Disengagement mechanism and engagement system

Abstract

The coupling of the fitting for connecting the flow path can be automatically and smoothly released. 【Solution means】 The coupling release structure according to one embodiment includes a rotating ring rotatably provided with respect to the first fitting, a receiving portion provided on the rotating ring, a rod that rotates the rotating ring by pushing the receiving portion, a first driving device that drives the rod, and a pressing portion provided on the rotating ring. Further, when the rotating ring rotates in a state where the first fitting and the second fitting are coupled, the second fitting pressed by the pressing portion rotates in the release direction, and the coupling between the first fitting and the second fitting is released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling release mechanism for a coupling for connecting flow paths and a coupling system including the coupling release mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] When constructing various flow paths such as for fire protection, disaster prevention, industry, or agriculture, elements such as a plurality of hoses and pumps may be connected by a coupling.

[0003] In such a flow path, it may not be possible to manually release the coupling. For example, when a hose used for fire fighting activities is connected by a coupling and there is a danger in the fire brigade's access to the coupling due to the fire situation, or when the coupling is located remotely from the fire brigade, it is difficult to quickly release it. Also, if the coupling has a large diameter, the weight of the coupling and the force required for coupling release increase, and there may be cases where it cannot be easily released by human force.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention is based on the above circumstances, and an object in one aspect thereof is to provide a coupling release mechanism capable of automatically and smoothly releasing the coupling of a coupling for connecting a flow path and a coupling system including the coupling release mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The disengagement structure according to the present invention relates to the disengagement of a first coupling member and a second coupling member that can be coupled to each other and whose coupling can be released by relative rotation in the release direction.

[0007] In one embodiment, the disengagement structure includes a rotation ring rotatably provided with respect to the first coupling member, a receiving portion provided on the rotation ring, a rod that rotates the rotation ring by pushing the receiving portion, a first driving device that drives the rod, and a pressing portion provided on the rotation ring for pushing the second coupling member in the release direction. Further, when the rotation ring rotates in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, the second coupling member pushed by the pressing portion rotates in the release direction, and the coupling between the first coupling member and the second coupling member is released.

[0008] The disengagement mechanism according to another embodiment includes a receiving portion protruding radially from the second coupling member, a rod for pushing the receiving portion, and a first driving device for driving the rod. Further, when the rod pushes the receiving portion in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, the second coupling member rotates in the release direction, and the coupling between the first coupling member and the second coupling member is released.

[0009] A coupling system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the disengagement mechanism, the first coupling member, and the second coupling member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a disengagement mechanism that can automatically and smoothly release the coupling of the coupling members connecting the flow paths, and a coupling system including the disengagement mechanism.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

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Figure 16

Figure 17

[0012] Some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The coupling structure disclosed in each embodiment can be applied to the construction of various flow paths, for example, for fire protection, disaster prevention, industry, or agriculture.

[0013] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a coupling system according to this embodiment. The coupling system shown in this figure includes a first coupling member 1A and a second coupling member 1B that can be coupled to each other. The first coupling member 1A is provided on a first object to be connected OA. The second coupling member 1B is provided on a second object to be connected OB.

[0014] The first object to be connected OA and the second object to be connected OB each have a flow path. These flow paths are connected when the first coupling member 1A and the second coupling member 1B are coupled. The types of the first object to be connected OA and the second object to be connected OB are not particularly limited. As an example, the first object to be connected OA is a fire truck, a water supply source, a pump, or a self-propelled robot, and the second object to be connected OB is a hose or a medium fitting connected to the hose.

[0015] The coupling system further includes a coupling release mechanism 2, an input device 30, a control device 31, and a power source 32. These coupling release mechanism 2, input device 30, control device 31, and power source 32 may be provided, for example, on one of the first object to be connected OA and the second object to be connected OB, or may be provided independently of the first object to be connected OA and the second object to be connected OB.

[0016] The coupling release mechanism 2 releases the coupling between the first coupling member 1A and the second coupling member 1B. Specific configurations applicable to the coupling release mechanism 2 will be described later.

