GB2362439A

GB2362439A - Hose joint with locking arm and valve arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2362439A
Application number: GB0012269A
Authority: GB
Inventors: I-Chuan Huang
Original assignee: HUANG I CHUAN
Current assignee: HUANG I CHUAN
Priority date: 2000-05-19
Filing date: 2000-05-19
Publication date: 2001-11-21
Also published as: GB0012269D0

Abstract

A hose joint comprises a male connector 10 detachably connectable to a female connector 30. The male connector comprises a tubular body 11 with one end having a circular locking recess 112 defined in an outer periphery of the tubular body. A valve cylinder 12 is received within a sleeve 13 of the male connector, and a spring 14 is mounted between the valve cylinder and the sleeve. Similarly the female connector also comprises a tubular body 31 having a valve cylinder 32 located within a sleeve 33, with a spring 34 mounted between them. At least one pair of outwardly extending ears 316 is provided on the female connector body, between which a pivotally mounted locking arm 50 is provided. The locking arm has an eccentric head 502 extending into the tubular body of the female connector so as to engage with the circular locking recess of the male connector. Upon making up of the joint the valve cylinders move to allow fluid communication, and when the connectors are released, the tension in the springs causes the valves to close. The hose joint may be of the type used to connect a hose from a fluid truck to a fuel reservoir.

Description

2362439 1 AUTO-SEALING HOSE JOINT

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hosejoint. and more particularly to a hose joint with an auto-sealing capability when the hose joint releases. 2. Description of Related Art

A conventional hose joint for oil or gas and constructed in accordance with the prior art comprises a rnale connector and a female connector that detachably connects with the male connector. A locking means between the male connector and the female connector is incorporated to keep the joint frorn being disconnected by the pressure of the fluid. Ho%-ever, the conventional locking means is held in place by the spring. However, the resilient force in the spring is not strong enough to resist the huge pressure of the fluid, In addition, because the recovery force of the spring will increase when the spring is compressed, the joint will not disconnect immediately due to the increased recovery force on the spring. Therefore. the fluid still flows out from the connectors even with an autosealing mechanism mounted on each connector.

In addition, if the joint is pulled apart by a large external force, the hose connected to the male connectorwill be tightened due to the torsion that builds up in the hosewhen it is stretched. The huge torque in the hose will cause the hose to twist and be easily broken by the rotating torque. The fluid still in the hose -vill spill out of the hose and pose an immediate fire hazard.

To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention tends to provide an improved hose joint to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.

The main objective of the invention is to provide an improved hosejoint with a male connector and a female connector detachably connected to the male connector. Each connector is composed of a tubular body, a valve cylinder with at least one passage defined therein. a sleeve for closing each passage of the valve cylinder and a first spring mounted between the sleeve and the valve cylinder. By such an arrangement, when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the valve cylinders of the male connector and the female connector vill abut each other and move relative to the corresponding connectors so the two connector are open to each other. When the two connectors are released frorn each other, each connector will automaticalIv seal b.,., the tension of the corresponding first spring. The safety of using the hose joint in an liquid transfer process will be improved. IN THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a male connector and a female connector ofa hose joint in accordance with the present invention-, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the male connector of the hose joint in Fi 1 -, 1 ' Ficr. 1. ional side plan view of the male connector Fig. 2:

-3 is a cross secti 1 1 1 Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective vie,": of the female connector of the hose joint in Fig.

Fia, 5 is a cross sectional side plan view of the female connector in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a cross sectional side plan view of the hose joint in Fig. 1; and Fig. 7 is an operational cross sectional side plan view of the hose joint in Fig. 1.

With reference to Fig. 1, a hose joint in accordance with the present invention comprises a male connector ( 10) and a female connector (3) 0) that can be detachably connected to the male connector (10)- In practice. the male connector (10) can be attached to a hose that is connected to a fuel truck, and the female connector (30) can be attached to a fuel reser,oir.

