Quick release connector

Abstract

A connector, comprising: a connector body (10); a socket body (38), the socket body being configured to slide axially relative to the connector body (10); a piston (84), the piston being configured to slide axially relative to the socket body (38) and the connector body (10); a poppet valve (102), the poppet valve comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the poppet valve (102) being coaxially positioned within the first end of the piston (84) and abutting against the first end, the poppet valve being configured to slide axially relative to the piston (84); and a poppet valve pin (104) comprising a first end and a second end, the poppet valve pin (104) being coaxially positioned within the poppet valve (102), the poppet valve pin (104) being configured to slide axially relative to the poppet valve (102).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Indian Patent Application No. 202011018486 filed on April 30, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Quick release couplings are used in a variety of applications. Typically, quick release couplings are used to facilitate the connection and disconnection of air hoses and hydraulic lines. For example, heavy machinery (e.g., tractors, loaders, etc.) may include one or more hydraulic motors that are configured to pressurize hydraulic fluid to drive a variety of different hydraulically powered attachments (e.g., backhoes, buckets, plows, etc.). Quick release couplings enable the hydraulic lines connecting the attachments to the tractor to be quickly and easily connected and disconnected in the field. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an improved quick release connector. The quick release connector of the present disclosure provides valuable efficiency. The quick release connector of the present disclosure can achieve higher fluid flow rates and lower pressure drops. The quick release connector of the present disclosure is configured to connect and disconnect on one or both sides of the convex side and the concave side of the connector under high pressure conditions. The quick release connector of the present disclosure can achieve intentional manual disconnection and fracture disconnection under high working pressure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the description in the following detailed description. The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0006] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a joint of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a first state;

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in a first state;

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a second state;

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in the second state;

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a third state;

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in the third state;

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a fourth state;

[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in a fourth state;

[0015] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a fifth state;

[0016] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in the fifth state;

[0017] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a sixth state;

[0018] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in the sixth state;

[0019] Fig.14 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a seventh state;

[0020] Fig.15 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in the seventh state;

[0021] Fig.16 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in an eighth state;

[0022] Fig.17 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in the eighth state;

[0023] Fig.18 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a ninth state;

[0024] Fig.19 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in the ninth state;

[0025] Fig. 20 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a tenth state;

[0026] Fig.21 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in the tenth state;

[0027] Fig. 22 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in the eleventh state;

[0028] Fig.23 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in the eleventh state;

[0029] Fig.24 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional plan view of the joint in a twelfth state;

[0030] Fig.25 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of the joint in a twelfth state; and

[0031] Fig.26 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional plan view of the joint.

[0032] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.The examples set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such examples should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiments, it will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0034] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the depicted embodiments, the connector assembly includes a female connector assembly 2 and a male connector assembly 4, which are configured to be easily and quickly connected and disconnected from each other. The male connector assembly 4 includes a plug body 6 and a plug 8. The plug assembly in the depicted embodiments is an industry standard plug assembly (e.g., an ISOA plug). The connector assembly 2, 4 is configured to cooperate with an industry standard plug, but many improvements are provided compared to the connector systems of the prior art. Although the connector assembly is compatible with a standard plug assembly, the connector assembly of the present disclosure is novel.

[0035] Embodiments of the connector assembly of the present disclosure are described in further detail below. In the depicted embodiment, the connector assembly 2 , 4 includes a coupling body 10 , a socket assembly 12 , a piston assembly 14 , a poppet valve assembly 16 , and a forward locking assembly 114 .

[0036] In the depicted embodiment, the coupling body 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, which includes a second end 18 and an opposite first end 20. The through hole extends through the coupling body 10. In the depicted embodiment, the outer surface of the coupling body 10 is defined by a constant diameter D0. In the depicted embodiment, the inner surface of the coupling body 10 is defined by a plurality of different adjacent surfaces having different diameters. The inner surface of the coupling body 10 includes a first section 22 defined by diameter D1, a second section 24 defined by diameter D2, a third section 26 defined by diameter D3, a fourth section 28 defined by diameter D4, a fifth section 30 defined by diameter D5, a sixth section 32 defined by diameter D6, a seventh section 34 defined by diameter D7, and an eighth section 36 defined by diameter D8.

