Connector and socket

Abstract

A connector according to the present invention comprises a plug and a socket. The plug has an engaged part at an outer circumferential surface. The socket has: a cylindrical body that has a through hole that passes through a circumferential wall; a holding member that is provided on the outside in the radial direction of the cylindrical body and has an engagement part that, through the through hole, elastically engages the engaged part of the plug as inserted into the cylindrical body; a cover that is provided further to the outside in the radial direction of the cylindrical body than the holding member so as to be capable of moving in the axial direction of the cylindrical body and, at a first position and a second position in the axial direction, respectively prevents and allows an engagement release operation of the engagement part as engaging the engaged part; and a restriction mechanism that restricts the movement of the cover in the axial direction relative to the cylindrical body when the cover is positioned at the first position and is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body.

Description

Connector and Socket

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a socket.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-113981 discloses a connector for a socket and a plug. The socket in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-113981 includes a cylindrical body, a pair of holding members, and a cover. A plug having an engaged portion is inserted into the cylindrical body. The pair of holding members has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion of the plug inserted into the cylindrical body. The cover is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction of the cylindrical body so as to be movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical body. Further, the cover can switch between preventing and allowing the disengagement operation of the engaging portion engaged with the engaged portion of the plug according to the position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body.

[0003] By the way, in the connector disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-113981, there is a concern that the cover may be accidentally moved in the axial direction of the cylindrical body in the connected state of the socket and the plug. Depending on the position where the cover has moved, the disengagement operation of the engaging portion engaged with the engaged portion of the plug may be allowed, and the connection state between the plug and the socket may be released.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for suppressing the release of the connection state between a plug and a socket due to an erroneous operation in a configuration in which the plug and the socket are connected by the engagement of the engaging portion of the socket with the engaged portion of the plug.

[0005] A connector according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plug having an engaged portion on an outer peripheral surface, a cylindrical body having a through hole penetrating a peripheral wall, a holding member disposed on the outer side in the radial direction of the cylindrical body and having an engaging portion that elastically engages with the engaged portion of the plug inserted into the cylindrical body through the through hole, a cover disposed on the outer side in the radial direction of the cylindrical body with respect to the holding member so as to be movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the cover preventing the disengagement operation of the engaging portion engaged with the engaged portion in a first position in the axial direction, and allowing the disengagement operation of the engaging portion in a second position in the axial direction, and a restricting mechanism that restricts the axial movement of the cover with respect to the cylindrical body when the cover is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body in a state where the cover is located in the first position. The connector includes a socket having the restricting mechanism.

[0006] A socket in another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a cylindrical body having a through hole penetrating its peripheral wall; a retaining member positioned radially outward from the cylindrical body and having an engaging portion that elastically engages through the through hole with a receiving portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of a plug inserted into the cylindrical body; a cover positioned radially outward from the cylindrical body than the retaining member and movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, preventing the disengagement of the engaging portion from engaging with the receiving portion in a first axial position and allowing the disengagement of the engaging portion in a second axial position; and a limiting mechanism that restricts the axial movement of the cover relative to the cylindrical body when the cover is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body while the cover is in the first position.

[0007] As described above, according to this disclosure, in a configuration in which a plug and a socket are connected by the engagement portion of the plug engaging with the engagement portion of the socket, it is possible to prevent the connection between the plug and the socket from being released due to erroneous operation.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a plug and socket connected and the limiting mechanism functioning according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a side view showing the connected state of the plug and socket in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an axial cross-sectional view along the line 3X-3X in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a side view showing the plug and socket separated in Figure 1. Figure 5 is an axial cross-sectional view along the line 5X-5X in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a side view of a socket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the socket in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 3 showing the state before inserting the plug into the socket. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8 showing the state after inserting the plug into the socket, before the engaging portion of the retaining member engages with the engaged portion of the plug. Figure 10 is a front view of the retaining member showing the state in which the pair of legs of the retaining member are extended. Figure 11 is a front view of the retaining member showing the state in Figure 10 where the pair of legs of the retaining member are not extended. Figure 12 is a side view showing the state in which the cover of the socket has been moved to the first axial position. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 3, showing the socket cover moved to the second axial position.

[0009] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are considered to be the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, descriptions and reference numerals that are repeated may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

[0010] <Connector 20> Figures 1 to 13 show a connector 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector 20 of this embodiment is a component that constitutes a part of the flow path, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, it is a component that connects pipe 100 and pipe 102. The connector 20 has a plug 22 and a socket 40, and by connecting the plug 22 and the socket 40, it connects pipe 100 connected to the plug 22 and pipe 102 connected to the socket 40. Although the connector 20 of this embodiment constitutes a part of the cooling flow path, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration.

[0011] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector 20 connects the plug 22 to the socket 40 by inserting the plug 22 into the socket 40. Hereafter, the direction in which the plug is inserted into the socket 40 will be appropriately referred to as the "plug insertion direction". Also, in Figures 1 to 13, the plug insertion direction is indicated by the arrow S direction.

[0012] (Plug 22) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the plug 22 has an annular groove 32 on its outer surface. This annular groove 32 is the part that the claw portion 44C of the retainer 44, which will be described later, engages with.