With reference to Figs. 1-33. the rnale connector (10) is composed of a tubular body, Ilinder ( 12)) and a first spring (14). The valve cylinder (12) is 11), a valve c 2). a sleeve ( 1 ' slidably mounted in the tubular body (11). The sleeve (13) is mounted in the tubular body 11), and the valve cylinder ( 12) extends through the sleeve (13). The first spring (14) is mounted on the sleeve ( 1 and between the sleeve (1 3)) and the valve cylinder ( 12).

The free end of each tubular body (11, ') 1) connects to the other connector (10, -3)0).

A circular locking recess (112) is defined on the outside surface of the tubular body (11) of the rnale connector (10) near the free end of the tubular body (11).

A gasket (3) 14) is mounted in the tubular body (3) 1) of the female connector (30) to abut the free end of the tubular body (11) of the male connector (10) when the male connector (10) is inserted into the female connector (30).

The -,al-,.,e cylinder (12) mounted in the tubular body (11) of the male connector (10) has a head portion ( 122) formed on the end facing the other connector and at least one passage (124) defined through the valve cylinder (12) near the head portion (122). The valve cylinder ( 12) mounted in the male connector ( 10) extends out from the free end of the tubular body ( 11).

One end of the sleeve (1 -3)) mounted in the tubular body, (11) of the male connector 10) faces the other connector ( 3) 0), and the other end abuts the head portion ( 122) of the valve cylinder (12, 32) to close each passage (124) on the valve cylinder (12). The first spring (14, '34) provides a biasing force on the sleeve (14) to cause the sleeve (14) to abut the head portion (122) of the valve cylinder (12, 32) to close each passage (124) on the valve cylinder (12). A tubular extension (19) is mounted on the exterior end of the valve cylinder ( 12) to abut one end of the first sprinc, (14).

4 An 0-rino (132, 33332) is mounted around th c exterior end ofthe s I eeve ( 13). A co I lar (20) with a circular protrusion (202) t'ori-ned on the inside is screwed into the free end of the tubular body ( 11) of rnale connector ( 10)A circular block. ( 114) is integrally formed on the inner surface of the tubular bodv ( 11) of the male connector ( 10). A second sprino (1 -5) is mounted between the sleeve (1 33) and the circular block ( 114) to provide a biasing force on the sleeve (1 -3)) to keep the 0-ring ( 1 3 32) abuttng the protrusion (202). such that the gap between the sleeve (13) and the tubular bod-y (11) will be closed.

With reference to Figs. 1. 4 and 5, the fernale connector (30) is composed of a 3 1), a valve cylinder (32). a sleeve (33) and a first spring (34). The valve tubular body () 1 1 cylinder (J3)2) is slidably. mounted in the tubular body (3 3 1). The sleeve (3) 3) is mounted in the tubular body 1), and the valve cylinder (3)2) extends throu-h the sleeve 3). The first spring (334) is mounted on the sleeve (3333) and between the sleeve (33) and the valve cylinder (32).

At least one pair of ears (3) 16) with a space between the cars (3 3 16) extends radiall out from the tubular body (3) 1) of the female connector (330). A locking arm (50) is pivotally mounted between each pair of cars (3) 16) and has an eccentric head (502) extending toward the tubular body (3) 1) of the female connector (30) to engage with the locking recess (112) in the tubular body (11) of the male connector (10). A longitudinal slot (3) 18) is defined in each car (3 16) so that the slots (3) 18) in each pair of ears (13) 16) face each other. A rod (52) extends through the slots (3 3 18) of each of the pair of ears (-3) 16) and the eccentric head (502) of the locking ari-n (50) to pivotally mount the locking arm (50) between the ears (316). A ceramic ring (54) with a rubber hood (542) around the ceramic ring (54) is detachably received in each slot (3 18) to abut the rod (52) to keep the rod (5-2) Z: I from sliding along the slot (3 18). The male connector (10) will be securely connected to C I the female connector (330) due to the engagement between the eccentric head (5021) on each locking arm (50) and the locking recess (112) on the male connector (10). In addition, a setscrew (56) is screwed into each ear (3) 16) and extends into the slot (3 18) to abut the ceramic ring (54) to securely hold the ceramic ring (54) in the slot (33 18).

