Fluid coupling

Abstract

To provide a fluid coupling implement capable of achieving weight reduction.SOLUTION: According to the present invention, there is provided a fluid coupling including a first connector section and a second connector section, the first connector section including a first valve body made of resin, the second connector section including a second valve body made of resin, the first valve body and the second valve body each being configured to be in a valve-open state in which fluid is allowed to flow when the first connector section and the second connector section are coupled to each other, when the first connector section and the second connector section are not connected to each other, the valve is in a closed state in which the fluid is not allowed to flow.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid coupling device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe coupling comprising a female coupling member and a male coupling member detachably connectable to the female coupling member. The female coupling member and the male coupling member are each supported in a through hole and include a valve that is displaceable along the axis of the through hole, and a compression coil spring that presses the valve along the axis. The valve is pressed against a valve seat by the biasing force of the compression coil spring, and is sealed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-159461 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the pipe joint described above, if metal components such as the valve and compression coil spring are used, the weight may increase. Therefore, weight reduction is required.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a fluid coupling device that can achieve weight reduction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, the following inventions are provided. [1] A fluid coupling device having a first connector portion and a second connector portion, wherein the first connector portion has a first valve body made of resin, and the second connector portion has a second valve body made of resin, and the first valve body and the second valve body are each configured to be in an open state that allows fluid to flow when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are connected, and to be in a closed state that does not allow fluid to flow when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are not connected. [2] A fluid coupling device as described in [1], wherein the first valve body is composed of a first valve portion and a first spring portion, the second valve body is composed of a second valve portion and a second spring portion, the first spring portion is composed of a first leg portion that is configured to extend from the first valve portion toward the inner surface of the first connector portion, the second spring portion is composed of a second leg portion that is configured to extend from the second valve portion toward the inner surface of the second connector portion, and the tip portions of the plurality of first legs are each spaced apart from the inner surface of the first connector portion in the valve closed state, and the tip portions of the plurality of second legs are each spaced apart from the inner surface of the second connector portion in the valve closed state. [3] A fluid coupling device as described in [2], wherein, if the direction from the first connector portion to the second connector portion is defined as a first direction and the direction from the second connector portion to the first connector portion is defined as a second direction, when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are coupled, the first valve portion moves in the second direction, and the tip of the first leg comes into contact with the inner surface of the first connector portion, thereby stopping the movement of the first valve portion, and the second valve portion moves in the first direction, and the tip of the second leg comes into contact with the inner surface of the second connector portion, thereby stopping the movement of the second valve portion. [4] The fluid coupling device according to [2] or [3], wherein the biasing force of the second spring portion is smaller than the biasing force of the first spring portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the fluid coupling device of the present invention, the first valve body and the second valve body are each made of resin, which allows for a lighter weight than when the first valve body and the second valve body are made of metal, thereby achieving a lighter weight. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the fluid coupling device 1 when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are coupled together. Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the fluid coupling device 1 when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are not coupled together. [Figure 2] 3 is a diagram showing the dimensional relationship between the various parts of the fluid coupling device 1 when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are coupled together. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid coupling device 1 when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are not coupled. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is an enlarged view of the male connector portion 2 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 4B is an enlarged view of the female connector portion 3 shown in Fig. 3. [Figure 5] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the valve body 23 shown in Fig. 4A. Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the valve body 33 shown in Fig. 4A. [Figure 6] Fig. 6A is an enlarged view of the vicinity of tip portion 23c1 shown in Fig. 4A. Fig. 6B is an enlarged view of the vicinity of tip portion 33c1 shown in Fig. 4B. [Figure 7] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a step of coupling male connector portion 2 and female connector portion 3. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing a step subsequent to the step shown in Fig. 7A. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid coupling device 1 when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are coupled together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with one another. Furthermore, each feature can be an invention independently. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, elements not specified in the claims are optional elements and can be omitted. Any number of "0"s (for example, one or two) may be added to the end of numerical values ​​disclosed in the following description. For example, one or two "0"s may be added after "1.4" to make it "1.40" or "1.400."

[0010] [1. Structure of fluid coupling] A fluid coupling device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The fluid coupling device 1 is used to fluidly connect a sending pipe and a receiving pipe, through which a fluid can flow. The fluid coupling device 1 is a so-called luer fitting. The type of fluid is not particularly limited, but examples of the fluid include gases and liquids. Examples of the liquid include water and chemicals. A supply source that supplies the fluid is connected to the sending pipe. The receiving pipe circulates the fluid supplied from the sending pipe via the fluid coupling device 1. The inner diameters of the sending pipe and the receiving pipe are, for example, 0.5 mm to 2 mm (e.g., 1.0 mm), respectively. Specifically, the inner diameters of the supply-side piping and the receiving-side piping are, for example, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 2.0 mm, respectively, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. As shown in FIG. 1A, the fluid coupling device 1 has an overall substantially cylindrical appearance. The fluid coupling device 1 has a male connector portion 2 (first connector portion) and a female connector portion 3 (second connector portion).