[0013] Furthermore, the plug 22 mainly consists of a cylindrical body 24, a valve body 26, and a pipe connection portion 28.

[0014] The cylindrical body 24 is a component that makes up the main body of the plug 22. As shown in Figure 2, a part of the cylindrical body 24 is inserted into the cylindrical body 42 when the plug 22 and socket 40 are connected.

[0015] Furthermore, the cylindrical body 24 is substantially cylindrical, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Near the end of the cylindrical body 24 in the plug insertion direction, a diameter-reducing section 24A is provided, which gradually reduces the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 24 in the plug insertion direction. This diameter-reducing section 24A functions as a stopper for the valve body 26. The inside of the diameter-reducing section 24A forms a communication port 25 for the plug 22. The communication port 25 for the plug 22 is a part that connects the inside of the socket 40 and the inside of the plug 22 when the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected.

[0016] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the aforementioned annular groove 32 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 24B of the cylindrical body 24. This annular groove 32 is formed continuously in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 24. The annular groove 32 in this embodiment is an example of the engaged portion in this disclosure. In this embodiment, the annular groove 32 and the reduced diameter portion 24A overlap in the radial direction of the cylindrical body 24.

[0017] The valve body 26 is a component that opens and closes the communication port 25 of the plug 22. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the valve body 26 is located inside the cylindrical body 24. The valve body 26 is also movable within the cylindrical body 24 in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 24.

[0018] The valve body 26 is cylindrical (for example, substantially cylindrical) with the end in the plug insertion direction closed. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the closed portion 26A of the valve body 26 has a cylindrical protrusion 26B that projects in the plug insertion direction. The valve body 26 is biased toward the plug insertion direction by a biasing member (not shown). A coil spring may be used as the biasing member. A portion of the biased valve body 26 is pressed against the reduced diameter portion 24A, and the protrusion 26B is positioned inside the reduced diameter portion 24A. Furthermore, the biased valve body 26 closes the communication opening 25 by being pressed against the reduced diameter portion 24A. In other words, the internal space (also called the internal flow path) of the cylindrical body 24 is closed by the biased valve body 26. The valve body 26 also has a sealing function that seals the space between it and the cylindrical body 24. The valve body 26 may have a sealing function by, for example, being equipped with a sealing member.

[0019] The pipe connection portion 28 is a component that connects the cylindrical body 24 and the pipe 100. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pipe connection portion 28 is attached to the end of the cylindrical body 24 opposite to the communication port 25. In this embodiment, the pipe connection portion 28 is cylindrical (for example, substantially cylindrical) and is attached to the end of the cylindrical body 24 opposite to the communication port 25 by welding. Specifically, the end of the pipe connection portion 28 in the plug insertion direction is welded to the end of the cylindrical body 24 opposite to the communication port 25. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the pipe connection portion 28 may be detachably attached to the end of the cylindrical body 24 opposite to the communication port 25, for example, by fastening means such as bolts with a seal ring interposed between them.

[0020] An overhang 28A is formed at the end of the pipe connection portion 28 opposite to the cylindrical body 24 side, extending radially inward from the pipe connection portion 28.

[0021] Furthermore, the pipe 100 is connected to the opening of the pipe connection section 28 on the opposite side from the cylindrical body 24 (see Figure 1).

[0022] (Socket 40) As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the socket 40 includes a cylindrical body 42, a retainer 44 as an example of a holding member, a slide cover 80 as an example of a cover, and a limiting mechanism 90.

[0023] Furthermore, the socket 40 includes a valve body 50, a pipe connection portion 52, and a coil spring 54.

[0024] -Cylindrical body 42- The cylindrical body 42 is a component that makes up the main body of the socket 40. As shown in Figure 3, the plug 22 is inserted into the cylindrical body 42. The opening of the cylindrical body 42 into which the plug 22 is inserted will be referred to as the insertion opening 43 below.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical body 42 is substantially cylindrical. Also, as shown in Figure 5, a retainer 44 is positioned on the radially outer side of the cylindrical body 42. Specifically, the retainer 44 is positioned radially outer of the insertion opening 43 of the cylindrical body 42. In the cylindrical body 42, the portion opposite to the plug insertion direction, including the insertion opening 43, has a larger diameter than the portion on the plug insertion direction side. Therefore, a step 42B is formed on the inner circumferential surface 42A of the cylindrical body 42 between the portion opposite to the plug insertion direction and the portion on the plug insertion direction side. This step 42B is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the cylindrical body 42. Specifically, the step 42B widens in diameter toward the end opposite to the plug insertion direction. This step 42B functions as a stopper for the valve body 50.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, through holes 56 are formed in the cylindrical body 42. The through holes 56 are formed in the portion of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 42 that forms the insertion opening 43. The through holes 56 are formed in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 42 at circumferential intervals (equally spaced in this embodiment). In this embodiment, as an example, a pair of through holes 56 are formed in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 42. Therefore, the pair of through holes 56 are formed radially opposite each other in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 42.