[0037] In the depicted embodiment, the receptacle assembly 12 is coaxially positioned within the coupling body 10 and is configured to slide laterally within the coupling body 10 in a first direction FD and a second direction SD.

[0038] In the depicted embodiment, the socket assembly 12 includes a socket body 38 located in the first end 20 of the coupling body 10 and extending toward the second end 18. In the depicted embodiment, the socket body 38 has a central annular opening 40 and includes a stepped outer profile and a stepped inner profile. The outer profile includes a plurality of adjacent segments, the surfaces of which are defined by a plurality of different diameters. In the depicted embodiment, a first segment 42 of the socket body 38 is located at the second end of the socket body 38 and is defined by a diameter D9, a second segment 44 of the socket body 38 is defined by a diameter D10, and a third segment 46 of the socket body 38 is defined by a diameter D11.

[0039] In the depicted embodiment, D11 is greater than D9, and D9 is greater than D10. In the depicted embodiment, D4 is slightly greater than D9, and a seal is formed between the surfaces by a pair of o-rings 48, 50 embedded in the first section 42 of the socket body 38. In the depicted embodiment, D5 and D6 are significantly greater than D10, thereby forming an annular socket cavity 52 located between the socket body 38 and the coupling body 10. The socket cavity 52 is coaxial with the second section 44 of the socket body 38. In the depicted embodiment, D11 is slightly less than D6, and a seal is formed between the surfaces by a seal 54 embedded in the second section 44 of the socket body 38. In the depicted embodiment, D7 is variable and defines a tapered surface.

[0040] In the depicted embodiment, the stepped inner profile of the socket body 38 includes a first segment 56 on the inner side of the socket body 38 and is defined by a diameter D12, a second segment 58 on the inner side of the socket body 38 is defined by a diameter D13, a third segment 60 on the inner side of the socket body 38 is defined by a diameter D14, and a fifth segment 62 on the inner side of the socket body 38 is defined by a diameter D15.

[0041] In the depicted embodiment, the second section 44 of the socket body 38 supports a double-acting socket body spring 64. When the socket body 38 moves from its normal position to the first direction FD or the second direction SD, the socket body spring 64 compresses. The socket body spring 64 biases the socket body 38 back to the rest position within the coupling body 10. In the depicted embodiment, the socket body spring 64 is prevented from moving in the second direction by the retaining ring 214.

[0042] In the depicted embodiment, the piston assembly 14 includes a piston 84 that includes a second portion 66 positioned within the socket body 38 and a first portion 68 located outside the socket body 38. In the depicted embodiment, the first portion 66 of the piston 84 includes a first cylindrical surface 70 defined by a diameter D16 and a second cylindrical surface 72 defined by a diameter D17. In the depicted embodiment, the second portion 68 of the piston 84 includes a first cylindrical surface 74 defined by a diameter D18, a second cylindrical surface 76 defined by a diameter D19, a third cylindrical surface 78 defined by a diameter D20, a fourth cylindrical surface 80 defined by a diameter D21, and a fifth cylindrical surface 82 defined by a diameter D22. In the depicted embodiment, the diameter D18 is variable and defines a tapering cylindrical surface.

[0043] In the depicted embodiment, the second section 44 of the socket body 38 is sealed to the first cylindrical surface 70 of the piston 84 by a pair of seals 86, 88 that are partially embedded in the second section 44 of the socket body 38. In the depicted embodiment, the seal 204 seals the interface between the piston 84 and the joint body 10.

