Abstract:
The aim of the invention is to achieve secure and simple handling of an activation device, especially on a rapid-action reception coupling for transferring gas-liquids and/or liquids—liquids or on valves comprising a tubular housing ( 11, 29 ) and a slide ( 41 ), which is mounted in such a way that it is displaceable in relation to the housing. Said slide is connected to a lever mechanism ( 42 ), To this end, the invention provides that the lever mechanism ( 42 ) is positioned in a sliding ring ( 40 ), which is mounted in such a way that it is displaceable in relation to the housing ( 11, 29 ).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an actuation device, in particular on a rapid-action reception coupling for transferring gas-liquids and/or liquid-liquids. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Such rapid-action reception couplings should enable a secure and rapid connectivity for transferring a fluid from a pressure source, from a refill bottle, for example. Of particular importance here is the simple, trouble-free operability of the rapid-action reception coupling, whereby trouble-free handling is guaranteed, even in unfavourable conditions such as dangerous fluids or at high connection pressures. 
   Such a rapid-action reception coupling is described in WO 98/04866 by the applicant, wherein the rapid-action reception coupling has a housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and several valves are provided to ensure secure sealing of the rapid-action reception coupling to the point where the entire connection is realised. At the same time these valves are switched in a specific preset sequence after the rapid-action reception coupling is joined, whereby the outlet valve is first opened by sliding the rapid-action reception coupling onto a connection nipple, after which the collet chucks are closed and finally the inlet valve is opened by moving a control lever as actuation device. The control lever is hereby engaged by way of an eccentric shaft with the sliding sleeve for impacting of the collet chucks, and with a central sealing piston, which also releases the fluid inlet after the plug-in coupling has been successfully attached. 
   Although this effectively creates a secure connection, the structure of this coupling is still relatively expensive on account of the large number of components required. In addition, handling is relatively complicated, since, in addition to sliding on the coupling, the control lever has to be actuated, effectively eliminating the option of single-handed operation. 
   WO A 93/20378 of the applicant also discloses a rapid-action reception coupling, in particular for filling gas bottles, whereby a rapid-action reception device in the form of collet chucks with an engagement profile is provided in the vicinity of the outlet. Also described here is a hollow sealing piston slidably displaceable in the coupling housing, which is connected by way of an actuation device for closing or opening the collet chucks attached to a sliding sleeve. The actuation device also needs to be operated separately here, in the form of a lever, such that handling of this rapid-action connection is likewise capable of improvement. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to produce an actuation device, in particular a rapid-action reception coupling of the type initially outlined or on valves, which enables secure and especially simple handling with a simple structure. 
   This task is solved by an actuation device, in particular on a rapid-action reception coupling, according to the characteristics of claim  1 . Preferred developments of the invention are the object of the sub-claims. 
   The proposed actuation device is distinguished by a minimal number of components, simple manufacturing and particularly simple operation, which is additionally especially secure. In particular for the preferred embodiment for filling gas tanks with gases such as propane or natural gas is gas is hereby prevented from escaping as the rapid-action reception coupling is being attached or uncoupled. This is particularly important for environmental pollution reasons, since with reception couplings currently in use a considerable amount of gas, which is located in the hose between the refill gas bottle and the reception coupling and which can escape during the coupling or decoupling action, is still lost with each filling procedure. 
   It is pointed out here that the proposed actuation device, in particular on a rapid-action reception coupling, is suited to different types of connection, but also only for switching valves. Profile forms such as outer or inner threads, undercuts or beads can also be provided to attach the coupling to the connection nipple, whereby the opposite collet chuck form is configured accordingly. The lever mechanism displaceable with the actuation device hereby enables secure locking of the collet chucks or similar locking elements. Of particular significance is the realisation of the actuation device, in particular on a rapid-action reception coupling, by means of an outer sliding ring, enabling fast and safe single-handed operation of the rapid-action reception coupling in a particularly easy manner. 
   An embodiment of the invention will now be explained in greater detail hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying diagrams, in which: 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a rapid-action reception coupling for a connection nipple with an attachment profile, whereby the rapid-action reception coupling is shown in the longitudinal half section and in the position before being attached; 
       FIG. 2  shows the rapid-action reception coupling according to  FIG. 1 , but in the closed position on the connection nipple; 
       FIG. 3  is a modified embodiment similar to  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is the modified embodiment according to  FIG. 3 , but in the attached position; 
       FIG. 5  is a further modified embodiment similar to  FIG. 1  in the attached position, and 
       FIG. 6  shows the further modified embodiment according to  FIG. 5 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of an actuation device  1  on a rapid-action reception coupling  10  prior to being attached to a connection nipple  30  (cf.  FIG. 2 ). 
