Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for actuating a control valve includes a control module. The control module is coupled to the surface via at least one hydraulic line and two electrical power lines. The control module uses one of the hydraulic lines as a “supply” line and the other line as a “return” line if included. Each hydraulic line of the at least one hydraulic lines can be used as an “open” line or a “close” line to open or close the control valve. The control module includes two normally closed (NC) solenoid valves (SOVs) that are coupled to the electrical power lines and can be controlled from the surface to open or close. The opening or closing of the NC SOVs in cooperation with hydraulic pressure on a “supply” line of the hydraulic lines operates (i.e., closes or opens) the control valve.

Abstract: A fluid flow system includes a main valve having a spool, a first chamber, and a second chamber. A pressure difference between the first chamber and the second chamber is configured to move the spool to control fluid flow. An electromechanical meter interface device (EMID) is in fluid communication with at least one of the first and second chambers of the main valve. The EMID is configured to meter fluid from a first source and a second source to the at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber. The first source has a different pressure from the second source. A fixed orifice is arranged between the main valve and the EMID. A fuel system for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel tank isolation valve for a vehicle is provided. A valve opening operation or a valve closing operation is performed using guide protrusions configured to move along a guide slot, in response to an upward or downward movement of a plunger. The discharge of a battery is prevented. An abrupt change in the pressure of a fuel tank is prevented.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for a solenoid of a valve. The adapter provides a radial seal and enables manually bleeding by rotating the solenoid. The adapter includes two primary components with a one-way locking engagement between them that can be manually reversed for service of the adapter and the solenoid.

Abstract: A valve (100) for a bioprocess liquid apparatus (199) comprises tubular sections (101, 102, 103) inside which valve seat means (155) are arranged. A plunger arrangement (150) is configured to selectively interact with the valve seat means to close and open the tubular sections in response to a magnetic field provided by solenoid arrangements (104, 105), the solenoid arrangements being arranged at the bioprocess liquid apparatus. A flow path device comprising such a valve and a bioprocess liquid apparatus and a method of handling a bioprocess liquid are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel tank isolation solenoid valve for a vehicle is provided. The fuel tank isolation solenoid valve may include a first plunger configured to be vertically movable and a second plunger configured to move along a plunger rotation path such that the plunger is mechanically maintained in an opened position or a closed position while no power is applied to a coil.

Abstract: Disclosed is steering drive device for a pressing-controlled valve core, the steering drive device including a fixed top frame, a lifting drive rod, a vertical guide column, a lifting receiving seat, a fork-shaped swinging member, and a steering linkage. The steering linkage has an end that swings laterally when being moved, and the laterally swinging end is provided with a through hole for the fork-shaped swinging member to drive the swing arm, and cause the horizontal post to axially slide. The vertical cross-section of the through hole is rectangular, and the drive horizontal column has a range of up and down movement space in it, so that, when the drive swing arm generates lateral displacement due to vertical swing, it will pull the steering linkage along a circular path laterally moving, and at the same time drives the valve to rotate the actuating seat and cause it rotate laterally.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator includes a housing, a solenoid coil carried within the housing. An armature is carried within the housing and acted upon by the solenoid coil. A torque transfer arrangement of the solenoid actuator is configured to produce a rotational torque output upon an actuation of the armature. A firing pin is in contact with the torque transfer arrangement such that the rotational torque output produced by the torque transfer arrangement linearly transitions the firing pin from an unfired position to a fired position.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body and a valve stack within the injector body that includes a valve seat plate. The valve seat plate includes a pressure control passage for controlling fuel injection, and a valve seat positioned fluidly between the pressure control passage and a low-pressure drain. The valve seat plate includes a pressure-limiting annular groove that extends circumferentially around the valve seat and axially inward from a side of the valve seat plate where the valve seat is located. The groove enables deformation in response to pressure differences across the valve seat plate in a manner that limits stress concentrations.

