Coupler device

Abstract

A compact coupling device is provided. The coupling device of the present invention has a first joint (3) and a second joint (4). A sub valve chamber (27) and a main valve chamber (28) are continuously formed in the second joint (4) in the up-and-down direction. In the sub valve chamber (27), a sub valve member (33) is movable in the up-and-down direction and is inserted in a seal-like manner. The sub valve member (33) is urged downward by a second closing valve spring (40) toward a sub valve seat (32) formed in the sub valve chamber (27). A communication passage (35) is formed in the sub valve member (33). The communication passage (35) constitutes a part of a flow path that communicates the sub valve chamber (27) and the main valve chamber (28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector device capable of detachably connecting a supply and discharge path formed on a first connector and a second connector. Background Technology

[0002] Such connectors have been previously described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-67042) and Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-117748). Their conventional technology is configured as follows.

[0003] The connector in Patent Document 1 has a male plug and a female plug. Within the casing of the female plug, an inlet valve and a main valve are arranged in a straight line. A flow path connecting the valve chambers of the inlet valve and the main valve is provided within the casing and radially outward from these valve chambers. An annular protective filter is installed in the annular space formed in the middle of this flow path.

[0004] Patent Document 2's quick connector has a plug as a first connector and a socket as a second connector. A second flow path and a check valve chamber are arranged in a straight line within the plug's housing. A second sealing member is inserted into the second flow path, and a check member is inserted into the check valve chamber. The flow path communicating between the second flow path and the check valve chamber is formed within the housing and radially outward of the second sealing member. A cylindrical filter is installed in this flow path.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-67042

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-117748 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In the female plug of the connector in Patent Document 1, a flow path is formed on the outside of the valve chamber, connecting the valve chamber of the main valve and the valve chamber of the inlet / outlet valve, and a filter is installed in the middle of this flow path. Therefore, the radial dimension of the female plug is increased by an amount corresponding to the distance between the flow path and the filter.

[0011] Furthermore, in the plug of the quick connector in Patent Document 2, the flow path connecting the second flow path and the check valve chamber is formed radially outside the second sealing member, and a cylindrical filter is installed in the middle of this flow path. Therefore, the radial dimension of the plug is increased by an amount corresponding to the distance between the flow path and the filter.

[0012] The connector devices (connectors, quick couplings, etc.) in Patent Documents 1 and 2 generally have a small diameter, for example, around 20 mm. There is a requirement to maintain or increase the flow rate of fluid into this small connector device, while also making its overall size more compact than conventional connector devices.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a compact connector device.

[0014] Solution for solving the problem

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention, for example, Figures 1 to 3 , Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the connector device is configured as follows.

[0016] The aforementioned connector device has a first connector 3 and a second connector 4 detachably connected to the first connector 3. A first supply / discharge passage 5 is provided within the first connector 3. A second supply / discharge passage 6 detachably connected to the first supply / discharge passage 5 is provided within the second connector 4. A secondary valve chamber 27 and a main valve chamber 28 are continuously formed within the second connector 4 from the axial end side to the base end side. A secondary valve member 33 is movable along the axial direction and is inserted into the secondary valve chamber 27 in a sealing manner via a sealing member 34. The secondary valve member 33 is forced towards its end side by a second closing valve spring 40 toward a secondary valve seat 32 formed within the secondary valve chamber 27. The secondary valve member 33 has a secondary valve surface 41 capable of abutting against the secondary valve seat 32. A main valve member 43 is movable along the axial direction and is inserted into the main valve chamber 28 in a sealing manner. The main valve member 43 is capable of abutting against the secondary valve member 33. Additionally, the main valve component 43 is subjected to a force at its end by the third closing valve spring 48 toward the main valve seat 42 formed within the main valve chamber 28. A connecting passage 35, which is part of the second supply / discharge passage 6, is formed within the auxiliary valve component 33.

[0017] The present invention achieves the following effects.

[0018] In the connector device of the present invention, a connecting passage as part of a second supply / discharge passage is formed within the secondary valve member. Therefore, compared to the conventional connector device described above, which forms a connecting passage between the secondary valve chamber and the main valve chamber on the outside of the valve chamber, the connector device of the present invention can be manufactured more compactly.

