Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a U.S. National Stage Application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT/JP2005/017210, filed on Sep. 12, 2005, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application 2004-266464, filed on Sep. 14, 2004 and Japanese Patent Application 2004-281318, filed on Sep. 28, 2004. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to connector structures with lock mechanisms comprised of a supply connection component for supplying a fluid and a reception connection component for receiving supply of the fluid. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Former supply devices supplying fluids and reception devices utilizing those fluids were assembled of fuel injection type lighters and fuel injection gas tanks, for example, with such connector structures disposing respectively a lighter side injection port and a gas tank side discharge port and basically operating by executing an opening operation through pressing of both valves and allowing the fluid within the gas tank to be injected into the lighter. (Reference Examined Utility Model Application Publication S39-14343 and Examined Utility Model Application Publication H03-35972.) 
     Former connector structures had a simple structure by which the connection condition between the gas lighter acting as a reception device that utilizes the fluid and the gas tank acting as a supply device for replenishment injection of the fluid to the gas lighter storing the fluid was intended only for the time at which replenishment injection of fluid to the gas lighter was executed and were not a structure for ordinary connection. 
     On the other hand, there is demand based on utility for the establishing of a supply device that stores fluid for the reception device in such a way that it is ordinarily connected and supplies the stored fluid, and in such an instance, a structure that can be easily configured as a connection component mechanism by providing a pump on the reception device side so as to supply fluid from within the supply device, but placement of a fuel pump and pump control mechanism on the reception device side would be required, and this makes the reception device side more complex and in turn becomes an obstacle to designing for compact dimensions. 
     Based on the above points, it is preferable to render a pump on the reception device side unnecessary by supplying fluid through use of a supply device storing fluid in a pressurized condition, such as with the previously described gas tank, but if such a supply device is not in a currently installed condition it may cause problems such as fluid leakage or poor fluid supply. 
     In addition, there is sought a structure that locks to prevent easy disconnection by such as vibration of the connected supply device, but when structured to install by inserting the supply device into the reception device a problem arises in the difficulty of removing the supply device after use. 
     Furthermore, to prevent leakage of fluid, it is necessary to form the structure to easily and reliably complete connector separation at removal of the supply device from the reception device during use. 
     This invention considers the above described issues and has as its purpose the provision of a connector structure with lock mechanism comprising a supply connector for supplying fluid and a reception connector for receiving fluid in a way that enables reliable connecting of the supply device storing fluid in a locked condition by use of a simple operation and enables reliable release and removal by use of a simple operation. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosure of the Invention 
     The connector structure with lock mechanism of this invention is a connector structure comprising a supply connector for supplying fluid and a reception connector for receiving the supply of fluid, and it is characterized by possessing an operating member that shifts in conjunction with the connection movement of said supply connector and said reception connector, by providing a fastening mechanism for maintaining a lock condition in which has been fastened the connection condition of said supply connector and said reception connector in conjunction with shifting of said operating member and for releasing the lock condition of said supply connector and said reception connector with further shifting of said operating member in conjunction with the next pressing inward operation of said operating member, and by providing a force applicator for applying force in the separation direction to said supply connector, and being capable of supplying fluid from said supply connector to said reception connector. 
     It is preferred that the above described fastening mechanism provide a mating component disposed on said supply connector and an operating member disposed on said reception connector and which is capable of shifting in conjunction with the pressing inward operation of said supply connector and mating with said mating component. 
     It is preferred that the above described operating member be structured with a second ring capable of rotation shift between a first ring and a third ring, that the first ring and third ring maintain rotation capability and axial direction shift capability at the interior of a ratchet holder, that the second ring provide guide protrusions for mating with ratchet steps disposed on said ratchet holder, and locking protrusions for mating with a mating protrusions to act as a mating components disposed on said supply connector, and slide hooks for receiving rotation force by contact with the third ring, so that the second ring shifts in the axial direction through influence of the first ring in conjunction with the connection operation of said supply connector, that while in such transit it receives rotation force by contact with the third ring, that it rotation shifts by one increment in conjunction with the change in mating position for the single instance axial direction shift, that said locking protrusions enters a lock condition by mating with said mating protrusions, and that at the next axial direction shift the second ring rotation shifts by the next one increment and mating between said locking protrusions and said mating protrusions is released. 
     It is also acceptable to structure such that said second ring receives additional rotation direction force by contact with said first ring. 
     It is preferred that said release spring application force operate on said supply connector in the separation direction and also operate on said operating member to prevent floating movement of said operating member. 
     It is also acceptable to structure such that a fastening sound is emitted from within said operating member at time of rotation movement by ordinary operation of application force. 
     In addition, it is preferred that there be further provided a seal member to form a seal between said supply connector and said reception connector, and that at time of connection movement, supply of fluid is enabled after forming a seal by use of said seal member, and at time said fastening mechanism undergoes a lock operation and release, said seal member is separated after lock release and passage blockage. 
     According to the above described invention, because there are provided a fastening mechanism for maintaining the supply connector and reception connector in a locked condition by the shifting of the operating member in conjunction with the connection movement and for releasing the locked condition in conjunction with the next pressing inward action and a force applicator for applying force in the separation direction, the locked condition and released condition are activated by movement of the fastening mechanism corresponding to the connection movement of the supply connector, there are prevented occurrences of dislocation of the supply connector by such as vibration and incomplete connection conditions, and furthermore, the disconnection movement can also be performed easily by pressing the supply connector inward another time while in the connection condition. 
     In addition, it is possible to reliably obtain the connection condition and release condition without inadvertent placement in a position of partial connection, and there is no engendering of pressurized fluid leakage or poor fluid supply. Moreover, by performing the connection movement and release movement with a movement that pressing the supply connector inward, it is not necessary to dispose a operating component in the vicinity of the reception connector in order to execute connection and release, which allows a simpler structure. 