[0011] The male connector portion 2 is attached to the supply-side piping, and the female connector portion 3 is attached to the receiving-side piping. The male connector portion 2 is coupled to and separated from the female connector portion 3 along the central axis L of the fluid coupling device 1. Hereinafter, the direction along the central axis L will be referred to as the "axial direction," and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction will be referred to as the "radial direction." A direction parallel to the axial direction, from the male connector portion 2 to the female connector portion 3, will be referred to as the "first direction D1." The male connector portion 2 is coupled to the female connector portion 3 along the first direction D1. A direction parallel to the axial direction, from the female connector portion 3 to the male connector portion 2, will be referred to as the "second direction D2." The second direction D2 is the opposite direction to the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 1B, the male connector portion 2 is separated from the female connector portion 3 along the second direction D2. Furthermore, when viewed from the axial direction, the terms "inner" and "outer" will be used with respect to the central axis L. The terms "equal" and "match" in the specification do not necessarily mean strict identicalness, but also include differences within a certain range.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are coupled (hereinafter referred to as "coupled"), the axial length A1 of the fluid coupling device 1 is longer than the radial length A2 of the fluid coupling device 1. When coupled, the axial length A1 of the fluid coupling device 1 is at least two times and at most three times the radial length A2 of the fluid coupling device 1. When coupled, the axial length A1 of the fluid coupling device 1 is, for example, 20 mm to 40 mm (e.g., 29 mm). Specifically, the axial length A1 of the fluid coupling device 1 is, for example, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. When coupled, the radial length A2 of the fluid coupling device 1 is, for example, 5 mm to 15 mm (e.g., 11 mm). Specifically, the radial length A2 of the fluid coupling device 1 is, for example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0013] 3, 4A, 5A, and 6A, the male connector portion 2 when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are not coupled (hereinafter, "uncoupled") will be described. Hereinafter, FIG. 3 will be mainly referred to, and when describing the details, FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 6A will be referred to. The male connector portion 2 includes a tubular member 21, an attachment member 22, and a valve body 23 (first valve body). The tubular member 21 is made of, for example, polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene). The tubular member 21 includes a side wall portion 21a (first side wall portion), a contact portion 21b (first contact portion), a side wall portion 21c, and a protruding portion 21d. The side wall portion 21a is cylindrical. The inner diameter of the side wall portion 21a is, for example, 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm (e.g., 9.1 mm). Specifically, the inner diameter of the side wall portion 21a is, for example, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, or 9.5 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The side wall portion 21a connects the fitting portion 22a (described below) and the abutting portion 21b to each other. The central axis of the side wall portion 21a coincides with the central axis L. As shown in FIG. 4A, the side wall portion 21a has an opening 21a1 formed at an end portion in the axial direction.

[0014] The abutment portion 21b is annular and plate-shaped. The central axis of the abutment portion 21b coincides with the central axis L. The abutment portion 21b protrudes inward from the end of the side wall portion 21a opposite the opening 21a1. The protruding length of the abutment portion 21b is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 21a. As shown in FIG. 4A, the abutment portion 21b has an opening 21b1 (first opening) that communicates with the accommodation space S1 (described later). The opening 21b1 is formed by the inner edge of the abutment portion 21b. The abutment portion 21b includes an abutment surface 21b2 and a back surface 21b3. The abutment surface 21b2 is the surface that abuts the valve body 23. The abutment surface 21b2 is the surface that faces the mounting member 22. The back surface 21b3 is the surface opposite the abutment surface 21b2.

[0015] The side wall portion 21c is cylindrical. The central axis of the side wall portion 21c coincides with the central axis L. The side wall portions 21a, 21c are arranged concentrically. The outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 21c is located inside the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 21a. The side wall portion 21c extends in the axial direction from the inner edge of the abutment portion 21b. The axial length of the side wall portion 21c is longer than the axial length of the side wall portion 21a. The inner diameter of the side wall portion 21c is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 21a. As shown in FIG. 4A, the side wall portion 21c has an opening 21c1 formed at its axial end.

[0016] The protruding portion 21d is annular and plate-shaped. The protruding portion 21d protrudes outward from the end of the side wall portion 21c opposite the abutting portion 21b. The protruding length of the protruding portion 21d is shorter than the protruding length of the abutting portion 21b. The outer diameter of the protruding portion 21d is smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting portion 21b. As shown in FIG. 4A, a male thread portion 21d1 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 21d. A female thread portion 31d2 (described later) is screwed into the male thread portion 21d1. The protruding portion 21d includes an abutting surface 21d2 that abuts against the abutting portion 31b during coupling. The abutting surface 21d2 is the surface that faces the female connector portion 3.

[0017] The mounting member 22 is a member for mounting the male connector portion 2 to the delivery-side piping. The mounting member 22 includes a fitting portion 22a (first bottom portion) and a nozzle 22b. The fitting portion 22a is fitted into the opening 21a1 of the side wall portion 21a. The fitting portion 22a and the abutment portion 21b face each other in the first direction D1. The fitting portion 22a is annular and plate-shaped. The fitting portion 22a is press-fitted into the opening 21a1 of the side wall portion 21a. With the fitting portion 22a press-fitted into the opening 21a1, the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 22a is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 21a. An example of a welding method is ultrasonic welding. However, the outer peripheral surface of fitting portion 22a may be welded to the inner peripheral surface of side wall portion 21a without fitting portion 22a being press-fitted into opening 21a1. Alternatively, fitting portion 22a may be press-fitted into opening 21a1 without fitting portion 22a being welded to the inner peripheral surface of side wall portion 21a. For example, a male thread may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of fitting portion 22a, and opening 21a1 may be provided with a female thread into which the male thread of fitting portion 22a is threaded. In this case, fitting portion 22a may be fitted into opening 21a1 by threading the male thread of fitting portion 22a into the female thread of opening 21a1.

[0018] The nozzle 22b is a portion for attaching the feed-side piping. The nozzle 22b extends axially from the inner edge of the fitting portion 22a. As shown in FIG. 4A, the nozzle 22b has an opening 22b1 formed on the side opposite the base of the nozzle 22b. The nozzle 22b includes a return portion 22b2 that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle 22b. The return portion 22b2 has the function of catching on the inner circumferential surface of the feed-side piping, thereby reducing the possibility of the feed-side piping falling off the nozzle 22b. The outer diameter of the nozzle 22b increases from the opening 22b1 toward the return portion 22b2. The outer diameter of the nozzle 22b decreases from the base of the nozzle 22b toward the return portion 22b2.

[0019] The valve element 23 is configured to be in an open state when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are connected. The open state is a state in which fluid is allowed to flow. On the other hand, the valve element 23 is configured to be in a closed state when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are not connected. The closed state is a state in which fluid is not allowed to flow. The valve element 23 is made of resin. The valve element 23 is made of a resin such as polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene). The valve element 23 is made of a valve portion 23a (first valve portion) and a spring portion 23b (first spring portion).

[0020] The valve portion 23a closes or opens the opening 21b1. The valve portion 23a, for example, liquid-tightly closes the opening 21b1. When not coupled, the valve portion 23a closes the opening 21b1. The valve portion 23a is disk-shaped. The outer diameter of the valve portion 23a is larger than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 21c and smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 21a. The outer peripheral surface of the valve portion 23a is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 21a. The outer diameter of the valve portion 23a is larger than the outer diameter of the side wall portion 21c, for example. As shown in FIG. 4A, the valve portion 23a includes a main surface 23a1 and a back surface 23a2. The main surface 23a1 faces the fitting portion 22a in the second direction D2. The back surface 23a2 is the surface opposite to the main surface 23a1.