[0017] The input device 30 inputs a release command for the coupling between the first coupling member 1A and the second coupling member 1B to the control device 31. In one example, the input device 30 includes a communication device that receives a release command from the outside by wire or wirelessly, and inputs the release command received by the communication device to the control device 31. As another example, the input device 30 may include a button for inputting a release command, and input a release command to the control device 31 according to the operation of this button.

[0018] The control device 31 drives the coupling release mechanism 2 in response to the input of a release command from the input device 30, and releases the coupling between the first coupling member 1A and the second coupling member 1B. In the present embodiment, the control device 31 causes the power source 32 to supply power for driving the coupling release mechanism 2 in response to the input of a release command. The control device 31 may further control elements included in the coupling release mechanism 2 (for example, the first drive device 62 and the second drive device 73 described later).

[0019] Further, the control device 31 may cause the power source 32 to supply power to the coupling release mechanism 2 when, for example, the detection values of various sensors satisfy a predetermined condition. A specific example of such a sensor includes a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the flow path of the first connection object OA or the second connection object OB. The type of power supplied from the power source 32 to the coupling release mechanism 2 is not particularly limited, but in one example, pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, or electric power can be used.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a configuration applicable to the first coupling member 1A. The first coupling member 1A includes a first cylindrical portion 11 and a second cylindrical portion 12 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 11. In the present embodiment, the direction parallel to the axis AX (the axis of the first cylindrical portion 11 and the second cylindrical portion 12) of the first coupling member 1A is called the axial direction DX, the direction orthogonal to the axis AX is called the radial direction DR, and the circumferential direction centered on the axis AX is called the circumferential direction Dθ.

[0021] Inside the first cylindrical portion 11, a flow path through which water flows is formed. An annular sealing material SE is provided at the end portion 11a of the first cylindrical portion 11.

[0022] The second cylindrical portion 12 has a plurality of hooks 14 protruding in the axial direction DX from the end portion 11a of the first cylindrical portion 11. These hooks 14 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction Dθ. A recess 15 is formed between adjacent hooks 14. These recesses 15 are also arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction Dθ, just like the hooks 14.

[0023] The hook 14 has a first side surface 141 and a second side surface 142 in the circumferential direction Dθ. The second side surface 142 is inclined with respect to the axial direction DX. As a result, the width of the hook 14 in the circumferential direction Dθ becomes smaller toward the tip.

[0024] On the first side surface 141, a claw portion 16 protruding in the circumferential direction Dθ and a recess 17 located closer to the base of the hook 14 than the claw portion 16 are provided. A ball plunger 18 is provided on the second side surface 142. For example, the ball plunger 18 includes a hole portion provided on the second side surface 142, a ball housed in this hole portion, and an elastic body that biases the ball toward the outside of the hole portion. A part of the ball protrudes from the second side surface 142.

[0025] The configuration of the second coupling member 1B is the same as that of the first coupling member 1A. That is, the second coupling member 1B has a plurality of hooks 14 (second hooks) having the same shape as the hooks 14 (first hooks) of the first coupling member 1A, and a plurality of recesses 15 (second recesses) having the same shape as the recesses 15 (first recesses) of the first coupling member 1A. Further, a claw portion 16 and a recess 17 are provided on the first side surface 141 of the hook 14 of the second coupling member 1B, and a ball plunger 18 is provided on the second side surface 142 of the hook 14.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a part of the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B coupled to each other. When coupling the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B, with their axes AX aligned, the second coupling tool 1B is pressed against the first coupling tool 1A. At this time, each hook 14 of the second coupling tool 1B is inserted into the recess 15 of the first coupling tool 1A, and each hook 14 of the first coupling tool 1A is inserted into the recess 15 of the second coupling tool 1B. Also, the sealing materials SE of the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B come into contact, and the gap between the two coupling tools is sealed.

