The present invention relates to a structure of a female coupling component which is included in a quick coupling. The female coupling component contains a centrally extending component and a sealing sleeve capable of longitudinal displacementwith respect to this component. Quick couplings designed for low or high pressure may be mentioned as examples.
A large number of quick couplings are known and used in various applications. Such devices may be included as a valve body in a quick coupling. If the quick coupling is to be used in a vulnerable environment, it may incorporate a so-calledprotective cover to prevent impurities and foreign particles from entering into the coupling. Couplings of this kind can also incorporate a holder for balls or similar as a part of a locking device for the male and female components of the quickcoupling.
In the case of the type of quick coupling mentioned above, the need exists in various respects to be able to achieve a construction which affords flexibility in the production and assembly of the quick coupling as part of a rational manufacturingprocess. The construction shall be capable for this purpose of being so executed as to consist of easily interchangeable components which can be combined together to meet various standards with regard to, for example, thread dimensions and thread types.
The quick coupling shall also exhibit a design whereby the quick coupling functions can take place in an optimal fashion, with low connection forces and absence of leakage on changing over, etc.
The object of the present invention is to propose, amongst other things, a design of female coupling component which allows to eliminate the indicated problems. The above new female coupling component of the present invention includes asleeve-shaped bearing component for the centrally extending device and the sealing sleeve is accommodated in a recess intended for that purpose in the female coupling component. The device is supported in the bearing component through radially extendingelements, by means of which one or more fluid passageways are formed between the outside of the device and the inside of the bearing component, and that the bearing component carries a load-relieving device for any fluid forces which act on the sealingsleeve as part of the function of the quick coupling.
In one embodiment of the present invention two elements for supporting the centrally extending device shall be executed with the help of a disc-shaped unit which extends diametrically in the fluid passageway of the bearing component. The unitshould preferably exhibit an anchoring recess for the centrally extending device, which can be provided with a threaded end part via which the device can be screwed into in a corresponding recess of the unit. In order for the centrally extending deviceto exhibit a rigid attachment, the threaded end part is provided with radially extending supporting surfaces which interact with corresponding surfaces on the end edge of the unit.
The unit can be provided with limited penetration in the longitudinal direction of the female coupling componet and yet is still capable of providing its securing function for the centrally extending device. The unit serves in a preferredembodiment as an end stop for the degree of insertion of the sealing sleeve into the female coupling component. In order to achieve a suitable sealing function in the quick coupling, it is essential for the sealing sleeve to be allocated apre-determined degree of insertion into the female coupling component. This degree of insertion can be determined by means of the devices which support the end stops of the unit, and may be in the form of one or more pins extending from the unit. Suchpins would extend from the unit in the longitudinal sense of the female coupling component.
In one embodiment the elements are securely supported in the longitudinal direction of the female coupling component. The support is provided at one end of the bearing component, and the sealing sleeve is supported in and works inside the otherparts of the bearing component. The sealing sleeve projects outwards through the other end of the bearing component so as to interact with devices in the male coupling components on connecting together the male and female components of the quickcoupling.
In the event of the female coupling component incorporating holders for locking balls, the bearing component should preferably be supported in a similar holder. The sealing sleeve is able in this way to interact with a first return spring whichis in contact with the aforementioned element, and the bearing component constitutes a support for a second return spring for a protective cover which may be arranged in the female coupling components.
The load-relieving devices consist essentially of inward-projecting devices, preferably arranged at the free end of the bearing component. Corresponding load-relieving devices on the sealing sleeve can have the form of corresponding projectingdevices situated on those parts of the sealing sleeve which are situated inside the bearing components.
The bearing component is capable of being accommodated in a recess in the female coupling component and secured with the help of an internal recess in the ball race when this is assembled with a body component or corresponding component of thefemale component. The sealing sleeve and the radial elements (the unit) are so arranged in relation to the anchoring component as to be capable of being accommodated before the anchoring component is accommodated inside the recess.
The embodiments indicated above provide advantages, especially in conjunction with the manufacture and assembly of quick coupling components. These can be executed with different threads which are suitable for use in their respective areas ofapplication. The essential functions and properties of quick couplings of this kind can be retained in spite of the fact that the first-named functions are additional.
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