     Furthermore, according to the substantive structure of the fastening mechanism, it is possible to obtain reliable lock and release movements with the three ring structure, without rotation force being applied to the main components of the reception connector. 
     With the application of ordinary pressing pressure, it is always possible to cause exercise of application force on the lock ring and to generate a click sensation and fastening sound from the ratchet, providing confirmation of the connection operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a full unit cross section drawing showing the separated condition of the connector structure with the supply connector of the supply device and the reception connector provided with the pressure regulator mechanism according to the first embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a main component expanded cross section drawing of the connector structure of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective drawing of the pressurized container used as the supply device. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view perspective drawing of the main components of the fastening mechanism. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross section drawing showing the maximum pressed inward condition at connection movement of the supply connector. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section drawing showing the locked condition of the connected supply connector and reception connector. 
         FIG. 7  is cross section perspective drawing showing the relationship between the supply connector and operating member for the lock released condition. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross section perspective drawing identical to that of  FIG. 7  but showing the locked condition. 
         FIG. 9  is a drawing showing the condition of the fastening mechanism before connection with one portion of the holder omitted. 
         FIG. 10  is a drawing identical to that of  FIG. 9  but showing the initial condition at which the supply connector has been pressed into the reception connector. 
         FIG. 11  is a drawing identical to that of  FIG. 9  but showing the initial condition at which pressing inward has released the supply connector. 
         FIG. 12  is a drawing identical to that of  FIG. 9  but showing the locked condition at which the supply connector has mated to the reception connector. 
         FIG. 13  is a drawing identical to that of  FIG. 9  but showing the initial condition for lock release at which the supply connector has been pressed inward during the locked condition. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view perspective drawing of the main components of the fastening mechanism according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a drawing showing the movement condition of the fastening mechanism with one portion of the holder omitted. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded view perspective drawing of the main components of the fastening mechanism according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross section drawing showing only the main components of the fastening mechanism of  FIG. 16  in the condition prior to connection. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross section drawing showing only the main components of the fastening mechanism of  FIG. 16  in the condition midway through the connection operation. 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view perspective drawing of the pressure regulator mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred Embodiments for Implementing the Invention 
     The following section describes in detail embodiments of this invention.  FIG. 1  is a full unit cross section drawing showing the separated condition of the connector structure with the supply connector of the supply device and the reception connector provided with the pressure regulator mechanism according to the first embodiment;  FIG. 2  is a main component expanded cross section drawing of the connector structure of  FIG. 1 ;  FIG. 3  is a perspective drawing of the pressurized container used as the supply device;  FIG. 4  is an exploded view perspective drawing of the main components of the fastening mechanism;  FIG. 5  is a cross section drawing showing the maximum pressed inward condition at connection movement of the supply connector;  FIG. 6  is a cross section drawing showing the locked condition of the connected supply connector and reception connector;  FIG. 7  is cross section perspective drawing showing the relationship between the supply connector and operating member for the lock released condition;  FIG. 8  is a cross section perspective drawing identical to that of  FIG. 7  but showing shift to the locked condition; and,  FIGS. 9˜13  are drawings showing the conditions of the fastening mechanism with one portion of the holder omitted. Furthermore, the descriptions that follow are given with reference to the drawings in top-to-bottom and left-to-right orientation, but actual disposition direction may be in horizontal orientation in which the centerline follows a level plane direction rather than the vertical orientation in which the centerline extends in a perpendicular direction (or inversion of top-to-bottom) as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     First Embodiment 
     Connector structure  1  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  comprises reception connector  2  disposed on reception device  11  of such as a fuel cell using a fluid such as liquid fuel and a supply connector  3  disposed on supply device  12  that is such as a fuel cartridge supplying fluid by pressurization, and it connects reception connector  2  and supply connector  3  into a locked condition by use of fastening mechanism  4  (ratchet mechanism) at time of supply of fuel F from supply device  12  to reception device  11 . Reception connector  2  provides the main components fastening mechanism  4  and pressure regulator  5  (governor mechanism) for regulating the supply fluid to a fixed secondary pressure. On the opposite side, supply connector  3  provides at supply connection port  31  the plug-shaped valve mechanism  6  possessing valve stem  61  that is forced in the valve closing direction by spring  62 . Furthermore, it is preferred that spring  62  and valve stem  61  be of stainless steel because there is liability to corrosion. 
     Reception device  11  on which reception connector  2  is disposed is an implement having a built-in fuel cell, for example, while supply device  12  on which supply connector  3  is disposed is a pressurized container (fuel cartridge) storing fuel cell fuel fluid, for example, and an explanation follows for the discharge supply of fluid F stored under pressure and the substantive structure. 
     The structure is such that the leading portion of supply connector  3  is connected by insertion to the interior of reception connector  2 , an opening operation is executed by insertion shifting of valve stem  61  of supply connector  3 , pressure regulator  5  of reception connector  2  operates corresponding to supply of the pressurized fluid, and the fluid pressure regulated to a fixed secondary pressure is supplied to reception device  11 . In addition, these are disposed in a structure such that at the above described connection operation, in conjunction with the pressing inward operation for connection of supply connector  3 , second ring  44  acting as the operating member for fastening mechanism  4  shifts and mates to a portion of supply connector  3  and maintains reception connector  2  in a locked condition, and at time of separation, in conjunction with the next pressing inward operation of supply connector  3 , second ring  44  acting as the operating member further shifts and modifies the locked condition to a released condition, and reception connector  2  and supply connector  3  are forcibly modified to a separated condition by release spring  47  acting as a force applicator. 
