| 摘要 |
<p>A snap-action joint for coupling pipe ends is provided in which a male section 17 is snapped into an outer female section 1 and in this action two sliding plate wedges 9 are displaced outwardly and then spring back to engage contact surfaces of the male section. The surfaces of the male section and wedges 9 which engage to lock the male section to the female section 1 are arcuately curved so as to lie with the centre of curvature on the joint axis and so as to subtend a substantial angle, e.g. of the order of 90 DEG for each wedge. The joint is released by means of an outer sleeve 2 which is displaced axially of the joint, and which displaces a first ring 12 so as by a wedging action to retract the locking wedges 9, and also by wedging action, to displace a second ring 14 axially of the joint, in turn compressing a spring 20 which urges the locking wedges 9 in locking engagement with the inner section on release of the sleeve 2. <IMAGE></p> |
