GB2553008A - Camlock - Google Patents
Camlock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2553008A GB2553008A GB1616822.1A GB201616822A GB2553008A GB 2553008 A GB2553008 A GB 2553008A GB 201616822 A GB201616822 A GB 201616822A GB 2553008 A GB2553008 A GB 2553008A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- plunger
- camlock
- cam member
- receptacles
- receptacle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/02—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially
- F16L23/036—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially characterised by the tensioning members, e.g. specially adapted bolts or C-clamps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/18—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening using cams, levers, eccentrics, or toggles
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
- F16B21/02—Releasable fastening devices locking by rotation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/12—Fastening strips or bars to sheets or plates, e.g. rubber strips, decorative strips for motor vehicles, by means of clips
- F16B5/121—Fastening strips or bars to sheets or plates, e.g. rubber strips, decorative strips for motor vehicles, by means of clips fastened over the edge(s) of the sheet(s) or plate(s)
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
- F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
- F16L37/12—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members
- F16L37/18—Joints tightened by eccentrics or rotatable cams
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
Abstract
A camlock (10) for securing an object. The camlock (10) comprises: a first cam member (12) for engaging the object, the first cam member (12) arranged to be rotatable about a rotational axis; a second cam member (14); and a detent mechanism. The detent mechanism includes: at least one receptacle (20) formed in or on a first surface (16) of one of the first and second cam members (12, 14); and a plurality of plunger devices (22) coupled to the other of the first and second cam members (12, 14). Each plunger device (22) includes a respective biasing member (24) and a respective plunger member (26). Each biasing member (24) is configured to apply a biasing force to bias the corresponding plunger member (26) towards the first surface (16). In an embodiment each plunger device (22) is alignable with the receptacle (20) or at least one of the receptacles (20). The or each receptacle (20) when aligned with a said plunger device (22) receives at least part of the corresponding plunger member (26) to releasably secure the first cam member (12) relative to the second cam member (14). The first cam member (12) is arranged to be rotatable to a plurality of rotational positions relative to the second cam member (14). At least one of the plunger devices (22) is aligned with a or a respective said receptacle (20) in each rotational position of the first cam member (12).
Description
| (,2,UK Patent Application „S1GB ,,,,25530 | 08 g3)A | |
| (43) Date of A Publication | 21.02.2018 | |
| (21) Application No: 1616822.1 | (51) INT CL: | |
| F16L 37/18 (2006.01) | F16B2/18 (2006.01) | |
| (22) Date of Filing: 04.10.2016 | F16L 23/00 (2006.01) | |
| (71) Applicant(s): | (56) Documents Cited: GB 1599253 A US 20020111094 A1 | GB 1579150 A |
| Gall Thomson Environmental Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom) | ||
| Pommers Lane, GREAT YARMOUTH, Norfolk, | (58) Field of Search: | |
| NR30 3PE, United Kingdom | INT CLF16B, F16L | |
| (72) Inventor(s): Neil Cooper (74) Agent and/or Address for Service: Potter Clarkson LLP The Belgrave Centre, Talbot Street, NOTTINGHAM, NG1 5GG, United Kingdom | Other: EPODOC, WPI |
Title of the Invention: Camlock Abstract Title: Camlock
A camlock (10) for securing an object. The camlock (10) comprises: a first cam member (12) for engaging the object, the first cam member (12) arranged to be rotatable about a rotational axis; a second cam member (14); and a detent mechanism. The detent mechanism includes: at least one receptacle (20) formed in or on a first surface (16) of one of the first and second cam members (12, 14); and a plurality of plunger devices (22) coupled to the other of the first and second cam members (12, 14). Each plunger device (22) includes a respective biasing member (24) and a respective plunger member (26). Each biasing member (24) is configured to apply a biasing force to bias the corresponding plunger member (26) towards the first surface (16). In an embodiment each plunger device (22) is alignable with the receptacle (20) or at least one of the receptacles (20). The or each receptacle (20) when aligned with a said plunger device (22) receives at least part of the corresponding plunger member (26) to releasably secure the first cam member (12) relative to the second cam member (14). The first cam member (12) is arranged to be rotatable to a plurality of rotational positions relative to the second cam member (14). At least one of the plunger devices (22) is aligned with a or a respective said receptacle (20) in each rotational position of the first cam member (12).