[0027] The legs 44B of the retainer 44, which will be described later, are inserted into the through-holes 56. With the pair of legs 44B inserted into the pair of through-holes 56, the claws 44C provided on the legs 44B pass through the through-holes 56 and engage with the annular groove 32. The size of the through-holes 56 is such that the legs 44B of the retainer 44 can fit inside.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, a pipe connection portion 52 is attached to the end of the cylindrical body 42 opposite to the insertion portion 43 by welding. However, the disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the pipe connection portion 52 may be detachably attached to the end of the cylindrical body 42 opposite to the insertion portion 43, for example, by fastening the pipe connection portion 52 to the end with a bolt or other fastening means, with a sealing ring interposed between them.

[0029] -Retainer 44- The retainer 44 is a component for holding the inserted plug 22 inside the cylindrical body 42. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the retainer 44 holds the plug 22 inside the cylindrical body 42 by the engagement of the annular groove 32 and the claw portion 44C.

[0030] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the retainer 44 is formed in an annular shape with a portion separated. This retainer 44 is positioned radially outward of the cylindrical body 42. Specifically, the retainer 44 is positioned radially outward of the insertion opening 43 in the cylindrical body 42, with a pair of legs 44B inserted into a pair of through holes 56. In this state, the pair of legs 44B of the retainer 44 are positioned opposite each other, sandwiching the cylindrical body 42 from both sides. Figures 8 and 10 show the retainer 44 with the pair of legs 44B extended. Figures 3 and 11 show the retainer 44 with the pair of legs 44B not extended, compared to the retainer 44 shown in Figures 8 and 10. The retainer 44 with the pair of legs 44B not extended also includes the retainer 44 in an unloaded state.

[0031] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the retainer 44 has a longitudinal central portion 44A and leg portions 44B on both sides of the central portion 44A. The retainer 44 is elastically deformed so that the distance between the pair of leg portions 44B changes. Therefore, when the distance between the pair of leg portions 44B widens, the diameter of the retainer 44 increases, and when the distance between the pair of leg portions 44B narrows, the diameter of the retainer 44 decreases. The retainer 44 may be made of metal or resin, but it is preferable to make it of resin from the viewpoint of weight reduction.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, a recess 58 connecting a pair of through holes 56 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 42. The central part of the retainer 44 fits into this recess 58.

[0033] Furthermore, the retainer 44 has a claw portion 44C that engages with the annular groove 32 of the plug 22 inserted into the insertion port 43. The claw portion 44C is a portion of the leg portion 44B that protrudes radially inward from the retainer 44. The claw portion 44C engages with the annular groove 32 by being inserted into the annular groove 32. Note that the claw portion 44C in this embodiment is an example of an engaging portion in this disclosure.

[0034] -Slide Cover 80- The slide cover 80 is a component that prevents the disengagement of the claw portion 44C from the annular groove 32. As shown in Figure 1, the slide cover 80 is cylindrical (in this embodiment, cylindrical). Also, as shown in Figure 3, the slide cover 80 is positioned radially outward from the retainer 44.

[0035] Furthermore, the slide cover 80 is movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 42 (hereinafter referred to as "cylindrical body axial direction" as appropriate). In the first position in the cylindrical body axial direction (the position shown in Figure 3), the slide cover 80 prevents the disengagement of the claw portion 44C inserted into the annular groove 32. In the second position in the cylindrical body axial direction (the position shown in Figures 8 and 9), the slide cover 80 allows the disengagement of the claw portion 44C inserted into the annular groove 32.

[0036] On the inner circumferential surface of the slide cover 80, an allow portion 46 and a blocking portion 48 are formed in order from the plug insertion direction side. As shown in Figure 3, the blocking portion 48 is a part of the slide cover 80 that prevents the disengagement movement of the claw portion 44C of the retainer 44 that is engaged with the annular groove 32 of the plug 22. When the slide cover 80 is in the first position, this blocking portion 48 abuts against the leg portion 44B and prevents the pair of leg portions 44B from spreading (elastically deforming). This prevents the claw portion 44C from coming out of the annular groove 32, and maintains the engaged state between the claw portion 44C and the annular groove 32. As shown in Figure 9, the allow portion 46 is a part of the slide cover 80 that allows the disengagement movement of the claw portion 44C of the retainer 44 that is engaged with the annular groove 32 of the plug 22. This allowance portion 46 is a recess formed on the inner circumferential surface of the slide cover 80, which allows the pair of legs 44B to expand when the claw portion 44C of the retainer 44 is in the second position. This allows the claw portion 44C to disengage from the annular groove 32, thereby releasing the engagement between the claw portion 44C and the annular groove 32.

[0037] -Restriction mechanism 90- The restriction mechanism 90 is a mechanism that has the function of restricting the movement of the slide cover 80 in the axial direction of the cylindrical body relative to the cylindrical body 42 when the slide cover 80 is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body 42 while the slide cover 80 is in the first position.

[0038] The limiting mechanism 90 comprises a projection 92 provided on the cylindrical body 42 and a recess 94 provided on the slide cover 80 into which the projection 92 is inserted. The projection 92 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 42. The projection 92 is cylindrical in shape. However, the disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the projection 92 may be a columnar shape with an elliptical cross-section, or a columnar shape with a polygonal cross-section. If the cross-section is a columnar shape with a polygonal cross-section, it is preferable that the corners are rounded.