   Rapid-action reception coupling  10  has a tubular housing  11  or interconnected housing parts, whereby the right front side serves as inlet  12  and the left front side serves as outlet  13  for conveying the fluid to be transferred to connection nipple  30 . Inlet  12  to housing  11  has a connection adapter  14  which can be attached to a hose or a pipe for conveying the fluid to be transferred. In this instance connection adapter  14  can be shaped to adapt to the fluid to be transferred, in particular to the respectively desired delivery angle, through cross-sections and the like. 
   Provided as locking elements on the front side lying opposite connection adapter  14 , here outlet  13 , are several oblong collet chucks  15  disposed in pipe form, which are spread radially outwards in the position illustrated here shortly before being slid onto connection nipple  30 , as is illustrated by way of example in the abovementioned WO A 93/20378. 
   Oblong collet chucks IS, of which at least one, and generally three or six collet chucks, are arranged around housing  11 , are hooked by, in this case, their right end on an annular groove  11   a  of housing  11  and at the same time prestressed by an annular spring  16 , so that collet chucks  15  are spread radially outwards. This is supported by a radial enlargement  23  or a separate ring  23 ′ (of  FIG. 3 ). At, in this case, their left end on the inward angled surface collet chucks  15  exhibit positive-fitting engagement profiles  17  each configured corresponding to attachment profile  31  (cf.  FIG. 2 ) of connection nipple  30 . 
   Enclosing collet chucks  16  is an external sliding sleeve  18  which is guided on the cylindrical outer mantle of housing  11  and can be pushed with actuation device  1  axially in the direction of connection nipple  30 , as is described hereinbelow. In this case sliding sleeve  18  exhibits an extension  20 , loosely accommodating a locking ball  19 . Arranged on its circumference is a locking ring  21  which presses locking ball  19  into a groove on housing  11  in the attached position ( FIG. 2 ) and thereby enables the axial displacement of sliding sleeve  18 , by means of which collet chucks  15  are stopped by the wrap-around by means of sliding sleeve  18  in the attached position. 
   Guided on the inner surface of housing  11  facing outlet  13  is a sealing piston  22  impacted by a spring  21 , which lies with its front side on a conically designed sealing surface of connection nipple  30 . Sealing piston  22  is sealed relative to collet chucks  15  by means of a sealing ring  24  set on the front end of housing  11 , so that the gas-liquid and/or liquid—liquid flowing substantially along the central axis of rapid-action reception coupling  10  cannot escape outwards. 
   Also of significance here is an outlet valve  25  mounted centrally in housing  11 , which seals off a sealing surface  27  by means of a sealing ring  26  on housing  11  in the closed position. 
   Outlet valve  25  is now impacted by a compression spring  28  which is guided by means of a centering stop  29  attached to housing  11 . This outlet valve  25  ensures that in the uncoupled position illustrated here, or up to just before rapid-action reception coupling  10  is attached to connection nipple  30 , the fluid conveyed by connection adapter  14  cannot escape when the connection stop-cock or the refuelling plant is open. 
   Outlet valve  25  is impacted by sealing piston  22  when rapid-action reception coupling  10  is slid onto connection nipple  30 , whereby the latter is pressed in axially during attachment, in the process opening outlet valve  25 . 
   This causes an inlet valve  35  of rapid-action reception coupling  10  to be closed which is then opened in the ensuing coupling procedure by actuation device  1  or a associated slide  41 . 
   Of particular significance here is a sliding ring  40  guided on the outer circumference of housing  11 , which is screwed to locking ring  21  is and impacts slide  41  by a lever mechanism  42 . Slide  41  is hereby guided in housing  11 , more precisely centering insert  29  attached thereto, and is impacted by a compression spring  43 . As is evident from the illustration, the side of sliding ring  40  facing outlet  13  is screwed to locking ring  21 , by means of which it can be moved out of the open position ( FIG. 1 ) into the attached or locked position ( FIG. 2 ). Sliding ring  40  is pushed manually by a hand grip  50  (here to the left), so that lever mechanism  42  is pushed into the stretched position, by means of which at the same time a stop  44  of sliding ring  40  on locking ring  21  is achieved. Based on stop  44   a  stepped carrier profile  45  is provided inside sliding ring  40  for lever mechanism  42 , which controls the movement of both these components to one another. 
   Lever mechanism  42  here comprises a centrally arranged roller  46  and two levers  47  whose ends are fastened by bolts  48  at one point to housing  11  or to centering stop  29  attached thereto and elsewhere to slide  41 . When sliding ring  40  is displaced by hand grip  50  roller  46  is moved along carrier profile  45 , so that levers  47  are stretched. 