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Figure 1a
Figure 1b
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Figure 2a
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Figure 2b
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Figure 4
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Figure 5
Figure 6
CAMLOCK
This invention relates to a camlock for securing an object, and to a flange assembly including at least one camlock, preferably for use in the creation of a connection between a pair of pipes or hoses.
A camlock is conventionally used to secure an object or objects, such as flanges in a flange assembly, and is also known by other names such as cam lever, camlock coupling, and camlock fitting.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a camlock for securing an object, the camlock comprising: a first cam member for engaging the object, the first cam member arranged to be rotatable about a rotational axis; a second cam member; and a detent mechanism, wherein the detent mechanism includes: at least one receptacle formed in or on a first surface of one of the first and second cam members; and a plurality of plunger devices coupled to the other of the first and second cam members, each plunger device including a respective biasing member and a respective plunger member, each biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to bias the corresponding plunger member towards the first surface, and wherein each plunger device is alignable with the receptacle or at least one of the receptacles, the or each receptacle when aligned with a said plunger device receives at least part of the corresponding plunger member to releasably secure the first cam member relative to the second cam member, the first cam member is arranged to be rotatable to a plurality of rotational positions relative to the second cam member, and at least one of the plunger devices is aligned with a or a respective said receptacle in each rotational position of the first cam member.
For the purposes of the specification, the or each receptacle is intended to refer to an object or space capable of receiving at least part of a plunger member.
The inclusion of the aforementioned detent mechanism in the camlock of the invention provides the camlock with an inbuilt mechanical locking mechanism capable of applying a mechanical locking force as a result of the positive engagement between the aligned plunger device(s) and receptacle(s) in order to securely lock the position of the first cam member about the rotational axis. The configuration of the plunger devices and receptacle(s) in the detent mechanism permits the application of a rotational force to the first cam member to release a plunger member from a receptacle in order to move the first cam member from a rotational position, and also permits the rotation of the first cam member in both directions relative to the second cam member.
The provision of a biasing member in each plunger device permits the application of a biasing force (or biasing forces) to improve the positive engagement between the aligned plunger device(s) and receptacle(s) in order to more securely lock the position of the first cam member in the corresponding rotational position. This is because the application of the biasing force(s) to bias the corresponding plunger member(s) towards the first surface not only improves the retention of the plunger device(s) in the corresponding aligned receptacle(s) in the presence of vibration, but also readily compensates for any movement between the first and second cam members.
In addition the ability of the detent mechanism to releasably secure the first cam member in multiple rotational positions relative to the second cam member provides the first cam member with different locking positions about the rotational axis. A camlock with a cam member having different locking positions about the rotational axis is advantageous in that it can be used to secure a variety of objects across a range of products and apparatuses, e.g. flange assemblies, without requiring a substantial redesign ofthe camlock.
Furthermore the detent mechanism may be designed such that the receipt of a plunger member in a receptacle when the first cam member is rotated to a new rotational position creates audible feedback (such as a click sound) and/or tactile feedback (such as mechanical resistance) that can be sensed by a user, which in turn has the effect of reassuring the user that the camlock is working as intended.
In embodiments of the invention, the detent mechanism may include a plurality of receptacles formed in or on the first surface of the one of the first and second cam members.
The use of a plurality of receptacles in the detent mechanism permits the design of the detent mechanism to not only increase the number of rotational positions in which the first cam member is releasably secured relative to the second cam member, but also improve the locking ability of the detent mechanism.
Each plunger device may be alignable with each receptacle. This further increases the number of combinations of aligned plunger device(s) and receptacle(s), and thereby increases the number of rotational positions in which the first cam member is releasably secured relative to the second cam member.
The plurality of receptacles may be circumferentially arranged around the rotational axis. Such a circumferential arrangement of the plurality of receptacles makes it easier to design the detent mechanism to be compatible with the rotational movement of the first cam member.