[0021] The spring portion 23b applies a biasing force in the first direction D1 to the valve portion 23a. The spring portion 23b is in contact with the fitting portion 22a. The spring portion 23b is composed of legs 23c (first legs). The spring portion 23b is composed of a plurality of (for example, four) legs 23c (see FIG. 5A). The spring portion 23b applies a biasing force to the valve portion 23a, which is generated by the restoring force due to the elasticity of the plurality of legs 23c.

[0022] Each leg 23c is integrally formed with the valve portion 23a. The leg 23c is configured to extend from the valve portion 23a toward the inner circumferential surface of the male connector portion 2. Each of the multiple legs 23c is configured to curve from the valve portion 23a toward the inner circumferential surface of the male connector portion 2. More specifically, each leg 23c extends from the main surface 23a1 toward the side wall portion 21a while curving. In the closed valve state, the tip 23c1 of each of the multiple legs 23c is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the male connector portion 2. More specifically, the tip 23c1 of each leg 23c is spaced apart from the side wall portion 21a (see FIG. 6A). A distance A3 between the tip 23c1 and the side wall portion 21a is, for example, 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm (for example, 0.25 mm). Specifically, the separation width A3 between the tip portion 23c1 and the side wall portion 21a is, for example, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, or 0.35 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0023] The curvature of the leg portion 23c is, for example, 0.5 (1 / mm) to 1.0 (1 / mm). The curvature of the leg portion 23c is, for example, 0.67 (1 / mm). Specifically, the curvature of the leg portion 23c is, for example, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 (1 / mm), and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0024] As explained above, the valve body 23 is made of resin, and the leg portion 23c is configured integrally with the valve portion 23a. This allows for easy manufacturing of the valve body 23. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the valve portion and the spring portion are separate, the number of parts in the fluid coupling device 1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the cost required to assemble the parts of the fluid coupling device 1.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5A, the leg portions 23c extend from between the center of the main surface 23a1 and the outer edge of the valve portion 23a. The distance from the base of the leg portions 23c to the center of the main surface 23a1 is longer than the distance from the base of the leg portions 23c to the outer edge of the valve portion 23a. The leg portions 23c extend while curving from the main surface 23a1 toward the outside of the valve portion 23a. In a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the leg portions 23c extend, the cross section of the leg portions 23c is rectangular. Two of the four leg portions 23c face each other in a third direction D3 that is perpendicular to the central axis L. The remaining two leg portions 23c face each other in a fourth direction D4 that is perpendicular to the central axis L and perpendicular to the third direction D3. The four legs 23c are provided at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 12 o'clock positions, respectively, when viewed in the axial direction.

[0026] In the two legs 23c facing each other in the third direction D3, the distance between the tip ends 23c1 is, for example, 8.0 mm to 9.0 mm (e.g., 8.6 mm). Specifically, the distance between the tip ends 23c1 is, for example, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, or 9.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The same may be true for the two legs 23c facing each other in the fourth direction D4. As described above, the inner diameter of the side wall 21a is, for example, 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm. Therefore, the separation width A3 between each tip end 23c1 and the side wall 21a is small compared to the inner diameter of the side wall 21a.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the male connector portion 2 includes a flow path 4. The flow path 4 allows fluid to flow. A valve body 23 is disposed in the flow path 4. The flow path 4 includes an accommodation space S1 (first accommodation space) and an internal space S2 (see FIG. 4A). The accommodation space S1 accommodates the valve portion 23a and the spring portion 23b. The accommodation space S1 is formed by the fitting portion 22a, the abutment portion 21b, and the side wall portion 21a. The internal space S2 is formed by the side wall portion 21c.

[0028] The female connector portion 3 in an uncoupled state will be described using Figures 3, 4B, 5B, and 6B. The following description will primarily refer to Figure 3, and will also refer to Figures 4B, 5B, and 6B when describing the details. The female connector portion 3 includes a tubular member 31, an attachment member 32, and a valve body 33 (second valve body). The tubular member 31 is made of, for example, polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene). The tubular member 31 includes a side wall portion 31a (second side wall portion), a contact portion 31b (second contact portion), a side wall portion 31c, and a side wall portion 31d. The side wall portion 31a is cylindrical. The inner diameter of the side wall portion 31a is, for example, 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm (e.g., 9.1 mm). Specifically, the inner diameter of the side wall portion 31a is, for example, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, or 9.5 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The side wall portion 31a connects the fitting portion 32a (described below) and the abutting portion 31b to each other. The central axis of the side wall portion 31a coincides with the central axis L. The outer diameter of the side wall portion 31a is equal to the outer diameter of the side wall portion 21a. As shown in FIG. 4B, the side wall portion 31a has an opening 31a1 formed at an end portion in the axial direction.

[0029] The abutment portion 31b is annular and plate-shaped. The central axis of the abutment portion 31b coincides with the central axis L. The abutment portion 31b protrudes inward from the end of the side wall portion 31a opposite the opening 31a1. The protruding length of the abutment portion 31b is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 31a. As shown in FIG. 4B , the abutment portion 31b has an opening 31b1 (second opening) that communicates with the accommodation space S3 (described below). The opening 31b1 is formed by the inner edge of the abutment portion 31b. The abutment portion 31b includes an abutment surface 31b2 and a back surface 31b3. The abutment surface 31b2 is the surface that abuts the valve body 33. The abutment surface 31b2 is the surface that faces the mounting member 32. The back surface 31b3 is the surface opposite the abutment surface 31b2.

[0030] The side wall portion 31c is cylindrical. The central axis of the side wall portion 31c coincides with the central axis L. The side wall portions 31a, 31c are arranged concentrically. The outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31c is located inside the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31a. The side wall portion 31c extends in the axial direction from the inner edge of the abutment portion 31b. The axial length of the side wall portion 31c is longer than the axial length of the side wall portion 31a. The inner diameter of the side wall portion 31c is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 31a. The outer diameter of the side wall portion 31c is equal to the inner diameter of the side wall portion 21c. As shown in FIG. 4B, the side wall portion 31c has an opening 31c1 formed at its axial end.

