Patent Description:
A known conduit coupling comprises a first conduit coupling member having a circumferential receiving collar, a second conduit coupling member having a coupling section facing the first coupling end, and a securing or clamping arrangement. The clamping arrangement comprises two securing members or claws that are pivotably connected to the first conduit coupling member at opposite sides thereof, and a circumferential clamping ridge at the outer surface of coupling section of the second conduit coupling member. The claws can hook behind and engage with the clamping ridge to secure the first coupling end and the second coupling end together, to thereby couple the two conduit sections.

A conduit coupling according to the preamble of independent claim <NUM> is known from <CIT>.

A disadvantage of the known conduit coupling is that during use, handling and transportation it can get easily damaged, for instance when the conduit coupling or parts thereof are dropped on a floor surface. The damaged conduit coupling may cause ill fitment between the receiving collar of the first conduit coupling member and the coupling section of the second conduit coupling member, as the dimensions of the damaged conduit coupling may fall outside the fitting tolerances thereof. The ill fitment can for instance cause a leaking or non-watertight coupling between the conduit sections. The ill fitment can also make it harder, or even impossible, to fit the receiving collar and the coupling section together.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a conduit coupling, a conduit coupling member, and a conduit that are less prone to damage.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a conduit coupling for coupling a first conduit section and a second conduit section, wherein the conduit coupling comprises a first conduit coupling member configured for being arranged on the first conduit section, and a securing arrangement for securing the first conduit coupling member to a second conduit coupling member on the second conduit section, wherein the first conduit coupling member comprises a first coupling tube with a longitudinal center axis, and that merges into a circumferential receiving collar for receiving a distal end of the second conduit coupling member, and a circumferential distal edge that defines a receiving opening towards the receiving collar, wherein the securing arrangement comprises two claws that are provided outside the first coupling tube at opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis, wherein the respective claws extend over the receiving collar and beyond the distal edge, wherein the first conduit coupling member comprises at least one guard block on the receiving collar to reinforce the receiving collar, wherein the at least one guard block outwardly protrudes with respect to the receiving collar, and is provided in a circumferential direction of the receiving collar between the respective claws, wherein the receiving collar is convex in a direction away from the longitudinal center axis, and has a circumferential apex at a distance from the distal edge, and wherein the guard block is provided between the apex and the distal edge.

The conduit coupling establishes the securing of the first conduit coupling member to the second conduit coupling member by clamping the receiving collar and the coupling section together. To provide a proper, preferably a watertight, connection between the collar and the coupling section these require, and are produced within predefined tolerances. In practice, during prolonged use of the conduit coupling it can get damaged and as a result may fall outside the predefined tolerances. This results in a flawed connection between the first conduit coupling member end and the second conduit coupling member, which is not watertight.

When investigating the flawed connection of the conduit coupling, the inventers surprisingly found that in a majority of cases the receiving collar is the cause of the flawed connection as it was damaged to such an extent that it fell outside the tolerance. The inventors presume that this is because the first conduit coupling member comprises the claws of the securing arrangement and is therefore heavier than the second conduit coupling member. Due to the higher weight of the first conduit coupling member, when it gets dropped on the floor surface, the impact on the receiving collar is higher as compared to the impact on the coupling section of the second conduit coupling member. As a result the damage caused by a fall to the receiving collar is more severe as compared to the damage caused by a fall to the coupling section.

When further investigating the damaged receiving collars of the first conduit coupling member the inventors surprisingly found that two areas of the receiving collar got most frequently damaged. These areas lie for the most part, in a circumferential direction, between the securing members at respective opposite sides of the receiving collar with respect to the longitudinal center axis. The inventors presume that the claws that are provided at the outer surface of the tube at opposite sides thereof, and that extend over the receiving collar and beyond the distal edge, protect or guard the receiving collar, when it gets dropped on the floor surface, at the area near the claws.