[0019] The present invention preferably incorporates the following structures (1) to (3).

[0020] (1) For example, such as Figures 1 to 3 , Figures 4 to 6As shown, one end of the connecting passage 35 opens between the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the secondary valve member 33 sealed by the sealing member 34 and the secondary valve surface 41. The other end of the connecting passage 35 communicates between the secondary valve member 33 and the main valve member 43 and the secondary valve chamber 27.

[0021] In this case, a connecting passage is formed within the secondary valve member inserted into the secondary valve chamber. In other words, the connecting passage is formed to be housed within the secondary valve chamber. Furthermore, the two spaces connected by this connecting passage (the space divided between the inner circumferential surface of the secondary valve chamber and the outer circumferential surface of the secondary valve member, and sealed by the sealing member, the secondary valve surface, and the secondary valve seat; and the space between the secondary valve member and the main valve member formed by the connecting passage) are also arranged to be housed within the secondary valve chamber. Therefore, compared to the conventional connector device described above, which forms a connecting passage on the outside of the valve chamber, the connector device of the present invention can be manufactured more compactly.

[0022] (2) A filter 38 is installed in the middle of the above-mentioned connecting path 35.

[0023] In this case, the connecting passage and filter can be housed inside the sub-valve member inserted into the sub-valve chamber. Therefore, compared to conventional connector devices that have the connecting passage and filter located outside the valve chamber, the connector device of the present invention can be manufactured more compactly.

[0024] (3) A support member 36 protruding from the wall of the aforementioned connecting passage 35 supports a disc-shaped filter 38. The secondary valve member 33 can abut against the main valve member 43 via the support member 36 and the filter 38.

[0025] In this case, in the disc-shaped filter, the portion that abuts against the support member (hereinafter referred to as the supported portion) and other parts supporting the filter do not perform the function of removing foreign matter. Therefore, by minimizing the portion supporting the filter, the overall size of the connector device is reduced. In the connector device of the present invention, the portions that do not perform the function of removing foreign matter are only the outer peripheral portion and the supported portion. Therefore, compared with the prior art (Patent Document 1), which requires a central opening and its inner and outer peripheral portions, the present invention eliminates the need for the pressing amount of the inner peripheral portion, thus enabling the overall size of the connector device to be made smaller. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 The first embodiment of the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional view showing the first and second joints of the connector device separated.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the first and second joints of the aforementioned connector device, and is related to... Figure 1 Similar diagrams.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part A shown in the diagram.

[0029] Figure 4 The second embodiment of the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional view showing the first and second joints of the connector device separated.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the abutment state of the first and second joints of the aforementioned connector assembly, and is related to... Figure 4 Similar diagrams.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the first and second joints of the aforementioned connector device, and is related to... Figure 4 Similar diagrams. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following uses Figures 1 to 3 The first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connector device shown includes a first connector 3 and a second connector 4 that is detachably connected to the first connector 3 from the end side. A first supply / discharge path 5 disposed in the first connector 3 and a second supply / discharge path 6 disposed in the second connector 4 can be detachably connected.

[0034] A compressed air (pressure fluid) flow path 7 formed on the first component 1 communicates with a mounting hole 8 opening on the upper surface of the first component 1. The first housing 9 of the first connector 3 is screwed into the mounting hole 8 in a sealing manner. Additionally, a compressed air flow path 10 is formed on the second component 2, which communicates with a mounting hole 11 opening on the lower surface of the second component 2. The second housing 12 of the second connector 4 is inserted into the mounting hole 11 in a sealing manner.

[0035] In the first connector 3 of the aforementioned connector device, a feed port 13 is formed by a hole opening on the lower surface of the first housing 9, and a first valve chamber 14 is formed in the upper part of the first housing 9. This first valve chamber 14 is separated from the feed port 13 by a partition wall 15, and is connected by six through holes 16 formed on the partition wall 15. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only two through holes (16) are connected in the diagram.