[0039] Furthermore, the recess 94 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the slide cover 80. Specifically, the recess 94 has an axial recess 94A extending in the axial direction of the slide cover 80, and a circumferential recess 94B extending in the circumferential direction of the slide cover 80 from the end of the axial recess 94A. The widths of the axial recess 94A and the circumferential recess 94B are such that the projection 92 can move when inserted.

[0040] The recessed walls on both sides of the axial recess 94A function as guides for the axial movement of the projection 92 on the cylindrical body 42. The recessed walls on both sides of the circumferential recess 94B also function as guides for the rotation of the projection 92 on the axis of the cylindrical body 42. Furthermore, when the projection 92 is located within the circumferential recess 94B, the contact between the projection 92 and the recessed walls of the circumferential recess 94B restricts the movement of the slide cover 80 in the cylindrical body axial direction relative to the cylindrical body 42.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the circumferential recess 94B is a through hole that penetrates the slide cover 80 in the thickness direction. Alternatively, the circumferential recess 94B may be a recess with a bottom that does not penetrate the slide cover 80 in the thickness direction.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, marks 49 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 42 in an area covered by the slide cover 80. These marks 49 are not particularly limited as long as they are easily visible on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 42, but in this embodiment, they are colored as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and letters, patterns, figures, combinations thereof, or combinations with colored parts may also be used. In addition, multiple marks 49 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 42.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, an exposed portion 82 is provided on the slide cover 80. When the slide cover 80 is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body 42, this exposed portion 82 exposes the mark 49 to the outside. Specifically, the exposed portion 82 is an opening provided in the slide cover 80. Through this opening, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 42 can be viewed (see FIG. 2). Note that the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the exposed portion 82 may be a notch provided in the slide cover 80 or a transparent portion provided in the slide cover 80. The transparent portion can be formed by using a transparent resin material. Further, a plurality of exposed portions 82 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the slide cover 80.

[0044] When the slide cover 80 is in the first position, the protrusion 92 is located at the end of the axial recess 94A. On the other hand, when the slide cover 80 is in the second position, as shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 92 is located on the side opposite to the end of the axial recess 94A. Here, when the slide cover 80 is in the first position, as shown in FIG. 12, since the protrusion 92 is located at the end of the axial recess 94A, the slide cover 80 can be rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body 42. When the slide cover 80 is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body 42, as shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 92 moves from the end of the axial recess 94A to the circumferential recess 94B. When the protrusion 92 is located at the end of the circumferential recess 94B, the mark 49 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 42 at a position where the mark 49 can be visually recognized from the exposed portion 82.

[0045] The valve body 50 is a member that opens and closes the internal flow path of the socket 40. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, this valve body 50 is disposed inside the cylindrical body 42. Further, the valve body 50 is movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 42 inside the cylindrical body 42.

[0046] The valve body 50 is cylindrical (for example, substantially cylindrical). Inside the valve body 50, a shaft portion 53 of a pipe connection portion 52 described later is inserted. The valve body 50 moves axially inside the cylindrical body 42 along the shaft portion 53.

[0047] The valve body 50 has a smaller diameter at the end in the plug insertion direction than at the opposite end. Specifically, the end of the valve body 50 in the plug insertion direction is the large-diameter portion 50L, and the end on the side opposite to the plug insertion direction is the small-diameter portion 50S. Further, in the valve body 50, the portion between the large-diameter portion 50L and the small-diameter portion 50S is the intermediate portion 50M. The outer diameter of the intermediate portion 50M is smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 50L and larger than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 50S.

[0048] A step 50A is formed between the large-diameter portion 50L and the intermediate portion 50M. As shown in FIG. 5, this step 50A is pressed against the step 42B of the cylindrical body 42 by the elastic force of the coil spring 54 in a state where the plug 22 and the socket 40 are not connected (non-connection state).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the small-diameter portion 50S of the valve body 50 is sized to be insertable into the end of the plug 22 in the plug insertion direction (the end of the cylindrical body 24 in the plug insertion direction). That is, the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 50S is smaller than the inner diameter of the end of the cylindrical body 24 in the plug insertion direction. In a state where the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected, as shown in FIG. 3, the small-diameter portion 50S of the valve body 50 is inserted into the end of the cylindrical body 24 in the plug insertion direction, and the space between the cylindrical body 24 and the valve body 50 is sealed. In other words, the small-diameter portion 50S has a function of sealing the space between the cylindrical body 24 and the valve body 50 when inserted into the end of the cylindrical body 24 in the plug insertion direction. The small-diameter portion 50S may have a sealing function, for example, by providing a sealing member.

[0050] The large-diameter portion 50L of the valve body 50 has a function of sealing between itself and the cylindrical body 42 within the cylindrical body 42. For example, it may have a sealing function by providing a sealing member.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, in the non-connection state of the plug 22 and the socket 40, the intermediate portion 50M of the valve body 50 contacts each claw portion 44C of the retainer 44 and holds the state where the pair of leg portions 44B are expanded. The outer diameter of this intermediate portion 50M is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the end of the cylindrical body 24 of the plug 22 in the plug insertion direction.

