INSTANT HOSE COUPLING

Abstract: An instant hose coupling, characterised by comprising: a body (1) comprising an axial duct provided internally with at least one O-ring (9); a male element (3) axially insertable into said body (1) so that a seal is formed between its outer surface and said O-ring (9); and at least two engagement members (12, 26) applied externally to said body (1) and each comprising an appendix (15, 29) which traverses a corresponding passage (11) provided in the body and engages in a circumferential groove provided in said male element (3) on the outside of the portion which seals against said O-ring (9).

Description: Instant Hose Coupling - 1 This invention relates to an instant hose coupling. Known instant hose couplings generally consist of t parts which are securely fixed to the two hose ends to connected together and are then engaged with each other 5 order to maKe this connection. One of these parts consists a t ubul ar or m ale el eme n t c ompri s ing a n e x t e r circumf erential groove. The other part, or body, consists a tubular sleeve of such an inner diameter as to allow male element to be inserted axially into it. On the slee 10 there are provided two inclined grooves housing two p which are eiastically urged to partly project into t circular interior of the sleeve. In order to maKe t connection, the male element is inserted axially into t body of the coupling so as to eiastically f orce the two pi 15 apart, which on assuming their original position engage the external circumferential groove of the male element. this stage the two pins are prevented from moving apart the par ticul ar inclination o f the groove in which th engage, this inclination tending to Keep the pins f orci 20 urged towards each other because of the fluid pressure in t hose and the consequent tendency of the male element withdraw. In order to disengage the male element, an external ri - Z - is moved axially along the body to displace the pins alon the transverse grooves until they are spaced apart by distance sufficient to allow the male element to b w i t h d r a w n . One drawback of this type of coupling is that th engagement between each pin, which is rigid with the body and the circumferential groove in the male element is reduc to a point contact which in time results in wear of th corresponding portion of the male element, so compromisin its mechanical seal. A further drawback is that the release operatio requires the use of both hands, A body has also been proposed comprising a plurality o balls projecting radially from the inner surface and engagin in an external circumferential groove provided in the mal element. An external ring mobile axially to the body i provided which when in a determined relative axial positio enables the balls to yield outwards, to allow withdrawal o the male element from its seat in the body. However, in the same manner as the preceding, thi method also has the drawbacks deriving from the need to us both hands for connection and release, and again presents limited contact surface between the two parts of th coupling. A further drawback is that if the insertion is made w a certain force, the balls can deform the outer surface the male element so making this insertion more difficult w the passing of time. Finally, a further drawback is a certain construction complication if a valve has to be provided to hold the ba radially outwards when the male element is not inserted the body. The object of the invention is to obviate all the drawbacks by providing an instant hose coupling which can operated with one hand, does not deform even under acciden impact, has a large contact surface on insertion, provid very reliable mechanical connection and is of very simp c o n t r u c t i o n . This and further objects which will be apparent from t description given hereinafter are attained according to t invention by an instant hose coupling, characterised b y c o mpri sing: - a body comprising an axial duct provided internally with least one 0-πng; a male element axially insertable into said body so that seal is formed between its outer surface and said O-rin and at least two engagement members applied externally to sai body and each comprising an appendix which traverses corresponding passage provided in the body and engages in circumferential groove provided in said male element on th outside of the portion which seals against said O-ring. A preferred embodiment of the present invention i described in detail hereinafter with reference to t h accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 is a longitudinal section through the two parts o the coupling according to the invention in thei separated state; Figure 2. shows them in their locked-together state in th same view as Figure \ but in a reduced scale; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic front view of the two engagemen members, and Figure 4 shows two part of the coupling in a secon embo dime nt . As can be seen from the figures 1 to 3 the couplin according to the invention consists essentially of two parts namely a body t, to which one of the two hoses £ to b connected together is fixed in the conventional manner, and male element 3, to which the other hose 4 is fixed. The b o dy 1 con s ist s sub s t ant ial ly of a s l constructed preferably of brass or aluminium and having int ernally threaded end into which a union 5 dir e connected to the hose 2 can be screwed so that its provides an annular abutment surface for a conical spring associated with a valve 7. The purpose of the valve 7, w is preferably of Zn-AI-Mg alloy, is to keep the internal of the body 1 closed when the male element 3 is not inser Two annular seats are provided in the inner tubular of the body 1 for housing two 0-πngs 8 and 9 which respectively against the valve 7 when the male element is inserted, and