[0044] In the depicted embodiment, the piston assembly 14 includes a piston spring 90 that biases the piston 84 in the second direction SD. A shoulder 92 between the third cylindrical surface 78 and the fourth cylindrical surface 80 is configured to abut a snap ring 94 that is partially embedded in the eighth section 36 of the coupling body 10 .

[0045] In the depicted embodiment, the poppet valve assembly 16 includes a poppet valve guide 100, a poppet valve 102, a poppet valve pin 104, a pin spring 106, and a retaining ring 108. In the depicted embodiment, the poppet valve guide 100 is received in the second end 68 of the piston 84. The poppet valve guide 100 has a cylindrical outer surface that is sealed to the inner surface of the second end 68 of the piston 84 by a pair of seals 110, 112. The poppet valve guide 100 is retained within the second end 68 of the piston 84 by the retaining ring 108.

[0046] In the depicted embodiment, the poppet valve 102 includes a second end, a first end, and a central bore. In the depicted embodiment, the second end of the poppet valve 102 is slidably received in the poppet valve guide 100. In the depicted embodiment, the seal 120 seals the cylindrical outer surface of the second end of the poppet valve 102 relative to the cylindrical inner surface of the poppet valve guide 100.

[0047] In the depicted embodiment, the second end 116 of the poppet valve 102 includes a diamond-shaped cross-section having a seal 122 embedded therein that is configured to seal against an angled inner surface 124 of the piston 84 .

[0048] In the depicted embodiment, the poppet pin 104 is received within the central bore of the poppet valve 102. In the depicted embodiment, a pair of seals 210, 212 are interposed between the outer surface of the poppet pin 104 and the inner surface of the poppet valve 102 and create a seal between these components and enable the flow path to be opened and closed, as will be described in detail below. The poppet pin 104 includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween. In the depicted embodiment, the pin spring 106 is positioned between the second end of the poppet pin 104 and the poppet valve guide 100. The pin spring 106 biases the poppet pin 104 in the second direction SD.

[0049] In the depicted embodiment, the connector assembly 2, 4 includes a plug-to-socket automatic locking assembly that locks the plug body 6 to the socket body 38. The plug-to-socket automatic locking assembly functions when a locking ball 116 that selectively engages the socket body 38 and the connector body 10 moves into and out of engagement with an annular groove in the plug body 6.

[0050] In the depicted embodiment, the joint assembly 2, 4 includes a forward locking assembly 114. The decoupling locking assembly 114 includes a ball support 126, a ball support spring 138 and at least one ball 130 (e.g., two balls, three balls, etc.). In the depicted embodiment, the decoupling locking assembly 114 prevents the socket from moving in the second direction SD, thereby maintaining the plug-to-socket automatic locking assembly in an engaged locked orientation. The decoupling locking assembly 114 can be manually disengaged during the decoupling sequence or can be automatically disengaged during the breaking sequence to allow the plug-to-socket automatic locking assembly to be disengaged. The ball support 126 is slidably supported on the outer surface of the piston 84. The socket body 38 can move without moving the ball support 126. However, the movement of the socket body 38 in the first direction FD can also drive the ball support 126 in the first direction FD. The piston 84 can move without moving the ball support 126. However, the movement of the piston 84 in the second direction SD can also drive the ball support 126 in the second direction SD.

[0051] In the depicted embodiment, there are multiple fluid flow paths within the connector. When the female connector assembly 2 is connected to the male connector assembly 4, the main flow path extends through the central portion of the connector. The main flow path is large and less restricted. This flow path produces minimal pressure drop and high flow rate.

[0052] refer to Fig.26 , showing Figure 1 Another cross section of a joint. This cross section is taken at a slightly different angle than the other cross sections and shows internal components that are not apparent in the other cross sections.