[0031] The side wall portion 31d is cylindrical. The central axis of the side wall portion 31d coincides with the central axis L. The side wall portions 31c, 31d are arranged concentrically. The outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31d is located outward of the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31c. The side wall portion 31d extends in the axial direction from the end of the side wall portion 31a opposite the opening 31a1. The axial length of the side wall portion 31d is shorter than the axial length of the side wall portion 31c. The inner diameter of the side wall portion 31d is larger than the inner diameters of the side wall portion 31a and the side wall portion 31c. The inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31d is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31c. The distance from the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31d to the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31c is equal to the distance from the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 21c to the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 21d. As shown in Fig. 4B, the side wall portion 31d has an opening 31d1 formed at an end portion in the axial direction. The axial length of the side wall portion 31d is shorter than the axial distance from the back surface 21b3 to the abutting surface 21d2. An internal thread portion 31d2 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31d. The internal thread portion 31d2 is a portion into which the external thread portion 21d1 is screwed.

[0032] The mounting member 32 is a member for mounting the female connector portion 3 to the receiving pipe. The mounting member 32 includes a fitting portion 32a (second bottom portion) and a nozzle 32b. The fitting portion 32a is fitted into the opening 31a1 of the side wall portion 31a. The fitting portion 32a and the abutment portion 31b face each other in the second direction D2. The fitting portion 32a is annular and plate-shaped. The fitting portion 32a is press-fitted into the opening 31a1 of the side wall portion 31a. With the fitting portion 32a press-fitted into the opening 31a1, the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 32a is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31a. An example of a welding method is ultrasonic welding. However, the outer peripheral surface of fitting portion 32a may be welded to the inner peripheral surface of side wall portion 31a without fitting portion 32a being press-fitted into opening 31a1. Alternatively, fitting portion 32a may be press-fitted into opening 31a1 without welding the outer peripheral surface of fitting portion 32a to the inner peripheral surface of side wall portion 31a. Alternatively, for example, a male thread may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of fitting portion 32a, and opening 31a1 may be provided with a female thread into which the male thread of fitting portion 32a is threaded. In this case, fitting portion 32a may be fitted into opening 31a1 by threading the male thread of fitting portion 32a into the female thread of opening 31a1.

[0033] The nozzle 32b is a portion for attaching the receiving pipe. The nozzle 32b extends axially from the inner edge of the fitting portion 32a. As shown in FIG. 4B, the nozzle 32b has an opening 32b1 formed on the side opposite the base of the nozzle 32b. The nozzle 32b includes a return portion 32b2 that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle 32b. The return portion 32b2 has the function of catching on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving pipe, thereby reducing the possibility of the receiving pipe falling off the nozzle 32b. The outer diameter of the nozzle 32b increases from the opening 32b1 toward the return portion 32b2. The outer diameter of the nozzle 32b decreases from the base of the nozzle 32b toward the return portion 32b2.

[0034] The valve body 33 is configured to be in an open state when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are coupled. On the other hand, the valve body 33 is configured to be in a closed state when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are not coupled. Part of the configuration of the valve body 33 is the same as the configuration of the valve body 23. In the following explanation of the valve body 33, differences from the valve body 23 will be mainly explained, and overlapping explanations will be omitted as appropriate. The valve body 33 is configured by a valve portion 33a (second valve portion) and a spring portion 33b (second spring portion).

[0035] The valve portion 33a closes or opens the opening 31b1. The valve portion 33a, for example, liquid-tightly closes the opening 31b1. When not coupled, the valve portion 33a closes the opening 31b1. The outer diameter of the valve portion 33a is larger than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 31c and smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 31a. The outer peripheral surface of the valve portion 33a is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31a. The outer diameter of the valve portion 33a is larger than the outer diameter of the side wall portion 31c, for example. As shown in FIG. 4B , the valve portion 33a includes a main surface 33a1 and a back surface 33a2. The main surface 33a1 faces the fitting portion 32a in the first direction D1. The back surface 33a2 is the surface opposite to the main surface 33a1.

[0036] The spring portion 33b applies a biasing force in the second direction D2 to the valve portion 33a. The biasing force of the spring portion 33b is smaller than the biasing force of the spring portion 23b. The spring portion 33b is in contact with the fitting portion 32a. The spring portion 33b is composed of legs 33c (second legs). The spring portion 33b is composed of multiple (e.g., four) legs 33c (see FIG. 5B). The spring portion 33b applies a biasing force to the valve portion 33a, which is generated by the restoring force due to the elasticity of the multiple legs 33c.

[0037] Each leg 33c is integrally formed with the valve portion 33a. The leg 33c is configured to extend from the valve portion 33a toward the inner circumferential surface of the female connector portion 3. Each of the multiple leg portions 33c is configured to curve from the valve portion 33a toward the inner circumferential surface of the female connector portion 3. More specifically, each leg 33c extends from the main surface 33a1 toward the side wall portion 31a while curving. In the closed valve state, the tip 33c1 of each of the multiple leg portions 33c is separated from the inner circumferential surface of the female connector portion 3. More specifically, the tip 33c1 of each leg 33c is separated from the side wall portion 31a (see FIG. 6B). The separation width A4 between the tip 33c1 and the side wall portion 31a is, for example, 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm (for example, 0.25 mm). Specifically, the separation width A4 between the tip portion 33c1 and the side wall portion 31a is, for example, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, or 0.35 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0038] As explained above, the valve body 33 is made of resin, and the leg portion 33c is integrally formed with the valve portion 33a. Therefore, it can be manufactured as easily as the valve body 23, and the cost required to assemble the parts of the fluid coupling device 1 can be reduced.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5B, the leg portions 33c extend from between the center of the main surface 33a1 and the outer edge of the valve portion 33a. The distance from the base of the leg portions 33c to the center of the main surface 33a1 is longer than the distance from the base of the leg portions 33c to the outer edge of the valve portion 33a. The leg portions 33c extend from the main surface 33a1 while curving toward the outside of the valve portion 33a. Two of the four leg portions 33c face each other in a fifth direction D5 that is perpendicular to the central axis L. The fifth direction D5 is, for example, the same direction as the third direction D3. The remaining two leg portions 33c face each other in a sixth direction D6 that is perpendicular to the central axis L and perpendicular to the fifth direction D5. The sixth direction D6 is, for example, the same direction as the fourth direction D4.