[0052] The pipe connection portion 52 is a component that connects the cylindrical body 42 and the pipe 102. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, this pipe connection portion 52 is attached by welding to the end of the cylindrical body 42 opposite to the insertion opening portion 43.

[0053] Furthermore, the pipe connection portion 52 is cylindrical (for example, roughly cylindrical). The portion of the pipe connection portion 52 on the plug insertion side has a larger diameter than the portion of the pipe connection portion 52 on the opposite side of the plug insertion side.

[0054] An outer overhang portion 52C is formed in the axial middle portion of the pipe connection portion 52, extending radially outward. The end of this outer overhang portion 52C in the direction of overhang is welded to the opening of the cylindrical body 42 opposite to the insertion opening portion 43.

[0055] A pipe 102 is connected to the end of the pipe connection part 52 opposite to the cylindrical body 42 side. For example, a resin tube may be used for the pipe 102.

[0056] Furthermore, the pipe connection portion 52 has a shaft portion 53 on the inside of the part opposite to the plug insertion direction. This shaft portion 53 is cylindrical, for example. However, the shape of the shaft portion 53 is not limited to a cylindrical shape.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, when the plug 22 is not connected to the socket 40, the valve body 50 is located at the tip of the shaft 53, and the space between the valve body 50 and the shaft 53 is sealed. In other words, the tip of the shaft 53 has the function of sealing the space between itself and the valve body 50. The tip of the shaft 53 may have a sealing function by, for example, being equipped with a sealing member.

[0058] When the plug 22 and socket 40 are connected, as shown in Figure 3, the seal between the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 50 and the shaft portion 53 is released, and the internal flow path of the plug 22 and the internal flow path of the socket 40 are connected.

[0059] The coil spring 54 is a component that applies elastic force to the valve body 50, thereby causing the valve body 50 to close the internal flow path of the cylindrical body 42. Specifically, the coil spring 54 uses its elastic force to press the valve body 50 against the step 42B of the cylindrical body 42. This coil spring 54 is located inside the cylindrical body 42. The end of the coil spring 54 in the plug insertion direction (the right end in Figures 3 and 5) is inserted between the outer circumferential surface of the pipe connection portion 52 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 42 and is supported by the outer overhang portion 52C. On the other hand, the end of the coil spring 54 opposite to the plug insertion direction (the left end in Figures 3 and 5) is in contact with the valve body 50. In this embodiment, the coil spring 54 uses its elastic force to press the valve body 50 against the step 42B, but any biasing member that biases the valve body 50 and presses it against the step 42B is acceptable, and is not limited to the coil spring 54.

[0060] Next, the operation of connecting the plug 22 and socket 40 in this embodiment will be described.

[0061] First, the operation of connecting the plug 22 and the socket 40 will be explained. As shown in Figure 9, the plug 22 is inserted into the cylindrical body 42. When the cylindrical body 24 of the plug 22 is inserted into the insertion opening 43 of the socket 40, the valve body 50 of the socket 40 comes into contact with the end of the cylindrical body 24 of the plug 22.

[0062] When the plug 22 is further inserted into the cylindrical body 42, the valve body 50 is pushed in the plug insertion direction by the end of the cylindrical body 24 of the plug 22. At this time, the valve body 26 is pushed into the cylindrical body 24 by the shaft portion 53 of the socket 40. As a result, the internal flow path of the plug 22 is opened and the internal flow path of the socket 40 is opened, and the internal flow paths of the plug 22 and the socket 40 are in communication. Also, since the outer diameter of the middle portion 50M of the valve body 50 of the socket 40 and the outer diameter of the end of the cylindrical body 24 of the plug 22 in the plug insertion direction are approximately the same, the claw portion 44C moves smoothly from the middle portion 50M to the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 24 while the leg portion 44B of the retainer 44 remains expanded.

[0063] When the plug 22 is further inserted into the cylindrical body 42, as shown in Figure 3, the claw portion 44C of the retainer 44 is inserted into the annular groove 32 of the cylindrical body 24, and the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected (connected state). At this time, the slide cover 80 has moved to the first position relative to the cylindrical body 42. When the slide cover 80 is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body 42 in this state, the projection 92 moves from the axial recess 94A to the circumferential recess 94B. This restricts the movement of the projection 92 in the axial direction of the cylindrical body. Consequently, the movement of the slide cover 80 in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted, and the connection between the plug 22 and the socket 40 is maintained.

[0064] Next, the operation to disconnect the plug 22 and the socket 40 will be described. First, the slide cover 80 is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body 42, and then, as shown in Figure 13, the slide cover 80 is moved (slid) from the first position to the second position in the plug insertion direction. In this state, the legs 44B of the retainer 44 are positioned in the allowable portion 46 of the slide cover 80, so the pair of legs 44B are spread apart. Then, when the plug 22 is moved in the pulling direction relative to the cylindrical body 42 (opposite to the plug insertion direction), the pair of legs 44B of the retainer 44 spread apart, and the plug 22 is pulled out of the socket 40. Note that when moving the slide cover 80 in the plug insertion direction, depending on the elastic force of the coil spring 54, the valve body 50 can also push and spread the pair of legs 44B of the retainer 44, pushing the plug 22 out in the pulling direction. In other words, the elastic force of the coil spring 54 may be set such that when the slide cover 80 is moved in the plug insertion direction, the connection between the plug 22 and the socket 40 is automatically released by the elastic force of the coil spring 54.