[0027] When the second coupling tool 1B is pushed into the first coupling tool 1A to the maximum extent, the ball plungers 18 of both come into contact and press against each other, and the second coupling tool 1B rotates slightly in the circumferential direction Dθ. At this time, the claw portions 16 of both engage with each other, and they are prevented from coming off in the axial direction DX.

[0028] Once the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B are coupled, the coupling state is maintained by the biasing force of the ball plunger 18. When releasing the coupling between the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B, against the biasing force of the ball plunger 18, the second coupling tool 1B is rotated with respect to the first coupling tool 1A in the release direction DL (the direction indicated by the lower arrow in the figure in the circumferential direction Dθ). Thereby, the engagement of each claw portion 16 is released.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the coupling release mechanism 2 and the first coupling tool 1A according to the present embodiment. In this figure, the first coupling tool 1A and the coupling release mechanism 2 are observed parallel to the axis AX.

[0030] The coupling release mechanism 2 includes a rotation ring 4 provided rotatably in the circumferential direction Dθ with respect to the first coupling tool 1A. The rotation ring 4 is provided with a pressing portion 5 for pressing the second coupling tool 1B in the above-described release direction DL. For example, the pressing portion 5 includes a release pin 50 extending in the radial direction DR and a holder 51 holding the release pin 50.

[0031] In the example of FIG. 4, a pressing portion 5 is provided for each hook 14 of the first coupling tool 1A, but the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, the number of pressing portions 5 may be less than the number of hooks 14 provided in the first coupling tool 1A.

[0032] The coupling release mechanism 2 further includes a receiving portion 40 provided on the rotating ring 4, a support portion 60 provided on the first coupling tool 1A, a rod 61 for pushing the receiving portion 40, and a first driving device 62 for driving the rod 61.

[0033] The receiving portion 40 is, for example, a plate-like member protruding from the rotating ring 4 in the radial direction DR. The support portion 60 is, for example, a plate-like member protruding from the first coupling tool 1A in the radial direction DR and facing the receiving portion 40 in the circumferential direction Dθ. The rod 61 is passed through a through hole 60a provided in the support portion 60. The first driving device 62 is fixed to the back surface of the support portion 60 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the receiving portion 40) and supports the rod 61.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 4, three sets of the receiving portion 40, the support portion 60, the rod 61, and the first driving device 62 are provided at a pitch of 120° in the circumferential direction Dθ. However, the number of sets of the receiving portion 40, the support portion 60, the rod 61, and the first driving device 62 provided in the coupling release mechanism 2 may be two or less, or may be four or more.

[0035] The coupling release mechanism 2 further includes a locking device 7 for preventing the undesired coupling release between the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B. In the example of FIG. 4, the locking device 7 includes a support portion 70 provided on the first coupling tool 1A, a rod 71, a locking pin 72 provided at the tip of the rod 71, and a second driving device 73 for driving the rod 71 and the locking pin 72.

[0036] The support portion 70 is, for example, a plate-like member located outside the hook 14 in the radial direction DR. The rod 71 is passed through a through hole 70a provided in the support portion 70. The second driving device 73 is fixed to the back surface of the support portion 70 (the outer surface in the radial direction DR) and supports the rod 71.

[0037] In one example, the first drive device 62 includes a cylinder that houses the rod 61. Similarly, the second drive device 73 includes a cylinder that houses the rod 71. In one example, the power source 32 shown in FIG. 1 supplies high-pressure gas to the cylinders of the first drive device 62 and the second drive device 73, and uses the pressure to change the protruding amounts of the rods 61 and 71 from the respective cylinders. As another example, the first drive device 62 and the second drive device 73 may include motors that change the protruding amounts of the rods 61 and 71 from the respective cylinders. In this case, electric power is supplied from the power source 32 to the first drive device 62 and the second drive device 73. In addition to what is illustrated here, various configurations can be applied to the first drive device 62 and the second drive device 73.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the first coupler 1A, the rotating ring 4, the pressing portion 5, etc. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the first coupler 1A. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the rotating ring 4. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first coupler 1A and the rotating ring 4. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the hook 14 and the release pin 50 of the first coupler 1A. Hereinafter, the details of each part of the coupling release mechanism 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to these figures.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first coupler 1A includes a third cylindrical portion 13 located behind the hook 14. The support portion 60 is provided on the third cylindrical portion 13. For example, the support portion 60 is fixed to the third cylindrical portion 13 by fixing means such as screwing. FIG. 6 shows the first coupler 1A in a state where the support portion 60 is removed from the third cylindrical portion 13.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the rotating ring 4 is located between the support portion 60 and the hook 14 in the axial direction DX. The rotating ring 4 also includes a cylindrical base portion 41 and a flange portion 42 that protrudes in the radial direction DR from one end of the base portion 41.