A pair of the plunger devices may be respectively aligned with a pair of the receptacles in at least one of the rotational positions of the first cam member. This increases the level of positive engagement between the aligned plunger devices and receptacles to more reliably secure the first cam member in the or each corresponding rotational position.
The plurality of receptacles may include at least one pair of receptacles that are arranged to be diametrically opposed relative to the rotational axis, and the plurality of plunger devices may include at least one pair of plunger devices that are arranged to be diametrically opposed relative to the rotational axis. This permits the configuration of the detent mechanism to form diametrically opposed arrangements of aligned plunger device and receptacle so as to create a uniform distribution of the mechanical locking force across the camlock, which improves the locking of the first cam member in the corresponding rotational position.
The number of receptacles and plunger devices in the detent mechanism may vary. For example, the number of receptacles may be even and/or the number of plunger devices may be even, and/or the number of receptacles may be different from the number of plunger devices.
In further embodiments of the invention, the camlock may include a plurality of chambers formed in a second surface of the other of the first and second cam members, the first and second surfaces arranged to define opposingly facing surfaces, each chamber housing a respective one of the plunger devices.
The provision of the chambers to house the plunger devices in the corresponding cam member not only permits a compact configuration of the camlock, but also enhances the operation of the detent mechanism due to improved coupling between the plunger devices and the corresponding cam member.
In still further embodiments of the invention, each plunger member may be or may include a partly or wholly, round or substantially round element. For the purposes of this specification, the term “round or substantially round” is intended to cover features with at least one outwardly curved surface, such as a sphere, an ellipsoid, a spheroid, a cylinder, a paraboloid, a convex object, and the like.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the or each receptacle may be shaped to correspond to the shape of each plunger member or the received part of each plunger member. This provides a better fit when a plunger member (or a part thereof) is received in a receptacle, and thereby improves the securing of the first cam member in the corresponding rotational position.
The configuration of each biasing member in each plunger device may vary.
Each biasing member may be a resilient biasing member. Preferably the resilient biasing member is a spring, e.g. a helical spring.
The use of respective resilient biasing members in the plunger devices not only permits each biasing member to be pre-compressed to provide the biasing force to bias the corresponding plunger member towards the first surface, but also permits the compression of the resilient biasing members during the application of a rotational force to the first cam member to readily release a plunger member from a receptacle in order to move the first cam member from a rotational position.
As mentioned above, the camlock according to the invention may be used to secure a variety of objects across a range of products and apparatuses. One such product or apparatus may be a flange assembly.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a flange assembly comprising: a pair of flanges; and at least one camlock according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the first cam member of the or each camlock arranged to be rotatable about the rotational axis to engage at least one of the flanges so as to secure the flanges together.
The features and advantages of the camlock of the first aspect of the invention and its embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the flange assembly of the second aspect of the invention.
It will be appreciated that the use ofthe terms “first” and “second” and the like in the patent specification is merely intended to help distinguish between similar features (e.g. the first and second cam members; the first and second surfaces), and is not intended to indicate the relative importance of one feature over another feature.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1a shows schematically an exploded view of a camlock according to an embodiment ofthe invention;
Figure 1b shows schematically the first cam member ofthe camlock of Figure 1a; Figures 2a and 2b show different configurations of the camlock of Figure 1a; Figure 3 shows schematically an aligned plunger device and receptacle of the camlock of Figure 1a;
Figure 4 shows a first cam member of the camlock of Figure 1a in different rotational positions;
Figure 5 illustrates the relationship between the forces applied to a plunger member when received in the receptacle of Figure 3; and
Figure 6 shows a plurality of camlocks mounted onto a flange.
A camlock according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1a and is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.
The camlock 10 comprises: first and second cam members 12, 14; and a detent mechanism.
The first cam member 12 is arranged to be rotatable about a rotational axis. The second cam member 14 forms the base ofthe camlock 10. The first and second cam members 12, 14 are arranged such that the first cam member 12 is rotatable relative to the second cam member 14 and such that a first surface 16 of the first cam member 12 and a second surface 18 of the second cam member 14 define opposingly facing surfaces.