The inventors realized that in order to provide a conduit coupling that is less prone to damage they need to reduce the chance that the areas of the receiving collar that get most frequently damaged, get damaged. The inventors achieve this by applying a guard block on the receiving collar at or near these areas of the receiving collar, near, adjacent to, or at the distal edge, and in a circumferential direction, between the securing members. The added material of the guard block provides added stiffness to the receiving collar, at least in the area at or near the guard block. The added stiffness provides increased resistance against damage of the receiving collar at or near these areas, especially when the receiving collar drops on the floor surface at or near these areas.

In an embodiment the guard block merges into or is provided adjacent to or near the distal edge. By providing the guard block adjacent to or near the distal edge, the guard block specifically provides added stiffness and increased resistance against damage to the distal edge of the receiving collar. As the distal edge is the most fragile part of the receiving collar this further reduces the risk of the conduit coupling getting damaged.

In an embodiment the guard block protrudes outwardly from the receiving collar beyond the circumferential apex. As the convex receiving collar protrudes from the first coupling member, the receiving collar will more likely get damaged at or near the apex thereof. When the guard block protrudes beyond the apex, the guard block provides increased resistance against damage of the receiving collar near the apex, especially when the receiving collar drops on the floor surface near these areas.

In an embodiment the guard block comprises a support surface facing away from the receiving collar. In an embodiment thereof the support surface extends parallel to the longitudinal center axis. The conduit coupling and/or the conduit coupling member can be placed with the support surface on a surface, for instance the floor surface. The support surface provides a stable base so that the conduit coupling and/or the conduit coupling member is less likely to tumble over, to get dropped and as a result to get damaged.

In an embodiment the guard block has a rectangular outline. In an embodiment the guard block extends along <NUM>-<NUM>% of the circumference of the receiving collar, preferably along <NUM> of the circumference of the receiving collar. The guard blocks extend in the longitudinal direction thereof along the circumference of the first coupling end. The longitudinal length of the rectangular guard blocks can be adjusted according to the size of the area of the coupling end that gets most frequently damaged.

In a preferred embodiment the first conduit coupling member comprises two guard blocks that are provided at opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis. In an embodiment both guard blocks comprise a support surface, and the respective support surfaces extend parallel to each other. In an embodiment the two guard blocks are identical to each other. By providing two guard blocks the resistance against damage of the receiving collar is further increased.

In an embodiment the conduit coupling comprises the second conduit coupling member, wherein the second conduit coupling member comprises a second coupling tube that has a coupling section facing the receiving collar, and a circumferential engagement ridge that protrudes outwardly from the outer surface of the second coupling tube, and wherein the claws are configured for engaging the engagement ridge for securing the first conduit coupling member to the second conduit coupling member.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a conduit coupling member for use in the conduit coupling according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the conduit coupling member comprises a coupling tube with a longitudinal center axis, and that merges into a circumferential receiving collar, and a circumferential distal edge that defines a receiving opening towards the receiving collar, wherein the conduit coupling member comprises at least one guard block on the receiving collar to reinforce the receiving collar, wherein the at least one guard block outwardly protrudes with respect to the receiving collar, wherein the receiving collar is convex in a direction away from the longitudinal center axis, and has a circumferential apex at a distance from the distal edge, wherein the guard block is provided between the apex and the distal edge, and wherein the guard block has a rectangular outline.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a conduit comprising the conduit coupling or the conduit coupling member according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments.

The conduit coupling member and the conduit relate to the conduit coupling according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments and thus have at least the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated hereafter.

It is observed that <CIT> discloses a tube coupling having an inlet and two hooks on a ringshaped bracket. The bracket is supported by two bearings that are formed behind the inlet. These bearings do not protect or guard the projecting outlet.

<CIT> discloses a pipe coupling having a coupling head with two hook arms and a freely mounted clamping ring.