[0036] The first filter 17 is installed on the inner peripheral wall of the supply and discharge port 13 in a manner that covers the aforementioned supply and discharge port 13. As a result, foreign matter such as dust contained in the compressed air from the supply source is removed by the first filter 17.

[0037] A cylindrical first valve member 18 is inserted into the first valve chamber 14 in a sealing manner, allowing it to move vertically. The upper inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical hole 19 of the first valve member 18 is formed into a cone shape, expanding upwards (towards the end). A first valve surface 20 is formed annularly on this cone-shaped portion. A groove is formed circumferentially on the outer side of the first valve surface 20 and on the end face of the first valve member 18, and an annular sealing member 21 is installed in this groove.

[0038] A generally cylindrical valve seat member 22 protrudes upward from the partition wall 15 within the first housing 9 and is disposed within the first valve chamber 14. The upper part of the valve seat member 22 is tapered, extending upward. A first valve seat 23 is formed circumferentially on the tapered surface of the valve seat member 22. A first valve surface 20 is capable of abutting against the first valve seat 23.

[0039] A first valve-closing spring 24 is installed between the aforementioned cylindrical first valve member 18 and the partition wall 15. The first valve-closing spring 24 applies force upward toward the end of the first valve member 18 toward the valve seat member 22.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first supply and discharge path 5 is formed by the supply and discharge port 13, the through hole 16, the first valve chamber 14, and the cylindrical hole 19 of the first valve component 18 of the first housing 9.

[0041] The second connector 4 is configured as follows: A plug portion 25 is integrally formed with the second housing 12, protruding downwards from it, and a bearing surface 26 is formed on the lower surface of the plug portion 25. This bearing surface 26 can abut against a sealing member 21 mounted on the first valve member 18 of the first connector 3. The plug portion 25 can be inserted into the first valve chamber 14 of the first connector 3.

[0042] The second valve chamber (sub-valve chamber) 27 and the third valve chamber (main valve chamber) 28 are formed sequentially from the bottom within the second housing 12. The second valve chamber 27 and the third valve chamber 28 are separated by a partition wall 29 formed within the second housing 12. A guide hole 30 penetrating the center of the partition wall 29 connects the second valve chamber 27 and the third valve chamber 28. A connecting groove 31 is formed along the vertical direction on the peripheral wall of the guide hole 30. The second valve chamber 27 opens on the lower surface of the plug portion 25. The third valve chamber 28 opens on the upper surface of the second housing 12.

[0043] On the inner peripheral wall near the opening of the second valve chamber 27, a second valve seat (sub-valve seat) 32 is formed circumferentially, narrowing downwards (approaching the axis). A second valve member (sub-valve member) 33 is movably inserted into the second valve chamber 27 in a sealing manner along the vertical direction (axial direction of the second housing 12) via a sealing member 34. A recess 35a is formed in the upper part of the second valve member 33, and a support pin (support member) 36 protrudes upwards from its bottom wall. A step 37 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the recess 35a, and a disc-shaped second filter (filter) 38 is mounted on the step 37. The central portion of the second filter 38 is supported from below by the support pin 36. The chamber divided by the inner peripheral wall of the recess 35a and the second filter 38 is formed in the cylindrical wall of the second valve member 33 by six through holes 35b. Figures 1 to 3 Only two through holes 35b are shown in the diagram, communicating with the chamber formed by the outer peripheral surface of the second valve member 33 and the inner peripheral surface of the second valve chamber 27. Here, the recess 35a and the through holes 35b form a communication path 35. In addition, the through holes 35b open on the outer peripheral surface of the second valve member 33. More specifically, this opening extends from the sealing portion on the outer peripheral surface of the second valve member 33, which abuts against the aforementioned sealing member 34, to the second valve surface 41, which will be described later. Furthermore, the second valve closing spring 40 is installed between the partition wall 29 and the stepped portion 37 of the recess 35a via the second filter 38, and the second valve closing spring 40 applies a downward force to the second valve member 33 toward the second valve seat 32 relative to the partition wall 29. A conical surface is formed on the lower outer peripheral wall of the second valve member 33, and a receiving groove is formed circumferentially on the conical surface. A sealing member is installed in the receiving groove, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member forms the second valve surface (sub-valve surface) 41. The second valve face 41 can abut against the second valve seat 32.

