EP1945988A1 - Protection means for a male connector element - Google Patents

Protection means for a male connector element

Info

Publication number
EP1945988A1
EP1945988A1 EP06799572A EP06799572A EP1945988A1 EP 1945988 A1 EP1945988 A1 EP 1945988A1 EP 06799572 A EP06799572 A EP 06799572A EP 06799572 A EP06799572 A EP 06799572A EP 1945988 A1 EP1945988 A1 EP 1945988A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
male connector
protecting
shield
male
base portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06799572A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Egil Pedersen
Jan Erik Sangro
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kongsberg Automotive AS
Original Assignee
Kongsberg Automotive AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kongsberg Automotive AS filed Critical Kongsberg Automotive AS
Publication of EP1945988A1 publication Critical patent/EP1945988A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L33/00—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
    • F16L33/22—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with means not mentioned in the preceding groups for gripping the hose between inner and outer parts
    • F16L33/227—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with means not mentioned in the preceding groups for gripping the hose between inner and outer parts the hose being introduced into or onto the connecting member and automatically locked
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L33/00—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L57/00—Protection of pipes or objects of similar shape against external or internal damage or wear
    • F16L57/005—Protection of pipes or objects of similar shape against external or internal damage or wear specially adapted for the ends of pipes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
    • F16L2201/20—Safety or protective couplings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to protection means for a male connector element and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with protection means for a male connector element being insertable into a tubular element so forming a coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media.
  • coupling arrangements comprise a male connector part and a tubular element.
  • the male connector is axially insertable into the tubular element and forms a fluid tight seal there-between.
  • the male connector part is formed with a number of annular barbs in order to help secure the tubular element onto the male connector part.
  • Such known male connectors are called fir tree or hose nipple couplings.
  • the male coupling parts should have sufficient strength to resist an impact without sustaining critical damage. The requirement for resistance to bending loads and impact loads has led to the male connectors being made from metal materials, particularly the male connectors for smaller bore diameters.
  • connection elements may be formed from alternative materials and smaller bore diameters may also provided.
  • the alternative materials may include plastic composite materials and the bores may be less than 12 mm.
  • means for protecting a male connector for systems involving pressurised media wherein the means for protecting the male connector comprises a shield structure that is disposed adjacent and radially distant from the male connector, the arrangement being such that in use, an end of a tubular element is placeable onto the male connector such that the end of the tubular element is disposed between the male connector element and the shield structure.
  • the male connector extends from a base portion and the shield structure comprises at least one section that extends in a direction away from the base portion and substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of male connector.
  • the shield structure preferably comprises a plurality of sections that each extend in a direction away from the base portion and substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of male connector.
  • the sections of the shield structure are preferably disposed circumferentially around the male connector.
  • the distal ends of the sections of the shield structure are preferably substantially adjacent the distal end of the male connector.
  • means for protecting a male connector for systems involving pressurised media wherein the means for protecting the male connector comprises a shield that is disposed adjacent and radially distant from the male connector and a support structure, the arrangement being such that in use, an end of a tubular element is placeable onto the male connector such that the end of the tubular element is disposed between the male connector element and the shield.