Abstract: A valve top has a headpiece through which passes axially a spindle that can actuate a valve which is formed by a control disk that can rotate relative to an inlet disk, wherein the lateral surface of the spindle has, circumferentially on its side oriented away from the control disk, a curved path which receives at least one cam of a control sleeve which is arranged secure in rotation, is mounted over the end of the spindle and can be moved axially along the spindle, wherein the curved path is formed such that a vertical displacement of the control sleeve along the spindle brings about a defined rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The air conditioner includes a controller configured to determine a target evaporation pressure based on information sensed by an outdoor temperature sensor. The controller determines whether the determined target evaporation pressure is changed, based on a difference between a value sensed by an indoor temperature sensor and a set temperature of an indoor space and a value sensed by an indoor humidity sensor.

Abstract: A fluid control valve facilitates a reduction in size while securing a valve closing force for shutting off the flow of a fluid. The fluid control valve includes a plate-shaped stationary yoke (9) in which a passage hole (3) for a fluid is provided and which has a valve seat (4) around the passage hole (3), a magnetic valve disc (7) capable of controlling the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the passage hole (3) by coming into contact with and separating from the valve seat (4), and an electromagnetic coil (10) that is attached to the stationary yoke (9), with a coil axis (Y) extending in a direction different from a moving direction of the valve disc (7), so as to generate a magnetic field in the stationary yoke (9) and cause the valve disc (7) to be attracted to the valve seat (4).

Abstract: A fuel injector control valve assembly is provided that comprises a valve actuating mechanism, a cage member that is operatively connected to the valve actuating mechanism, a poppet valve member that is operatively connected to the cage member and that defines a perimeter and a longitudinal axis, a valve sleeve member that is disposed about the poppet valve member, a shim that includes an upper surface that at least partially makes uninterrupted contact with the cage member and a lower surface that at least partially makes uninterrupted contact with the sleeve member, thereby providing a fluid seal about the perimeter of the poppet valve member, and a bounce limiting mechanism that is adjacent the shim and that is interposed between the cage member and at least one of either the poppet valve member and the valve sleeve member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing extracorporeal blood circulation and oxygenation control include multi-stage de-airing of blood to provide automated cardiopulmonary replacement to preserve the viability or one or more organs in a clinically dead organ donor or harvested donor organ for subsequent transplantation to an organ receiver patient.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a linear control motor includes a first permanent magnet, a coil, a shaft, a first non-magnetic material, and a joint coupled between the shaft and a spool operable to convert rotations of the shaft into axial movements of the spool. The first non-magnetic material is disposed between at least one of the movable components and at least one of the static components and operable to prevent physical contact between at least one of the movable components and at least one of the static components.

Abstract: A throttle body having an integrated sector gear which includes a sector gear component, a bushing integrally formed with the sector gear component such that the bushing and sector gear component are a single part, and an insert, where the bushing and the sector gear formed around the insert. The insert includes a first arm and a second arm, and the insert is configurable to be formed with the sector gear and the bushing to be suitable for use with one or more packaging requirements of the throttle body.

Abstract: A valve seat has an inner passage and outer passages. A suction valve member has first passages and a first projection portion that guides, to the first passages, the fuel that flows from a pressure chamber at the time of valve opening. Therefore, an action force by the dynamic pressure applied to the suction valve member in the valve closing direction is reduced. An action force by the pressure of fuel that flows into pressure equalization grooves counterbalances the action force by the dynamic pressure of the suction valve member. Therefore, self-closing by the dynamic pressure can be inhibited, and the maximum output of an electromagnetic driving unit can be reduced. Fuel flow through a passage radially outside the suction valve member and the first passages. A fluid passage area is securable even when a lift amount of the suction valve member is small.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of a fluid is provided with a valve housing having at least two valve connections, which are fluidically connected to one another via a valve chamber, at least one valve seat, which has a fluid connection to the valve chamber and one of the valve connections, a valve element, which has an actuating section located outside of the valve chamber and a closing body located within the valve chamber for the at least one valve seat. An electromagnet having a solenoid armature acts upon the actuating section. The solenoid armature is supported via two flat springs.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve that injects fuel directly into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine includes: a nozzle inserted into a fuel injection valve fitting hole formed in the cylinder; a cylindrical tip seal holder attached to the nozzle; and an annular seal member that is fitted to the tip seal holder and seals between an inner circumferential surface of the fuel injection valve fitting hole and an outer circumferential surface of the tip seal holder.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid control device capable of making compact a fluid control device in which a valve and a limit switch are combined. A valve 6 includes a piston 26 as a moving member which includes a protruding portion protruding from an opening of a casing 21, and which linearly moves according to opening and closing of the valve 6 so as to abut against a limit switch 7. The limit switch 7 is made to face the piston 26 and is attached via a limit switch positioning unit 8 so as to be adjustable about its position. The limit switch positioning unit 8 includes a first bolt 42 fixed to a body 2, a second bolt 43 fixed to the limit switch 7, and a connection screw 44 which connects both the bolts 42, 43. The first bolt 42 and the second bolt 43 have different pitches from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve, and a floating action type servo-valve used for fluid control, including a valve body, a torque motor, a pilot stage and a power stage control mechanism. An upper valve block, an intermediate block and a lower valve block are stacked and fastened by a fastener in the valve body. A torsion-bar spring of the torque motor passes through the center of an armature and is fixed to the valve body with a stand. A pilot stage revolving shaft and a power stage revolving stage are provided in a same central line, with a mating between the pilot stage revolving shaft and the upper valve block and a mating between the power stage revolving shaft and the lower valve block. The servo valve includes a shifting enlargement mechanism constitute by a shifting fork and a shifting lever.