The valve cylinder (3 32) mounted in the tubular body 1) of the female connector (30) has a head portion (322) formed on the endfacing the other connector and at least one passac,e (324) defined through the valve cylinder (32) near the head portion (3222).

One end of the sleeve (13, 33) mounted in female connector (30) faces the other connector (10). and the other end abuts the head portion (322) of the valve cylinder (32) to close each passage (3) 24) on the valve cylinder (3 2). The first spring (3 34) provides a biasing force on the sleeve (34) to cause the sleeve (3)4) to abut the head portion (3)22) of 1 the valve cylinder (332) to close each passage (324) on the valve cylinder (32). A tubular extension (39) is mounted on the exterior end of each valve cylinder (32) to abut one end of the first spring (34).

An O-ring (33-332) is mounted around the exterior end of sleeve (33) of the female connector (30). A collar (40) with a circular block (402) formed on the inside is screwed into the free end of the tubular body. (3 3 1) of fernale connector (3)0). A circular protrusion (3 12) is integrally formed on the inner surface of the tubular body (3 1) of the female connector (30). A second spring (335) is mounted between the sleeve (33) and the circular block (402) to provide a biasing force on the sleeve (33) to keep the O-ring (3332) abutting the protrusion (3) 12). such that the zap between the sleeve (33) and the tubular body (3 1) of the female connector (3) 0) will be closed.

Referring to Figs. 2, 4 and 6, when the male connector (10) is inserted into the female connector (20). The first end of the valve cylinder (12) in the rnale connector (10) 6 will abut to the valve cylinder (32) in the fiernale connector (30), and both ofthe valve cylinders ( 1132) will rnove relative to the corresponding sleeves ( 133,3333) respectively. Thus, the passages (124, 324) on each valve cylinders (12.32) will extend outward frorn the corresponding sleeve (13.33). and the connectors ( 10.30) will be COMMUnicated throuh the adjacent valve cylinders ( 12.32). In the mean tirne. each sleeve (133.33) will be pushed to move relative to the corresponding tebular body ( 1 L' 3 1) by, the tension of the first spring (1 43 34). The 0-ring, (132,3)')2) mounted on each sleeve (1 3). ')33) will depart from the corresponding protrusion (202,3) 12), such that a Rap will be defined between each sleeve (13,33) and the corresponding tubular body (11,3) 1). This will provide another passage for the fluid flowing therethrOUgh. The fluid stored in the resen!olr or the oil car can be led into the oil car or the reservoir through passages (124,324) on the valve cylinders (12,32) and the gap between each sleeve (13,33) and the corresponding tubular body (1 L') 1), such that the discharge of the fluid will be increased.

In addition, because the rod (522) extending through the locking arin (50) is positioned by the ceramic ring, (54). This can not onIv provide a secure positioning effect to the rod (522). but also can provide an enough resistance against the pressure ofthe fluid to avoid the connectors (10. 30) to release unintentionally before the ceramic ring (54) is crashed. 'When the ceramic rin- (54) is crashed by the pressure of the fluid, the ceraillic (54) can not provide any supporting effect to the rod (52). The rod (52) wIll slide along the slot (3) 18) freely, and the eccentric head (502) of the locking arm (50)'. ill disengage from the locking recess (112). Consequently. the connectors (10.3 M) will release quickly and auto-lock immediately. This can actually avoid the fluid flow out from the connectors.

Referring to Figs. 2, 4 and 7, when the two connectors (10,30) release froni each other intentionally or unintentionally. The 0-ring (1332,33)2) on each sleeve (1 33,333) will be 7 pushed to abut the corresponding protrusion (202.3) 12) by the tension of the second spring 15,35). and each valve cylinder (12,32) -vill be pushed to insert into the corresponding s I eeve (133. 333) by the tension of the first spring (14,334). Such that the passages (124,324) on the valve cylinder(12,32) and the gap between each sleeve (13.33) and the tubular bod) (11.3) 1) will be automatically closed. This can avoid the fluid flow out from the connectors. The safety of using the hose joint iti an oil transfer process can be improved.