     Next, the following section describes specifically the structure of each component. First, as shown in the cross section drawing of  FIG. 2  and the exploded view perspective drawing of  FIG. 19 , pressure regulator  5  provides diaphragm  52  held between cover case  51  and unit case  53 , guide member  54  that is connected to unit case  53  and by which is guided the fluid (liquid or gas) of primary pressure, primary regulating valve  55  and secondary regulating valve  56  (low pressure check valve) that perform linked movement with diaphragm  52  and reduce the primary pressure to the secondary pressure, elastic plate  57  (high pressure check valve), and filter  58  for dust removal. Cover case  51  and unit case  53  are reciprocally fastened by such as stainless steel screw  516 . Moreover, it is preferred that described cover case  51  and guide member  54  be of polyoxymethylene (POM). Additionally, it is preferred that diaphragm  52 , primary regulating valve  55 , secondary regulating valve  56  and elastic plate  57  be of ethylene propylene diene methylene (EPDM) for its methanol resistance (against swelling, melting, absorption and hardening), but nitrile rubber (NBR) is acceptable. 
     Described primary regulating valve  55  and secondary regulating valve  56  perform linked movement in correspondence to displacement of diaphragm  52 , are components regulating primary pressure to secondary pressure by reciprocally opposing closing movement, and the regulating properties for primary pressure change become opposite properties with each of primary regulating valve  55  and secondary regulating valve  56 . In this way, at diaphragm  52  the pressure loss operated by primary pressure on the reflection surface of primary regulating valve  55  and the pressure loss operated by secondary pressure on the reflection surface of secondary regulating valve  56  are added in the same direction, and by the combination of both regulating properties regulating error within the secondary pressure is compensated by the pressure loss fluctuation corresponding to primary pressure fluctuation, and this obtains a fixed secondary pressure. Furthermore, primary regulating valve  55  and secondary regulating valve  56  perform opening and closing operations in opposition to the displacement of diaphragm  52 , and they are intended to simplify manufacturing by canceling out regulating fluctuations due to installation position error of either member and by relieving production precision. 
     Fastening mechanism  4  is disposed on the periphery of guide member  54  of pressure regulator  5 , and, as shown in  FIG. 2 , this fastening mechanism  4  provides holder unit  41  and ratchet holder  42  affixed to described unit case  53 , first ring  43 , second ring  44  and third ring  45  disposed within ratchet holder  42 , spring holder  46  that slides freely in the axial direction, and release spring  47 . It is preferred that holder unit  41 , ratchet holder  42 , first ring  43 , third ring  45  and spring holder  46  be of polyoxymethylene (POM). 
     Second ring  44  rotates by one increment corresponding to the connection movement of described supply connector  3  and performs mating lock for supply connector  3 , and by the next pressing inward movement of supply connector  3 , second ring  44  further rotates by one increment and releases mating lock, and supply connector  3  is forcibly separated by the application force of release spring  47 . The one increment forwarding described above is performed such that force is operated in the rotation direction by pressing pressure on the inclined surfaces between the rings. 
     Supply connector  3  disposed at the top of supply device  12  provides connection port  31  with built-in valve mechanism  6  at the center of connector unit  30 , and it possesses connection cylinder  32  at the periphery of connection port  31  and protruding outward in the axial direction. It is preferred that connector unit  30  be of polycarbonate (PC) and that connection port  31  be of polyoxymethylene (POM). As shown in  FIG. 3 , there are provided mating protrusions  321  used as lock mating components protruding at equal intervals from the leading edge periphery of connection cylinder  32 , and they are capable of mating with lock protrusions  444  of second ring  44 . Furthermore, the cross section position for connection cylinder  32  differs in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     At a prescribed position from the leading edge of connection cylinder  32 , pressing shoulder  322  protrudes in an annular shape to the outer side, and as described hereafter, it contacts against inner protrusions  433  of first ring  43  and causes shifting in the axial direction corresponding to connection movement. In addition, spline-shaped protrusions  323  protrude from pressing shoulder  322  toward mating protrusions  321 , and along with the formation of an annular space between these and mating protrusions  321  for rotational movement of second ring  44 , these prevent other rotation by mating with vertical channels  426  at the lower periphery of ratchet holder  42  of reception connector  2 . 
     Connection port  31  is formed in a pipe shape, seal member  33  of an O-ring is installed at the leading edge periphery, nut  35  is installed and tightened on lower end  311  passed through connector unit  30 , and valve stem  61  of valve mechanism  6  is disposed to slide freely at the inner periphery of intermediate step  312 . Lower end  311  and connector unit  30  are sealed by O-ring  315  disposed within the peripheral channel of lower end  311 . Moreover, it is preferred that O-ring  315  be of ethylene propylene diene methylene (EPDM) and coated with poly tetrafluoro ethylene (PTFE). Valve body  63  of an O-ring is installed at the lower end of valve stem  61  and protrudes beyond intermediate step  312 . The indentation in the top of valve stem  61  is able to contact against the leading edge of linking protrusion  544  of guide member  54 , and spring  62  (return spring) is installed with compression between the underside of the top section and intermediate step  312  and applies force in the valve closed direction. 
     Next, the following section describes the structure of fastening mechanism  4  in reception connector  2  by reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Ratchet holder  42  shown at the lower side of  FIG. 4  is formed in an annular shape, and it is fixed to holder unit  41  shown at the upper side of the same drawing by the upper edge of cylinder  420 . At the inner surface of cylinder  420  of ratchet holder  42  there are provided four peripheral direction first guide channels  421  positioned at an approximately intermediate position from the opposite end of an extension in the axial direction, L-shaped mating channels  422  passing from interior to exterior from the upper edge surface and positioned between first guide channels  421 , ratchet protrusions  423  (reference  FIG. 9 ) disposed in multiple quantity (12 protrusions) at equal intervals of the inner periphery at the lower side, and second guide channels  424  in multiple quantity (12 channels) at equal intervals of the inner peripheral surface between ratchet protrusions  423  and extending in the axial direction, and there are at the upper end of ratchet protrusions  423  inclined surfaces  423   a  and stop steps  423   b  (reference  FIG. 9 ), and the upper surfaces of stop steps  423   b  are inclined identically to inclined surfaces  423   a  and also face second guide channels  424 . 