Abstract: A linear actuated valve controls the flow of fluid between a first passageway and a second passageway. The valve can be solenoid actuated so as to selectively permit and prohibit fluid flow communication between the first passageway and the second passageway. The valve can include a mechanical latch that provides a de-energized yet valve open position.

Abstract: A sliding valve device includes a fixing portion, a sliding component and a driving member. The fixing portion has an inlet port and an outlet port. The sliding component is connected with the fixing portion, and includes a fluid channel. The driving member is used for driving movement of the sliding component, wherein the driving member is not in contact with the fluid channel, the inlet port and the outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solenoid valve, it comprises: a movable core, provided with a flange at a lower end thereof; a driving assembly, in which the flange will abut against a bottom portion thereof and can move up against an upper portion thereof within a chamber of the driving assembly; a piston assembly, a central part of which seals a valve port of the solenoid valve, a periphery of which seals an annular chamber formed between the valve port and a valve body of the solenoid valve, the annular chamber being communicated to the inlet connection pipe, the piston assembly being disposed with a conducting hole at a center thereof, which is sealed by the bottom of the driving assembly; when opening the valve port, the flange of the movable core will first be moved to abut against the upper portion of the driving assembly, and then drive the driving assembly to move up in order to open the conducting hole, wherein since flow of fluid from an upper chamber above the piston assembly into an valve body

Abstract: A valve assembly for a viscous clutch includes an orifice plate defining a bore to allow the passage of a fluid through the orifice plate, a reed valve secured relative to the orifice plate, an armature comprising a magnetic flux-conducting material, an anchor spring secured to the armature, and a stiffening plate. The reed valve includes a tongue configured to selectively cover the bore of the orifice plate, and a first pivot location along the tongue. A second pivot location is defined along the anchor spring at an edge of the stiffening plate. The first and second pivot locations are spaced from each other. The armature is configured to selectively apply a force to the reed valve to pivot at least a portion of the tongue about the first pivot location.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated air inlet or combustion exhaust valve, for a rotary exhaust valve assembly or a sliding plate valve. The rotary exhaust valve has a fixed housing with a cylindrical bore in fluid communication with an air inlet port and/or a combustion gas outlet port, and a cylindrical valve body that rotates within the bore of the fixed housing. The valve body has a gas passage transverse to the axis. The sliding plate valve has a fixed housing with a cylindrical bore in fluid communication with a gas inlet passage and a gas outlet passage, and a plate between the gas inlet passage and the gas outlet passage with an aperture, moving between open and closed positions. An electric linear solenoid reciprocates linearly and operates the sliding plate valve or the rotary valve, directly or through a lever to rotate the rotary valve body, between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A flow control device is disclosed. The flow control device includes a solenoid, the solenoid including an armature. Also, a piston connected to the armature. The piston includes a primary orifice. The piston having an open position and a closed position. A piston spring connected to the piston is also includes and at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the piston to the open position at least partially opens the at least one secondary orifice and the movement of the piston to the closed position at least partially closes the at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the armature actuates the piston movement and controls fluid flow from the primary orifice through the at least one secondary orifice.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly, including a valve, a housing, a user interface, and a fitting to couple to a fluid source. The valve may include a first sensor detecting proper placement of the fluid container based on a magnetic material positioned at the bottom of the fluid container, a plunger having a plunger shaft coupled thereto, the plunger selectively placing the valve in fluid communication with the fluid container, and a solenoid coupled to the plunger shaft and moving the plunger shaft to transition the plunger between an open position and a closed position. The user interface may be coupled to the valve to enable selection of at least a fluid container size and a dispensing mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sphygmomanometer exhaust valve having a valve that functions as a lever, and in which a solenoid moves the point of force of the valve to urge a valve membrane formed at the point of action against a ventilation port. A support member supports the valve while fixing its fulcrum. When no electric current is supplied to the solenoid, the support member holds the valve in a predetermined position in which the ventilation port is open.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides a solenoid interlock coupled to a booster actuator. The booster actuator and solenoid interlock operate with a low energy input and a high energy output using mechanically stored energy.