[0053] refer to Fig.26 In the depicted embodiment, the internal flow path FP1 is defined by the hydraulic fluid in the joint body cavity 146, which flows into the piston cavity 148, flows from the piston cavity 148 into the annular space between the poppet valve 102 and the poppet valve pin 104 through the flow path 208 in the poppet valve 102, and flows from the annular space between the poppet valve 102 and the poppet valve pin 104 through the flow path 140 in the poppet valve guide 100, flows from the flow path 140 in the poppet valve guide 100 into the annular space between the poppet valve guide 100 and the inner surface of the piston 84, flows from the annular space between the poppet valve guide 100 and the inner surface of the piston 84 through the flow path 142 through the piston wall, flows from the flow path 142 in the piston wall into the ball support cavity 144, and flows out of the joint body 10 from the ball support cavity 144 to the external tank.

[0054] In the depicted embodiment, the internal flow path FP2 is defined by the hydraulic fluid in the joint body cavity 146, which flows into the piston cavity 148, flows from the piston cavity 148 into the flow path 150 in the piston 84, flows from the flow path 150 in the piston 84 into the annular space between the piston 84 and the ball support 126, flows from the annular space between the piston 84 and the ball support 126 into the ball support cavity 144, and flows out of the joint body 10 from the ball support cavity 144 into the external tank.

[0055] In the depicted embodiment, the internal flow path FP3 is defined by the hydraulic fluid in the joint body cavity 146, which flows into the piston cavity 148, flows from the piston cavity 148 into the flow path 152 in the piston 84, flows from the flow path 152 in the piston 84 into the annular space between the piston 84 and the socket body 38, flows from the annular space between the piston 84 and the socket body 38 through the flow path 154 in the socket body 38, flows from the flow path 154 in the socket body 38 into the socket cavity 52, flows from the socket cavity 52 into the annular space between the socket body 38 and the inner surface of the joint body 10, flows from the annular space between the socket body 38 and the inner surface of the joint body 10 into the ball support cavity 144, and flows out of the joint body 10 from the ball support cavity 144 into the external tank.

[0056] In the depicted embodiment, the size and shape of these internal components are set to produce a specific relative force when the joint is under pressure. In the depicted embodiment, the inner cylindrical bore of the piston 84 is the projected circular area A1. The area is equal to π times the square of the radius. The radius corresponding to area A1 is half the diameter D13 of the inside of the socket body, which is slightly larger than half the piston diameter D16. This area A1 is also substantially equal to the projected area of ​​the end of the plug body 6 and the plug 8 combined.

[0057] In the depicted embodiment, the socket body 38 includes a radially extending wall portion 200 that surrounds the end of the socket cavity 202. The projected area of ​​the radially extending wall portion 200 defines an annular area A2. The annular area A2 is equal to π times the square of the radius of half the diameter D15, minus π times the square of the radius of half the diameter D10. In the depicted embodiment, A1 is substantially equal to A2. When the joint is pressurized, the magnitude of the force F1 that pushes the surface of the plug body 6 and the plug 8 in the second direction SD is proportional to the area A1. At the same time, the magnitude of the force F2 that pushes the shoulder 200 in the first direction FD is proportional to the area A2. Since the areas A1 and A2 are substantially equal, the forces F1 and F2 are balanced.

[0058] In the depicted embodiment, an annular projected area A3 of the second end 68 of the piston 84 is hydraulically acted upon to push the piston 84 in the second direction SD. Area A3 is equal to π times the square of the radius of half the diameter D20, minus π times the square of the radius of half the diameter D16. In the depicted embodiment, the projected areas A4 of the back of the head of the poppet valve 102 and the back of the head of the plug 8 are substantially equal. Area A4 is equal to π times the square of the radius, where the radius is half the diameter D25. In the depicted embodiment, area A3 is significantly greater than area A4. Therefore, when the female connector assembly 2 is pressurized, there is force to open the plug 8 even though the pressure behind the plug 8 is much greater.