[0044] The lower part of the inner peripheral wall of the aforementioned third valve chamber 28 is tapered, narrowing downwards (approaching the axis), and a third valve seat (main valve seat) 42 is formed circumferentially on this tapered surface. A third valve member (main valve member) 43 is movable in the vertical direction (axial direction of the second housing 12) and inserted into the third valve chamber 28 in a sealing manner. The third valve member 43 has a cylindrical portion 44 and a tapered portion 45 sequentially from the lower side. The cylindrical portion 44 is movably inserted into the guide hole 30. The lower end face (end face) of the cylindrical portion 44 abuts against the center of the second filter 38 at a predetermined interval. The tapered portion 45 is formed to expand upwards. A recess 46 is formed in the upper part of the third valve member 43. A third closing valve spring 48 is installed between the bottom wall of the recess 46 and the disc-shaped third filter 47 mounted on the inner peripheral wall of the second housing 12. The third closing valve spring 48 applies a downward force to the third valve member 43 toward the third valve seat 42 relative to the second housing 12. A receiving groove is formed circumferentially on the outer peripheral wall of the tapered portion 45 of the third valve member 43. A sealing member is installed in the receiving groove, and a third valve surface 49 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member. In addition, in this embodiment, when the second valve surface 41 is engaged with the second valve seat 32 and the third valve surface 49 is engaged with the third valve seat 42, the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 44 is spaced apart from the central portion of the second filter 38 by a predetermined interval, but it is also possible for the lower end face of the cylindrical portion 44 to abut against the central portion of the second filter 38 in the above state.

[0045] As described above, the third closing valve spring 48 is installed between the third valve member 43 and the thin third filter 47. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the third filter 47 from plastically deforming or breaking due to the force of the third closing valve spring 48. Therefore, the maximum force of the third closing valve spring 48 is set much smaller than the maximum force of the second closing valve spring 40. However, under certain conditions, the third closing valve spring 48 also needs to push the third valve member 43. Therefore, the force of the third closing valve spring 48 needs to be set to exceed the weight of the third valve member 43 and resistances such as sliding resistance.

[0046] The second filter 38 and the third filter 47 described above are configured to be substantially the same. Referring to the designation of the second filter 38... Figure 3The filter 38 has a lower support member 50, a lower spacer 51, a metal mesh 52, an upper spacer 53, and an upper support member 54 arranged sequentially from the bottom. The lower support member 50 is a disc-shaped plate with multiple circular holes (so-called perforated metal). Its central portion protrudes upwards. An annular lower spacer 51 is mounted on the outer edge of the lower support member 50, and a circular metal mesh 52 is mounted on top of the lower spacer 51. This creates a gap between the lower support member 50 and the metal mesh 52, the thickness of the lower spacer 51, through which compressed air flows smoothly. Additionally, an upper spacer 53 (as a component of the lower spacer) is mounted on the outer edge of the metal mesh 52, and a disc-shaped upper support member 54 is mounted on top of the upper spacer 53. This also creates a gap between the metal mesh 52 and the upper support member 54, through which compressed air flows smoothly. Furthermore, the upper support member 54 is made of the same material as the lower support member 50, and its dimensions and thickness are also set to be the same, but it does not have the protrusion 55 like the lower support member 50. The metal mesh 52 is sandwiched between the protrusion 55 of the lower support member 50 and the central portion of the upper support member 54.

[0047] The second filter 38 is inserted into the recess 35a of the second valve member 33 and is received from below by the stepped portion 37 of the second valve member 33. The retaining ring 56 is pressed into and fixed to the recess 35a of the second valve member 33 from above, or a portion of the inner peripheral wall of the recess 35a is plastically deformed and fixed while the retaining ring 56 is inserted into the recess 35a.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the above-mentioned connector device is connected and disconnected as follows. First, as... Figure 1 As shown, the second component 2 separates from the first component 1, and the connector device is in a disengaged state. In this disengaged state, the first valve member 18 is forced by the first closing valve spring 24 relative to the partition wall 15 of the first housing 9 toward the end of the valve seat member 22. Therefore, the first valve face 20 of the first valve member 18 engages with the first valve seat 23 of the valve seat member 22 to close the valve.