[0040] In the two legs 33c facing each other in the fifth direction D5, the distance between the tip ends 33c1 is, for example, 8.0 mm to 9.0 mm (e.g., 8.6 mm). Specifically, the distance between the tip ends 33c1 is, for example, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, or 9.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The same may be true for the two legs 33c facing each other in the sixth direction D6. As described above, the inner diameter of the side wall 31a is, for example, 8.5 mm to 9.5 mm. Therefore, the separation width A4 between each tip end 33c1 and the side wall 31a is small compared to the inner diameter of the side wall 31a.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the valve element 33 includes a pressing portion 33d extending toward the valve element 23. The pressing portion 33d is a portion for pressing the valve element 23. The pressing portion 33d is cylindrical. The central axis of the pressing portion 33d coincides with the central axis L. The outer diameter of the pressing portion 33d is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 31c. The outer diameter of the pressing portion 33d is, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm (e.g., 2 mm). Specifically, the outer diameter of the pressing portion 33d is, for example, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, or 3.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. The ratio of the outer diameter of the pressing portion 33d to the inner diameter of the side wall portion 31c is, for example, 50% to 75% (e.g., 67%). Specifically, the ratio is 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75%, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The pressing portion 33d is integrally formed with the valve portion 33a. The pressing portion 33d may be formed from the same material as the valve portion 33a (e.g., polyolefin).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4B, the pressing portion 33d extends in the axial direction from the center of the back surface 33a2. The axial length of the pressing portion 33d is longer than the axial length from the contact surface 21b2 to the contact surface 31b2. The difference between the axial length of the pressing portion 33d and the axial length from the contact surface 21b2 to the contact surface 31b2 is, for example, 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm (e.g., 1 mm). Specifically, the difference is, for example, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. The axial length of the pressing portion 33d is longer than the axial length of the side wall portion 31c. The difference between the axial length of the pressing portion 33d and the axial length of the side wall portion 31c is, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm (e.g., 3 mm). Specifically, the difference is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. The pressing portion 33d includes a pressing surface 33d1. The pressing surface 33d1 is a surface that comes into contact with the valve body 23 when pressing the valve body 23. The pressing surface 33d1 is formed on the end of the pressing portion 33d opposite to the back surface 33a2.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the female connector portion 3 includes a flow path 5. The flow path 5 allows the fluid that has passed through the flow path 4 to flow. A valve body 33 is disposed in the flow path 5. The flow path 5 includes an accommodation space S3 (second accommodation space) and an internal space S4 (see FIG. 4B). The accommodation space S3 accommodates the valve portion 33a and the spring portion 33b. The accommodation space S3 is formed by the fitting portion 32a, the abutment portion 31b, and the side wall portion 31a. The pressing portion 33d is inserted into the internal space S4. The internal space S4 is formed by the side wall portion 31c.

[0044] The female connector portion 3 forms an insertion space S5 (see FIG. 4B). The insertion space S5 is a space into which the protruding portion 21d and the side wall portion 21c are inserted when the connectors are connected. The insertion space S5 is formed by the abutting portion 31b, the side wall portion 31c, and the side wall portion 31d.

[0045] [2. Method of connecting the fluid coupling 1] The process of coupling the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 will be described using Figures 7 and 8. For ease of viewing, the drawings are enlarged in the order of Figures 7A, 7B, and 8. As shown in Figure 7A, when not coupled, the male connector portion 2 is separated from the female connector portion 3 in the second direction D2.

[0046] When not coupled, the spring portion 23b applies a spring force in the first direction D1 to the valve portion 23a, causing the valve portion 23a to block the flow path 4, and the spring portion 33b applies a spring force in the second direction D2 to the valve portion 33a, causing the valve portion 33a to block the flow path 5, and the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 are each in a closed state.

[0047] When the valve elements 23 and 33 are not coupled, the spring portion 23b contacts the fitting portion 22a and presses the valve portion 23a against the abutment portion 21b, causing the valve portion 23a to close the opening 21b1. As a result, when fluid circulating through the delivery-side piping flows into the storage space S1 via the nozzle 22b, the fluid in the storage space S1 is blocked by the valve portion 23a and does not flow into the internal space S2. Also, when the valve elements 23 and 33 are not coupled, the spring portion 33b contacts the fitting portion 32a and presses the valve portion 33a against the abutment portion 31b, causing the valve portion 33a to close the opening 31b1. As a result, even if fluid remains in the storage space S3, for example, the fluid in the storage space S3 is blocked by the valve portion 33a and does not flow into the internal space S4. As described above, when the valve elements 23 and 33 are not coupled, the valve elements 23 and 33 are in a closed state, reducing the possibility of fluid leaking from the flow path 4 or the flow path 5.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7B, when the male connector portion 2 is coupled to the female connector portion 3, the side wall portion 31c is inserted into the internal space S2. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 31c contacts the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 21c. Next, with the outer edge of the protruding portion 21d aligned with the inner edge of the side wall portion 31d, the male connector portion 2 is rotated to thread the male thread portion 21d1 into the female thread portion 31d2. As a result, the protruding portion 21d and the side wall portion 21c are inserted into the insertion space S5 in the first direction D1. Eventually, the pressing surface 33d1 of the pressing portion 33d contacts the back surface 23a2 of the valve portion 23a. At this time, the abutting surface 21d2 of the protruding portion 21d is separated from the back surface 31b3 of the abutting portion 31b.

[0049] Next, when the protrusion portion 21d and the side wall portion 21c are further inserted into the insertion space S5 from the state shown in FIG. 7B, the male connector portion 2 couples with the female connector portion 3, as shown in FIG. 8. When the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 couple, the valve element 23 and the valve element 33 press against each other, changing from a closed state to an open state. When coupled, a force counteracting the biasing force of the spring portion 23b is applied to the valve portion 23a, causing the valve portion 23a to open the flow path 4, and the valve element 23 becomes open. Specifically, when coupled, the pressing portion 33d presses the valve portion 23a in the second direction D2, thereby applying a force counteracting the biasing force to the valve portion 23a, thereby separating the valve portion 23a from the abutment portion 21b in the second direction D2. At this time, each of the multiple leg portions 23c elastically deforms.