     First ring  43  (slide ring) provides guide protrusions  432  of multiple quantity (12 protrusions) at equal intervals on the outer periphery of ring base  431  and provides inner protrusions  433  on the inner periphery at positions matching guide protrusions  432 . Guide protrusions  432  of the periphery are at ordinary time inserted within second guide channels  424  of ratchet holder  42 , and this first ring  43  does not rotate but shifts only upward or downward. At the lower surfaces of inner protrusions  433 , the upper edge of pressing shoulder  322  of connection cylinder  32  of supply connector  3  is able to make contact when raised, and that pressing pressure raises first ring  43  in the axial direction. Furthermore, mating protrusions  321  of connection cylinder  32  are capable of insertion passage through the vertical channels between the inner protrusions  433 . 
     Second ring  44  (lock ring) provides guide protrusions  442  of multiple quantity (12 protrusions) at equal intervals on the outer periphery of ring base  441 , slide hooks  443  with inclined surfaces of multiple quantity (12 hooks) at equal intervals on the upper surface, and lock protrusions  444  of multiple quantity (12 protrusions) projecting at equal intervals from the inner periphery, and it executes rotation movement in rotation direction d. Guide protrusions  442  of the outer periphery and lock protrusions  444  of the inner periphery are identically positioned in the peripheral direction, and both are linked at the bottom section of ring base  441 , and these bottom common sections are established with the sides facing the forward direction of rotation direction d higher and the sides facing the backward direction lower. In addition, the upper surfaces of slide hooks  443  projecting from the upper surface are established with sides facing the forward direction of rotation direction d higher and the sides facing the backward direction lower. 
     Guide protrusions  442  of the outer periphery are inserted into second guide channels  424  of ratchet holder  42  and they guide the sliding movement of second ring  44  in the axial direction, and at large upward movement of second ring  44 , guide protrusions  442  exit second guide channels  424  and second ring  44  becomes capable of rotation. Due to rotation, when the lower edge inclined surfaces of guide protrusions  442  descend in a condition capable of contacting inclined surfaces  423   a  or the upper edge inclined surfaces of stop steps  423   b  of ratchet protrusions  423 , there is further rotation by contact of these companion inclined surfaces, and therefore either the leading edges of guide protrusions  442  enter a locked condition by having mated with stop steps  423   b  or guide protrusions  442  enter a separated condition by having inserted into second guide channels  424 , and rotation stops. In addition, by the rotation movement in conjunction with the connection movement, lock protrusions  444  of the inner periphery shift to the inner side of mating protrusions  321  used for locking by connection cylinder  32  of supply connector  3  and are capable of the mating lock condition. 
     Third ring  45  (guide ring) provides four guide protrusions  452  at equal intervals of the outer periphery of ring base  451  and hooking teeth  453  having inclined surfaces of ratchet hook shape on the lower surfaces. Guide protrusions  452  are inserted into first guide channels  421  of ratchet holder  42 , and third ring  45  is capable of upward and downward shifting in the axial direction (rotation not possible), and the bottom end position is limited by guide protrusions  452  mating against the lower edge of first guide channels  421  so that it separates from second ring  44 . Hooking teeth  453  at the lower surface contact slide hooks  443  on the upper surface of second ring  44  and cause rotation of second ring  44  by the contact of the companion inclined surfaces. 
     Spring holder  46  comprises annular-shaped upper cylinder  461  and comparatively smaller diameter lower cylinder  462 , and release spring  47  is installed with compression within, and outer periphery shoulder  463  at the lower end of upper cylinder  461  contacts and applies force from the upper direction onto lock protrusions  444  of second ring  44 . In this way, floating movement is prevented when second ring  44  separates from third ring  45 . 
     In addition, lower cylinder  462  of spring holder  46  is inserted within first through third rings  43 ˜ 45  and extends downward within ratchet holder  42 , and it possesses an opening in the bottom center that receives release spring  47 , and connection port  31  of supply connector  3  is inserted within the opening. Furthermore, the lower end of lower cylinder  462  is capable of contacting interior surface  324  of connector unit  30  of supply connector  3 , and this enables upward shifting movement by the resistance of spring holder  46  against release spring  47  by the connection movement of supply connector  3 . 
     Release spring  47  is a coil spring installed with compression between the lower surface flanges of unit case  53  of reception connector  2 , and it passes through spring holder  46  and presses against third ring  45  and applies force on supply connector  3  disconnection and separation direction. 
     Holder unit  41  is fixed to diaphragm  52  and fastened to unit case  53  of reception connector  2 . Ring section  411  at the bottom end consolidates the unit, there are provided four fixed sections  412  extending upward at equal intervals and vertical channels  413  between fixed sections  412 , screw holes  415  are formed in flanges  414  protruding outward at the upper edge of fixed sections  412 , and four pin protrusions  416  protrude outward one each from the outer surface of each of fixed sections  412  below flanges  414 . Pin protrusions  416  are capable of mating with L-shaped mating channels  422  of ratchet holder  42 , thereby enabling assembly. 
     The following section describes specifically the structure of pressure regulator  5 . By joining unit case  53  and cover case  51  around diaphragm  52 , there is formed regulation chamber  530  and atmospheric chamber  510  within the interior space. Diaphragm  52  is capable of elastic displacement corresponding to the pressure difference between atmospheric chamber  510  and the received secondary pressure of regulation chamber  530 , and in the center area, supporter  521  is fastened to atmospheric chamber  510  and on the other side shaft  522  is fastened to regulation chamber  530 , and they are capable of integrally shifting in the axial direction corresponding to displacement of diaphragm  52 . It is preferred that supporter  521  and shaft  522  be of polyoxymethylene (POM). 