against the male element 3 when inserted i the body 1. in proximity to its opposite end the body 1 is provi with a pair of passages 11, the outer circumferential surf of which is conical, and which communicate with the in cavity of the body. Two locking members are applied to said passages they being indicated overall by 12 and comprising outwardly diverging conical cont rol lev er 13 , a cy lindri portion 14 which rests on the body 1 and an appendix 15 engaging the male element 3. Figure 3 shows the configuration of the two engagem - _• - members 12 in the shape * of a circular arc, and Figures 1 2 show the longitudinal profile of each appendix 15 which the side facing the hose 2 has a taper corresponding to t provided on a circumferential projection 16 of the m element 3, whereas on the side facing the hose 4 it has taper 17 corresponding to that of the outer circumferen surface of the passages 11. The two engagement members ' 12, which are also prefer of ' Zn-Al-Mg alloy construction, are maintained eiastically their correct working position, indicated in Figures 1 and by the presence of a ring 18 housed in corresponding se provided in said elements and preferably of synthtic rub to which suitable substances for increasing its resistance ozone, light and tearing have been added. A rubber ring 19, provided with an int er circumferential rib 20 engaging in a corresponding groove provided in the body 1, completely encircles the ring 18 protects it from UV rays or any other factor which with passing of the time can cause its deteroration. The male element 3, also preferably of brass aluminium construction, comprises two cylindrical portio namely a front portion 22 of diameter just less than inner diameter of the body 1 to enable it to be inserted i this latter, and a rear portion 23 of greater diameter to the ' inner diameter of the mouth portion of the body 1 The circumferential projection 16 is provided in front portion 22 and has its front annular surface tapering to correspond to the taper of a flared portio provided in the front surface of the inner duct of the 1, in proximity to the O-ring 9, The operation of the coupling according to the inv is as follows; when the male element is not inserted (see Figure 1) spring 6 urges the valve 7 against the O-ring 8 to keep inner duct of the body 1 closed. At the same time appendices 15 of the two engagement members 12 are house the corresponding passages 11 and partly project into cylindrical cavity present in the mouth portion of the 1. To fix the male element 3 into the body 1 it necessary only to push it axially into said body : ini the front end of the portion 22 rests against the appendices 15 of the engagement members 12, and because the presence of their two conical surfaces, it spaces th apart by a distance suf f icient f or the passage of projection 16. This spacing is accompanied by the el yielding of the ring 18 and the rotation of the t engagement members 12 about the connection edge between t levers 13 and the corresponding cylindrical rest portion 14 After the projection 16 of the front portion 22 of t male element 3 has passed beyond the two appendices 15 of t engagement members 12, the elastic return of the ring causes said appendices 15 to engage in the circumferent groove in the male element 3 provided between the projecti 16 and rear portion 23, so securely locking the male eleme to the body 1. In this state, as can be seen from Figure 2, the fro end of the portion 22 keeps the valve 17 open against t elastic reaction of the spring 6, and the O-ring 9 adheres the cylindrical surface of the portion 22, to provide a s between the male element 3 and body 1. The pressure of the fluid which passes through the hos 2 and 4, and which tends to cause the male element 3 withdraw axially from the body 1, also causes the t engagement members 12 to move rearwards as far as is allow by the width of the passages 11, so ensuring that the body and male element 3 remain rigidly locked togeth mechanically by the interposing of the two appendices between the projection 16 on the male element 3 and t conical surface of the passages 11 through the body 1, To disengage the male element 3 from the body 1 i necessary only to press lightly on . the levers 13 of the engagement members 12. This causes said members to r about their connection edge between the levers 13 and corresponding rest portion 14, with consequent spacing of the "appendices 15 until the circumferential projection the male element 3 can be disengaged and this latter a withdrawn from the body 1, After the male element 3 has been thus withdrawn, two engagement members 12 are released and the el reaction of the annular element 18, which is no lo stressed, returns said engagement members into their position ready for subsequent insertion of the male ele 3. From the aforegoing it is apparent that the cou according to the invention offers numerous advantages conventional couplings, and in particular: it is insensitive to accidental impact on falling, as has no sliding rings which could deform, with resul jamming in operation. In contrast, the engagement mem 12 are always in contact with the body 1 and do not su any deformation which could in any way alter their dist from said body; it has large areas of contact between the mutually engag parts, so making such parts practically inderformable ev after prolonged periods of operation; - it provides a rigid, stable mechanical connection betwe the appendices 15 of the engagement members 12, even if t elastic annular element 18 is absent, the purpose of th latter therefore being essentially to keep said engageme members mounted on the body 1 and to ensure their elast return after insertion of the male element 3; it is constructionally very simple; it enables the valve 7, included if the coupling is to used as a cock, to be of very