   Slide  41  is hereby pressed against inlet valve  35 , so that the latter is moved into the open position. At the same time slide  41  is impacted by a compression spring, such that roller  46  rests on carrier profile  45  on the inner surface of sliding ring  40 . In a preferred manner slide  41  is provided not only for controlled opening of inlet valves  35 , but also for actuating a ventilation valve  60 . This leads by way of a borehole  61  arranged in housing  11  to a ventilation connection  62 , so that gas or liquid remaining in the attachment coupling can be recycled. This ventilation valve  60  likewise actuated by slide  41  also facilitates uncoupling, since a defined drop in pressure can occur here. With respect to carrier profile  45 , on which knee-actuated lever mechanism  42  rests with roller  46 , it is pointed out that the form, shown stepped here, can also be realised by a continuous transition, in order to realise the power transmission essential in this case. In the process levers  47  could also be mounted on sliding ring  40 , while roller  46  can roll away on the housing side, on insert  29  or also on slide  41 , for example. 
   The particular advantage of the form of carrier profile  45 , here shown stepped, is that considerable power transmission is achieved by the initially minimal incline when roller  46  is rolled away on the inner surface of sliding ring  40  as it is displaced, so that slide  41  attached thereto can apply very high valve-opening forces, for example to inlet valve  35  and ventilation valve  60 . 
   This translation is also supported by the lever length of levers  47  of lever mechanism  42 . It is pointed out here that such a lever mechanism  42  can be arranged symmetrically in the lower region inside sliding ring  40 , and also in a multiplex arrangement, if required. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the attached position of rapid-action reception coupling  10 . As is evident, when rapid-action reception coupling  10  is slid onto connection nipple  30  sealing piston  22  is pushed to the right, whereby at the same time sliding ring  40  provided on the outer circumference is pushed with hand grip  50  to the left. After a short distance of a few millimeters the inner surfaces of collet chucks  15  resting on conical outer surface  23  of sealing piston  22  become free of their locked position, so that they can snap inwards, and engagement profile  17  engages in correspondingly configured attachment profile  31  of connection nipple  30 . Sliding sleeve  18  and its locking ball  19  are freed practically simultaneously for the axial movement to the left, since sliding sleeve  18  is also impacted by actuation device  1  by means of sliding ring  40  and locking ring  21 . 
   As sliding sleeve  18  moves axially it engages over the radial outer ends of collet chucks  15 , so that these can be held positively in their engaged position on connection nipple  30 . 
   To disengage rapid-action reception coupling  10  and thus to return the attached position shown in  FIG. 2  to the open position according to  FIG. 1 , sliding ring  40  is retracted somewhat with profiled hand grip  50  by hand. After locking ring  21  has travelled a short way (to the right) locking ball  19  is then released (outwards), whereupon sliding sleeve  18  is retracted at the same time. In this way collet chucks  15  can again spread radially outwards, whereby slide  41  is pushed by lever mechanism  42  to the left towards outlet end  13  at the same time. On account of curved carrier profile  45  this lifting movement of sliding ring  40  and thus of slide  41  can be used to precisely control inlet valve  35 . Before the sealing contact between sealing piston  22  and sealing surface of connection nipple  30  is loosened, outlet valve  25  is securely closed. This almost simultaneous sequence constitutes very rapid closing of inlet or outlet valves  35  and  25 , so that no amount of fluid can escape. 
   The sliding ring  40 , together with lever mechanism  42 , additionally allows rapid-action reception coupling  10  to be slid securely onto connection nipple  30 , whereby collet chucks  15  are closed when the sealing contact is secured, since the open position of collet chucks  15  is maintained sufficiently long for the open position of collet chucks  15  to be disengaged by the axial displacement of sealing piston  22  and of sliding ring  40  in direct sequence to create the attachment. 
     FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a simplified embodiment, wherein corresponding components are designated with the same reference numeral, as in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Actuation device  1  here has the same function as described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Compared to the embodiment in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are no inlet valves or ventilation valves provided here, as rapid-action reception coupling illustrated should be particularly suited to propane gas filling. However, the here essential lever mechanism  42  has the same structure, whereby slide  41  actuated thereby is here attached to front sealing piston  22 . In  FIG. 3  sealing piston  22  thus forms a closed valve, whereas the sealing piston in  FIG. 4  unblocks the passage of gas to the right through the axial movement of slide  41 , and thus serves as outlet valve. Attached in addition to connection adapter  14  is a hose line which is enclosed by a kink-free sheath. This sheath is extensively enclosed in the non-attached position by hand grip  50  which is pushed towards connection nipple  30  for attaching, whereby lever mechanism  42  is brought to the stretched form, apart from the above described release of sliding sleeve  18  (without extension  20 ), here designed monobloc. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a further embodiment, whereby corresponding components are designated with the same reference numerals as in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Actuation device  1  here has the same function as described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . By comparison to the embodiment in  FIGS. 1 and 2  however levers  47  of lever mechanism  42  are bent at right angles with an otherwise identical structure. This effectively shortens the structural length and further improves the transmission ratio.