  • the shield is a tubular collar disposed circumferentially around the male connector.
  • the tubular collar is preferably disposed adjacent the distal end of the male connector.
  • the tubular collar is preferably disposed substantially coaxially with the male connector.
  • the male connector extends from a base portion and wherein the support structure extends from the base portion to the collar.
  • the supporting structure preferably comprises a number of support legs each of which extend between the base portion and the collar, the arrangement being such that in use, the end of a tubular element placed onto the male connector is disposed between the male connector element and the collar and supporting legs.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a male connector and protection means
  • Figure 2 is a cross section view through B-B of the male connector and protection means shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a cross section view through A-A of the male connector and protection means shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4a is a side view of the male connector and protection means shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 4b is a side view of the male connector and protection means shown in Figure 1 and shows a tube placed on the male connector.
  • the protection means helps to shield the male connection element 2 from damage by preventing foreign objects from coming into contact with the element 2 or by reducing an impact force of any foreign object.
  • the male element 2 is a type of connector which is commonly known to the skilled person as a fir tree or hose nipple.
  • the most vulnerable part of the male connector element 2 is the distal end region and under one aspect of the present invention this region is provided with the most comprehensive protection in the form of the annular collar 4.
  • the sides of the male connection element 2 are provided with shield protection by the support elements 6.
  • the male connection element 2 and the two support elements 6 extend from a base portion 8.
  • the male connection element 2 and the base portion 8 are formed with a longitudinal bore 10 that provides fluid communication.
  • the base portion 8 is adapted to be pressed into a corresponding female socket.
  • connection method is not necessarily limited to a push fit arrangement and other connection methods may be used, such as a screw thread.
  • the base portion 8 is formed with a series of annular channels and rims, which are utilised to hold o-ring seals and securing elements.
  • the annular collar 4 is formed with a radially internal sloped surface 12 that extends toward a central longitudinal axis 14.
  • the male connection element 2 is formed with a series of three annular frustro-conical regions 16, 18, 20. The regions 16, 18, 20 form barb elements that help to retain a tubular part 22 on the male connection element 2.
  • the male connection element 2, the two support elements and the base portion 8 are formed from a plastic composite material using an injection moulding process.
  • the lower portion of the male connector element 2, including the two regions 18, 20, is formed using a pair of splitable die moulds that access the central region between the support elements 6.
  • the upper region of the male connection element 2, including the region 16, is formed by a single die mould such that the radial outer surface of the region 16 has no split lines.
  • the lower inner annular edge of the sloped surface 12 is juxtaposed to the lower annular edge of the region 16. Disposed between the two annular edges is an annular opening 24.
  • the tubular part 22 enters the opening 24 as the tubular part 22 is placed on the male connection element 2.
  • the width of the opening 24 is adapted to receive the tubular part 22.
  • the male connection element 2 and the protection means of the present invention may form part of alternative coupling arrangements for systems involving pressurised media such as elbow joints, T-joints, L-joints, 4-way cross blocks etc.
  • the protection means of the present invention in the form of an annular collar 4 and two support elements 6 may be adapted for alternative male connections.
  • the male connection element 2 is provided with protection means in the form support elements extending juxtaposed by the connection element 2.
  • the protection means may be only in the form of the two support elements 6.