Abstract: A device for the flow control of a liquid or gaseous medium has a valve element which controls at least one flow opening for the medium, and an electromagnet which actuates the valve element and has a magnetic circuit having at least one excitation coil and a solenoid armature coupled to the valve element. To markedly reduce the start-up power for the excitation coil, the solenoid armature is disposed between two diametrically opposed pole pieces located in the magnetic circuit, such that it can swivel about a swivel axis, and is designed such that it extends beyond each pole piece, leaving two air gaps. At least one permanent magnet is disposed in the solenoid armature in a manner such that the magnetic flux thereof closes by way of the pole pieces.

Abstract: A vertical rotor type gas solenoid valve comprises a valve case (14), a regulating spring (11), a regulating nail (10), a rotor regulating screw (9), a regulating screw bracket (12), a swing arm (18), a sealing gasket component arranged at an outer end of the swing arm (18), and a vertical rotor type electromagnet. The valve case (14) comprises a gas net (15), a gas outlet (16) and a valve port (17). The gas flow and the curve of the gas flow against the electric current of the winding can be regulated, and the minimum starting point of gas flow is determined.

Abstract: A remotely operated safety valve is provided for terminating flow through the valve. The safety valve includes an electromagnet for holding the safety valve open, and a swing plate for closing the safety valve. A power supply is provided for powering the electromagnet, and an electrical conductor extends between the shutdown switch, the power supply, and the electromagnet. A connector spaced along the conductor is separable during a separation of a towing vehicle from the towed vehicle. The safety valve automatically closes in response to one of activation of the shutdown switch or the termination of power to the electromagnet.

Abstract: Proposed is a pressure regulating valve (10) for opening and closing an outlet of a high-pressure accumulator (12) for an injection device for internal combustion engines. The pressure regulating valve (10) has a valve element (18) which can be actuated by a magnet actuator (17). The magnet actuator (17) acts, by means of an armature (31), on a closing element (29) which closes off or opens up a hydraulic connection from the high-pressure accumulator (12) to a valve chamber (26), wherein the valve chamber (26) is hydraulically connected to a low-pressure port (15). The armature (31) has an armature plate (32) and an armature pin (33), wherein the armature plate (32) is arranged in a movable manner in an armature chamber (44). The armature chamber (44) is hydraulically connected via a return connection (50) to the valve chamber (26).