The detent mechanism includes a plurality of receptacles 20 and a plurality of plunger devices.
Each receptacle 20 is in the form of an indent in the first surface 16 of the first cam member 12, i.e. the underside of the first cam member 12 as shown in Figure 1b. The plurality of receptacles 20 are circumferentially spaced apart around the rotational axis.
Each plunger device 22 includes a respective biasing member and a respective plunger member. More specifically, each plunger device 22 is in the form of a ball and spring plunger device 22. Each biasing member is in the form of a helical spring 24, and each plunger member is in the form of a ball 26 attached to the end of the corresponding spring
24. Each receptacle 20 is shaped to be capable of fittingly receiving part of the ball 26 of each plunger member.
The camlock 10 further includes a plurality of internal chambers formed in the second surface 18 of the second cam member 14. Each chamber is used to house a respective one of the plunger devices 22, and each spring 24 is housed within the corresponding chamber in a pre-compressed state to provide a biasing force to bias the corresponding ball 26 towards the first surface 16. The chambers are also circumferentially spaced apart around the rotational axis so as to provide a circumferential arrangement of the plunger devices 22 that matches the circumferential arrangement of the receptacles 20, which allows each plunger device 22 to be alignable with each receptacle 20.
It is envisaged that, in other embodiments of the invention, each receptacle 20 may be formed on the first surface 16 of the first cam member 12.
It is also envisaged that, in still other embodiments of the invention, the first surface 16 may be formed on the second cam member 14 such that the receptacles 20 are part of the second cam member 14, and the second surface 18 may be formed on the first cam member 12 such that the internal chambers are formed in the first cam member 12.
In use, the first cam member 12 is rotatable relative to the second cam member 14 to selectively align a given plunger device 22 with a given receptacle 20.
In order to rotate the first cam member 12, a torque can be applied to the first cam member 12 either by hand or using a locking bar or wrench. The configuration of the plunger devices 22 and receptacles 20 in the detent mechanism permits the rotation of the first cam member 12 in both directions relative to the second cam member 14.
The application of a torque to the first cam member 12 causes the plunger devices 22 to rotate together with the first cam member 12 and thereby causes the plunger devices 22 to rotate relative to the receptacles 20.
Figure 2a shows the configuration of the camlock 10 when none of the plunger devices 22 are aligned with any of the receptacles 20.
When a given plunger device 22 is not aligned with any receptacle 20, the ball 26 abuts the first surface 16. The round shape of the ball 26 results in minimal contact between the ball 26 and the first surface 16, thus allowing the first cam member 12 to easily rotate relative to the second cam member 14 when none of the plunger devices 22 are aligned with any receptacle 20.
Figure 2b shows the configuration of the camlock 10 when some of the plunger devices 22 are aligned with some of the receptacles 20.
When a given plunger device 22 is aligned with a given receptacle 20, the spring 24 applies a biasing force to bias the ball 26 towards the first surface 16 such that the receptacle 20 receives the ball 26. Figure 3 schematically shows the aligned plunger device 22 and receptacle 20. The application of the biasing force to bias the ball 26 towards the first surface 16 not only improves the retention of the ball 26 in the receptacle 20 in the presence of vibration, but also readily compensates for any movement between the first and second cam members 12, 14.
The receipt of the ball 26 in the receptacle 20 results in positive engagement between the aligned plunger device 22 and receptacle 20, which in turn provides mechanical resistance to the rotation of the first cam member 12 relative to the second cam member 14 and thereby securely locks the position of the first cam member 12 about the rotational axis. In this manner the detent mechanism is configured to releasably secure the first cam member 12 in a rotational position relative to the second cam member 14.
In the embodiment shown, the detent mechanism includes ten plunger devices 22 and twelve receptacles 20. The twelve receptacles 20 are circumferentially spaced apart equally around the rotational axis, while the ten plunger devices 22 are circumferentially spaced apart equally around the rotational axis. In other words, the plurality of receptacles 20 includes six pairs of receptacles 20 that are arranged to be diametrically opposed relative to the rotational axis, and the plurality of plunger devices 22 includes five pairs of plunger devices 22 that are arranged to be diametrically opposed relative to the rotational axis.