[0049] In the disengaged state of the second connector 4, the second valve member 33 is subjected to a downward force toward the second valve seat 32 by the second closing valve spring 40. Therefore, the second valve face 41 of the second valve member 33 engages with the second valve seat 32 to close the valve. Additionally, the third valve member 43 is subjected to a downward force toward the third valve seat 42 by the third closing valve spring 48. Therefore, the third valve face 49 of the third valve member 43 engages with the third valve seat 42 to close the valve.

[0050] From the disengaged state, when approaching the second component 2 to connect it to the first component 1, firstly, the receiving surface 26 of the plug portion 25 of the second connector 4 engages with the sealing member 21 of the first connector 3. At this time, the second valve member 33 of the second connector 4 engages with the valve seat member 22 of the first connector 3. Next, the plug portion 25 causes the first valve member 18 to move downward against the force of the first closing valve spring 24. As a result, the first valve face 20 separates from the first valve seat 23, opening the valve. Furthermore, when the plug portion 25 is inserted into the first valve chamber 14, since the second valve member 33 is received by the valve seat member 22, the second valve member 33 remains in the engaged position with the valve seat member 22 relative to the plug portion 25. As a result, the second valve face 41 separates from the second valve seat 32, opening the valve. Next, since the third valve member 43 abuts against the second filter 38, and is received by the second valve member 33 via the second filter 38 and the support pin 36, the third valve member 43 remains in the engaged position with the second filter 38 relative to the plug portion 25. Thus, the third valve surface 49 separates from the third valve seat 42, opening the valve. Then, the lower surface of the second housing 12 is received by the upper surface of the first housing 9, from... Figure 1 The first connector 3 and the second connector 4 shown are switched to the disengaged state. Figure 2 The connection status is shown.

[0051] In the connector device of this embodiment, a switching valve (not shown) is provided in the middle of the flow path 7 formed in the first component 1. This switching valve switches the connector device to a state where it is connected to a compressed air supply source and a state where it is connected to an outlet.

[0052] exist Figure 2 In the connected state of the connector device shown, when compressed air is supplied from the compressed air supply source to the actuator (not shown) through the connector device, the compressed air flows within the connector device as follows: First, compressed air from the supply source flows into the inlet / outlet 13 of the first connector 3 through flow path 7. Then, it is supplied to the first valve chamber 14 through the first filter 17 and the through hole 16. The compressed air in the first valve chamber 14 flows into the second valve chamber 27 through the valve opening gap formed between the first valve face 20 and the first valve seat 23 and the valve opening gap formed between the second valve face 41 and the second valve seat 32. Next, the compressed air in the second valve chamber 27 is supplied to the actuator through the second filter 38, the connecting groove 31, the valve opening gap formed between the third valve face 49 and the third valve seat 42, and the third filter 47.

[0053] When discharging the compressed air from the actuator to the outside, a switching valve is used to connect the connector device to the outlet. Thus, the compressed air from the actuator is discharged to the outside from the outlet in the reverse order described above.

[0054] The first embodiment described above offers the following advantages.

[0055] The recess 35a and through hole 35b formed on the upper part of the second valve member 33 constitute a part of the second supply / discharge passage 6. That is, a part of the second supply / discharge passage 6 is provided inside the second valve member 33. Therefore, compared with the above-mentioned conventional technology that provides a supply / discharge passage or an annular filter on the outside of the valve member, the radial dimension of the second connector 4 in this embodiment can be made smaller.

[0056] Furthermore, a second filter 38 is installed inside the second valve member 33 and in the recess 35a that serves as the second supply / discharge passage 6. In this respect, compared to conventional techniques that provide an annular filter on the outer periphery of the valve chamber, the radial dimension of the second connector 4 in this embodiment can be made smaller.

