Retainer for a connection to a fluid powered machine

Abstract: A spring clip retainer for securing a spool (20) in a bore (15) in, for example, a power tool (10), wherein the spool forms a swivel connection for a source of pressure fluid to operate and or control the tool. The clip has resilient tab means (40) for selected interconnection between the clip and the bore as a means for axial alignment in the bore and to permit the spool to rotate in the bore.

Description: This invention relates generally to fluid machines and more particularly to devices for connecting and retaining fluid conduits for fluid machines. Fluid machines commonly require connection to fluid inlets and/or fluid outlet lines. Such connections are usually accomplished by use of threaded adapters or bayonet style quick connectors. In either case an adapter of some sort is threaded into the fluid machine while a mating adapter is attached to the appropriate fluid carrying hose or other conduit. Where mobility is required, as in the case of fluid powered hand tools, it is desirable to effect a swivel action associated with the connection. In the past this has generally been accomplished externally to the fluid machine and/or required complicated internal structure or difficult assembly procedure. US-A-3 245 703 discloses a typical known hose pipe connector for garden hoses or the like. According to the present invention, there is provided in combination, a fluid powered machine with a connection bore, and a retainer for a connection to the fluid powered machine, the retainer comprising an elongate spool having a pressure fluid connector at one end for connection to a hose and an externally operable valve element disposed within its other end for axial insertion in the connection bore in the fluid machine, there being a retaining clip that engages said spool connector for rotation thereabout, and said retaining clip being provided with resilient tab means for selected interconnection between said clip and said bore as a means for axial alignment in said bore and for permitting said spool to rotate within said bore relatively to said fluid powered machine when connected to said hose. For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawing, in which:- Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a retainer showing its interrelationship with a spool connector inserted within a bore in a power tool or the like; Figure 2 is a side view of the retaining clip; Figure 3 is a front sectional view of the retaining clip taken along line 3-3 of Figure 4; and Figure 4 is a bottom view of the retaining clip showing its semi-circular clip-on construction. Referring to Figure 1, the features of a retainer 30 connection to a fluid powered machine or tool 10 are shown. The retainer is interspaced between the power tool 10 and an inlet spool 20 which serves to receive pressure fluid through an inlet threaded connection 22. The pressure fluid is transmitted by means of a fluid channel 21 to a valve bore and therefrom through a valve element 12. The valve element 12 selectively engages valve seat 14 to control fluid flow to a motor means (not shown) associated with the power tool 10. A spring 11 normally maintains the valve element 12 in close co-operation with the valve seat 14. Tilting the valve element 12 against the spring 11 allows pressure fluid to proceed to the motor means. The spool 20 which contains both the valve element 12 and the threaded connection 22 is disposed within a bore 15 within the power tool. A guide 16 is provided in the present embodiment, which may co-operate with a groove in the spool to accomplish a selective orientation of the spool relative to the bore or simply space the spool in the bore to permit axial access as shown for a purpose later described. In the event, however, that it is desirable to provide rotation of the spool, the key or spline type feature of the guide 16 is omitted. An "O" ring seal 28 provides sealing engagement between the spool 20 and the power tool bore 15. A bore boss 26 provides reinforcement to the threaded connection 22 and inlet alignment of the spool with the bore. As best seen in Figure 1, the spool 20 is further provided with a circumferential recess 23 which receives a retaining clip 30 intermediate the spool 20 and the bore 15. The spool is further provided with a peripheral spool recess 24 intermediate and deeper than the clip recess 23 for the purpose of receiving a spring finger 35 disposed on the retaining clip 30 as will be further described. Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the retaining clip is shown in the form of a partial cylinder in excess of 180 degrees of circumference. The retaining clip is manufactured of a resilient material, such as spring steel, and it will be appreciated that it may be disposed about the periphery of the spool 20 in the retaining clip recess 23 by simply snapping it in place within the circumferential recess 23 prior to assembly of the spool 20 in the bore 15. Referring to Figure 2, the retaining clip 30 is provided with longitudinal slots 31 dividing the retaining clip into a back shell portion 36 comprising a portion of a cylinder and two finger portions 35 extending longitudinally from the body of the clip. Each of the fingers is further provided with a bent tab 40 which in its extended position, as shown in Figure 1, intercepts a tab slot 27 for the purpose of securing the retaining clip relative to the bore 15 and thereby the power tool 10. As may be appreciated, the retaining clip 30 is free to rotate about the spool 20 but is secured from both rotation and translation within the bore 15 by means of the bent tabs 40 coacting with the tab slot 27. It should be also appreciated that the retaining clip is free to rotate within the clip recess 23 and is prevented from longitudinal traverse by the end walls of the clip recess. For assembly, the retaining clip is expanded and disposed about the spool 20. The spool 20 is then inserted in the bore 15 to the point shown in Figure 1, where the bent tabs 40 spring outward to intercept the tab slot 27. This secures the retainer clip within the bore and permits only rotation of the spool about the retaining clip 30. The peripheral spool recess 24 provides relief for the spring finger 35 to be bent inward as shown in phantom on Figure 1 during assembly. As previously described, rotation of the spool may be prevented by interaction of the bore boss 26 with the guides 16 by providing the bore boss with an interaction spline or the key or the like. The spool may be removed only after the bent tabs 40 are depressed beyond the tab slot 27. This may be accomplished by an external means comprising a special tool or the like which may access the tool either longitudinally by means of the guide slot 16 or along the exterior of the tab slot 27 to depress the spring finger 35.

Claims: In combination, a fluid powered machine (10) with a connection bore (15), and a retainer for a connection to the fluid powered machine (10), the retainer comprising an elongate spool (20) having a pressure fluid connector (22) at one end for connection to a hose and an externally operable valve element (12) disposed within its other end for axial insertion in the connection bore (15) in the fluid machine, there being a retaining clip (30) that engages said spool connector for rotation thereabout, and said retaining clip being provided with resilient tab means (40) for selected interconnection between said clip (30) and said bore (15) as a means for axial alignment in said bore and for permitting said spool (20) to rotate within said bore relatively to said fluid powered machine when connected to said hose. A combination according to claim 1, wherein said retaining clip is in the form of partly cylindrical spring clip disposed in a circumferential groove (23) on said spool. A combination according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said retaining clip is provided with spring finger portions (35) for coacting with said bore to secure said clip from movement in a selected position within said bore. A combination according to claim 3, wherein said spring finger portions (35) are elongate and are longitudinally disposed on said clip. A combination according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said spring finger portions are provided with said tab means (40). A combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein retaining clip is free to rotate about said spool, thereby allowing said spool and said connection to rotate within said fluid powered machine.

Inventors: CLAPP JOHN M, GEIGER ROBERT E, LIVINGSTON PATRICK S, CLAPP, JOHN M., GEIGER, ROBERT E., LIVINGSTON, PATRICK S.
Applicants: INGERSOLL RAND CO, INGERSOLL-RAND COMPANY
Application year: 1993
Main classification: F16L27
IPC codes: F16L37, F16K1