<CIT> discloses a coupler having two hooks at a clamping sleeve.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which:.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a conduit coupling <NUM> for coupling a first conduit section <NUM> to a second conduit section <NUM>. The conduit coupling <NUM> comprises a first conduit coupling member <NUM> that is connected, connectable to or merges into the first conduit section <NUM>, and a second conduit coupling member <NUM> that is connected, connectable to or merges into the second conduit section <NUM>. The conduit coupling <NUM> comprises a securing arrangement or clamping arrangement <NUM> in order to couple the first conduit section <NUM> to the second conduit section <NUM>. The conduit sections <NUM>, <NUM> can be a hose, tube or pipe and may be part of or integrated with an adapter piece or equipment such as a pump, a turbine or a valve, or couplings such as bends, T-pieces, Y-pieces or reducers.

The first conduit coupling member <NUM> comprises a first coupling tube <NUM> with a center axis that coincides with a longitudinal center axis Z of the conduit coupling <NUM>. On the outer surface of the first coupling tube <NUM> a circumferential ridge <NUM> is formed that divides the first coupling tube <NUM> in a first connecting section <NUM> and a first coupling section <NUM>.

The first connecting section <NUM> and most part of the first coupling section <NUM> of the first coupling tube <NUM> has a substantially constant diameter. The first coupling section <NUM> comprises or merges into a circumferential receiving collar <NUM> for receiving a distal end of the second conduit coupling member <NUM>. The receiving collar <NUM> terminates in a circumferential distal edge <NUM> that is located in a notional first plane XY that is substantially transverse to the center axis Z. In this example the distal edge forms a distal end face in the notional first plane XY. The receiving collar <NUM> is generally convex outwards and has a proximal section <NUM> that is curved and flared away from the center axis Z. The proximal section <NUM> merges, via a circumferential first apex <NUM> into a distal section <NUM> that is curved back towards the center axis Z.

The receiving collar <NUM> defines a circumferential gasket seat <NUM> that encloses a ring shaped gasket <NUM> that has, in its normal state, a circular cross section. The first coupling tube <NUM> comprises multiple reinforcing ribs <NUM> that extend at the proximal section <NUM> of the receiving collar <NUM>, substantially parallel to the center axis Z.

The second conduit coupling member <NUM> comprises a second coupling tube <NUM> having a center axis that, in a coupled state of the conduit coupling <NUM>, coincides with the longitudinal center axis Z of the conduit coupling <NUM>. The second coupling tube <NUM> comprises a second connecting section <NUM> that merges into an opposite second coupling section <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, in a section view of the conduit coupling <NUM>, the second connecting section <NUM> is substantially straight and extends parallel to the center axis Z. The second coupling section <NUM> comprises an engaging or clamping section <NUM> that, from the second connecting section <NUM>, curves away from the center axis Z over more than <NUM> degrees so that the clamping section <NUM> extends outwardly from the second connecting section <NUM> obliquely away from the center axis Z. The clamping section <NUM> further curves back in the opposite direction to a circumferential second apex <NUM>. At the second apex <NUM> the clamping section <NUM> merges into an abutment section <NUM> that curves back towards the center axis Z.

The clamping section <NUM> defines a circumferential engagement ridge or clamping ridge <NUM> at the outer surface of the second coupling section <NUM> of the second coupling tube <NUM>. The clamping section <NUM> defines a circumferential concave clamping gutter <NUM> at the outer surface of the second coupling section <NUM>. The abutment section <NUM> defines a circumferential convex outer abutment surface <NUM> that corresponds to the first coupling section <NUM> of the first conduit coupling member <NUM>, more particular that corresponds to the gasket <NUM> thereof.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the clamping arrangement <NUM> comprises a ring <NUM> that surrounds the first coupling section <NUM> of the first coupling tube <NUM> and that is pivotably connected to the first coupling tube <NUM>. The ring <NUM> is composed of two substantially identical semicircular ring sections <NUM> that are connected to or connectable to each other at their respective ends to form the ring <NUM>. Each ring section <NUM> is pivotably connected to the first coupling tube <NUM> by a pivot <NUM>. Each pivot <NUM>, in this example, is composed of a socket on the outer surface of the first coupling section <NUM>, and a corresponding cam on the inner surface of the ring section <NUM> that is received in the socket. The pivots <NUM> are arranged at two opposite sides of the first coupling tube <NUM> with respect to the longitudinal center axis Z, such that the ring <NUM> is pivotable with respect to the first coupling tube <NUM> around a ring pivot axis P in a ring pivot direction N. The ring pivot axis P is substantially transverse to and intersects the center axis Z.

