COUPLING DEVICE

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for connecting a first coupling member (1) comprising an essentially circular ring member (5) to a second coupling member (9), the first coupling element (1) comprising an essentially cylindrical section (2) with a peripheral groove (4) which accommodates the ring member (5) which, during connection, cooperates with a groove (10) in the second coupling member (9). The invention is characterized in that the first coupling member (1) comprises a recess (6, 7) for accessing the ring member (5) and that the ring member (5) is adapted to be compressed in a radial direction, whereby the ring element (5) during compression is released from engagement with the groove (10). By means of the invention, there is provided a simple assembly and disassembly, as well as a secure connection of the coupling members.

Description: TITLE : Coupling device. TECHNICAL FIELD: The present invention relates to a coupling device in accordance with the preamble of appended claim 1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: In connection with for example hose couplings, electrical connectors, plugs and pneumatic and hydraulic connectors, there is a demand for coupling means which are easy to assemble and take apart, while still providing a secure connection after assembly. It is especially desirable to provide a coupling means which may be assembled and taken apart without using any tools, which provides for simplified handling and also lower costs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: It is thus a primary object of the present invention to provide a coupling device which provides a simple and cheap assembly and disassembly as well as a secure connection. This object is solved by means of a device, the features of which will be apparent from claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the annexed drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side view of a coupling member according to the present invention, Fig. 2 shows a locking ring which is utilized in connection with the invention. CONFIRMATION COPY Fig. 3 is a front view of the coupling member according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a side view of a coupling sleeve which may be utilized in connection with the invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the invention according to a preferred embodiment, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the invention according to an alternative preferred embodiment comprising an actuation element, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the actuation element according to Fig. 6, and Fig. 8 is a perspective rear view of the actuation element according to Figs. 6 and 7. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS: Fig. l shows a front view of a device according to the present invention. According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a coupling member 1 having a first, essentially cylindrical section 2 and a second, essentially cylindrical section 3. Preferably, the second section 3 is of a larger diameter than the first section 2. The first section 2 may be manufactured from a number of different materials such as aluminium, plastic or brass. The section 2 is preferably slightly tapered towards its rear portion. The first section 2 comprises a groove 4, preferably in the vicinity of the second section 3, which groove extends around the circumference of the cylindrical section 2. The groove 4 is intended to accomodate a locking ring 5 which may be manufactured from steel or some other suitable material. The locking ring 5, which is shown separately in Fig. 2, has an essentially circular shape but is however "open", and urges outwardly in a radial direction. Two prongs 6 extend from the respective end sections of the locking ring 5 and are oriented essentially in an axial direction. The prongs 6 are arranged to be squeezed together manually in order to act against the outwardly (in a radial direction) directed force of the locking ring 5. In accordance with that which is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, the prongs 6 extend along the first section 2 which to this end comprises an axially extending recess 7, and through a second recess 8 which is formed along a circular sector of the second section 3. The second recess 8 is formed in such a manner that it is possible, by means of a tool, for example a screwdriver, to access and squeeze the prongs 6 together, thus pressing the locking ring inwardly (in a radial direction) towards the groove 4. Those sec¬ tions of the locking ring 5 where the prongs are attached are slightly bent inwardly so that the prongs 6 do not protrude above the second recess 7. The recess 8 may also be shaped so that the prongs 6 may be accessed and squeezed together manually, for example with the thumb and index finger. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the locking ring may by a circular ring, i.e. an open ring which lacks the above-mentioned prongs. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the coupling member 1 may be locked in a corresponding coupling sleeve 9 which is essentially tubular. The coupling sleeve 9, which may be of a previous type known per se, has an inner diameter which slightly exceeds the outer diameter of the essentially cylindrical section 2. The coupling sleeve 9 comprises a circular groove 10 which is intended to cooperate with the locking ring 5 when the coupling member 1 has been inser- ted. in this manner, the coupling member 1 is locked in the coupling sleeve 9. The disassembly of the device is carried out by squeezing the prongs 6 of the locking ring 5 together, either by means of a tool or with the fingers. The locking ring 5 presents in its unaffected state a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the groove 4, and is also slightly resilient. Consequently, the locking ring 5 may be squeezed together and set free from engagement with the groove 10 of the coupling sleeve 9. The coupling member 1 may now be drawn out of the coupling sleeve 9. In the case where the locking ring 5 is a circular ring, the coupling device may be disassembled by inserting a tool, for example a screwdriver, in the recess 7, and squeezing together the locking ring in the radial direc¬ tion. In this manner, the locking ring may be released from engagement with the groove 10 in the coupling sleeve 9. According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling sleeve 9 is provided with conical inner guiding surfaces 11, which facilitate the insertion of the coupling member 1 in the coupling sleeve 9. In Fig. 5 there is shown a perspective view of three identical coupling members 1 which together form a T- connection. This embodiment of the invention may suitably be utilized as a coupling device for a hose coupling in a motor vehicle or in machine equipment. According to this embodiment, the coupling members 1 are provided with ribbed tube connectors 12 for the connection of rubber hoses. Each of the three coupling members 1 comprises circular grooves or notches which accomodate sealing rings 13. The sealing rings 13, which may be manufactured from rubber or the like, prevent dirt and moisture from leaking into or out of the connector. In Fig. 6, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. The coupling member 1 is provided with an essentially cylindrical section 2 and a second section 3. The second section 3 is provided with a recess 8 in which an actuation element 14 is arranged. The coupling member 1 is preferably also provided with a ribbed tube connector 12 for the connection of rubber hoses or the like. The coupling sleeve 9 in which the coupling member 