a locking sleeve that in the locked position presses the locking balls into the locking groove. The open position of the valve advantageously includes a locked position of the locking sleeve. The lock preferably further includes a sleeve spring that biases the locking sleeve into the locked position, whereby the lock engages automatically in response to insertion of the plug into the receiving region.
Preferably, plug includes a plug nose, and the receiving region includes a valve, a valve seal that deforms to seal against the plug nose, and a valve spring that biases the valve seal and the valve against the plug nose whereby a predetermined range of plug nose lengths are accommodated.
Preferably, the closed position of the valve further includes an operative vent path that vents the receiving region.
According to another aspect of the invention, a coupler for detachably coupling with an associated plug to form a fluid flow coupling is disclosed. The coupler includes an inlet region. A receiving region is adapted for detachable receipt of the associated plug, said associated plug corresponding to one of a plurality of plug types each plug type having a type of plug nose and a type of locking groove. The receiving region also preferably has a plurality of openings, with a plurality of locking members arranged in the openings of the receiving region. The coupler also has a valve having an engaged position wherein the valve operatively connects the inlet region with the receiving region whereby a fluid path therebetween is defined, and a disengaged position wherein the inlet region is operatively disconnected whereby flow therefrom is blocked and wherein the receiving region is operatively vented. The coupler additionally has a lock having a locked position wherein the lock presses the locking members into the locking groove of the associated plug whereby the associated plug is locked into the receiving region, and an unlocked position conditional upon the valve being in the closed position wherein the locking members are unlocked from the locking groove of the associated plug.
The lock preferably also has a lock spring that biases the lock into the locked position whereby the lock automatically moves into the locked position responsive to insertion of the associated plug into the receiving region.
The receiving region preferably further includes an essentially rigid valve, a deformable valve seal that conforms to the plug nose whereby the plurality of plug nose types are accommodated, and a valve spring that compresses the valve and the valve seal against the plug nose whereby the plurality of plug nose lengths are accommodated.
The coupler preferably includes a plug interlock member that cooperates with the lock and the valve whereby the lock is prevented from moving into the unlocked position when the valve is in the engaged position.
The valve preferably includes an essentially cylindrical valve sleeve, a vent, an inlet valve conduit that operatively connects the inlet with the valve sleeve, and an outlet valve conduit that operatively connects the receiving region with the valve sleeve conditional upon the valve being in the engaged position, and that operatively connects the receiving region with the vent conditional upon the valve being in the disengaged position whereby the receiving region is vented.
The lock preferably includes an essentially cylindrical locking sleeve that in the locked position surrounds the locking members whereby the locking members are pressed into the locking groove of the associated plug.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a coupler that couples a pressurized inlet to an associated plug is disclosed. A receiving region is adapted to receive the plug, said plug corresponding to one of a plurality of plug types each having a locking groove. A lock cooperates with the locking groove to selectively lock the plug into the receiv
Noble Stuart O.
Strah Larry E.
Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee LLP
Fristoe, Jr. John K
Hoke, Inc.
Look Edward K.
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