The clamping arrangement <NUM> comprises a first securing member or first claw <NUM> that is provided outside the first coupling tube <NUM>. The first claw <NUM> is pivotably connected to one of the ring sections <NUM> of the ring <NUM>, such that the first claw <NUM> is pivotable with respect to the ring <NUM>, and therefore with respect to the first coupling tube <NUM>, around a first claw pivot axis C in a first claw pivot direction K. The first claw pivot axis C is substantially parallel to the ring pivot axis P.

The first claw <NUM> comprises a substantially elongate first claw body <NUM> that at a first base end <NUM> is pivotably connected to the ring <NUM>, and that at the opposite end merges into a first hook portion <NUM> that is configured to hook behind the clamping ridge <NUM> and/or to hook into the clamping gutter <NUM> for securing the first conduit coupling member <NUM> to the second conduit coupling member <NUM>.

The clamping arrangement <NUM> comprises a handle or lever <NUM> that is pivotably connected to the ring section <NUM> of the ring <NUM> opposite to the first claw <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is pivotable with respect to the ring <NUM>, and therefore with respect to the first coupling tube <NUM>, around a lever pivot axis E in a lever pivot direction L. The lever pivot axis E that is substantially parallel to the ring pivot axis P and to the first claw pivot axis C.

The clamping arrangement <NUM> comprises a second securing member or second claw <NUM> that is provided outside the first coupling tube <NUM>. The second claw <NUM> is pivotably connected to the lever <NUM>, such that the second claw <NUM> is pivotable with respect to the lever <NUM>, and therefore with respect to the ring <NUM> and the first coupling tube <NUM>, around a second claw pivot axis F in a second claw pivot direction M. The second claw pivot axis F is substantially parallel to the ring pivot axis P, to the first claw pivot axis C, and to the lever pivot axis E. The second claw pivot axis F is spaced apart from the lever pivot axis E.

The second claw <NUM> comprises a substantially elongate second claw body <NUM> that at a second base end <NUM> is pivotably connected to the ring <NUM>, and that at the opposite end merges into a second hook portion <NUM> that is configured to hook behind the clamping ridge <NUM> and/or to hook into the clamping gutter <NUM>.

The first conduit coupling member <NUM> and the second coupling member <NUM> can be secured or clamped to each other in a way that is known per se. Firstly the abutment section <NUM> is received in the receiving collar <NUM>, with the outer abutment surface <NUM> abutted against the gasket <NUM>. Secondly the first claw <NUM> and the second claw <NUM> are engaged with the engaging section <NUM>. Lastly the lever <NUM> is pivoted towards the first coupling tube <NUM> to therewith clamp the outer abutment surface <NUM> tightly against the gasket <NUM> to form a watertight connection.

In this example, the first conduit section <NUM> is connected to the first conduit coupling member <NUM> by sliding it around the first connecting section <NUM> up to the ridge <NUM>. The first conduit section <NUM> can be further secured to the first conduit coupling member <NUM> by gluing it to the first connecting section <NUM>, by clamping it around the first connecting section <NUM>, for instance using a hose clamp, or by welding. The second conduit section <NUM> can be coupled to the second conduit coupling member <NUM> in a similar fashion.

