Quick-coupling with automatic locking mechanism
US11486528B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2020 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L37/34
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An enhanced quick coupling configuration has a push-to-connect locking mechanism in which holding the outer sleeve does not affect the ability to connect the coupling, and the outer sleeve otherwise does not need to be restrained by additional components. The coupling includes a single sleeve spring in the locking mechanism, and the use of smaller restriction slots to house axially offset locking balls in a manner that axially constrains movement of the locking balls. When a male component is inserted into the female component during a connection operation, a shoulder on the male component sequentially contacts the axially offset rows of locking balls, which drive the inner sleeve axially in an inward direction. In the fully connected state, the inner sleeve is biased axially outward so as to push back against the inward locking balls, thereby preventing further movement of the inward locking balls.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.