[0065] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In the connector 20 of this embodiment, when the plug 22 is inserted into the cylindrical body 42 of the socket 40, the claw portion 44C, which is the engaging portion of the retainer 44, elastically engages with the annular groove 32, which is the engaged portion of the plug 22. As a result, the plug is connected to the cylindrical body, i.e., the socket 40, via the retainer 44. When the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected, if the slide cover 80 is in the first position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the slide cover 80 prevents the claw portion 44C engaged with the annular groove 32 from disengaging. That is, when the slide cover 80 is in the first position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the connection between the plug 22 and the socket 40 is maintained. Furthermore, when the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected, if the slide cover 80 is in the second position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the slide cover 80 allows the claw portion 44C engaged with the annular groove 32 to disengage. In other words, when the slide cover 80 is in the second position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the connection between the plug 22 and the socket 40 can be released.

[0066] In the connector 20 described above, when the slide cover 80 is in the first position, if the slide cover 80 is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body 42, the limiting mechanism 90 restricts the movement of the slide cover 80 in the axial direction of the cylindrical body. Because the movement of the slide cover 80 in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted by the limiting mechanism 90 in this way, it is prevented from accidentally moving the slide cover 80 in the axial direction of the cylindrical body while the socket 40 and plug 22 are connected. In other words, the connector 20 makes it possible to prevent the connection between the plug 22 and socket 40 from being released due to erroneous operation.

[0067] In the connector 20 of this embodiment, when the projection 92 is located within the axial recess 94A, the projection 92 is guided by both recessed walls of the axial recess 94A, making it easy to move the slide cover 80 in the axial direction relative to the cylindrical body 42. When the projection 92 moves from within the axial recess 94A to the circumferential recess 94B and is located within the circumferential recess 94B, the projection 92 is guided by both recessed walls of the circumferential recess 94B, making it easy to rotate the slide cover 80 around the axis of the cylindrical body 42 relative to the cylindrical body 42. Here, when the projection 92 is located within the circumferential recess 94B, the recessed walls of the circumferential recess 94B, which act as guides, come into contact with the projection 92, thereby restricting the movement of the slide cover 80 in the axial direction relative to the cylindrical body 42. Thus, in the connector 20 described above, with a simple structure in which the socket 40 is provided with a projection 92 on the cylindrical body 42 and a recess on the slide cover 80, it is possible to prevent the connection between the plug 22 and the socket 40 from being released due to erroneous operation.

[0068] In the connector 20 of this embodiment, the circumferential recess 94B provided on the inner surface of the slide cover 80 is a through hole that penetrates the slide cover 80 in the thickness direction. Therefore, when the projection 92 is located within the circumferential recess 94B, the projection 92 can be visually confirmed from the outside of the socket 40 (slide cover 80) through the through hole. In other words, with the connector 20, by looking at the socket 40 from the outside, it is possible to understand that the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected and that the movement of the slide cover 80 in the cylindrical axial direction is restricted.

[0069] In the connector 20 of this embodiment, when the slide cover 80 is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body 42, the mark 49 is exposed to the outside through the exposed portion 82 of the slide cover 80. Therefore, the mark 49 can be visually confirmed from the outside of the socket 40 (slide cover 80) through the exposed portion 82. In other words, with the connector 20, by looking at the socket 40 from the outside, it is possible to understand that the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected and that the movement of the slide cover 80 in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted.

[0070] In the connector 20 of this embodiment, the notch or opening provided in the slide cover 80 is made into an exposed portion 82, so that the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected and the movement of the slide cover 80 in the cylindrical axial direction is restricted can be determined from the outside of the socket 40 with a simple structure. In addition, by making the exposed portion 82 a notch or opening provided in the slide cover 80, the weight of the socket 40 can be reduced and the amount of material used for the slide cover 80 can be reduced.

[0071] In the connector 20 of this embodiment, multiple marks 49 are provided on the cylindrical body 42 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and multiple exposed portions 82 are provided on the slide cover 80 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Therefore, it is possible to determine from various directions that the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected and that the movement of the slide cover 80 in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted.

[0072] In the connector 20 of this embodiment, the plug 22 and the socket 40 are connected when the claw portions 44C provided on a pair of legs 44B of the retainer 44 are inserted into the annular groove. When the distance between the pair of legs 44B of the retainer 44 widens while connected, the claw portions 44C disengage from the annular groove, allowing the plug 22 to be pulled out of the socket 40. In other words, the connection between the plug 22 and the socket 40 can be released. In this way, since the retainer 44 has a pair of legs 44B with claw portions 44C provided on them, the number of parts can be reduced compared to, for example, a configuration in which multiple retainers 44 each having a single claw portion 44C are arranged around a cylindrical body 42.

[0073] In the connector 20 of this embodiment, a simple structure is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the slide cover 80, which allows for the spreading of the pair of legs 44B while simultaneously preventing the spreading of the pair of legs 44B.