[0050] When the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are coupled, the tip portions 23c1 of the multiple legs 23c each abut against the inner circumferential surface of the male connector portion 2. During coupling, the valve portion 23a moves in the second direction D2, and the tip portions 23c1 of the legs 23c come into contact with the inner circumferential surface (side wall portion 21a) of the male connector portion 2, thereby stopping the movement of the valve portion 23a. When the movement of the valve portion 23a is stopped, the valve portion 23a is spaced a first distance A5 from the abutment portion 21b (see FIG. 2). The first distance A5 can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the separation width A3 between the tip portions 23c1 and the side wall portion 21a when the connectors are not coupled. The first distance A5 is, for example, 0.2 to 1.0 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm). Specifically, the first distance A5 is, for example, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0051] When coupled, a force opposing the biasing force of the spring portion 33b is applied to the valve portion 33a, causing the valve portion 33a to open the flow path 5 and the valve body 33 to enter an open state. Specifically, when coupled, the pressing portion 33d presses the valve portion 33a in the first direction D1, thereby applying a force opposing the biasing force to the valve portion 33a, thereby separating the valve portion 33a from the abutting portion 31b in the first direction D1. At this time, each of the multiple leg portions 33c elastically deforms.

[0052] When the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are coupled, the tip portions 33c1 of the multiple legs 33c each abut against the inner circumferential surface of the female connector portion 3. During coupling, the valve portion 33a moves in the first direction D1, and the tip portions 33c1 of the legs 33c come into contact with the inner circumferential surface (side wall portion 31a) of the female connector portion 3, thereby stopping the movement of the valve portion 33a. When the movement of the valve portion 33a is stopped, the valve portion 33a is spaced a second distance A6 from the abutment portion 31b (see FIG. 2). The second distance A6 can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the separation width A4 between the tip portions 33c1 and the side wall portion 31a when the connectors are not coupled. The second distance A6 is, for example, 0.2 to 1.0 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm). Specifically, the second distance A6 is, for example, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0053] The fluid flowing through the supply-side pipe flows into the accommodation space S1 through the nozzle 22b. The fluid that flows into the accommodation space S1 passes between the legs 23c, strikes the abutment surface 21b2, and then flows between the abutment surface 21b2 and the back surface 23a2 into the internal space S2. The fluid that flows into the internal space S2 flows into the internal space S4, between the outer surface of the pressing portion 33d and the inner surface of the side wall portion 31c, and then flows into the accommodation space S3. The fluid that flows into the accommodation space S3 passes between the abutment surface 31b2 and the back surface 33a2 and strikes the inner surface of the side wall portion 31a. The fluid that strikes the side wall portion 31a passes between the legs 33c and then flows into the receiving-side pipe through the nozzle 32b. In this way, the fluid coupling 1 fluidly connects the supply-side pipe and the receiving-side pipe when coupled.

[0054] When coupled, the valve element 23 is in an open state due to a force acting against the biasing force of the spring portion 23b, and the valve element 33 is in an open state due to a force acting against the biasing force of the spring portion 33b. This fluidically connects the delivery-side piping and the receiving-side piping. On the other hand, when not coupled, the valve element 23 is in a closed state due to the biasing force of the spring portion 23b, and the valve element 33 is in a closed state due to the biasing force of the spring portion 33b. This fluidically disconnects the delivery-side piping and the receiving-side piping. Since the valve element 23 and the valve element 33 can be respectively placed in an open state or a closed state by attaching or detaching the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3, the user of the fluid coupling device 1 can fluidly connect or disconnect the delivery-side piping and the receiving-side piping with a simple operation. For example, even if the supply source starts supplying liquid when the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are not coupled due to a user forgetting to perform the operation, the possibility of fluid leaking from the flow path 4 is reduced.

[0055] In the male connector part 2, the tip part 23c1 is separated from the side wall part 21a when they are coupled. Therefore, when a force against the biasing force is applied to the valve part 23a when the male connector part 2 and the female connector part 3 are coupled, the valve part 23a can move in the second direction D2. As a result, the valve part 23a is separated from the abutment part 21b, and the valve element 23 can be in an open state. The same is true for the female connector part 3.

[0056] In the male connector portion 2, when the valve portion 23a is coupled, it moves a first distance A5 in the second direction D2 and then stops moving, so that the distance between the valve portion 23a and the abutting portion 21b can be prevented from becoming excessive. This prevents the flow rate of the fluid in the flow path 4 from becoming excessive. The same applies to the female connector portion 3.

[0057] As explained above, the separation width A3 between the tip portion 23c1 and the side wall portion 21a when not coupled is 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm. If the separation width A3 is smaller than 0.15 mm, the first distance A5 (in other words, the movement distance of the valve portion 23a) becomes too small, making it difficult for the fluid to pass between the abutment surface 21b2 and the back surface 23a2. This can result in stagnation of the fluid flow in the flow path 4. Conversely, if the separation width A3 is larger than 0.35 mm, the first distance A5 becomes too large, and the flow rate of the fluid in the flow path 4 can become too high. The fluid coupling device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the possibility that the flow rate of the fluid in the flow path 4 becomes too high or too low. The separation width A4 between the tip portion 33c1 and the side wall portion 31a when not coupled is 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm, so the same effect can be achieved.

[0058] The biasing force of spring portion 33b is smaller than the biasing force of spring portion 23b. Therefore, the timing at which valve portion 33a moves away from contact portion 31b is earlier than the timing at which valve portion 23a moves away from contact portion 21b. In other words, valve element 33 enters the open state before valve element 23 enters the open state. When valve element 23 enters the open state and the fluid supplied from the supply source flows through flow path 4, valve element 33 is already in the open state, so the fluid that has flowed through flow path 4 can flow to the receiving pipe via flow path 5. Therefore, the possibility of fluid leakage during the process of connecting male connector portion 2 and female connector portion 3 can be reduced.

[0059] Note that because the biasing force of spring portion 33b is smaller than the biasing force of spring portion 23b, for example, tip portion 33c1 contacts side wall portion 31a before tip portion 23c1 contacts side wall portion 21a. When tip portion 33c1 contacts side wall portion 31a, deformation of spring portion 33b is restricted, and the biasing force of spring portion 33b gradually increases. Eventually, when the biasing force of spring portion 33b becomes greater than the biasing force of spring portion 23b, valve portion 23a begins to move.