[0059] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , showing a first state. In the depicted first state, the female connector assembly 2 and the male connector assembly 4 are completely disconnected from each other. The depicted first state represents a sequence state before connection. In the depicted first state, the hydraulic pump / motor configured to drive the hydraulic fluid from the male connector assembly 4 to the female connector assembly 2 is turned off. In the depicted first state, one or both of the male connector assembly and the female connector assembly 4, 2 may be under residual pressure. Even if the motor / pump is turned off, there may still be a relatively high residual pressure in the female connector assembly 2 (e.g., 200 bar, which may be the operating pressure in the system). Even if the attachment connected to the female connector assembly 4 is not powered, it should be understood that there may be extremely high residual pressure in the male connector assembly 4 (e.g., 400 bar, because the attachment may statically support a physical load).

[0060] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , showing the second state. The depicted second state shows the beginning of the connection sequence. In the depicted second state, the operator has manually aligned the male connector assembly 4 coaxially with the female connector assembly 2. The operator manually pushes the male connector assembly 4 toward the female connector assembly 2.

[0061] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7, showing a third state. In the depicted third state, the male connector assembly 4 has been pushed further into the female connector assembly 2. The plug 8 of the male connector assembly 4 has been pushed into contact with the poppet pin 104 and driven it backward. In the depicted third state, the front of the poppet pin 104 is flush with the front of the poppet valve 102. The backward displacement of the poppet pin 104 (the displacement of the poppet pin 104 in the first direction FD) partially compresses the pin spring 106. In the depicted third state, the poppet valve 102, the piston 84, the socket body 38 and the ball support 126 remain stationary in the initial position. Since the poppet valve 102 does not move relative to the piston 84, the front end of the poppet valve 102 is still sealed on the piston 84.

[0062] In the depicted third state, flow path FP1 is open, flow path FP2 is closed, flow path FP3 is closed, and the main flow path is closed. In the third state, since flow path FP1 is open to the tank in the hydraulic circuit, the pressure in the joint body 146 will be released and therefore low. For example, the pressure in the joint body 146 may have dropped from 200 bar to 5-10 bar. Since the pump is turned off, the pressure in the joint body 146 remains low. Flow path FP2 is closed because the flow is blocked at the annular space between the piston 84 and the ball support 126. The ball support 126 needs to move relative to the piston 84 to open the flow path FP2. In this state, flow path FP3 is closed because the flow at the annular space between the socket body 38 and the inner surface of the joint body 146 is blocked by the seal 86 embedded in the outer surface of the socket body 38, which seals on the inner surface of the joint body 146. In order to open the flow path FP3, the socket body 38 needs to move.

[0063] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , showing a fourth state. In the depicted fourth state, the male connector assembly 4 has been manually pushed further into the female connector assembly 2. The plug 8 has driven the poppet valve 102 rearwardly into the poppet valve guide 100 and further compressed the pin spring 106. Because the poppet valve 102 has moved rearwardly relative to the stationary piston 84, a flow path is opened, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow out of the piston 84 into the cavity defined by the socket and the front of the plug 8. The pressure in this fluid may be relatively low because the flow path FP1 was open in the previous state and remains open in at least part of this state.

[0064] In the depicted fourth state, the piston 84, the socket body 38, and the ball support 126 remain in the initial position. In the depicted fourth state, the flow path FP1 is open, the flow path FP3 is closed, and the main flow path is closed.

[0065] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 , showing the fifth state. In the depicted fifth state, the male connector assembly 4 is manually pushed further backward into the socket body 38 to activate the mechanical locking mechanism. In the fourth state, the lip 156 on the plug body 6 that initially engages with the mechanical latch ball 116 begins to drive the ball 116 backward, thereby driving the socket body 38 backward. Then, the lip 156 drives the mechanical latch ball 116 radially outward into the recess of the connector body 10. The male connector assembly 4 continues to be driven further into the female connector assembly 2. As the socket body 38 moves backward, the socket body spring 64 is compressed and pushed back against the manual force of the operator. As the male connector assembly 4 continues to be driven further, the poppet valve 102 is driven backward until it bottoms out on the poppet valve guide 100 and drives the entire piston 84 backward. The backward movement of the piston 84 compresses the piston spring 90. Due to the spring 158 located between the ball ramp and the socket, the ball support 126 moves backward with the socket body 38.