simple construction as does not also ' have to support the balls of convention coupling when the male element is withdrawn. in the embodiment shown in figure 4, in the passages are applied two members 26 comprising an appendix 27, cilindrical portion 28 resting on the body 1 and an append 29 for engaging the male element 3. To the cilindric portion of the body 1 an annular element 30 and a solenoid spring 31 are applied, the latter eiastically keeping the t members 26 in the right operating position. Furthermore the body 1 a ring 32 is applied, made of two portions havi different inner diameter, which rests with one end to element 30 and is provided at the other end wit circumf rential abutment 33. An elastic movable washer housed in a corresponding seat of the body 1 prevents axial withdrawal of the ring 32. The operation of the coupling in this second embodi is as follows: to fix the male element into the body 1 it is necessary to push it axially into said body: after the front end of portion 22 has . passed beyond the two appendices 29, projection 16 takes effect with these and, overcoming elastic reaction of the spring 31, pushes inside the engaging members 26. In this way their rotation is allo due to the effect of the push of the male element 3, ar the edge of the passages next to the spring 31 and consequent going out from the cilidrical mouth recess of body to allow the axial insertion of the male element 3 this one. After the projection 16 has passed beyond the appen 29 of the engaging members 26, the elastic reaction of spring 31 causes said members 26 to return to their ori condition and the consequent engagement of said appendices in the circumferential groove of the male element 3 prov between the projection 16 and the rear portion 23. In order to disengage the male element 3 from the b 1 it is necessary only to exert a light axial displacement the ring 32 towards the hose 2. In this way the abutment causes a corresponding axial displacement of the engagi members 26 which allow, with their rotation around- the e of the passage* next to the spring 31, the axial withdra of the male element 3. After the male 3 has been thus withdrawn, if the ring is released, the elastic reaction of the spring 31 retu the engaging members 26 into their rest position ready subsequent insertion of the male element 3. This second embodiment, besides the above describ advantages, presents some further, ones and in particular: - presents a stroke of the ring very low to carry out disengagement of the hose, has an operating similar to that of the traditio ball coupling.

Claims: C L A I M S 1, An inst ant hose coupling, characterised by c o m p r i s i n g : a body (1) comprising an axial duct provided inte with at least one O-ring (9); a male element (3) axially insertable into said body so that a seal is formed between its outer surface and O-ring (9); and at least two engagement members (12,26) applied exte to said body (1) and each comprising an appendix (1 which traverses a corresponding passage (11) provided the body and engages in a circumferential groove pro in said . male element (3) on the outside of the po which seals against said O-πng (9). 2. A coupling as claimed in claim 1, characterised in at the opposite end to that into which the male element is inserted the body (1) houses a valve (7) urged axially a spring (6) to adhere to a seal gasket (8) and to thus the axial duct through said body (1), said valve (7) displaced axially from said closure position on insertion said male element (3). 3. A coupling as claimed in claim i, characterised in the male element (3) comprises a smaller-diameter por (22) insertable into the body (l) and a larger-diamet portion (23) fixed to the hose end to be connected. 4, A coupling as claimed in claim 3, characterised in th the portion (22) of the male element (3) insertable into t body ( 1) comprises a circumf erential pro jection ( engageable by the appendices (15,29) of the engageme member s (12,26). 5, A coupling as claimed in claim 1, characterised in t each engagement member (12) comprises an operating lever ( positioned at an angle to the body axis. 6, A coupling as claimed in claim 1, characterised in t the engagement members (12) are kept eiastically retained the body (1) by a single elastic ring (18) appli simultaneously with them, 7. A coupling as claimed in claim 6, characterised in t it comprises a rubber annular element (19) encircling t elastic ring (18), 8. A coupling as claimed in claim 1, characterised m t each engagement member (12) is circu ferentially in the sh of a wide arc and has those surfaces which make contact w parts of the body (l) and male element (3) shaped accordance with said parts. 9. A coupling as claimed m claim 1, characterised m t each- engagement member (12) is partly housed . in a pa (11) and having a width such as to allow it a limited freedom of movement, 10, A coupling as claimed in claim ( 1, characterised in the front edge of the portion (22) of the male element (3 flared at an angle substantially equal to that formed by surface (22) of the appendix (15) which faces that opening the body (1) through which the male element (3) is inser 11. A coupling as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that surface (24) of the projection (16) on the male ele (3) which faces the body (1) is conical with a cone substantially equal to the flare angle of that portion of body (1) with which said projection (16) interferes d it s ins er ti o n . 12. A coupling according to claim 1 characterised in that comprises a ring (32) axially movable with respect to body (1) and suitable to cause the engagement and disengagement of the members (2) on the male (3).

Inventors: ZANETTI PAOLO, ZANETTI, PAOLO
Applicants: CALEDONIA SPA, CALEDONIA S.P.A.
Application year: 1988
Main classification: F16L37
IPC codes: F16L37