Abstract

A male connection element (2) comprises protection means in the form of an annular collar (4) and two support elements (6) . The protection means helps to shield the damage of the male connection element (2) by preventing foreign objects from coming into contact the element (2) or by reducing the force of any foreign object contact. The male element (2) is a type of connector which is commonly known to the skilled person as a fir tree or hose nipple. The most vulnerable part of the male connector element (2) is the distal end region and under the present invention this region is provided with the most comprehensive protection in the form of the annular collar (4) . The sides of the male connection element (2) are also provided with a shield protection by the support elements (6) .

Description

Protection Means for a Male Connector Element
The invention relates to protection means for a male connector element and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with protection means for a male connector element being insertable into a tubular element so forming a coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media.
Background of the Invention
In known systems involving pressurised media, such as systems on commercial vehicles, coupling arrangements comprise a male connector part and a tubular element. The male connector is axially insertable into the tubular element and forms a fluid tight seal there-between. The male connector part is formed with a number of annular barbs in order to help secure the tubular element onto the male connector part. Such known male connectors are called fir tree or hose nipple couplings. When used in critical or safety systems the male coupling parts should have sufficient strength to resist an impact without sustaining critical damage. The requirement for resistance to bending loads and impact loads has led to the male connectors being made from metal materials, particularly the male connectors for smaller bore diameters.
Disclosure of the Invention
The present invention provides an advantage over the known coupling arrangements by providing means for protecting a male connector element. A particular advantage of the present invention is that, with the use of the protection means, connection elements may be formed from alternative materials and smaller bore diameters may also provided. The alternative materials may include plastic composite materials and the bores may be less than 12 mm.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided means for protecting a male connector for systems involving pressurised media, wherein the means for protecting the male connector comprises a shield structure that is disposed adjacent and radially distant from the male connector, the arrangement being such that in use, an end of a tubular element is placeable onto the male connector such that the end of the tubular element is disposed between the male connector element and the shield structure.
Preferably, the male connector extends from a base portion and the shield structure comprises at least one section that extends in a direction away from the base portion and substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of male connector. The shield structure preferably comprises a plurality of sections that each extend in a direction away from the base portion and substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of male connector.
The sections of the shield structure are preferably disposed circumferentially around the male connector.
The distal ends of the sections of the shield structure are preferably substantially adjacent the distal end of the male connector.
According to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention there is provided means for protecting a male connector for systems involving pressurised media, wherein the means for protecting the male connector comprises a shield that is disposed adjacent and radially distant from the male connector and a support structure, the arrangement being such that in use, an end of a tubular element is placeable onto the male connector such that the end of the tubular element is disposed between the male connector element and the shield.
Preferably, the shield is a tubular collar disposed circumferentially around the male connector.
The tubular collar is preferably disposed adjacent the distal end of the male connector.
The tubular collar is preferably disposed substantially coaxially with the male connector.
Preferably, the male connector extends from a base portion and wherein the support structure extends from the base portion to the collar.
The supporting structure preferably comprises a number of support legs each of which extend between the base portion and the collar, the arrangement being such that in use, the end of a tubular element placed onto the male connector is disposed between the male connector element and the collar and supporting legs.
It shall be appreciated that one or more of the features described above regarding the first embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with the features of the second embodiment of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings
A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which :-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a male connector and protection means;
Figure 2 is a cross section view through B-B of the male connector and protection means shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a cross section view through A-A of the male connector and protection means shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 4a is a side view of the male connector and protection means shown in Figure 1; and
Figure 4b is a side view of the male connector and protection means shown in Figure 1 and shows a tube placed on the male connector.
Description of the Specific Embodiments
With reference to the Figures there is shown a male connection element 2 with protection means in the form of an annular collar 4 and two support elements 6. The protection means helps to shield the male connection element 2 from damage by preventing foreign objects from coming into contact with the element 2 or by reducing an impact force of any foreign object. The male element 2 is a type of connector which is commonly known to the skilled person as a fir tree or hose nipple. The most vulnerable part of the male connector element 2 is the distal end region and under one aspect of the present invention this region is provided with the most comprehensive protection in the form of the annular collar 4. The sides of the male connection element 2 are provided with shield protection by the support elements 6.
The male connection element 2 and the two support elements 6 extend from a base portion 8. The male connection element 2 and the base portion 8 are formed with a longitudinal bore 10 that provides fluid communication. The base portion 8 is adapted to be pressed into a corresponding female socket. However, it shall be appreciated that the connection method is not necessarily limited to a push fit arrangement and other connection methods may be used, such as a screw thread. The base portion 8 is formed with a series of annular channels and rims, which are utilised to hold o-ring seals and securing elements. The annular collar 4 is formed with a radially internal sloped surface 12 that extends toward a central longitudinal axis 14. The male connection element 2 is formed with a series of three annular frustro-conical regions 16, 18, 20. The regions 16, 18, 20 form barb elements that help to retain a tubular part 22 on the male connection element 2.
In the embodiment shown, the male connection element 2, the two support elements and the base portion 8 are formed from a plastic composite material using an injection moulding process. The lower portion of the male connector element 2, including the two regions 18, 20, is formed using a pair of splitable die moulds that access the central region between the support elements 6. The upper region of the male connection element 2, including the region 16, is formed by a single die mould such that the radial outer surface of the region 16 has no split lines.
The lower inner annular edge of the sloped surface 12 is juxtaposed to the lower annular edge of the region 16. Disposed between the two annular edges is an annular opening 24. The tubular part 22 enters the opening 24 as the tubular part 22 is placed on the male connection element 2. The width of the opening 24 is adapted to receive the tubular part 22.
It shall be appreciated that the male connection element 2 and the protection means of the present invention may form part of alternative coupling arrangements for systems involving pressurised media such as elbow joints, T-joints, L-joints, 4-way cross blocks etc.. The protection means of the present invention in the form of an annular collar 4 and two support elements 6 may be adapted for alternative male connections.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the male connection element 2 is provided with protection means in the form support elements extending juxtaposed by the connection element 2. In this embodiment the protection means may be only in the form of the two support elements 6.