[0057] In the conventional connector device described above, a thin annular filter with a central opening is provided. In this case, to prevent the filter from being pushed by the pressure of compressed air and creating gaps, thus reducing the filter's function, it is necessary to press and fix the inner and outer edges of the filter's opening. Therefore, since compressed air cannot flow through the filter's opening and its inner and outer peripheral edges, the filter needs to have a sufficiently wide radial dimension. In contrast, in the second connector 4 of this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the second filter 38 is supported on the stepped portion 37 of the second valve member 33, and the central portion of the second filter 38 is supported on the support pin 36 of the second valve member 33. Therefore, although compressed air does not flow through the contact portion between the outer peripheral portion and the support pin 36, since compressed air flows through the portion other than the outer peripheral portion and the contact portion, the area through which compressed air can flow can be expanded by an amount corresponding to the pressing amount of the inner peripheral portion, compared to the conventional technology. Therefore, compared to the annular filter of the conventional technology, the second filter of this embodiment can be made smaller in the radial direction. Therefore, the overall size of the connector device can be made smaller.

[0058] A protrusion 55 is formed at the center of the lower support member 50 of the second filter 38, and a metal mesh 52 is sandwiched between the protrusion 55 and the central portion of the upper support member 54. That is, the metal mesh 52 abuts against the protrusion 55 and the central portion of the upper support member 54, with no gap or very close gap between these members. As a result, when the second valve member 33 pushes the third valve member 43 upward or returns it downward via the support pin 36 and the second filter 38, the members constituting the filter 38 are less likely to bend or return due to the third valve member 43 and the support pin 36. Therefore, the second filter 38 can be prevented from being damaged or worn due to repeated or alternating loads.

[0059] Furthermore, a lower spacer 51 is installed between the outer edge of the lower support member 50 and the metal mesh 52, and an upper spacer 53 is installed between the upper support member 54 and the metal mesh 52. This creates a space between the metal mesh 52 and the lower support member 50, or between the metal mesh 52 and the upper support member 54, in which compressed air flows. Even when the positions of the holes in the lower support member 50 and the upper support member 54 are horizontally misaligned, compressed air from the holes in the lower support member 50 reliably flows through the aforementioned space and the metal mesh 52 to the holes in the upper support member 54.

[0060] Furthermore, a third valve member 43 is inserted into the chamber defined by the second filter 38, the second valve member 33, the second valve chamber 27, the third valve chamber 28, and the third filter 47. As a result, foreign matter such as dust contained in the compressed air from the supply source is removed by the first filter 17, and foreign matter contained in the compressed air from the actuator is removed by the second filter 38 and the third filter 47. Consequently, when the second connector is closed, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from becoming trapped between the third valve face and the third valve seat of the third valve member, thus preventing fluid leakage.

[0061] Figures 4-6 This indicates a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, components that are the same as (or similar to) the constituent components of the first embodiment described above are described with the same reference numerals.

[0062] The differences between this second embodiment and the first embodiment described above are as follows.

[0063] In the connector device of the second embodiment described above, three grooves are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first housing 9 of the first connector 3 in a circumferential manner with different heights. Sealing members are installed in the uppermost and lowermost grooves of the three grooves. The first flow path 7 formed in the first component 1 communicates with the groove in the middle of the three grooves. A hole opening on the bottom surface of the groove in the middle constitutes a feed port 13. The feed port 13 communicates with the first valve chamber 14 formed in the upper part of the first housing 9. In addition, although the first filter 17 is omitted in this embodiment, it can also be provided in a manner that covers the feed port 13.

[0064] A cylindrical support cylinder 60 protrudes from the bottom wall of the first valve chamber 14, and the valve seat member 62 is movably inserted into the cylindrical hole 61 of the support cylinder 60 in a vertical direction. A mounting groove is formed at the lower part of the valve seat member 62, and a stop wheel, acting as a stop, is installed in the mounting groove. The stop wheel prevents the valve seat member 62 from dislodging upwards from the cylindrical hole 61 of the support cylinder 60. Furthermore, the upper part of the valve seat member 62 is tapered, expanding upwards. A first valve seat 63 is formed circumferentially on the tapered surface of the valve seat member 62. The first valve surface 20 abuts against the first valve seat 63. Additionally, a first closing valve spring 24 is installed between the bottom wall of the first valve chamber 14 and the cylindrical first valve member 18, and this first closing valve spring 24 applies upward force to the first valve member 18 toward the end of the valve seat member 62.