[0041] For example, the receiving portion 40 is fixed to the base portion 41 by fixing means such as screwing. FIG. 7 shows the rotating ring 4 with the receiving portion 40 removed. The receiving portion 40 extends rearward of the base portion 41 to a position facing the support portion 60 in the circumferential direction Dθ.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of groove portions 19 extending in the circumferential direction Dθ are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the third cylindrical portion 13. These groove portions 19 are arranged in the axial direction DX.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of groove portions 43 extending in the circumferential direction Dθ are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base portion 41 of the rotating ring 4. These groove portions 43 are substantially the same shape as the pair of groove portions 19 and are arranged in the axial direction DX at the same interval as these groove portions 19.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, the rotating ring 4 is attached to the third cylindrical portion 13 such that the pair of groove portions 43 face the pair of groove portions 19 respectively. A plurality of balls 20 made of, for example, metal are accommodated in the space formed by each of the groove portions 19, 43. Thereby, a bearing B that enables the rotating ring 4 to rotate with respect to the third cylindrical portion 13 is formed. The base portion of the second cylindrical portion 12 having the hook 14 is held between the first cylindrical portion 11 and the rotating ring 4 in the radial direction DR.

[0045] Although not shown in FIG. 8, a pair of through holes that communicate with the groove portions 43 are formed in the base portion 41 of the rotating ring 4 from the outer peripheral surface. Each ball 20 is inserted into the space formed by each of the groove portions 19, 43 through this through hole. After all the balls 20 are inserted, the through hole is closed by an appropriate means such as a screw.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the holder 51 of the pressing portion 5 is fixed to the front surface of the flange portion 42. The fixing method of the holder 51 to the flange portion 42 is not particularly limited, but for example, screwing can be used.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 9, the release pin 50 has a first portion 501 held by a holder 51 and a second portion 502 located on the inner diameter side (axis AX side) of the first portion 501. In FIG. 9, the first portion 501 is cylindrical, but this is not limited to this example.

[0048] The second portion 502 is wider than the first portion 501. In the present embodiment, the second portion 502 has a shape that can be inserted into the recess 17 of the hook 14. Specifically, the side surface of the second portion 502 has a curved surface F1 and a flat surface F2.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, the curved surface F1 faces the inner surface of the recess 17 when the second portion 502 is inserted into the recess 17. At this time, at least a part of the curved surface F1 may contact the inner surface of the recess 17. Preferably, the curved surface F1 has the same shape as the inner surface of the recess 17. In this case, the curved surface F1 and the inner circumferential surface of the recess 17 can be in surface contact.

[0050] The flat surface F2 is substantially parallel to, for example, the first side surface 141 of the hook 14. Specifically, the flat surface F2 is preferably parallel to the distal end side portion 141a of the first side surface 141 located on the distal end side of the hook 14 with respect to the recess 17. The distal end side portion 141a protrudes in the circumferential direction Dθ from the flat surface F2. From another perspective, the claw portion 16 protrudes in the circumferential direction Dθ from the flat surface F2 to such an extent that it can engage with the claw portion 16 of the hook 14 of the second coupling member 1B even when the second portion 502 is inserted into the recess 17.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 9, the flat surface F2 is also parallel to the base side portion 141b of the first side surface 141 located on the base side of the hook 14 with respect to the recess 17. Further, the flat surface F2 forms substantially the same plane as the base side portion 141b.