[0066] In the depicted fifth state, flow path FP1 is closed because the o-ring 112 on the outer surface of the poppet valve 102 blocks the flow path 140 in the poppet valve guide 100. Flow path FP2 is open, flow path FP3 is open, and the main flow path is closed. Since flow paths FP2 and FP3 are open, when the plug body 6 moves into the joint body 10 and discharges the hydraulic fluid, the fluid can continue to flow out of the joint body 10.

[0067] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 , showing the sixth state. In the depicted sixth state, the male connector assembly 4 is pushed further and the mechanical locking mechanism is engaged. As the plug body 6 moves further into the female connector assembly 2, it pushes the poppet valve 102 further rearward, which has bottomed out on the poppet valve guide 100. The forward movement of the plug body 6 further drives the entire piston 84 rearward and further compresses the piston spring 90. Since the lips 156 have penetrated the rings of the balls 116, the socket body 38 is no longer driven rearward, which allows the plug 8 to move without applying force to the socket body 38.

[0068] The mechanical latch ball 116 is aligned with the groove 160 located behind the lip 156. The socket body spring 64 applies a force to move the socket rightward back to its initial position, thereby driving the latch ball 116 inwardly into the groove 160.

[0069] In the depicted sixth state, flow path FP1 is closed, flow path FP2 is open, flow path FP3 is open, and the main flow path is closed.

[0070] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 , showing the seventh state. In the depicted seventh state, the operator has manually released the male connector assembly 4, and the mechanical locking mechanism holds the plug 8 on the socket. In the absence of manual thrust applied by the operator, the socket body spring 64 drives the socket back to the initial position. When the ball 130 moves upward on the ball support 126 and engages with the tapered inner surface of the connector body 10, the forward locking mechanism is engaged. The piston spring 106 continues to apply force to the poppet valve 102 through the poppet valve guide 100, and the plug 8 applies the same force. This force is not enough to open the plug 8 of the male connector assembly 4.

[0071] In the depicted seventh state, flow path FP1 is closed, flow path FP2 is open, flow path FP3 is closed, and the main flow path is closed. The pump / motor remains off, so the pressure in the male connector assembly 4 is low. The male connector assembly 4 is not mechanically latched to the female connector assembly 2.

[0072] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 , showing the eighth state. In the depicted eighth state, the primary flow path is open between the male connector assembly 4 and the female connector assembly 2. In the eighth state, the pump / motor is no longer off. The pump / motor is turned on, or flow from an already activated pump / motor is turned on. This action pressurizes the connector.

[0073] In the depicted embodiment, the projected area of ​​the back area of ​​the piston 84 is at least twice the area of ​​the projected area of ​​the front surface of the plug 8 of the male connector assembly 4. In the depicted embodiment, the area of ​​the rear projection of the piston 84 is six times the area of ​​the projected area of ​​the plug 8. This means that very little pressure in the female connector assembly 2 is sufficient to open the plug 8. For example, a pressure of 60-70 bar in the connector is sufficient to open the plug 8, which may be under a back pressure of 400 bar. Many other ratios are possible.

[0074] When the coupling body cavity is pressurized, a proportionally greater force is generated on the piston 84 compared to the plug 8 of the male connector assembly 4. Therefore, the poppet valve 102 bottoming out on the piston 84 pushes the plug 8 in the second direction SD. The plug body 8 cannot move in the second direction SD because it is mechanically locked on the socket body 38 held by the forward locking assembly 114. The plug 8 of the male connector assembly 4 moves in the second direction SD relative to the plug body 6, and the plug 8 opens the main flow path and allows fluid to flow from the male connector assembly 4 into the female connector assembly 2.