The above arrangement of the plunger devices 22 and receptacles 20 enables the detent mechanism to provide the first cam member 12 with a rotational position every six degrees of rotation, with a pair of the plunger devices 22 respectively aligned with a pair of the receptacles 20 in each rotational position of the first cam member 12. In each rotational position, each of the remaining plunger devices 22 is not aligned with any receptacle 20.
Examples of different rotational positions A, B of the first cam member 12 are shown in Figure 4.
It is envisaged that, in other embodiments of the invention, the number of plunger devices 22 and/or the number of receptacles 20 in the detent mechanism may vary, and/or the circumferential position of each plunger device 22 and/or each receptacle 20 around the rotational axis may vary. This permits variation in the number of rotational positions of the first cam member 12, and variation in the number of aligned plunger device 22 and receptacle 20 in each rotational position of the first cam member 12.
In order to move the first cam member 12 from a given rotational position, a torque is applied to the first cam member 12 to provide a rotational force to move the balls 26 out of the respective receptacles 20. Figure 3 shows a side force S applied to the ball 26, a spring 24 biasing force F applied to the ball 26, and a reaction force R that is perpendicular to a contact surface of the receptacle 20.
With reference to Figure 5, the side force is calculated as follows:
tanI
Where S is the side force applied to the ball 26;
F is the biasing force applied by the spring 24;
A is the countersink angle of the receptacle 20.
With a countersink angle A of 90° and a spring 24 biasing force F of 29 N, the required side force S to move the ball 26 out of the receptacle 20 is 29 N. This means that a rotational force of 58 N is required to be applied to the first cam member 12 to remove the balls 26 out of the respective receptacles 20. Assuming that each side force S is applied at a radial position of 1.3125” (33.3mm) relative to the rotational axis, a torque of 1.9 Nm must be applied to the first cam member 12 to overcome the resistance of the springs 24.
It will be appreciated that the above numbers used in the calculation of the rotational force are merely selected to illustrate the principle of the invention, and other numbers may be used in their place.
After the first cam member 12 is moved from the previous rotational position, the first cam member 12 can then be easily rotated relative to the second cam member 14 since none of the plunger devices 22 are aligned with any receptacle 20. When the first cam member 12 reaches a new rotational position, the corresponding pair of the plunger devices 22 is respectively aligned with the corresponding pair of the receptacles 20 to releasably secure the first cam member 12 in the new rotational position.
In the foregoing manner the detent mechanism acts as a mechanical locking mechanism that applies a mechanical locking force as a result of the positive engagement between the aligned plunger devices 22 and receptacles 20 in order to lock the position of the first cam member 12 in multiple rotational positions about the rotational axis. The inbuilt configuration of the detent mechanism obviates the need to use an external clamping tool in order to releasably secure the first cam member 12 in multiple rotational positions about the rotational axis.
The rotation of the first cam member 12 to a new rotational position beneficially creates audible feedback (such as a click sound) and tactile feedback in the form of mechanical resistance due to the receipt of the balls 26 in the receptacles 20. Such feedback can be sensed by a user, which in turn has the effect of reassuring the user that the camlock 10 is working as intended.
The camlock 10 of Figure 1a is particularly advantageous in use in a flange assembly to engage at least one of the flanges of the flange assembly so as to secure the flanges together. In particular, the camlock 10 may be arranged in the flange assembly so that the first cam member 12 can be rotated about the rotational axis to a desired rotational position through use of the detent mechanism when it is required to secure the flanges together and when it is required to separate the flanges. Figure 6 shows a plurality of camlocks 10 mounted onto a flange 28. The first cam member 12 of each camlock 10 is rotatable about the respective rotational axis to selectively secure another flange (not shown) to the flange 28 or separate the other flange from the flange 28.