[0060] 2, the axial length b of the pressing portion 33d is greater than the sum of the axial distance d from the contact surface 21b2 to the contact surface 31b2 during coupling and the first distance A5, i.e., the following formula (1) is satisfied. d+A5

[0061] The axial length b of the pressing portion 33d is equal to or less than the sum of the axial distance d from the contact surface 21b2 to the contact surface 31b2, the first distance A5, and the second distance A6. That is, the following formula (2) is satisfied. b≦d+A5+A6 (2)

[0062] The first distance A5 and the second distance A6 are equal to each other, that is, the following formula (3) is satisfied. A5=A6 (3)

[0063] In this embodiment, all of formulas (1) to (3) are satisfied. However, the axial length b of the pressing portion 33d may be equal to or less than the sum of the axial distance d from the contact surface 21b2 to the contact surface 31b2 and the first distance A5. That is, formula (1) does not have to be satisfied. Furthermore, the first distance A5 and the second distance A6 may be different from each other. That is, formula (3) does not have to be satisfied.

[0064] For example, a pipe joint for fluidly connecting a supply hose and a receiving hose, through which a fluid such as water or gas flows, is known. This pipe joint is manufactured, for example, by manufacturing metal components and assembling the manufactured components. In this pipe joint, the weight of the joint can be increased because the components are made of metal.

[0065] ​In the fluid coupling device 1 according to this embodiment, the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 are each made of resin. This allows for a lighter weight than when the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 are made of metal. Therefore, a lighter weight can be achieved. Furthermore, by making the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 each of resin, the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 can be manufactured, for example, by integrally molding the resin. Therefore, the fluid coupling device 1 according to this embodiment can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, one method of sterilizing the interior of the fluid coupling device 1 is to circulate a sterilizing agent as a fluid. For example, if the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 are made of metal, the agent may deteriorate the valve body 23 and the valve body 33, resulting in malfunction. In the fluid coupling device 1, the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 are each made of resin, so malfunctions in the operation of the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 are less likely to occur even when the fluid coupling device 1 is sterilized.

[0066] [3. Modifications] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the valve element 33 includes the pressing portion 33d. However, it is sufficient that at least one of the valve element 23 and the valve element 33 includes the pressing portion 33d extending toward the other valve element. For example, the valve element 23 may include the pressing portion 33d extending toward the valve element 33. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the pressing portion 33d is cylindrical and extends from the center of the back surface 33a2 toward the valve element 23. However, it is sufficient that the pressing portion 33d is configured to press the valve portion 23a and the valve portion 33a in opposite directions.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which spring portion 23b is configured with multiple leg portions 23c, and spring portion 33b is configured with multiple leg portions 33c. However, the configurations of spring portion 23b and spring portion 33b are not limited to the configurations described above. For example, spring portion 23b may be a compression coil spring configured integrally with valve portion 23a. Spring portion 33b may have a similar configuration.

[0068] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the leg portion 23c is integrally formed with the valve portion 23a. However, the leg portion 23c may be separate from the valve portion 23a. In this case, the leg portion 23c and the valve portion 23a may be manufactured separately, and the manufactured leg portion 23c may be bonded to the valve portion 23a to form the valve body 23. An example of a method for bonding the leg portion 23c and the valve portion 23a is bonding with an adhesive. In this case, the constituent material of the leg portion 23c may be different from the constituent material of the valve portion 23a. Similarly, the leg portion 33c may be separate from the valve portion 33a. In this case, the constituent material of the leg portion 33c may be different from the constituent material of the valve portion 33a.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, during coupling, the tip ends 23c1 of the multiple legs 23c each abut against the inner circumferential surface of the male connector portion 2, and the tip ends 33c1 of the multiple legs 33c each abut against the inner circumferential surface of the female connector portion 3. However, it is sufficient that, during coupling, the tip ends 23c1 of the multiple legs 23c each abut against the inner circumferential surface of the male connector portion 2, or the tip ends 33c1 of the multiple legs 33c each abut against the inner circumferential surface of the female connector portion 3.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the biasing force of the spring portion 33b is smaller than the biasing force of the spring portion 23b. However, the biasing force of the spring portion 33b may be equal to or greater than the biasing force of the spring portion 23b.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the male connector portion 2 is attached to the delivery-side piping and the female connector portion 3 is attached to the delivery-side piping. However, the male connector portion 2 may be attached to the delivery-side piping and the female connector portion 3 may be attached to the delivery-side piping. In this case, it is desirable that the biasing force of the spring portion 33b be greater than the biasing force of the spring portion 23b.

[0072] [4. Other] In the fluid coupling device 1, for example, If the direction from the male connector portion 2 toward the female connector portion 3 is defined as a first direction D1, and the direction from the female connector portion 3 toward the male connector portion 2 is defined as a second direction D2, The male connector portion 2 includes a flow path 4 for allowing a fluid to flow therethrough. A valve element 23 is disposed in the flow path 4, The valve body 23 is composed of a valve portion 23a and a spring portion 23b. The valve portion 23a closes or opens the flow path 4, The spring portion 23b applies a biasing force to the valve portion 23a in the first direction D1, The female connector portion 3 includes a flow path 5 for circulating the fluid that has circulated through the flow path 4, A valve element 33 is disposed in the flow path 5, The valve body 33 is composed of a valve portion 33a and a spring portion 33b. The valve portion 33a closes or opens the flow path 5, The spring portion 33b applies a biasing force to the valve portion 33a in the second direction D2, When the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are not coupled, the spring portion 23b applies a biasing force in the first direction D1 to the valve portion 23a, causing the valve portion 23a to close the flow path 4, and the spring portion 33b applies a biasing force in the second direction D2 to the valve portion 33a, causing the valve portion 33a to close the flow path 5, and the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 are each in a closed state. When the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are connected, a force counteracting the biasing force of the spring portion 23b is applied to the valve portion 23a, causing the valve portion 23a to open the flow path 4, and a force counteracting the biasing force of the spring portion 33b is applied to the valve portion 33a, causing the valve portion 33a to open the flow path 5, so that the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 each enter an open state.