[0074] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to examples, these embodiments are merely examples and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the disclosure. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the scope of rights of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0075] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[0076] (Note 1) A socket comprising: a plug having an engagement portion on its outer circumference; a cylindrical body having a through hole penetrating its peripheral wall; a retaining member disposed radially outside the cylindrical body and having an engagement portion that elastically engages with the engagement portion of the plug inserted into the cylindrical body through the through hole; a cover disposed radially outside the cylindrical body than the retaining member and movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, which prevents the disengagement movement of the engagement portion that is engaged with the engagement portion in a first axial position and allows the disengagement movement of the engagement portion in a second axial position; and a limiting mechanism that restricts the axial movement of the cover relative to the cylindrical body when the cover is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body while the cover is in the first position.

[0077] In the connector described in Appendix 1, inserting the plug into the cylindrical body of the socket causes the engaging portion of the retaining member to elastically engage with the engaged portion of the plug. This connects the plug to the cylindrical body, i.e., the socket, via the retaining member. When the plug and socket are connected, if the cover is in the first position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the cover prevents the disengagement of the engaging portion that has engaged with the engaged portion. That is, when the cover is in the first position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the connection between the plug and socket is maintained. Furthermore, when the plug and socket are connected, if the cover is in the second position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the cover allows the disengagement of the engaging portion that has engaged with the engaged portion. That is, when the cover is in the second position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the connection between the plug and socket can be released.

[0078] In the above connector, when the cover is in its first position, rotating the cover around the axis of the cylindrical body restricts the cover's movement in the axial direction of the cylindrical body. Because the movement of the cover in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted by this restricting mechanism, accidental movement of the cover in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is suppressed when the socket and plug are connected. In other words, the above connector prevents the connection between the plug and socket from being released due to accidental operation.

[0079] (Note 2) The limiting mechanism comprises a projection protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and a recess provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cover into which the projection is inserted, wherein the recess has an axial recess extending in the axial direction and a circumferential recess extending in the circumferential direction of the cover from the end of the axial recess, and when the projection is located within the circumferential recess, the projection and the recessed wall of the circumferential recess come into contact, thereby restricting the axial movement of the cover relative to the cylindrical body, as described in Note 1.

[0080] In the connector described in Appendix 2, when the projection is located within the axial recess, the projection is guided by both recessed walls of the axial recess, making it easy to move the cover in the axial direction relative to the cylindrical body. Furthermore, when the projection moves from the axial recess to the circumferential recess and is located within the circumferential recess, the projection is guided by both recessed walls of the circumferential recess, making it easy to rotate the cover around the axis of the cylindrical body. Here, when the projection is located within the circumferential recess, the recessed walls of the circumferential recess, which act as guides, come into contact with the projection, thereby restricting the movement of the cover in the axial direction relative to the cylindrical body. Thus, in the above connector, with a simple structure in which a projection is provided on the cylindrical body and a recess is provided on the cover in the socket, it is possible to prevent the connection between the plug and the socket from being released due to erroneous operation.

[0081] (Note 3) The connector as described in Note 2, wherein the circumferential recess is a through hole that penetrates the cover in the thickness direction.

[0082] In the connector described in Appendix 3, the circumferential recess provided on the inner surface of the cover is a through-hole that penetrates the cover in the thickness direction. Therefore, when a projection is located within the circumferential recess, the projection can be visually confirmed from the outside of the socket (cover) through the through-hole. In other words, with the above connector, by looking at the socket from the outside, it is possible to determine that the plug and socket are connected and that the movement of the cover in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted.

[0083] (Note 4) The connector according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, further comprising: a mark provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical body in an area covered by the cover; and an exposed portion provided on the cover, which exposes the mark to the outside when the cover is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body.

[0084] In the connector described in Appendix 4, when the cover is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body, the mark is exposed to the outside through the exposed part of the cover. Therefore, the mark can be visually confirmed from the outside of the socket (cover) through the exposed part. In other words, with the above connector, by looking at the socket from the outside, it is possible to determine that the plug and socket are connected and that the movement of the cover in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted.

[0085] (Note 5) The connector described in Note 4, wherein the exposed portion is a notch or opening provided in the cover.

[0086] In the connector described in Appendix 5, the cutout or opening in the cover is used as the exposed part, allowing for a simple structure in which it is possible to determine from the outside of the socket that the plug and socket are connected and that the movement of the cover in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted. Furthermore, by using a cutout or opening in the cover as the exposed part, the weight of the socket can be reduced and the amount of material used for the cover can be decreased.

[0087] (Note 6) The connector described in Note 4 or Note 5, wherein the marks are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body, and the exposed portions are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cover.

[0088] In the connector described in Appendix 6, multiple marks are provided on the cylindrical body at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and multiple exposed parts are provided on the cover at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. This allows it to be understood from various directions that the plug and socket are connected and that the movement of the cover in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted.

[0089] (Note 7) The connector as described in Note 1, wherein the engaged portion is a circumferentially extending annular groove provided on the outer surface of the plug, the circumferential wall of the cylindrical body has through holes at radially opposing positions, the retaining member has a pair of legs arranged opposite to each other so as to sandwich the cylindrical body from both sides, and the legs are provided with claws that serve as the engaging portion and are inserted into the annular groove.

