GB1273109A - Improvements in or relating to plug and socket couplings for gas pipes - Google Patents

Abstract

1,273,109. Pipe couplings. DRAGERWERK A.G. 23 Dec., 1970 [24 Dec., 1969], No. 61296/70. Heading F2G. A socket 9, with a valve 3 controllable by insertion of a plug 12, 12<SP>1</SP>, has three sets of locking elements 14, 15, 16 operated by an axially slidable sleeve 22 to provide three successive plug retaining positions in the socket, a first position wherein the valve is open, a second intermediate position, and a third position wherein the valve is closed; the sleeve, in one axial position provides the first and third plug retaining positions and in a second axial position provides the second plug retaining position. The sleeve 22 bears against radial arms 20 of a cage 17 retaining the three sets of radially movable balls 14, 15, 16, so that axial movement of the sleeve axially moves the cage against a spring 14, 15, 16. The balls 14, 15, 16 bear against respective camming surfaces 24, 25, 26 the camming surface 25 being inclined oppositely to the other surfaces, and in turn against a collar 31 on the plug 12, 12<SP>1</SP>. With the plug 12 in the first retaining position, as shown, with the valve 3 open, balls 14 bear against surfaces 24, 31 to retain the plug. Downward movement of the sleeve 22 releases balls 14 from surfaces 24, 31 so that the plug 12, 12<SP>1</SP> can move outwardly only to the second retaining position as balls 15 now bear against surfaces 25, 31. Upward movement of the sleeve 22 releases balls 15 from surfaces 25, 31 to allow the plug 12, 12<SP>1</SP> to move to the third retaining position, with the valve 3 closed, as balls 16 bear against surfaces 26, 31. A further downward movement of sleeve 22 allows complete release of the plug 12, 12<SP>1</SP>.