[0052] FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views for explaining the operation of the rotation ring 4. In these figures, some elements of the coupling release mechanism 2 are omitted.

[0053] The positional relationship between the first coupling member 1A shown in FIG. 10 and the rotating ring 4 corresponds to the state when the first coupling member 1A and the second coupling member 1B are coupled. Further, the positional relationship between the first coupling member 1A shown in FIG. 11 and the rotating ring 4 corresponds to the state when the coupling between the first coupling member 1A and the second coupling member 1B is released.

[0054] In FIG. 10, the release pins 50 of the respective pressing portions 5 are accommodated in the depressions 17 of the respective hooks 14 of the first coupling member 1A as shown in FIG. 9. At this time, for each of the three sets of receiving portions 40 and support portions 60, a distance D in the circumferential direction Dθ is formed between the receiving portion 40 and the support portion 60.

[0055] When each first driving device 62 (see FIG. 4) drives the rod 61 and increases the protruding amount of the rod 61, the tip of the rod 61 is pressed against the receiving portion 40. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the rotating ring 4 rotates in the release direction DL, and the distance D increases.

[0056] If the bearing B shown in FIG. 8 is formed, the rotating ring 4 can be rotated smoothly with low resistance. As a result, the output required for the first driving device 62 is suppressed, so that a small-sized first driving device 62 can also be used.

[0057] Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the details of the coupling release operation of the first coupling member 1A and the second coupling member 1B by the coupling release mechanism 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship at the time of coupling of the hook 14 of the first coupling member 1A, the hook 14 of the second coupling member 1B, the release pin 50, and the lock pin 72. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how the engagement between the hook 14 of the first coupling member 1A and the hook 14 of the second coupling member 1B shown in FIG. 12 is released by the coupling release operation.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 12, when the first coupling member 1A and the second coupling member 1B are coupled, the second portion 502 of the release pin 50 is accommodated in the depression 17 of the hook 14 of the first coupling member 1A. At this time, if the second portion 502 has the shape shown in FIG. 9, interference between the second portion 502 and the hook 14 of the second coupling member 1B can be suppressed.

[0059] Here, the recess 17 is an example of a first gap G1 formed between the first side surface 141 of the hook 14 of the first coupling tool 1A and the hook 14 of the second coupling tool 1B adjacent to the first side surface 141.

[0060] A second gap G2 is formed between the second side surface 142 of the hook 14 of the first coupling tool 1A and the hook 14 of the second coupling tool 1B adjacent to the second side surface 142. When the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B are coupled, the lock pin 72 is inserted into this second gap G2.

[0061] In a state where the lock pin 72 is inserted into the second gap G2, the second coupling tool 1B cannot be rotated with respect to the first coupling tool 1A. Therefore, the coupled state of the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B is locked.

[0062] For example, the lock pin 72 is manually inserted into the second gap G2 after the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B are coupled. As another example, the lock pin 72 may be inserted into the second gap G2 by the second driving device 73. In this case, a command for driving the second driving device 73 may be input by the input device 30.

[0063] When the above-described release command is input, the second driving device 73 retracts the lock pin 72 from the second gap G2. Further, each first driving device 62 drives the rod 61 to rotate the rotation ring 4 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0064] At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the second portion 502 of the release pin 50 abuts on the first side surface 141, more specifically, the tip-side portion 141a of the hook 14 of the second coupling tool 1B, and pushes the hook 14 in the release direction DL. Thereby, the engagement between the hooks 14 of the first coupling tool 1A and the second coupling tool 1B is released, and the second coupling tool 1B is detached from the first coupling tool 1A.

[0065] If a flat surface F2 is provided on the second portion 502 of the release pin 50, the flat surface F2 comes into surface contact with the first side surface 141 of the hook 14 of the second coupler 1B when the connection is released. Therefore, a good biasing force can be applied to the hook 14 of the second coupler 1B in the release direction DL.