[0075] In the depicted eighth state, flow path FP1 is closed, flow path FP2 is closed, flow path FP3 is closed, and the main flow path is open. In the depicted embodiment, when the main flow path is fully open, the flow rate from the female connector assembly 2 to the male connector assembly 4 can be 140 l / min or more, wherein the pressure drop is less than 10 bar, and the flow rate from the male connector assembly 4 to the female connector assembly 2 can be 220 l / min or more, wherein the pressure drop is less than or equal to 8 bar.

[0076] refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 The ninth state is substantially similar to the eighth state. As shown in the ninth state, when the piston 84 moves further in the second direction SD, it forces the ball support 126 to also move in the second direction SD. This causes the ball 116 to move radially inward and disengage the forward locking mechanism. In the state where the main flow path is fully open, the forward locking mechanism is disengaged.

[0077] refer to Fig. 20 and Fig.21 , showing the tenth state. In the depicted tenth state, the male connector assembly 4 is physically pulled out of the female connector assembly 2 to start the disconnection sequence. The illustrated tenth state represents the internal connection for all disconnection scenarios described below: (Scenario 1) The operator turns off the pump, manually decompresses the connector (e.g., activates a lever), and then pulls out the plug; (Scenario 2) The operator turns off the pump, the connector is still pressurized (e.g., 210 bar), and pulls the plug hard (e.g., 200+ Newtons) to separate it from the connector; or (Scenario 3) The plug is accidentally pulled out of the connector while the pump is still running (e.g., the attachment is physically disconnected, but the hydraulic line is still connected and the operator accidentally drives away from the attachment).

[0078] In the depicted ninth state, an external force is applied to the male connector assembly 4 to disengage it from the female connector assembly 2. Since the plug body 6 is mechanically locked to the socket body 38, pulling the plug 8 in the second direction SD pulls the socket body 38 and compresses the socket body spring 64 (also called a separation spring).

[0079] In an embodiment including a manual decompression step, a lever or other mechanism can be actuated to push the ball support 126 forward. This manual operation will open the flow path FP3. The joint body 10 has a larger diameter portion that allows leakage through the o-ring 54 when the socket moves axially. This allows the pressure in the pressure chamber to be released, making it easier to move the socket in the second direction SD. This manual decompression step makes the force required to complete the disconnection smaller. In scenarios 2 and 3 that do not involve pressure release, the external force that needs to be applied to the male connector assembly 4 to complete the disconnection is relatively high. The pressure retained in the joint is balanced and does not promote disconnection.

[0080] refer to Fig. 22 and Fig.23 , showing an eleventh state. In the depicted eleventh state, the male connector assembly 4 has been completely pulled out of the female connector assembly 2. Manual pulling force continues to be applied to the male connector assembly 4. The mechanical ball locking mechanism is disengaged. The poppet valve pin 104 moves forward due to the poppet valve spring force. The poppet valve 102 moves forward relative to the piston 84 due to the residual hydraulic pressure on its rear surface and the force of the piston spring 90. The plug 8 of the male connector assembly 4 is sealed due to its spring force and any residual pressure in the male connector assembly 4, which force drives the plug 8 in the first direction FD.

[0081] refer to Fig.24 and Fig.25 , showing the twelfth state. In the depicted twelfth state, the internal components of the female connector assembly 2 automatically return to their initial positions. The flow path FP1 is open, the flow path FP2 is closed, the flow path FP3 is closed, and the main flow path is closed.