     Shaft  522  provides boss  523  fastened to diaphragm  52  and positioned in regulation chamber  530  and provides shank  524  extending in the axial direction from the leading edge of boss  523 , and it possesses a peripheral channel at the leading edge of shank  524 , and primary regulating valve  55  of an O-ring is installed in the channel, and furthermore, secondary regulating valve  56  of an O-ring (elastic body) is installed at the leading edge surface of boss  523  as a base component of shank  524 . 
     The bolt section in the center of the supporter  521  flange firmly fastened to diaphragm  52  passes through the center of diaphragm  52  and is tightened securely to shaft  522  on the opposite side. In addition, one end of regulator spring  513  disposed within cylinder section  511  of cover case  51  and used for pressure setting contacts supporter  521 , and the other end of regulator spring  513  contacts regulator screw  512  (adjustor) which is screwed into cylinder section  511  and capable of position adjustment, and corresponding to adjustment of the axial direction position of regulator screw  512 , there is adjustment of the application force of diaphragm  52  by regulator spring  513 . It is preferred that regulator screw  512  be of polyoxymethylene (POM) and regulator spring  513  be of stainless steel. 
     Guide member  54  of the lower section provides cylinder section  541  at the periphery, barrier wall  542  at the median, linking protrusion  544  that protrudes downward from barrier wall  542 , and passage holes  543  that pass through barrier wall  542  on either side of linking protrusion  544 . 
     On the upper surface of barrier wall  542  of guide member  54  and with capability to block the opening of passage hole  543  is disposed elastic plate  57  of such as a rubber plate or sandwich plate for high pressure blocking. When supply connector  3  has been separated with the secondary pressure of regulation chamber  530  in a relatively high condition, that secondary pressure causes elastic plate  57  to function as a reverse check valve to block passage hole  543 , and this prevents fluid from leaking to the outside. 
     The upper end of cylinder section  541  of guide member  54  passes around O-ring  532  of such as ethylene propylene diene methylene (EPDM) and is joined with removable capability to the periphery of the leading edge cylinder section of unit case  53 , and the opposite end of cylinder section  541  mates to seal member  33  at the forward end periphery of connection port  31  of supply connector  3  and guides the pressurized fluid. 
     Unit case  53  provides partition wall  531  within the leading edge cylinder section, inserted with capability to allow slide movement for shank  524  of shaft  522 , and the interior and exterior of partition wall  531  is opened and closed by primary regulating valve  55  and secondary regulating valve  56 . Opposing open and close movements are executed by primary regulating valve  55  opening in conjunction with forward shifting of shank  524  and by secondary regulating valve  56  opening in conjunction with rearward shifting. In addition, when supply connector  3  has been separated with the pressure of regulation chamber  530  in a low condition, secondary regulating valve  56  functions as a check valve to block the reverse flow of fluid by closing due to secondary pressure. 
     Discharge port  514  for discharging regulated secondary pressure gas that passes through cylinder section  533  is disposed within the interior of regulation chamber  530 , and pipe  515  that leads regulated fluid to reception device  11  is connected to discharge port  514 . It is preferred that cylinder section  533  be of polyoxymethylene (POM). In addition, it is preferred that pipe  515  be of a silicone rubber for its chemical durability and pliability, but it is acceptable to use an inexpensive urethane rubber when methanol concentrations will be less than approximately 40%. 
     When supply connector  3  is connected to reception connector  2 , the leading edge of previously described linking protrusion  544  of presses against valve stem  61  and causes the opening operation. Linking protrusion  544  is fastened to barrier wall  542  of guide member  54  and is of a structure separated from shank  524  executing linked movement with diaphragm  52 , and at connection movement it does not receive force from the displacement of diaphragm  52 . Rephrased, the leading edge of shank  524  is capable of causing a linking operation with valve stem  61 , and in that event, when pressing inward force is maintained so the maximum pressing inward condition is continued, that action causes loss of regulating function by diaphragm  52  displacement, and there is concern that fluid under pressure higher than the set secondary pressure will be supplied, but by separating linking protrusion  544  from diaphragm  52 , it is possible to maintain the regulating function and prevent supply of fluid under pressure higher than the set secondary pressure. 
     At the lower surface of barrier wall  542  of guide member  54 , filter  58  is interposed to remove foreign objects such as dust from within the supplied fluid. Filter  58  is of a circular plate shape possessing hole  58   a , and its outside diameter is formed to be slightly larger than the outside diameter of barrier wall  542 , and additionally, its inside diameter to be slightly smaller that the base diameter of linking protrusion  544 , and by insertion installation from beneath guide member  54  it is firmly installed to prevent falling. 
     The material of this filter  58  is a low density polyethylene (LDPE) foam substance of 85% void, cell average diameter 30 micrometers and thickness 1 mm, for example, although another material could be used. By firmly installing filter  58  within the fluid route, there is prevented the mixing of minute debris existing in the supply fluid, and along with preventing the generation of poor results in the opposing flow prevention operation of such as elastic plate  57 , it prevents the generation of poor movement of the operational members of reception device  11 . 
     Next, the following section describes the structure of supply device  12 . Supply device  12  comprises container unit  102  of such as polycarbonate (PC) and disposed at the head of connector unit  30  of supply connector  3 , storage chamber  103  storing fluid F and formed in the interior of container unit  102 , gas chamber  104  enclosing pressurized gas G reactive force for pressing out fluid F and formed in the interior of container unit  102  and reciprocally linking storage chamber  103  at the end, barrier wall  105  of piston shape for dividing fluid F from gas G and disposed to slide freely in storage chamber  103 , and elastic body  108  of such as stainless steel and compressed at the bottom section of container unit  102  when barrier wall  105  has descended. 
