| 摘要 |
A locking mechanism for male and female coupling members for use in undersea production and drilling applications is disclosed. At least one pin extends radially from the female member. Each pin enters a slot in a guide sleeve extending longitudinally from the male member. The guide sleeve also contains a spring and spring plate. The female member is inserted into the guide sleeve, compressing the spring, and the pin enters the first longitudinal portion of the slot. The female member may be rotated with respect to the male member when the pin is in the circumferential portion of the slot. The pin then may enter the second or third longitudinal portion of the slot. When the pin is in the second portion of the slot, the female member is "parked" or secured to the male member while coupling member valves remain closed, and when the pin is in the third portion of the slot, the valves are open. When the female member is released, the spring urges the female member outwardly from the bore and the pin reaches the end of the second or third portion of the slot, at which time the coupling members are locked together. The present invention allows locking and unlocking of undersea hydraulic couplings with a "one hand" ROV operation.
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