Abstract: A valve device has a valve space (14) formed in a housing (12a, 12b), a valve drive (16) sealed against the valve space (14) by means of a sealing body (26) made of an elastic material, a two-armed actuating lever (32) which extends through the sealing body and whose first arm (34) is connected to the valve drive (16), and a closing body (28) molded on the sealing body (26), which forms a jacket of the second arm (30) of the actuating lever (32). The closing body (28) can cover or clear a valve seat (24) disposed in a valve space (14) by a swivel movement of the actuating lever (32), wherein the actuating lever (32) includes a spatially fixed bearing axis.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a bobbin, a coil, a rod, and at least one ball. The bobbin has a through hole and a multiple-turning-point groove in the inner wall of the bobbin. The coil winds around the bobbin. The rod is disposed in the through hole and is capable of moving inward or outward along the through hole, and has a recess in the outer wall of the rod. Each ball is received in the groove and the recess at the same time.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes an inlet and an outlet through which fluid enters and exits the valve. A valve plunger has a guide spring attached thereto, such that the guide spring is situated between the plunger and a valve orifice. The plunger, and thus the guide spring, is movable relative to the orifice to control fluid flow through the valve. The guide spring and the orifice surface adjacent the guide spring define coplanar surfaces that seal against each other when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A solenoid valve that is constructed as follows: a cap is mounted on a movable iron core such that forward movement thereof is restricted; a pressing member is displaceably arranged between abutting seat surfaces of the cap and the movable iron core; biasing forces F1, F2, and F3 of an iron core return spring for biasing the movable iron core toward a initial position, a cushioning spring provided between the movable iron core and the pressing member, and a valve return spring for biasing a valve member in a direction to open a valve are set so as to be F1>F2>F3; and gaps x and y are provided between the pressing member and the movable iron core and between the pressing member and the cap, respectively, when the movable iron core is at the initial position.

Abstract: A torque balance servo is provided for use in conjunction with a fluidly-controlled device. The torque balance servo includes a pivoting table assembly and an electromagnetic force bias mechanism. The pivoting table assembly includes: (i) a pivoting table configured to pivot about a rotational axis, and (ii) a roller assembly mechanically coupled to the fluidly-controlled device and contacting a surface of the pivoting table. The electromagnetic force bias mechanism is disposed proximate the pivoting table assembly and configured to exert a variable torsional force about the rotational axis of the pivoting table.

Abstract: An automatically adjusting control valve comprises a valve body; a valve seat within the valve body; a sealing disc adjacent the valve seat when the valve is closed and offset from the valve seat when the valve is open; an armature adjacent the sealing disc and operable to move the sealing disc linearly within the valve body; a biasing mechanism which biases the armature toward a first position; and an actuation stem configured to overcome the biasing mechanism and move the armature between the first position and a second position upon manual operation. The actuation stem may comprise a portion which engages the armature during movement between the first position and the second position The portion may be configured to deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances of the valve.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus and a dispenser system for dispensing a liquid from a bottle having a neck portion consisting of a housing formed with a flow conduit therethrough in fluid communication with the liquid within the bottle, the flow conduit having an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a substantially cylindrical cavity positioned between the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit, a flow wheel positioned in the cavity, the flow wheel having a central axis and a plurality of blade elements extending outwardly relative to the central axis, a flow sensor positioned adjacent to the flow wheel and the cavity for detecting movement of the plurality of blade elements of flow wheel, an electromagnetic valve positioned proximate to the outlet conduit, the electromagnetic valve having an actuation unit outside of the outlet conduit, a valve member inside the outlet conduit, and a spring member biased against the valve member within the outlet conduit, the valve member rotatable between a closed position and an open

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly for a combustible gas supply device to an endothermic engine is disclosed. The solenoid valve assembly includes a solenoid valve with at least one combustible gas outlet and an armature controlled by an electromagnet, the armature having an armature plate and a shutter. The armature plate rotates about a contact line. The armature plate is engaged by a bar pushed against the plate by a spring so as to normally keep the shutter in closed position. The solenoid valve assembly includes a hollow body that may be connected to an intermediate plate that may be connected to a closing plate module. The closing plate module carries a variable number of outlet conduits. The intermediate plate is provided with a series of grooves adapted to accommodate a series of different gaskets, each gasket corresponding to a closing plate module.