     Container unit  102  is structured of outer container  121 , cover  122  sealing closed the bottom, and inner container  123  disposed with a double construction in the interior of outer container  121 . At the lower end of inner container  123 , notch  111  is formed extending in a vertical direction, and it enables passage between the interior of inner container  123  and the interior of outer container  121 , which is storage chamber  103  and gas chamber  104 . The upper end of inner container  123  is installed with mating to nut  35  fastened to lower end  311  of connection port  31 , and inner container  123  is maintained in this condition. In the center of the upper end of inner container  123  there is opened passage hole  123   a , and corresponding to the opening and closing movements of valve stem  61  of valve mechanism  6 , discharge supply of fluid F within storage chamber  103  is performed. Moreover, it is preferred that cover  122  be of polycarbonate (PC), inner container  123  be of polypropylene (PP), and nut  35  be of polyoxymethylene (POM). 
     In addition, barrier wall  105  is inserted with close fitting and capable of sliding, it is structured of main unit  151  and elastic seal member  152  (O-ring), and the periphery of seal material  152  contacts the cylindrically shaped inner wall of inner container  123  with air tightness, and fluid F is enclosed in storage chamber  103  in the space above it. Barrier wall  105  functions as a sliding barrier that divides the pressurized gas stored in gas chamber  104  from the fluid F stored in storage chamber  103 , and by the pressure of the compressed gas operating on the rear surface it applies pressure to fluid F at the forward surface, and at opening operation by valve stem  61 , it operates to discharge fluid F. Furthermore, it is preferred that seal material  152  be of ethylene propylene diene methylene (EPDM) coated with poly tetrafluoro ethylene (PTFE) in order to increase sliding efficiency. 
     The enclosure of pressurized gas G within gas chamber  104  is performed with supply connector  3  in a separated condition and prior to injection of fluid F to storage chamber  103 . First, compressed gas G passes valve stem  61  that has undergone opening operation by a pressing inward operation, and corresponding to its entry to storage chamber  103 , barrier wall  105  descends, and by further injection of the compressed gas to storage chamber  103 , barrier wall  105  further shifts from the position shown by  FIG. 1  to the bottom of storage chamber  103  by compressing elastic body  108 . In maximum descent condition, the upper portion of notch  111  rises above seal material  152  of barrier wall  105 , and the pressurized gas is injected to gas chamber  104  from storage chamber  103  by passing through notch  111 . After stoppage of compressed gas injection at time gas chamber  104  reaches a prescribed pressure, valve stem  6  undergoes opening operation again and compressed gas within storage chamber  103  is expelled. In response, barrier wall  105  returns to a seal condition within storage chamber  103 , and by further expulsion of gas it ascends to the upper end of inner container  123 , and by expelling all gas within storage chamber  103 , compressed gas G is enclosed within gas chamber  104 . After this, by connecting a filling means to supply connector  3  and injecting fluid F past valve stem  61  and into storage chamber  103 , thereby causing barrier wall  105  to descend, it is possible to obtain supply device  12  storing fluid F capable of discharge. 
     Moreover, it is also acceptable to store a compressed gas as a fluid within supply device  12 , and in such an instance the gas is stored directly n the outer container without utilizing the inner container. Additionally, it is acceptable to obtain internal pressure (primary pressure) for discharging supply fluid by using a so-called aerosol structure with dispersal material mixed with the fluid. 
     Basically, with the connection operation of described supply connector  3  with reception connector  2 , there can be performed insertion of connection port  31  of supply connector  3  into guide member  54  of reception connector  2  and obtaining of a sealed condition by contact of seal member  33 , enabling of supply by causing linkage of the passage for fluid by opening operation of valve mechanism  6  of supply connector  3 , and locking by fastening mechanism  4 . 
     The order of operation at time of connection (installation) is that seal member  33  first contacts the inner surface of cylinder section  541  of guide member  54 , and after sealing is assured, valve stem  61  of valve mechanism  6  is opened by the leading edge of linking protrusion  544 , following which second ring  44  of fastening mechanism  4  rotates and enters the locked condition. Conversely, the order at time of release (disconnection) is that second ring  44  of fastening mechanism  4  rotates and the locked condition is released, following which valve stem  61  closes and blocks the passage, and lastly seal member  33  is separated from guide member  54  and released. 
     Next, the following section describes the connection of supply connector  3  to reception connector  2  by referencing  FIG. 5˜8  and the movement of fastening mechanism  4  referencing  FIGS. 9˜13 . Moreover,  FIGS. 9˜13  omit cylinder  420  of ratchet holder  42  while leaving ratchet protrusions  423 , and they show the relationship of ratchet protrusions  423  with first ring  43  and with second ring  44  occurring at the inner surface. 
     In the separated condition prior to connection, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 9 , outer periphery shoulder  463  of spring holder  46  of fastening mechanism  4  contacts and applies pressure on lock protrusions  444  of second ring  44 , guide protrusions  432  of first ring  43  and guide protrusions  442  of ratchet holder  42  are located within second guide channels  424  of ratchet holder  42 , second ring  44  is incapable of rotation, and third ring  45  is in a position at which the descent position is restricted. In this condition, secondary regulating valve  56  (reverse check valve) of pressure regulator  5  closes, and valve stem  61  of supply connector  3  closed condition. 
     In response to pressing inward movement of supply connector  3 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , the initial stage is one in which mating protrusions  321  used for locking of connection cylinder  32  shift and pass through the vertical channels of first ring  43  and second ring  44 , the lower end of spring holder  46  contacts interior surface  324  of supply connector  3  and continues to press upward, and pressing shoulder  322  contacts and presses upward against the lower surface of first ring  43 . In conjunction with this, second ring  44  also ascends, and it contacts the lower surface of third ring  45  stopping at the lower end of first guide channels  421 . During transit, as shown in  FIG. 10 , guide protrusions  442  of second ring  44  depart from the upper end of second guide channels  424  of ratchet holder  42  and become capable of rotation, and by contact with the inclined surfaces of hooking teeth  453  on the bottom surface of third ring  45 , second ring  44  receives force in rotation direction d. 