[0066] Further, if the second portion 502 has a curved surface F1 having the same shape as the inner surface of the recess 17, the cross-sectional area of the second portion 502 can be increased compared to the case where the second portion 502 is, for example, prismatic, and the strength of the release pin 50 can be increased. Also, it is possible to suppress the snag when the release pin 50 is returned to the recess 17 again after the connection is released. Note that the operation of returning the release pin 50 to the recess 17 may be performed manually or by the first drive device 62.

[0067] FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing another configuration applicable to the connection release mechanism 2. As shown in this figure, the connection release mechanism 2 may further include an elastic body 63 that biases the rotation ring 4 in the direction opposite to the release direction DL. Thereby, the release pin 50 after the connection release operation can be automatically returned to the recess 17 without requiring any special operation or drive, and the operation at the time of reconnection of the second coupler 1B thereafter is smoothed.

[0068] In FIG. 14, an L-shaped stay 64 is fixed to the support portion 60, and locking members 65 and 66 are attached to the stay 64 and the receiving portion 40, respectively. Both ends of the elastic body 63 are locked to these locking members 65 and 66, and the receiving portion 40 is pulled toward the support portion 60.

[0069] Not limited to this example, the elastic body 63 can be arranged in various ways. For example, the elastic body 63 may be arranged to push the receiving portion 40 toward the support portion 60. One elastic body 63 may be provided for each set of the receiving portion 40 and the support portion 60, or it may be provided for either set.

[0070] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, another configuration applicable to the coupling release mechanism 2 is disclosed. For configurations not specifically mentioned, those similar to the first embodiment can be applied.

[0071] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a first coupling member 1A, a second coupling member 1B, and a coupling release mechanism 2 according to the second embodiment. The configuration for coupling the first coupling member 1A and the second coupling member 1B is the same as that described above with reference to FIG. 2 and the like.

[0072] The coupling release mechanism 2 according to this embodiment includes, as elements provided on the first coupling member 1A, a support portion 80, a rod 81, and a first drive device 82. The coupling release mechanism 2 also includes, as an element provided on the second coupling member 1B, a receiving portion 90.

[0073] In the example of FIG. 15, two sets of the support portion 80, the rod 81, the first drive device 82, and the receiving portion 90 are provided at a pitch of 180°. However, the number of sets of the support portion 80, the rod 81, the first drive device 82, and the receiving portion 90 included in the coupling release mechanism 2 may be one or three or more.

[0074] The support portion 80 is, for example, a long plate-like member provided along the outer peripheral surface of the first coupling member 1A, and protrudes in the axial direction DX beyond the hook 14 of the first coupling member 1A. The rod 81 is passed through a through hole 80a provided in the support portion 80. The first drive device 82 is fixed near the tip of the support portion 80 and supports the rod 81. The receiving portion 90 is, for example, a long plate-like member and extends in the radial direction DR from the outer peripheral surface of the second coupling member 1B.

[0075] The first drive device 82 drives the rod 81 based on the power supplied from the power source 32 shown in FIG. 1. The first drive device 82 can be applied with the same configuration as the first drive device 62 disclosed in the first embodiment.

[0076] Although not shown in FIG. 15, the coupling release mechanism 2 includes a locking device 7 as in the first embodiment. The configuration of the locking device 7 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0077] Figures 16 and 17 are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the decoupling mechanism 2 according to the present embodiment. In these figures, a simplified second coupler 1B, a rod 81, a first driving device 82, a receiving portion 90, and a locking device 7 are shown, and the first coupler 1A and the like are omitted.

[0078] The state shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to the coupling of the first coupler 1A and the second coupler 1B. In this state, the tips of the respective rods 81 face the receiving portion 90 in the circumferential direction Dθ. Further, the lock pin 72 is disposed at a position (see FIG. 12) that restricts the decoupling of the first coupler 1A and the second coupler 1B.

[0079] During the decoupling operation, as shown in FIG. 17, the second driving device 73 retracts the lock pin 72. Further, each first driving device 82 drives the rod 81 to increase the protruding amount of the rod 81. As a result, the tip of each rod 81 is pressed against the receiving portion 90, and the second coupler 1B rotates in the decoupling direction DL. When the second coupler 1B rotates sufficiently, the engagement between the hooks 14 of the first coupler 1A and the second coupler 1B is released, and the second coupler 1B is detached from the first coupler 1A.