[0065] A cylinder bore 66 is formed across a partition wall 65 formed on the lower side of the first valve chamber 14. A through hole 67 is formed on the partition wall 65, through which the first valve chamber 14 and the cylinder bore 66 are connected. A piston 68 is inserted into the cylinder bore 66 in a sealed manner, allowing it to move vertically. A working chamber 69 is formed on the lower side of the piston 68, through which compressed air from a supply source is supplied and discharged relative to the working chamber 69 via a supply and discharge passage 70 formed in the first component 1. In this embodiment, the first supply and discharge passage 5 is formed by the supply and discharge port 13 of the first housing 9, the first valve chamber 14, and the cylinder bore 19 of the first valve member 18. In this embodiment, the piston 68 and the valve seat member 62 are made of different components, but they can also be formed integrally.

[0066] In the second connector 4 of this embodiment, a bearing surface 71 is formed on the lower surface of the second housing 12. This bearing surface 71 can abut against the sealing member 21 mounted on the first valve member 18 of the first connector 3. In the second connector 4 of this embodiment, the plug portion 25 of the second connector 4 of the first embodiment is omitted.

[0067] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the aforementioned connector device is connected and disconnected as follows. First, in Figure 4 In the disengaged state of the connector device shown, in the first connector 3, the first closing valve spring 24 pushes the first valve member 18 upward, which in turn pushes the valve seat member 62 to its upper limit position. Therefore, the first valve face 20 of the first valve member 18 engages with the first valve seat 63 of the valve seat member 62 to close the valve.

[0068] In the disengaged state of the second connector 4, the second valve-closing spring 40 pushes the second valve member 33 downward toward the second valve seat 32. Therefore, the second valve face 41 of the second valve member 33 engages with the second valve seat 32, closing the valve. Additionally, the third valve-closing spring 48 applies force downward toward the third valve member 43 toward the third valve seat 42. Therefore, the third valve face 49 of the third valve member 43 engages with the third valve seat 42, closing the valve.

[0069] From the aforementioned disengaged state, in order to bring the second component 2 closer together with the first component 1, firstly, the bearing surface 71 of the second connector 4 engages with the sealing member 21 of the first valve member 18 of the first connector 3. Then, as... Figure 5 As shown, the second housing 12 causes the first valve member 18 to move downward against the force of the first closing valve spring 24, and the second housing 12 causes the valve seat member 62 to move downward via the second closing valve spring 40 and the second valve member 33. At this time, the first valve face 20 engages with the first valve seat 63 to maintain the closed valve state, and the second valve face 41 engages with the second valve seat 32 to maintain the closed valve state. Then, the second housing 12 is received by the first housing 9. Next, when compressed air from the supply source is supplied to the working chamber 69 through the supply / exhaust passage 70, the piston 68 rises and abuts against the valve seat member 62. Then, the piston 68 causes the second valve member 33 to rise against the force of the second closing valve spring 40 via the valve seat member 62. As a result, the first valve face 20 separates from the first valve seat 63 to open the valve, and the second valve face 41 separates from the second valve seat 32 to open the valve. Then, the second filter 38 mounted on the second valve member 33 engages with the third valve member 43. Then, piston 68 raises third valve member 43 via valve seat member 62, second valve member 33, and second filter 38. This causes third valve face 49 to separate from third valve seat 42, opening the valve. Piston 68 is then received by a stepped portion formed on the inner peripheral wall of cylinder bore 66. Thus, from... Figure 4 The first connector 3 and the second connector 4 shown are switched to the disengaged state. Figure 6 The connection state.