       FIG. 5  shows the maximum pressed inward condition of supply connector  3 , and in this condition the upward movement of third ring  45  is restricted, second ring  44  is rotated in rotation direction d above first ring  43  by inclined surface contact with third ring  45 , and as shown in  FIG. 8 , at rotation of second ring  44 , lock protrusions  444  shifts and mates with the inner side of mating protrusions  321  for locking of connection cylinder  32  of supply connector  3  and locks with inability to shift for detachment. In the condition of  FIG. 5 , linking protrusion  544  causes valve stem  61  to undergo an opening operation and commence supply of fluid. 
     Subsequently, from the maximum pressed inward condition, at release of the pressing inward movement, supply connector  3  is applied with force for retreat by the application force of release spring  47 , while mating protrusions  321  for locking of connection cylinder  32  of supply connector  3  mate with lock protrusions  444  of second ring  44  and shift downward, and third ring  45  and first ring  43  integrally shift downward. Then, as shown in  FIG. 11 , when third ring  45  descends and stops at the lower ends of first guide channels  421 , previously separated second ring  44  further descends, thereby causing the contact of the inclines of both sides to become separated, and by the above described second ring  44  rotation, the leading edges of guide protrusions  442  of the lower edge shift from the position of second guide channels  424  to one above inclined surfaces  423   a  of ratchet protrusions  423 , contact the inclined surfaces  423   a , and by further descent of second ring  44  additionally rotate along the inclines. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 12 , guide protrusions  442  of second ring  44  contact against stop steps  423   b  and stop rotation, and descent beyond that point is stopped, and supply connector  3  mating with lock protrusions  444  of second ring  44  is locked, resulting in the locked condition being connected and unable to separate. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross section drawing of the locked condition, with pressure regulator  5  operating and fluid regulated to the prescribed pressure being supplied to reception device  11  from discharge port  514 . 
     Subsequently, at release movement from the described locked condition, as shown in  FIG. 13 , when supply connector  3  again undergoes a pressing inward movement, first ring  43  and second ring  44  move upward, the lower end of second ring  44  is separated from stop steps  423   b  and becomes capable of rotation, second ring  44  rotates by contact with the inclined surfaces of hooking teeth  453  of third ring  45 , and in conjunction with the subsequent retreat movement of supply connector  3 , the inclined surfaces of guide protrusions  442  of second ring  44  reach second guide channels  424  from stop steps  423   b  and contact the inclined surfaces, and by this inclined surface contact second ring  44  is further rotated in rotation direction d, and guide protrusions  442  rotate to a position at which they will inserted into second guide channels  424 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , at this rotation position of second ring  44 , mating protrusions  321  become detached from lock protrusions  444  and align with the positions of the vertical channels, mating lock is released, connection cylinder  32  of supply connector  3  becomes capable of separation and shifting, and by the application force of release spring  47  it passes through spring holder  46  being applied with a separation operation and is ejected. 
     Described pressure regulator  5  is a component that executes attenuation adjustment of the primary pressure to a prescribed secondary pressure not having a relationship to the primary pressure, and it does so by the pressure adjustment of primary regulating valve  55  and secondary regulating valve  56  in conjunction with the movement of diaphragm  52 . 
       FIG. 6  shown the pressure adjustment condition, with the fluid regulated by primary regulating valve  55  and secondary regulating valve  56  flowing into regulation chamber  530  and being discharged port  514  following precise pressure reduction to the secondary pressure. 
     Diaphragm  52  maintains a position at which the application force from regulator spring  513  has been equalized with the application force from the pressure difference between the secondary pressure and atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when the secondary pressure changes corresponding to such as fluctuation of the fluid discharge amount from discharge port  514  or fluctuation of the primary pressure, the displacement amount of diaphragm  52  changes in response to this, and primary regulating valve  55  and secondary regulating valve  56  move with linkage to the changing of the position of shaft  522 , and this executes opening and closing movements in reciprocally different directions and maintains as fixed the secondary pressure. The application force of regulator spring  513  can be changed by moving regulator screw  512 , and this enables discretionary setting of the secondary pressure. 
     Moreover, when pressure regulation for changing the primary pressures is executed by primary regulating valve  55 , they are the reciprocal opposite characteristics as those pressure regulation characteristics executed by secondary regulating valve  56 , and for a drop in primary pressure, secondary pressure is raised by regulation of primary regulating valve  55  and lowered by regulation of secondary regulating valve  56 . Therefore, because the pressure loss received by the reflection surface of primary regulating valve  55  due to operation of primary pressure on the leading end of shank  524  at shaft  522  and the pressure loss received by the reflection surface of secondary regulating valve  56  due to operation of secondary pressure on boss  523  both cause shaft  522  to retreat and operate in the same direction, the structure becomes such that it regularizes the fluctuations of the secondary pressure in relation to fluctuations of the primary pressure by combining both pressure regulating characteristics. 
     Rephrased, when secondary pressure fluid is discharged from regulation chamber  530  and the secondary pressure drops, diaphragm  52  regulates pressure for obtaining a fixed secondary pressure by shaft  522  shifting forward (a downward shift in drawing), primary regulating valve  55  operating in the direction for opening and secondary regulating valve  56  operating in the direction for closing, the primary pressure fluid flowing into regulation chamber  530  after being reduced in pressure by primary regulating valve  55  and the secondary pressure rising, secondary pressure rising above the set value in conjunction with the drop in primary pressure being regulated by the degree of opening (pressure loss) of secondary regulating valve  56 , shaft  522  executing retreat shifting (an upward shift in drawing) by displacement of diaphragm  52 , primary regulating valve  55  executing close shifting and reducing the guided amount of fluid. 