[0090] In the connector described in Appendix 7, the plug and socket are connected when the claws provided on a pair of legs of the retaining member are inserted into the annular grooves. When the distance between the pair of legs of the retaining member widens while connected, the claws disengage from the annular grooves, allowing the plug to be pulled out of the socket. In other words, the connection between the plug and socket can be released. In this way, since the retaining member has a pair of legs with claws, the number of parts can be reduced compared to, for example, a configuration in which multiple retaining members, each having a single claw, are arranged around a cylindrical body.

[0091] (Note 8) The connector as described in Note 7, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the cover has a blocking portion that, at the first position, abuts against the legs and prevents the pair of legs from spreading, and a permitting portion that, at the second position, permits the pair of legs to spread.

[0092] The connector in Appendix 8 has a simple structure in which a blocking portion and a permitting portion are formed on the inner circumference of the cover, which allows for the spreading of the pair of legs and also prevents the spreading of the pair of legs.

[0093] (Note 9) A socket comprising: a cylindrical body having a through hole penetrating its peripheral wall; a retaining member disposed radially outside the cylindrical body and having an engaging portion that elastically engages with an engaging portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of a plug inserted into the cylindrical body through the through hole; a cover disposed radially outside the cylindrical body than the retaining member and movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, which prevents the disengagement movement of the engaging portion that is engaged with the engaging portion in a first axial position and allows the disengagement movement of the engaging portion in a second axial position; and a limiting mechanism that restricts the axial movement of the cover relative to the cylindrical body when the cover is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body while the cover is in the first position.

[0094] In the socket described in Appendix 9, inserting the plug into the cylindrical body of the socket causes the engaging portion of the retaining member to elastically engage with the engaged portion of the plug. This connects the plug to the cylindrical body, i.e., the socket, via the retaining member. When the plug and socket are connected, if the cover is in the first position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the cover prevents the disengagement of the engaging portion that has engaged with the engaged portion. That is, when the cover is in the first position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the connection between the plug and socket is maintained. Furthermore, when the plug and socket are connected, if the cover is in the second position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the cover allows the disengagement of the engaging portion that has engaged with the engaged portion. That is, when the cover is in the second position in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the connection between the plug and socket can be released.

[0095] In the above socket, when the cover is in its first position, rotating the cover around the axis of the cylindrical body restricts the cover's movement in the axial direction of the cylindrical body. Because the movement of the cover in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is restricted by this restricting mechanism, accidental movement of the cover in the axial direction of the cylindrical body is suppressed when the socket and plug are connected. In other words, the above socket prevents the connection between the plug and socket from being released due to accidental operation.

[0096] Furthermore, the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-010730, filed on 24 January 2025, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0097] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a plug having an engagement portion on its outer circumferential surface; a cylindrical body having a through hole penetrating its peripheral wall; a retaining member positioned radially outward from the cylindrical body and having an engagement portion that elastically engages with the engagement portion of the plug inserted into the cylindrical body through the through hole; a cover positioned radially outward from the cylindrical body than the retaining member and movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, which prevents the disengagement movement of the engagement portion engaged with the engagement portion in a first axial position and allows the disengagement movement of the engagement portion in a second axial position; and a limiting mechanism that restricts the axial movement of the cover relative to the cylindrical body when the cover is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body while the cover is in the first position.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the limiting mechanism comprises a projection protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and a recess provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cover into which the projection is inserted, the recess having an axial recess extending in the axial direction and a circumferential recess extending in the circumferential direction of the cover from the end of the axial recess, and when the projection is located within the circumferential recess, the projection and the recessed wall of the circumferential recess come into contact, thereby restricting the axial movement of the cover relative to the cylindrical body.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the circumferential recess is a through hole that penetrates the cover in the thickness direction.

4. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising: a mark provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body in an area covered by the cover; and an exposed portion provided on the cover, which exposes the mark to the outside when the cover is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the exposed portion is a notch or opening provided in the cover.

6. The connector according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the marks are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body, and the exposed portions are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cover.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the engaged portion is a circumferentially extending annular groove provided on the outer circumferential surface of the plug, the circumferential wall of the cylindrical body is provided with through holes at radially opposing positions, the retaining member has a pair of legs arranged opposite to each other so as to sandwich the cylindrical body from both sides, and the legs are provided with claw portions that serve as the engaging portion and are inserted into the annular groove.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the cover has a blocking portion formed thereon at the first position that abuts against the legs and prevents the pair of legs from spreading apart, and a permitting portion formed thereon at the second position that allows the pair of legs to spread apart.

9. A socket comprising: a cylindrical body having a through hole penetrating its peripheral wall; a retaining member positioned radially outward from the cylindrical body and having an engaging portion that elastically engages with an engaging portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of a plug inserted into the cylindrical body through the through hole; a cover positioned radially outward from the cylindrical body than the retaining member and movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, which prevents the disengagement movement of the engaging portion from engaging with the engaging portion in a first axial position and allows the disengagement movement of the engaging portion in a second axial position; and a limiting mechanism that restricts the axial movement of the cover relative to the cylindrical body when the cover is rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body while the cover is in the first position.

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