[0080] With the configuration of the decoupling mechanism 2 according to the first and second embodiments, the coupling between the first coupler 1A and the second coupler 1B can be automatically released without manual operation. Further, since the rods 61 and 81 provided on the first coupler 1A are mainly moved in the circumferential direction Dθ to push the receiving portions 40 and 90, the second coupler 1B is rotated, so that the force for decoupling is efficiently applied to the second coupler 1B, and the coupling between the first coupler 1A and the second coupler 1B can be smoothly released.

[0081] The above embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention to the configurations disclosed in the embodiments. The present invention can be implemented by modifying the configurations disclosed in the embodiments in various modes. The configurations disclosed in the embodiments can be appropriately combined as necessary.

[0082] In each embodiment, it is assumed that the first fastener 1A and the second fastener 1B have the shapes shown in FIG. 2 and the like. However, the disengagement mechanism 2 disclosed in each embodiment can be applied to the disengagement of fasteners having various structures that can be disengaged by relative rotation. The coupling release structure and coupling system described in the claims of the present application at the time of initial filing are appended below. [1] A coupling release mechanism for a first coupling member and a second coupling member that can be coupled to each other and whose coupling can be released by relative rotation in the release direction, a rotation ring rotatably provided with respect to the first coupling member, a receiving portion provided on the rotation ring, a rod that rotates the rotation ring by pushing the receiving portion, a first driving device that drives the rod, a pressing portion provided on the rotation ring for pushing the second coupling member in the release direction, comprising: when the rotation ring rotates with the first coupling member and the second coupling member coupled, the second coupling member pushed by the pressing portion rotates in the release direction, and the coupling between the first coupling member and the second coupling member is released, coupling release mechanism. [2] further comprising an elastic body that biases the rotation ring in a direction opposite to the release direction, the coupling release mechanism according to [1] above. [3] further comprising a bearing provided between the rotation ring and the first coupling member, the coupling release mechanism according to [1] above. [4] The first coupling member a plurality of first hooks arranged circumferentially at an end of the first coupling member, a plurality of first recesses respectively formed between adjacent first hooks, comprising: The second coupling member a plurality of second hooks arranged circumferentially at an end of the second coupling member, a plurality of second recesses respectively formed between adjacent second hooks, comprising: when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, the first hook is inserted into the second recess and the second hook is inserted into the first recess, and the first hook and the second hook are engaged, the pressing portion includes a release pin that can be inserted into a gap formed between the first hook and the second hook in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, the coupling release mechanism according to [1] above. [5] The first hook a claw portion that engages with the second hook, a depression adjacent to the claw portion into which the release pin is inserted, comprising: The release pin a curved surface facing the inner surface of the depression, a plane facing the side surface in the circumferential direction of the second hook in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, having. The unlocking mechanism described in [4]. [6] Further comprising a locking device for preventing rotation of the second coupling member in the unlocking direction in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled. The unlocking mechanism described in [5]. [7] The first hook In a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, a first side surface facing the second hook in the unlocking direction, A second side surface located on the opposite side of the first side surface in the unlocking direction, And has In a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, the release pin is inserted into a first gap formed between the first side surface and the second hook adjacent to the first side surface. The locking device In a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, a locking pin inserted into a second gap formed between the second side surface and the second hook adjacent to the second side surface, A second driving device for driving the locking pin, And is provided with The unlocking mechanism described in [6]. [8] An unlocking mechanism for a first coupling member and a second coupling member that can be coupled to each other and whose coupling can be released by relative rotation in the unlocking direction, A receiving portion protruding radially from the second coupling member, A rod for pushing the receiving portion, A first driving device for driving the rod, And is provided with In a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, when the rod pushes the receiving portion, the second coupling member rotates in the unlocking direction, and the coupling between the first coupling member and the second coupling member is released. Unlocking mechanism. [9] Further comprising a locking device for preventing rotation of the second coupling member in the unlocking direction in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled. The unlocking mechanism described in [8].