     The pressure regulation characteristics that accompany the fluctuations of primary pressure, specifically, when fluid has been delivered from reception device  11 , can be considered the reception error of primary regulating valve  55  in relation to the gradual drop in primary pressure within supply device  12 . The pressure loss of primary regulating valve  55  that occurs with performing of opening and closing movements of secondary regulating valve  56  in the direction opposite to primary regulating valve  55  are in the same direction of the pressure loss of primary regulating valve  55  and are basically inverse properties. The regulating characteristics derived from primary regulating valve  55  are properties with which the secondary pressure drops in relation to a rise in primary pressure. In this regard, the regulating characteristics derived from secondary regulating valve  56  suppress the secondary pressure when primary pressure is low, and especially, when primary pressure is zero, it prevents reverse flow of fluid by the reverse check valve closing, and releases with a rise in primary pressure, and with characteristics with which the secondary pressure rises in relation to a rise in the primary pressure, these are inverse properties compared to the regulating characteristics derived from primary regulating valve  55  described above. 
     Both pressure regulating characteristics operate in the same direction in relation to shaft  522 , and the regulating characteristics derived from a combination of two valves with inverse properties, primary regulating valve  55  and secondary regulating valve  56 , are able to obtain a fixed secondary pressure in relation to the fluctuations in the primary pressure. Rephrased, when the primary pressure drops with fluctuation in conjunction with supply of fluid from supply device  12 , by the pressure loss operating on primary regulating valve  55 , the pressure loss operating on secondary regulating valve  56  becomes the characteristics for reducing the secondary pressure, and the composite characteristics for both sides is leveled and the fixed secondary pressure maintained, and this is assured with a simple structure. 
     In addition, with the separation condition and unused condition, there is design for prevention of fluid leakage by the operation of secondary regulating valve  56  and elastic plate  57  as a reverse check valve. 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 14  is an exploded view perspective drawing of the main components of the fastening mechanism (ratchet mechanism) according to the second embodiment, and  FIG. 15  is a drawing showing the operating condition of the fastening mechanism of  FIG. 14  with one portion of the holder omitted. 
     The points of this embodiment that differ from those of the first embodiment are the provision of indentations  434  on the surface of first ring  43  that contacts second ring  44 . Otherwise it is structured identically to that of the first embodiment, and the same symbols are attached and those identical descriptions are omitted. 
     With this embodiment, when guide protrusions  442  of second ring  44  become detached from second guide channels  424  in conjunction with rising movement of supply connector  3 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , second ring  44  receives rotation force by contact with the inclined surfaces on the lower surface of third ring  45 , and it receives rotation force in rotation direction d by contact with indentations  434  of first ring  43 , thereby performing more reliable incremental forward motion for second ring  44 . 
     In order to separate supply connector  3  in the locked condition when supply connector  3  undergoes pressing inward movement, there can be obtained rotation force at separation of guide protrusions  442  of second ring  44  from stop steps  423   b  of ratchet protrusions  423  by contact between over and under third ring  45  and first ring  43 . 
     Furthermore, it is acceptable to obtain rotation force for second ring  44  only by the contact surfaces of indentations  434  of first ring  43 . 
       FIG. 16  is an exploded view perspective drawing of the main components of the fastening mechanism (ratchet mechanism) according to the third embodiment, and  FIGS. 17 and 18  are cross section drawings showing the operating condition of the fastening mechanism of  FIG. 16  with only the main components. 
     With this embodiment, application force from release spring  47  is always caused to operate on second ring  44 , and this generates a click sensation and fastening sound from the ratchet. 
     Specifically, there is no operation of application force of release spring  47  directly on supply connector  3 , and spring holder  48  having a differing shape is disposed in order to cause operation in the separation direction by means of second ring  44 , and other components are identical to that of the first embodiment, and the same symbols are attached and those identical descriptions are omitted. 
     Spring holder  48  of this embodiment provides upper cylinder  481  and lower cylinder  482  with smaller diameter, pressing section  483  extending in the axial direction from the lower end of upper cylinder  481 , and for guide sections  485  at equal intervals around the periphery of the upper end of lower cylinder  482  for positioning. 
     Guide section  485  is inserted into vertical channels  413  between fixed sections  412  of holder unit  41  and is capable of shifting in the axial direction, and peripheral tab  486  is inserted into first guide channels  421  of ratchet holder  42  and is not capable of rotation. 
     Pressing section  483  established extending from the lower end of upper cylinder  481  provides vertical channels  484  for insertion passage of mating protrusions  321  of connection cylinder  32  of supply connector  3 , and at the outer side of connection cylinder  32  the lower end of pressing section  483  contacts and from above continuously applies force onto lock protrusions  444  of second ring  44 , without relation to the upper or lower position of connection cylinder  32 . 
     In addition, the length of lower cylinder  482  of spring holder  48  is formed to be short, and as shown in  FIG. 18 , at connection movement of supply connector  3 , supply connector  3  is structured so as not to contact the leading edge of lower cylinder  482  of spring holder  48 . Rephrased, by the contact of pressing shoulder  322  of supply connector  3  against inner protrusions  433  of first ring  43 , there is the reception of application force of release spring  47  in the separation direction. 
     In this way, second ring  44  receives application force during the time of its rotation movement, and by obtaining an operational sound at the time of mating to stop steps  423   b  of ratchet protrusions  423  and the time second ring  44  inserts and fastens within second guide channels  424  from the upper sections of stop steps  423   b , there is obtained confirmation that the connection movement and separation movement have been performed. 
     With the above described embodiment, fluid is stored within supply device  12  in a pressurized condition for supply to reception device  11 , but this invention can be applied even with the supply of non-pressurized fluids. 
     While the foregoing describes the present invention in relation to illustrations and examples, it is understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the illustrations and examples described herein. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternative modifications and equivalents that may be included in the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 2