Claims

1. Means for protecting a male connector for systems involving pressurised media, wherein the means for protecting the male connector comprises a shield structure that is disposed adjacent and radially distant from the male connector, characterised in that, the means for protecting the male connector comprises a shield that is disposed adjacent and radially distant from the male connector and a support structure comprising a number of support legs each of which extends between a base portion of the male connector and the shield, the arrangement being such that in use, an end of a tubular element is placeable onto the male connector such that the end of the tubular element is disposed between the shield and support legs and the male connector element.
2. Means for protecting a male connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the male connector extends from a base portion and the shield structure comprises at least one section that extends in a direction away from the base portion and substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of male connector.
3. Means for protecting a male connector as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shield structure comprises a plurality of sections that each extend in a direction away from the base portion and substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of male connector.
4. Means for protecting a male connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sections of the shield structure are disposed circumferentially around the male connector.
5. Means for protecting a male connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein the distal ends of the sections of the shield structure are substantially adjacent the distal end of the male connector.
6. Means for protecting a male connector as claimed in claim 5, wherein the shield is a tubular collar disposed circumferentially around the male connector.
7. Means for protecting a male connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tubular collar is disposed adjacent the distal end of the male connector.
8. Means for protecting a male connector as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the collar is disposed substantially coaxially with the male connector.
9. Means for protecting a male connector as claimed in any one of claims 6 to
8, wherein the male connector extends from a base portion and wherein the support structure extends from the base portion to the collar.
10. Means for protecting a male connector as claimed in any one of claims 6 to
9, wherein the supporting structure comprises a number of support legs each of which extend between the base portion and the collar, the arrangement being such that in use, the end of a tubular element placed onto the male connector is disposed between the male connector element and the collar and supporting legs.
EP06799572A 2005-10-19 2006-10-19 Protection means for a male connector element Withdrawn EP1945988A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0502332A SE530948C2 (en) 2005-10-19 2005-10-19 Protective means for male contact elements
PCT/NO2006/000365 WO2007046712A1 (en) 2005-10-19 2006-10-19 Protection means for a male connector element

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1945988A1 true EP1945988A1 (en) 2008-07-23

Family

ID=37667117

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06799572A Withdrawn EP1945988A1 (en) 2005-10-19 2006-10-19 Protection means for a male connector element

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1945988A1 (en)
SE (1) SE530948C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2007046712A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202008009931U1 (en) 2008-07-23 2009-12-10 Voss Automotive Gmbh Connector for fluid lines
DE102015114116A1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2017-03-02 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Pipe connector for connecting a fuel line of a fuel supply for a motor vehicle engine
DE102019132854A1 (en) * 2019-12-03 2021-06-10 Voss Automotive Gmbh Connector arrangement
DE102019134681A1 (en) * 2019-12-17 2021-06-17 Voss Automotive Gmbh Connector arrangement

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE459094C (en) * 1927-06-26 1928-04-26 Knorr Bremse Akt Ges Protection device for brake hoses
US4280723A (en) * 1978-07-26 1981-07-28 Moldestad Jon P Safety device for hose connections
CH691505A5 (en) * 1996-06-11 2001-07-31 Geberit Technik Ag Coupling sleeve for plastics or composite pipes
EP1291568B1 (en) * 2001-09-06 2006-06-07 Comap Quick-acting coupling for deformable pipes
DE10357892A1 (en) * 2003-12-11 2005-07-14 A. Raymond & Cie Device for connecting to one end of a corrugated tube

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2007046712A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007046712A1 (en) 2007-04-26
SE0502332L (en) 2007-04-20
SE530948C2 (en) 2008-10-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6345431B1 (en) Joining thermoplastic pipe to a coupling
EP2222999B1 (en) Method of forming a clamping ring and a clamping ring
US5338070A (en) Diameter-reducing member joint device
EP0338052B1 (en) Pipe connections
US8943668B2 (en) Hex swaged fluid coupling and method of making same
US10081937B2 (en) Universal drain cuff
CA2897916A1 (en) Fitting for joining tubes and method of joining tubes
EP2628989B1 (en) Crimp connection with seal member
CN103975187B (en) There is pipe coupling assembly system and the method for seal ring stabilizing member
EP3521675B1 (en) Pipe fitting connecting method
EP1945988A1 (en) Protection means for a male connector element
EP1714068B1 (en) Connector with release mechanism
KR101408807B1 (en) Bellows for vacuum piping, and combined structure of bellows and pipe
CA2277455A1 (en) Coupling device and method for fabricating a grip ring to be used in such a coupling device
US20030178842A1 (en) Pipe assembly
EP0727026B1 (en) Pipe connector
AU2007318437A1 (en) Pipe coupling devices
US4629220A (en) Method and apparatus for quick-coupling connecting nipple for plastic pipe
US20020088490A1 (en) Safety hose system and method of manufacture
AU2006235947A1 (en) Pipe connecting apparatus
JPH06341576A (en) Bayonet joint particularly for metallic pipe for fluid
KR20170100895A (en) Added huraekssibeul and the manufacturing method for high pressure for high pressure added huraekssibeul
ES2173833T3 (en) PRESSURE UNION FOR TUBES.
CA1132334A (en) Spherical connector having integrally formed outlets
JP2010276094A (en) Pipe repairing connecting member

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20080425

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20101029

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20110513