It will be appreciated that each plunger device 22 is not limited to a ball 26 and spring 24 5 configuration. It is envisaged that, in other embodiments of the invention, each spring 24 may be replaced by a different type of biasing member, preferably a different type of resilient biasing member, even more preferably a different type of spring. It is also envisaged that, in still other embodiments of the invention, each ball 26 may be replaced by a different type of plunger member, preferably a plunger member that includes a partly or wholly, round or substantially round element.
It will also be appreciated that the camlock 10 may include a plurality of pairs of first and second cam members 12,14 together with a plurality of detent mechanisms, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the pairs of first and second cam members 12, 14.
It will further be appreciated that the above specific description of the use of the camlock 10 to secure at least one of the flanges of the flange assembly is merely an exemplary application of the camlock 10. The camlock 10 may be used to secure other types of objects and/or used in other types of products and apparatuses.
Claims (15)
1. A camlock for securing an object, the camlock comprising: a first cam member for engaging the object, the first cam member arranged to be rotatable about a rotational axis; a second cam member; and a detent mechanism, wherein the detent mechanism includes: at least one receptacle formed in or on a first surface of one of the first and second cam members; and a plurality of plunger devices coupled to the other of the first and second cam members, each plunger device including a respective biasing member and a respective plunger member, each biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to bias the corresponding plunger member towards the first surface, and wherein each plunger device is alignable with the receptacle or at least one of the receptacles, the or each receptacle when aligned with a said plunger device receives at least part of the corresponding plunger member to releasably secure the first cam member relative to the second cam member, the first cam member is arranged to be rotatable to a plurality of rotational positions relative to the second cam member, and at least one of the plunger devices is aligned with a or a respective said receptacle in each rotational position of the first cam member.
2. A camlock according to Claim 1 wherein the detent mechanism includes a plurality of receptacles formed in or on the first surface of the one of the first and second cam members.
3. A camlock according to Claim 2 wherein each plunger device is alignable with each receptacle.
4. A camlock according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the plurality of receptacles are circumferentially arranged around the rotational axis.
5. A camlock according to any one of Claims 2 to 4 wherein a pair of the plunger devices are respectively aligned with a pair of the receptacles in at least one of the rotational positions of the first cam member.
6. A camlock according to any one of Claims 2 to 5 wherein the plurality of receptacles includes at least one pair of receptacles that are arranged to be diametrically opposed relative to the rotational axis, and the plurality of plunger devices includes at least one pair of plunger devices that are arranged to be diametrically opposed relative to the rotational axis.
7. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the number of receptacles is even and/or the number of plunger devices is even.
8. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the number of receptacles is different from the number of plunger devices.
9. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims including a plurality of chambers formed in a second surface of the other of the first and second cam members, the first and second surfaces arranged to define opposingly facing surfaces, each chamber housing a respective one ofthe plunger devices.
10. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each plunger member is or includes a partly or wholly, round or substantially round element.
11. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each receptacle is shaped to correspond to the shape of each plunger member or the received part of each plunger member.
12. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each biasing member is a resilient biasing member.
13. A camlock according to Claim 12 wherein the resilient biasing member is a spring.
14. A camlock according to Claim 13 wherein the spring is a helical spring.
15. A flange assembly comprising: a pair of flanges; and at least one camlock according to any one ofthe preceding claims, the first cam member of the or each camlock arranged to be rotatable about the rotational axis to engage at least one ofthe flanges so as to secure the flanges together.
16. A camlock substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.
17. A flange assembly substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows :CLAIMS
1. A camlock for securing a flange in a flange assembly, the camlock comprising: a first cam member for engaging the flange, the first cam member arranged to be rotatable
5 about a rotational axis; a second cam member; and a detent mechanism, wherein the detent mechanism includes: at least one receptacle formed in or on a first surface of one of the first and second cam members; and a plurality of plunger devices coupled to the other of the first and second cam members, each plunger device including a respective biasing member and a respective plunger member, each biasing member
1 o configured to apply a biasing force to bias the corresponding plunger member towards the first surface, and wherein each plunger device is alignable with the receptacle or at least one of the receptacles, the or each receptacle when aligned with a said plunger device receives at least part of the corresponding plunger member to releasably secure the first cam member
15. A flange assembly comprising: a pair of flanges; and at least one camlock according to any one of the preceding claims, the first cam member of the or each camlock arranged to be rotatable about the rotational axis to engage at least one of the flanges so
30 as to secure the flanges together.