[0073] In the fluid coupling device 1, for example, The flow path 4 includes an accommodation space S1 that accommodates the valve portion 23a and the spring portion 23b, The flow path 5 includes an accommodation space S3 that accommodates the valve portion 33a and the spring portion 33b, The accommodation space S1 is formed by the fitting portion 22a, the abutting portion 21b, and the side wall portion 21a. The fitting portion 22a and the abutting portion 21b face each other in the first direction D1. The side wall portion 21a connects the fitting portion 22a and the abutting portion 21b to each other, The contact portion 21b forms an opening 21a1 that communicates with the accommodation space S1, The accommodation space S3 is formed by the fitting portion 32a, the abutting portion 31b, and the side wall portion 31a. The fitting portion 32a and the abutting portion 31b face each other in the second direction D2, The side wall portion 31a connects the fitting portion 32a and the abutting portion 31b to each other, The contact portion 31b forms an opening 31a1 that communicates with the accommodation space S3, When the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are not connected, the spring portion 23b contacts the mating portion 22a and presses the valve portion 23a against the abutment portion 21b, causing the valve portion 23a to close the opening 21a1, and the spring portion 33b contacts the mating portion 32a and presses the valve portion 33a against the abutment portion 31b, causing the valve portion 33a to close the opening 31a1.

[0074] In the fluid coupling device 1, for example, When the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are connected, the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 press against each other, changing from a closed state to an open state. When the male connector part 2 and the female connector part 3 are connected, the tip part 23c1 of the leg part 23c may abut against the inner surface of the male connector part 2, or the tip part 33c1 of the leg part 33c may abut against the inner surface of the female connector part 3.

[0075] In the fluid coupling device 1, for example, At least one of the valve body 23 and the valve body 33 includes a pressing portion 33d extending toward the other valve body, When the male connector portion 2 and the female connector portion 3 are connected, the pressing portion 33d may press the valve portion 23a in the second direction D2, thereby applying a force against the biasing force to the valve portion 23a, thereby separating the valve portion 23a from the abutment portion 21b in the second direction D2, and may press the valve portion 33a in the first direction D1, thereby applying a force against the biasing force to the valve portion 33a, thereby separating the valve portion 33a from the abutment portion 31b in the first direction D1.

[0076] In the fluid coupling device 1, for example, The valve portion 23a includes a main surface 23a1 facing the fitting portion 22a in the second direction D2, The valve portion 33a includes a main surface 33a1 facing the fitting portion 32a in the first direction D1, The spring portion 23b is composed of a plurality of legs 23c. The spring portion 33b is composed of a plurality of legs 33c. Each leg portion 23c is integrally formed with the valve portion 23a and extends from the main surface 23a1 toward the side wall portion 21a while curving. Each leg portion 33c may be formed integrally with the valve portion 33a and extend from the main surface 33a1 toward the side wall portion 31a while curving. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1: Fluid coupling 2: Male connector part (first connector part) 3: Female connector part (second connector part) 4: Flow path 5: Flow path 21: Cylindrical member 21a: Side wall portion (first side wall portion) 21a1 :Aperture 21b: Contact portion (first contact portion) 21b1: Opening (first opening) 21b2: Contact surface 21b3: Back side 21c: Side wall part 21c1 :Aperture 21d: Overhang 21d1: Male thread 21d2: Immediately 22: Mounting material 22a: Fitting portion (first bottom portion) 22b: Nozzle 22b1 :Aperture 22b2: Return part 23: Valve body (first valve body) 23a: Valve section (first valve section) 23a1: Main surface 23a2: Back side 23b: Spring part (first spring part) 23c: Leg (first leg) 23c1:Tip 31: Cylindrical member 31a: Side wall portion (second side wall portion) 31a1:Aperture 31b: Contact portion (second contact portion) 31b1: Opening (second opening) 31b2: Contact surface 31b3: Back side 31c: Side wall part 31c1 :Aperture 31d: Side wall part 31d1 :Aperture 31d2: Female thread 32: Mounting material 32a: Fitting portion (second bottom portion) 32b: Nozzle 32b1 :Aperture 32b2: Return part 33: Valve body (second valve body) 33a: Valve section (second valve section) 33a1: Main surface 33a2: Back side 33b: Spring part (second spring part) 33c: Leg (second leg) 33c1:Tip 33d: Pressing part 33d1: Pressing surface A1: Axial length of the fluid coupling A2: Radial length of fluid coupling A3: Separation width A4: Separation width A5: First distance A6: Second distance D1: 1st direction D2 :Second direction D3: Third direction D4: 4th direction D5: 5th direction D6: 6th direction L: Central axis S1: Containment space S2: Internal space S3: Containment space S4: Internal space S5: Insertion space

Claims

1. A fluid coupling device having a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first connector portion includes a first valve body made of resin, the second connector portion includes a second valve body made of resin, The fluid coupling device is configured such that the first valve body and the second valve body are each in an open state that allows fluid to flow when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are connected, and in a closed state that does not allow fluid to flow when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are not connected.

2. 2. The fluid coupling device according to claim 1, the first valve body is composed of a first valve portion and a first spring portion, the second valve body is composed of a second valve portion and a second spring portion, the first spring portion is configured with a first leg portion, and the first leg portion is configured to extend from the first valve portion toward an inner circumferential surface of the first connector portion; the second spring portion is configured with a second leg portion, and the second leg portion is configured to extend from the second valve portion toward an inner circumferential surface of the second connector portion, A fluid coupling device, wherein the tip ends of the plurality of first legs are each spaced apart from the inner surface of the first connector portion in the closed valve state, and the tip ends of the plurality of second legs are each spaced apart from the inner surface of the second connector portion in the closed valve state.

3. 3. The fluid coupling device according to claim 2, If a direction from the first connector portion toward the second connector portion is defined as a first direction, and a direction from the second connector portion toward the first connector portion is defined as a second direction, When the first connector portion and the second connector portion are connected, the first valve portion moves in the second direction, and the tip of the first leg comes into contact with the inner surface of the first connector portion, thereby stopping the movement of the first valve portion, and the second valve portion moves in the first direction, and the tip of the second leg comes into contact with the inner surface of the second connector portion, thereby stopping the movement of the second valve portion.

4. The fluid coupling device according to claim 2 or 3, The fluid coupling device, wherein the biasing force of the second spring portion is smaller than the biasing force of the first spring portion.

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