In addition, referring to Figs. 22-6. each valve cylinder (12,32) has an opening end far from the other valve cylinder (12.3 32). A crisscross rib (126,3 326) is formed in each valve cylinder (12,32). A piston rod (16,36) is moveably mounted in each valve cylinder (12,3)2). Fach piston rod (16,36) is composed of a ball end (162-3)62) to close the opening 2 '))and an axle (164.3 end of the corresponding valve cylinder(I 3))64) extending into the valve cylinder (12,32) and through the crisscross rib (126,3326) to align with the axle (164,364) of the piston rod (16,36) mounted in the other connector. The axle (164,364) has a length longer than that of the corresponding valve cylinder (122, 32) and the tubular extension (19,39) so as to extend outward from the tubular extension (19, 39). A third spring ( 17,3) 7) is mounted between each piston rod (16,3) 6) and the corresponding valve cylinder (12,32) to provide a biasing force on the piston rod (16,36) to keep the ball end (162,362) closing the opening end of the corresponding valve cylinder (12, 32). In preferably, a recess (166,366) is defined in the axle (164.,364) of each piston rod (16,36), and an E-ring (18,338) for one end of the third spring (17,337) abutting thereto is received in the recess (166,366). The other end of the third spring (17,37) abuts the crisscross rib (126,326).

When the male connector (10) is inserted into the female connector (30), the piston rod (16,36) will be pushed to move relative to the corresponding valve c-ylinder (12,32) b' Ch 8 each other. The opening- end ofthe valve cylinder ( 12,32) can be opened, and the tunnel for the fluid flow therethrough can be enlarged. Referring to Fig. 7, when the connectors (10.30) are released, the piston rod ( 16, 336) will move into the valve cylinder ( 1-1,321) by the tension of the third spring ( 17,37), and the ball end ( 162,362) can aUtOrnatically close the opening end of the corresponding valve cylinder (12.32).

Furthermore. referring to Figs. 2, 3) and 7. A connecting member (22) connecting with the hose is rotatabl-v mounted on the free end of the tubular bodv ( 11) of the male connector (10). A seal (24) is mounted between the connecting rnernber (22) and the tubular body (11) of the male connector (10). A flange (116,222) for receiving one side of the seal (24) therein is formed on each of the tubular body ( 11) of the rnale connector (10) and connecting member (22). A tube (26) is screwed to the second end of the tubular body (11) of the male connector (10) and received in the connecting member (22). A flange is formed on the tube (26) to limit the connecting member (22) on the tubular body (11) of the male tube (10). Multiple rollers (28) are arranged between the tube (26) and the connecting member (22), such that the connecting member (22) can freely rotate relative to the male connector (10). By such an arrangement, when the joint is pulled apart by a large external force. The hose connected to the connecting member (22) will rotate freely relative to the male connector ( 10). Such that the hose will not be tightened and the huge torque in the hose will not cause. This can avoid the hose to be broken by, the rotating torsion and the safety of using the joint will be improved.

9

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hose _joint comprising a mal-e connector and a female connector detachabl connecting with the male connector, wherein the rnale connector is composed of a tubular body, having a first end connecting with the female connector, a second end and a circular locking recess defined in an outer periphery of the tubular body., a valve cylinder moveably extending outward from the first end of the tubular body, of the male connector and having a first end facing the female connector, a second end, a head portion fori-ned on the second end thereof and at least one passage defined therein near the head portion, a sleeve provided to receive the valve cylinder therethrough and having a first end facing the female connector and a second end abutting the head portion of the valve cylinder of the male connector to close each passage of the valve cylinder of the male connector, and a first spring mounted between the sleeve and the valve cylinder of the male connector to provide a tension to the sleeve to abut the head portion of the valve cylinder; and 1 having a first end connecting the fernale connector is composed of a tubular body with the male connector, a second end and at least one pair of cars separately extending outward frorn the tubular bod-,.1 of the female connector.. a locking arm pivotally mounted between each pair of ears and having an eccentric head extending into the tubular body, of the female connector to engage with the locking 1 1 - recess of the tubular body of the male connector:

a valve cylinder moveably received in the tubular body of the female connector and 1 () having a first end facing the inale connector. a second end, a head portion formed on the second end thereof and at least one passage defined therein near the head portion, a sleeve receiving the valve cylinder therethrough and having a first end facing the C - 17 rnale connector and a second end abutting the head portion of the valve cylinder to close each passage of the valve cylinder, and a first spring mounted bem.reen the sleeve and the valve cylinder of the female connector to provide a tension to the sleeve to abut head portion of the valve cylinder: thereby, when the male connector inserts into the female connector. the valve cylinders of the male connector and the female connector,"-III abut each other and move relative to the correspondinc, connectors respectively so as to corninunicate the two ZD connectors-, when the two connectors release from each other, the two connectors will have a sealing effect to each other by the tension of the corresponding springs.

z:- - Z'--

2. The hose joint as clairned in claim 1, wherein an 0-ring is mounted around the first end of the sleeve of each of the male connector and female connector, a circular protrusion is arranged in each connector to abut the O-ring on the corresponding sleeve to seal a gap defined between the sleeve and the corresponding connector, and a second spring is mounted between each sleeve and the corresporidinc, connector to provide a tension to the sleeve to keep the O-ring abutting the corresponding protrusion.

3. The hosejoint as claimed in claim 2, wherein a collar is screwed to the first end of the tubular body of the male connector-, a circular protrusion for the O-ring abutting, thereto is formed on the collar; and a circular block is integrally forined in an inner surface of the male connector to abut 11 one end of the corresponding second spring.

4. The hose joint as claimed in claim 2, wherein a circular protrusion for the 0-ring abutting thereto is integrally, fori-ned in an inner surface of the fernale connector; a collar is screwed to the second end of the female connector; and a circular block is integrally' formed on the collar to abut one end of the corresponding second spring.

5. The hose joint as claimed in clairn 1, wherein the second end of each valve cylinder is an opening end, and a piston rod is moveablyr mounted in each valve cylinder and composed of a ball end to close the opening end of the corresponding valve cylinder:

an axle extending into the -valve cylinder to align -with the axle of the piston rod mounted in the other connector and has a length longer than that of the corresponding valve cylinder, and a third spring mounted between the piston rod and the corresponding valve cylinder to provide a tension to keep the ball end closing the opening end of the corresponding valve cyIinder.

6. The hose joint as claimed in claim 5, wherein a crisscross rib for the axle of the corresponding piston rod extending therethrough is formed in each valve cylinder to abut one end of the third spring..

a recess is defined in the axle of each piston rod, and an E-ring is received in the recess to abut the other end of the third spring.

7. The hose joint as claimed in clairn 1, wherein a slot is defined in each one of the pair of ears and faces each other, a rod extends through the slots of each pair of ears and the eccentric head of the locking arrn pivotally mounted between the ears-, a ceramic ring with a rubber hood mounted thereon is detachably received in each slot to abut the rod to position the rod, and a setscrew is screwed to each ear and extends into the slot to abut the ceramic ring,

8. The hose joint as claimed in claim I further comprising a gasket mounted in the female connector to abut the first end of the rnrle connector when the male connector is inserted into the female connector.

9. The hose joint as claimed in claim I further comprising a connecting member rotatably mounted on the second end of the male connector, a seal mounted between the connectina member and the male connector-, and a flange respectively formed on the male connector and the connecting member being provided for receiving the seal therein.

10. The hose joint as clairned in claim 9 further comprising a tube screwed to the second end of the male connector and received in the connectin2 member, and multiple rollers arranged between the tube and the connecting member.