[0070] A switching valve located at the intermediate part (not shown) of the aforementioned supply / discharge path 7 switches from a state where the connector device and the outlet are connected to a state where the connector device and the compressed air supply source are connected. Then, compressed air from the supply source is supplied to the actuator through the first supply / discharge path 5 and the second supply / discharge path 6 (not shown) of the connector device. At this time, the compressed air from the supply source flows within the connector device as follows: First, compressed air from the supply source is supplied to the first valve chamber 14 through the flow path 7 and the supply / discharge port 13. The compressed air in the first valve chamber 14 flows into the second valve chamber 27 through the valve opening gap formed between the first valve face 20 and the first valve seat 63 and the valve opening gap formed between the second valve face 41 and the second valve seat 32. Next, the compressed air in the second valve chamber 27 is supplied to the actuator through the second filter 38, the connecting groove 31, the valve opening gap formed between the third valve face 49 and the third valve seat 42, the third filter 47, and the flow path 10.

[0071] When discharging the compressed air from the actuator to the outside, a switching valve is used to connect the connector device to the outlet. Thus, the compressed air from the actuator is discharged to the outside from the outlet in the reverse order described above.

[0072] The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows.

[0073] The pressure fluid mentioned above, instead of the exemplified compressed air, can be other gases or liquids such as pressurized oil.

[0074] The lower surface of the second housing 12 is supported by the upper surface of the first housing 9, as described above. Figure 4 As shown, the supported member 73 disposed on the second member 2 can also be supported on the support member 72 disposed on the first member 1.

[0075] Instead of installing the sealing member 34 in a receiving groove formed circumferentially on the inner peripheral wall of the second valve chamber 27, the sealing member 34 may also be installed in a receiving groove formed on the outer peripheral wall of the second valve member 33. In this case, the portion of the sealing member 34 that abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the second valve chamber 27 is referred to as the sealing portion.

[0076] Furthermore, various modifications can certainly be made within the scope that can be conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0077] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0078] 3 First Connector

[0079] 4 Second connector

[0080] 5 First distribution route

[0081] 6 Second supply route

[0082] 27. Second valve chamber (auxiliary valve chamber)

[0083] 28. Third valve chamber (main valve chamber)

[0084] 32 Second valve seat (subsidiary valve seat)

[0085] 33. Second valve component (subsidiary valve component)

[0086] 34 Sealing components

[0087] 35 connecting paths

[0088] 36 Support pins (support components)

[0089] 38. Second Filter (Filter)

[0090] 40 Second closing valve spring

[0091] 41. Second valve face (sub-valve face)

[0092] 42 Third valve seat (main valve seat)

[0093] 43. Third valve component (main valve component)

[0094] 48 Third closing valve spring

Claims

1. A connector device, characterized in that, The connector device includes: First connector (3); The second connector (4) can be detachably connected to the first connector (3); The first supply and discharge path (5) is set inside the first connector (3); The second supply and discharge line (6) is disposed in the second connector (4) and can be detachably connected to the first supply and discharge line (5); The auxiliary valve chamber (27) and the main valve chamber (28) are formed continuously from the axial end side to the base side within the second joint (4); A secondary valve member (33) is movable along the axial direction and inserted into the secondary valve chamber (27) in a sealed manner via a sealing member (34), and is subjected to a force toward the end side by a second closing valve spring (40) toward a secondary valve seat (32) formed within the secondary valve chamber (27), and the secondary valve member (33) has a secondary valve surface (41) capable of abutting against the secondary valve seat (32); and The main valve component (43) is movable along the axial direction and inserted into the main valve chamber (28) in a sealing manner, and is able to abut against the auxiliary valve component (33). The main valve component (43) is subjected to a force at its end by a third closing valve spring (48) toward the main valve seat (42) formed in the main valve chamber (28). A connecting passage (35) is formed within the secondary valve member (33) as part of the second supply and discharge passage (6), and a filter (38) is installed in the middle of the connecting passage (35). A support member (36) protruding from the wall of the connecting passage (35) supports the disc-shaped filter (38). The secondary valve component (33) can abut against the main valve component (43) via the support component (36) and the filter (38).

2. The connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the connecting passage (35) opens between the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the secondary valve member (33) sealed by the sealing member (34) and the secondary valve surface (41). The other end of the connecting passage (35) is connected between the secondary valve component (33) and the main valve component (43) and the secondary valve chamber (27).

Images