1 is intended to be inserted is provided with conical inner guiding surfaces 11, which facilitate the insertion of the coupling member 1. The coupling sleeve 9 is also provided with a circular groove 10 which is intended to cooperate with a locking ring 5, in accordance with the above- mentioned description. Furthermore, the coupling member 1 comprises a circular groove or notch which accomodates a sealing ring 15, which preferably is made from rubber or the like. The sealing ring 15 is arranged around the coupling member 1 and extends over a section of the actuation element 14. The actuation element 14 is movable in the axial direction of the coupling member 1 and comprises a first protruding section 16. The actuation element 14 also comprises a second protruding section (not visible in Fig. 6). The first protruding section 16 is be brought into contact with the sealing ring 15 if the actuation element 14 is pushed down (manually or by means of a tool), i.e. in a direction towards the sealing ring 15. The protruding sections 16, 17 have greater width than the rest of the actuation element 14, which is essentially aligned with the circumference of notch which accomodates the sealing ring 15. The locking ring 5 is arranged so that its prongs 6 extend on the rear side of the actuation element 14, i.e. between the actuation element 14 and the outer wall of the cylindrical section 2. The cooperation of the locking ring 5 and the actuation element 14 will be described in greater detail below. Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the actuation element 14, which is provided with the protruding section 16 and the second protruding section 17. As is evident, the protruding sections 16, 17 have greater width than the rest of the actuation element 14. This makes it possible for a sealing ring to extend across the actuation element 14, between the protruding sections 16, 17 (see also Fig. 6), which thus form a passage. Fig. 8 shows the rear face of the actuation element 14. According to the embodiment, the lower part of the rear face of the actuation element 14 is formed with an embedded recess 18. The recess 18 is shaped with two inclined walls 19, 20 which are tapered along the direction of movement of the actuation element 14 in relation to the prongs 6 of the locking ring. The prongs 6 are schematically indicated by means of broken lines in Fig. 8. During operation, the end sections of the prongs 6 are normally situated in the recess 18. The walls 19, 20 limit the movement of the prongs 6. The coupling member 1 can be inserted in the coupling sleeve 9 as has been described above. During the insertion, the locking ring 5 is squeezed together slightly by the conical surface 11. During this, the prongs 6 of the locking ring 5 are allowed to move within the space which is formed by the recess 18 (see Fig. 8). Finally, the locking ring 5 is locked in the groove 10 in the coupling sleeve 9. During disassembly of the device, the actuation element 14 is pressed down, i.e. towards the locking ring 5 in the axial direction. This forces the walls 19, 20 of the actuation element 14 to squeeze the locking ring 5 together. When the locking ring 5 has been squeezed together sufficiently it will be set free from engagement with the groove 10 of the coupling sleeve 9. The coupling member 1 may now be drawn out of the coupling sleeve 9. Due to the fact that a section of the sealing ring 15 extends between the protruding sections 16, 17, and due to the resilient property of the sealing ring 15, the sealing ring 15 flexes when it is acted upon by the protruding section 16. In this regard, the sealing ring 15 will act as a spring device which urges the actuation element 14 to be moved to its initial position after it is released. The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but different embodiments are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, the coupling device may be utilized in connection with electrical components, pneumatic and hydraulic connections, different types of fastening elements, sealing nipples and the like. Furthermore, it is not necessary that the coupling sleeve 9 be provided with conical, sloping guiding surfaces 11, but instead straight end surfaces may also be utilized. Finally, it is to be noted that the coupling member 1 may be rotationally fixed in a certain angular position in connection with the mounting of the coupling sleeve 9, or may alternatively be freely turnable through 360° around the longitudinal axis of the coupling member 1.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. Coupling device for connecting a first coupling member (1) comprising an essentially circular ring member (5) to a second coupling member (9), the first coupling element (1) comprising an essentially cylindrical section (2) with a peripheral groove (4) which accomodates the ring member (5) which, during connection, cooperates with a groove (10) in the second coupling member (9), c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the first coupling member (1) comprises a recess (7; 8) for access to the ring member (5) and that the ring member (5) is adapted to be compressed in a radial direction, whereby the ring element (5), during compression, is released from engagement with the groove (10). 2. Coupling device according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e d i n that the ring member (5) comprises means (6) for aiding compression in a radial direction. 3. Coupling device according to claim 2, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d i n that said means (6) is formed by prongs (6) which are arranged at the end sections of the ring member (5) and which extend through said recess (6, 7) in a direction which is essentially perpendicular to the groove (4) . 4. Coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said section (2) comprises at least one circular sealing ring (13; 15) for sealing against the second coupling member (9). 5. Coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the second coupling member (9) is essentially tubular and presents an inner diameter which exceeds the outer diameter of said section (2) . 6. Coupling device according to claim 5, c h a r a c t e ¬ r i z e i n that the end section of the second coupling member (9) comprises inner sloping surfaces (11) against which said section (2) may be guided during mounting of the device. 7. Coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it is formed by a hose coupling intended for connection of pipes. 8. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it is formed by a coupling element for connection of components. 9. Coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it comprises an actuation element (14) arranged in the recess (8), for compressing the ring member (5). 10. Coupling device according to claim 9, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d i n that said actuation element (14) comprises a space (18) for accomodating said prongs (6), said space (18) comprising at least inclinded one wall (19, 20) cooperating with at least one of the prongs (6). 11. Coupling device according to claim 9 or 10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the actuation element (14) comprises means (16, 17) for receiving a section of at least one sealing ring (15), whereby the actuation element (14) is adapted for an axial movement along the coupling member (1) which is essentially perpendicular to the sealing ring (15), during which axial movement a flexing of said section of the sealing ring (15) is obtained.

Inventors: ZEIDLER ULF, ZEIDLER, ULF
Applicants: ZEIDLER ULF, ZEIDLER, ULF
Application year: 1995
Main classification: F16L37
IPC codes: F16L37, F16L41