Abstract: A gas flow control system is arranged for regulating the gas supply to a burner comprising a safety valve. The safety valve is arranged to open and close a gas supply opening. The gas flow control system is driven by a motor and comprises driving means configured for engaging an end of a safety valve spindle, for moving the safety valve spindle from a closed to an open configuration. The driving means comprise converter means disposed intermediate the motor and an end of a push pin. The converter means are configured to convert the rotational movement of a drive shaft, rotated by the motor, into a linear movement of the push pin. The pin is engageable with the end of the safety valve spindle and is movable to push the safety valve spindle from the closed to the open configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid valve having a magnet assembly and a valve cartridge comprising a capsule, a valve insert connected to the capsule, an armature that is movably disposed within the capsule. The armature includes a tappet having a locking element and a main sealing element, and a valve body having a main valve seat pressed into the valve insert. A magnetic force generated by the magnet assembly axially moves the armature against the force of a return spring and plunges the main sealing element into the main valve seat in a sealing manner. According to the invention, the valve body is configured as a bonnet-shaped bushing, the open end of which is pressed into the valve insert, and acts as a spring support for the return spring, which is disposed outside of a fluid flow, which is present between the opened main valve seat and at least one radial downstream opening in the valve body configured as a bonnet-shaped bushing.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve (1) comprises in a housing (2), a core (3) of magnetic material surrounded by a coil (5) to be supplied with excitation current, a valve seat (6) attached to the housing (2) with a space to said core (3), at least one centrally located outlet port (7) in said valve seat (6) and at least one inlet port (8) communicating via said space, and a valve washer (9) of magnetic material suspended in said to close said outlet port (7) in absence of excitation current to said coil (5), said valve washer (9) cooperating with said core (3) to open said outlet port (7) when excitation current is supplied to said coil (5).

Abstract: A bistable valve (100) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The bistable valve (100) includes an armature (108) movable to selectively block and unblock at least a first port (104) and a biasing device (112) configured to provide a first biasing force that biases the armature (108) toward a first position blocking the first port (104). The bistable valve (100) further includes a plurality of substantially radially magnetized permanent magnets (114) configured to provide a second biasing force to the armature (108) substantially opposite to the first biasing force and an electromagnetic coil (116) configured to generate a third biasing force when energized with a first current polarity. The third biasing force is substantially opposite to the first biasing force and in combination with the second biasing force overcomes the first biasing force and moves the armature (108).

Abstract: A solenoid operated pilot valve utilizes an offset pilot opening and a lever arm to provide a mechanical advantage to multiply the opening force of the solenoid, thereby allowing the solenoid size to be reduced. The lever arm used to position the pilot valving member is mechanically positioned via a solenoid driven plunger in one embodiment, and is positioned by magnetic force alone in an alternative, plungerless embodiment. The lever arm pivots via a fixed fulcrum point, a profiled fulcrum providing continuously variable mechanical advantage, or a stepped fulcrum providing discreet different mechanical advantages as the pilot valving member is moved from its fully closed to its fully opened position.

Abstract: A valve, in particular, a proportional seat valve or gate valve, includes a valve housing (10) and at least three fluid connections (1, 2, 3) extending through the valve housing. A main piston (18) extends in the valve housing (10). A pilot piston (24) for executing a pilot control (26) may be controlled by a current-carrying magnetic device (28). During an open pilot control (26), fluid from one (2) of the connectors (1, 2), controlled by the main piston (18), reaches the connector (3), controlled by the pilot piston (24), by a cross-sectional narrowing (38) in the main piston (19). The pilot control (26) and, as a result of the corresponding pressure drop, the main piston (18) achieves a control position, controlling both fluid connections (1, 2) with regard to fluid amount.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is disclosed. The actuator has a coil arrangement which can be excited electrically, and has an armature. The armature is mounted such that it can move axially in the coil arrangement, is composed of soft magnetic material, and is moved in the axial direction when the coil arrangement is excited. A guide sleeve is fixed in the coil arrangement and guides the armature in the axial direction. The guide sleeve is produced from a soft magnetic material.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve in which a first resin-molded layer that is made of a synthetic resin, covers a solenoid section, and forms a coupler main portion that defines a coupler is covered by a second resin-molded layer different from that of the first resin-molded layer so that an outer face of the coupler main portion is exposed from a middle part up to the extremity of the coupler main portion. An endless engagement groove is provided on the outer periphery of the middle pad of the coupler main portion of the first resin-molded layer, the second resin-molded layer engaging with the endless engagement groove. An extending portion extending further outward than the engagement groove is formed in the second resin-molded layer so that the extending portion makes contact with an outer face of the coupler main portion when in a non-engaged state and covers the coupler main portion.