Intellectual
Property
Office
GB 1616822.1
1-15
15 relative to the second cam member, the first cam member is arranged to be rotatable to a plurality of rotational positions relative to the second cam member, and at least one of the plunger devices is aligned with a or a respective said receptacle in each rotational position of the first cam member.
CM
20 2. A camlock according to Claim 1 wherein the detent mechanism includes a plurality
00 of receptacles formed in or on the first surface of the one of the first and second cam
Ί— members.
3. A camlock according to Claim 2 wherein each plunger device is alignable with each
25 receptacle.
4. A camlock according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the plurality of receptacles are circumferentially arranged around the rotational axis.
30 5. A camlock according to any one of Claims 2 to 4 wherein a pair of the plunger devices are respectively aligned with a pair of the receptacles in at least one of the rotational positions of the first cam member.
6. A camlock according to any one of Claims 2 to 5 wherein the plurality of receptacles
35 includes at least one pair of receptacles that are arranged to be diametrically opposed relative to the rotational axis, and the plurality of plunger devices includes at least one pair of plunger devices that are arranged to be diametrically opposed relative to the rotational axis.
7. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the number of receptacles is even and/or the number of plunger devices is even.
58. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the number of receptacles is different from the number of plunger devices.
9. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims including a plurality of chambers formed in a second surface of the other of the first and second cam members,
1 o the first and second surfaces arranged to define opposingly facing surfaces, each chamber housing a respective one of the plunger devices.
CM
10. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each plunger member is or includes a partly or wholly, round or substantially round element.
11. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each receptacle is shaped to correspond to the shape of each plunger member or the received part of each plunger member.
20 12. A camlock according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each biasing member is a resilient biasing member.
13. A camlock according to Claim 12 wherein the resilient biasing member is a spring.
25 14. A camlock according to Claim 13 wherein the spring is a helical spring.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1616822.1A GB2553008B (en) | 2016-10-04 | 2016-10-04 | Camlock |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1616822.1A GB2553008B (en) | 2016-10-04 | 2016-10-04 | Camlock |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201616822D0 GB201616822D0 (en) | 2016-11-16 |
| GB2553008A true GB2553008A (en) | 2018-02-21 |
| GB2553008B GB2553008B (en) | 2018-10-03 |
Family
ID=57571237
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1616822.1A Active GB2553008B (en) | 2016-10-04 | 2016-10-04 | Camlock |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2553008B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN116263178A (en) * | 2021-12-15 | 2023-06-16 | 爱尔博电子医疗仪器公司 | Rotary connector |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1579150A (en) * | 1977-01-26 | 1980-11-12 | Marine Moisture Control Co | Clamp for quick acting pipe coupling |
| GB1599253A (en) * | 1977-04-05 | 1981-09-30 | Marine Moisture Control Co | Clamp for quick acting pipe flange couplings |
| US20020111094A1 (en) * | 2000-09-14 | 2002-08-15 | Jensen Kenneth Val | Water sports boot binding camlock screw |
-
2016
- 2016-10-04 GB GB1616822.1A patent/GB2553008B/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1579150A (en) * | 1977-01-26 | 1980-11-12 | Marine Moisture Control Co | Clamp for quick acting pipe coupling |
| GB1599253A (en) * | 1977-04-05 | 1981-09-30 | Marine Moisture Control Co | Clamp for quick acting pipe flange couplings |
| US20020111094A1 (en) * | 2000-09-14 | 2002-08-15 | Jensen Kenneth Val | Water sports boot binding camlock screw |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN116263178A (en) * | 2021-12-15 | 2023-06-16 | 爱尔博电子医疗仪器公司 | Rotary connector |
| EP4198322A1 (en) * | 2021-12-15 | 2023-06-21 | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH | Rotary connector |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2553008B (en) | 2018-10-03 |
| GB201616822D0 (en) | 2016-11-16 |
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