The first conduit coupling member <NUM> comprises, in this example, two guard blocks <NUM> on the receiving collar <NUM>. The guard blocks <NUM> are provided at and merge at their base into the receiving collar <NUM> near or adjacent to the distal edge <NUM> of the receiving collar <NUM>. The guard blocks <NUM> protrude outwardly with respect to the receiving collar <NUM>, away from the center axis Z substantially parallel to and in or adjacent to the notional first plane XY of the distal edge <NUM>. The respective guard blocks <NUM> are provided at two opposite sides of the first coupling tube <NUM> with respect to the center axis Z. The respective guard blocks <NUM> are provided, in a circumferential direction of the receiving collar <NUM>, between the first claw <NUM> and the second claw <NUM>. The two guard blocks <NUM> are in particular arranged between the circumferential first apex <NUM> and the distal edge <NUM>. Each guard block <NUM> extends along <NUM>-<NUM>% of the circumference of the receiving collar <NUM>, preferably each guard block <NUM> extends along approximately <NUM>% of the circumference of the receiving collar <NUM>.

The guard blocks <NUM> reinforce the receiving collar <NUM>, at least at or near the location of the guard blocks <NUM>. The guard blocks <NUM> have a rectangular shaped outline. The guard blocks <NUM> comprise a straight or plane rectangular support surface <NUM> that faces away from the collar, that is parallel to the longitudinal center axis Z, and that extends along a part of the circumference of the receiving collar <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first claw <NUM> and the second claw <NUM> are provided at opposite sides of the first coupling tube <NUM> with respect to the center axis Z, and lie in a common notional second plane YZ that is parallel to and coincides with the center axis Z and that is transverse to the first plane XY. The first claw <NUM> and the second claw <NUM> extend over the first apex <NUM> of the receiving collar <NUM>, through the notional first plane XY, and beyond the distal edge <NUM>.

The guard blocks <NUM> lie in a common notional third plane XZ that is parallel to and coincides with the longitudinal center axis Z and that is transverse to the first plane XY and to the second plane YZ. The notional second plane YZ and the notional third plane XZ intersect along the center axis Z. The respective pivots <NUM> are aligned with the respective guard blocks <NUM> in the notional third plane XZ.

<FIG> is a transverse view of the first conduit coupling member <NUM> showing the distal edge <NUM> thereof. By means of lines T notional straight support planes, such as a floor surface, that are parallel to the center axis Z are indicated. The lines T extend between respective extremities of the first claw <NUM>, the second claw <NUM> and the guard blocks <NUM>. The lines T do not intersect the distal edge <NUM>. This means that the guard blocks <NUM> in cooperation with the first claw <NUM> and the second claw <NUM> protect the distal edge <NUM>, which is the most fragile part of the conduit coupling <NUM>, when the first conduit coupling member <NUM> is resting on the floor. In other words, the guard blocks <NUM>, the first claw <NUM> and the second claw <NUM> are arranged such that together they protect the distal edge <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Conduit coupling (<NUM>) for coupling a first conduit section (<NUM>) and a second conduit section (<NUM>), wherein the conduit coupling comprises a first conduit coupling member (<NUM>) configured for being arranged on the first conduit section, and a securing arrangement (<NUM>) for securing the first conduit coupling member to a second conduit coupling member (<NUM>) on the second conduit section,
wherein the first conduit coupling member (<NUM>) comprises a first coupling tube (<NUM>) with a longitudinal center axis (Z), and that merges into a circumferential receiving collar (<NUM>) for receiving a distal end of the second conduit coupling member (<NUM>), and a circumferential distal edge (<NUM>) that defines a receiving opening towards the receiving collar (<NUM>),
wherein the securing arrangement (<NUM>) comprises two claws (<NUM>; <NUM>) that are provided outside the first coupling tube (<NUM>) at opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis (Z), wherein the respective claws extend over the receiving collar (<NUM>) and beyond the distal edge (<NUM>),
wherein the first conduit coupling member (<NUM>) comprises at least one guard block (<NUM>) on the receiving collar (<NUM>) to reinforce the receiving collar, wherein the at least one guard block outwardly protrudes with respect to the receiving collar, and is provided in a circumferential direction of the receiving collar between the respective claws (<NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the receiving collar (<NUM>) is convex in a direction away from the longitudinal center axis (Z), and has a circumferential apex (<NUM>) at a distance from the distal edge (<NUM>), characterized in that the guard block (<NUM>) is provided between the apex (<NUM>) and the distal edge (<NUM>).