[10] The first coupling member A plurality of first hooks arranged circumferentially at an end of the first coupling member, A plurality of first recesses respectively formed between adjacent first hooks, And is provided with The second coupling member A plurality of second hooks arranged circumferentially at an end of the second coupling member, A plurality of second recesses respectively formed between adjacent second hooks, And is provided with When the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, the first hook is inserted into the second recess, the second hook is inserted into the first recess, and the first hook and the second hook are engaged. The locking device In a state where the first coupling tool and the second coupling tool are coupled, a pin inserted between the adjacent first hook and the second hook, and a second driving device for driving the pin, are provided, the decoupling mechanism according to [9] above.

[11] The decoupling mechanism according to any one of [1] to

[10] above, the first coupling tool, the second coupling tool, A coupling system comprising.

[12] At least one of the first coupling tool and the second coupling tool is connected to a hose. The coupling system according to

[11] above.

Explanation of Symbols

[0083] 1A... First coupling device, 1B... Second coupling device, 2... Coupling release mechanism, 4... Rotating ring, 5... Pressing part, 7... Locking device, 14... Hook, 15... Recess, 19... Groove, 20... Ball, 30... Input device, 31... Control device, 32... Power source, 40... Receiving part, 50... Release pin, 60... Support part, 61... Rod, 62... First driving device, 63... Elastic body, 72... Locking pin, 73... Second driving device, B... Bearing, DL... Release direction.

Claims

1. A coupling release mechanism for a first coupling member and a second coupling member that can be coupled to each other and whose coupling can be released by relative rotation in the release direction, a rotation ring rotatably provided with respect to the first coupling member, a receiving portion provided on the rotation ring, a rod that rotates the rotation ring by pushing the receiving portion, a first driving device that drives the rod, a pressing portion provided on the rotation ring for pushing the second coupling member in the release direction, comprising, when the rotation ring rotates with the first coupling member and the second coupling member coupled, the second coupling member pushed by the pressing portion rotates in the release direction, and the coupling between the first coupling member and the second coupling member is released, a coupling release mechanism.

2. further comprising an elastic body that biases the rotation ring in a direction opposite to the release direction, the coupling release mechanism according to Claim 1.

3. further comprising a bearing provided between the rotation ring and the first coupling member, the coupling release mechanism according to Claim 1.

4. The first coupling member has a plurality of first hooks arranged circumferentially at an end of the first coupling member, and a plurality of first recesses respectively formed between adjacent first hooks, comprising, The second coupling member has a plurality of second hooks arranged circumferentially at an end of the second coupling member, and a plurality of second recesses respectively formed between adjacent second hooks, comprising, when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, the first hook is inserted into the second recess and the second hook is inserted into the first recess, and the first hook and the second hook are engaged, the pressing portion includes a release pin that can be inserted into a gap formed between the first hook and the second hook in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, the coupling release mechanism according to Claim 1.

5. The first hook has a claw portion that engages with the second hook, and a depression adjacent to the claw portion into which the release pin is inserted, comprising, The release pin has a curved surface facing the inner surface of the depression, and a flat surface facing the side surface in the circumferential direction of the second hook in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, having, the coupling release mechanism according to Claim 4.

6. further comprising a locking device that prevents rotation of the second coupling member in the release direction in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, The coupling release mechanism according to claim 5.

7. The first hook is a first side surface facing the second hook and in the release direction in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, a second side surface located on the opposite side of the first side surface in the release direction, and has the release pin is inserted into a first gap formed between the first side surface and the second hook adjacent to the first side surface in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, The locking device is a locking pin inserted into a second gap formed between the second side surface and the second hook adjacent to the second side surface in a state where the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled, a second driving device for driving the locking pin, and is provided with The coupling release mechanism according to claim 6.

8. The coupling release mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and a coupling system comprising

9. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member is connected to a hose, The coupling system according to claim 8.

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