[0082] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the exemplary embodiments and applications shown and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A joint, comprising: a connector body defining a generally cylindrical interior cavity including a first end and a second end; a socket body including a first end and a second end, the first end of the socket body being coaxially positioned within the first end of the connector body, the socket body being configured to slide axially relative to the connector body; a piston including a first end and a second end, the first end being coaxially positioned within the second end of the socket body, the piston being configured to slide axially relative to the socket body and the connector body; a poppet valve including a first end and a second end, the first end of the poppet valve being coaxially positioned within and abutting the first end of the piston, the poppet valve being configured to slide axially relative to the piston; and A poppet pin includes a first end and a second end, the poppet pin being coaxially positioned within the poppet valve, the poppet pin being configured to slide axially relative to the poppet valve.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The socket body includes an annular shoulder, the projected area of ​​which is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner side of the socket body.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The second end of the piston has a projected area that is at least twice the projected area of ​​the first end of the poppet valve.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A first socket body joint body o-ring is positioned between a first end of the socket body and the joint body, and a second socket body joint body o-ring is positioned between a second end of the socket body and the joint body, defining a socket cavity between the socket body, the joint body, the first socket body joint body o-ring, and the second socket body joint body o-ring.

5. The joint according to claim 4, wherein: A piston joint body o-ring is positioned between the second end of the piston and the joint body, defining a piston joint body cavity between the piston, the joint body, the second socket body joint body o-ring and the piston joint body o-ring.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein A double-acting socket body spring is positioned between the socket body and the connector body and is configured to axially bias the socket body to an initial position within the connector body.

7. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a piston spring in contact with the second end of the piston and biased toward the first end of the connector body.

8. The connector of claim 1, further comprising an advancement locking mechanism including a ball support ramp and a ball positioned between the ball support ramp, the socket body, and the connector body.

9. The connector according to claim 4 further comprises a first internal flow path, which allows fluid to flow from the connector body cavity into the piston cavity, flow into the annular space between the connector body and the connector pin through the flow path in the poppet valve, and flow from the annular space between the connector body and the connector pin through the flow path in the poppet valve guide, and flow from the flow path in the poppet valve guide into the annular space between the poppet valve guide and the inner surface of the piston, and flow from the annular space between the poppet valve guide and the inner surface of the piston through the flow path passing through the piston wall, and flow from the flow path in the piston wall into the ball support cavity, and flow out of the connector body from the ball support cavity to an external tank.

10. The joint according to claim 9 further includes a second internal flow path, which allows fluid to flow from the joint body cavity into the piston cavity, and from the piston cavity into the flow path in the piston, and from the flow path in the piston into the annular space between the piston and the ball support, and from the annular space between the piston and the ball support into the ball support cavity, and from the ball support cavity out of the joint body and into the external tank.

11. The joint according to claim 10 further includes a third internal flow path, which allows fluid to flow from the joint body cavity into the piston cavity, and from the piston cavity into the flow path in the piston, and from the flow path in the piston into the annular space between the piston and the socket body, and from the annular space between the piston and the socket body through the flow path in the socket body, and from the flow path in the socket body into the socket cavity, and from the socket cavity into the annular space between the socket body and the inner surface of the joint body, and from the annular space between the socket body and the inner surface of the joint body into the ball support cavity, and from the ball support cavity out of the joint body into the external tank.

12. The connector according to claim 11, wherein The joint is configured such that in an operating state, the first internal flow path is open, while the second internal flow path is closed and the third internal flow path is closed.

13. The connector of claim 11, wherein: The joint is configured such that in an operating state, the first internal flow path is closed, while the second internal flow path is open and the third internal flow path is open.

14. The connector of claim 11, wherein: The joint is configured such that in an operating state, the first internal flow path is closed, while the second internal flow path is open and the third internal flow path is closed.

15. A method for connecting a male connector to a female connector, the method comprising the steps of: Providing a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8 as a female connector; Pushing the male connector into the female connector and driving the piston and poppet valve assembly in the female connector backward so that the locking mechanism locks the male connector to the female connector; as well as The pump is energized to drive hydraulic fluid into the female connector and drive the piston forward, thereby driving the poppet valve of the male connector rearward to open a primary flow path extending from the female connector to the male connector.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: Energizing the pump to drive hydraulic fluid into the female connector and drive the piston forward will drive the ball support member forward and release the forward locking mechanism and prepare the connector for separation.

Images