GB2464695A - A coupling device for connecting gas supply lines - Google Patents
A coupling device for connecting gas supply lines Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2464695A GB2464695A GB0819350A GB0819350A GB2464695A GB 2464695 A GB2464695 A GB 2464695A GB 0819350 A GB0819350 A GB 0819350A GB 0819350 A GB0819350 A GB 0819350A GB 2464695 A GB2464695 A GB 2464695A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- coupling device
- valve
- piston
- body member
- socket assembly
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- GSDSWSVVBLHKDQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 9-fluoro-3-methyl-10-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-7-oxo-2,3-dihydro-7H-[1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-ij]quinoline-6-carboxylic acid Chemical compound FC1=CC(C(C(C(O)=O)=C2)=O)=C3N2C(C)COC3=C1N1CCN(C)CC1 GSDSWSVVBLHKDQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
- F16L37/28—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means
- F16L37/38—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of the two pipe-end fittings
- F16L37/40—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of the two pipe-end fittings with a lift valve being opened automatically when the coupling is applied
- F16L37/413—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of the two pipe-end fittings with a lift valve being opened automatically when the coupling is applied the lift valve being of the sleeve type, i.e. a sleeve being telescoped over an inner cylindrical wall
-
- 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
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
- F16L37/22—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection is maintained by means of balls, rollers or helical springs under radial pressure between the parts
- F16L37/23—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection is maintained by means of balls, rollers or helical springs under radial pressure between the parts by means of balls
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
Abstract
A complementary plug 2 and socket 4 connector for coupling gas supply lines comprises a socket having a body member 12, an end piece 14 attached to the body member, a piston 18 slidably mounted within the body member, a poppet valve 20 mounted within the piston, and a retaining sleeve 16 mounted around the body for retaining a plug, the end piece / nut having an internal wall 46 relative to which the valve 20 is able to slide. Ideally, the valve includes a valve stem / plunger 39 having a tail piece 44 which extends through a guide hole in the wall / plate. The valve stem preferably has an abutment piece 38 to limit movement relative to the wall. A tapered spring 36 is preferably provided between the piston and the (poppet) valve. The end piece 14 may be retained to the body member by a snap ring / circlip 22.
Description
COUPLING DEVICE FOR CONNECTING GAS SUPPLY LINES
The present invention relates to a coupling device for connecting gas supply lines (pipes or hoses) and in particular, but not exclusively, for connecting gas appliances to a gas supply. The coupling device allows rapid connection and disconnection of the appliance, allowing it to be easily moved for cleaning or servicing. The coupling device automatically cuts off the gas supply when disconnected and resumes the supply upon re-connection.
A coupling device for connecting gas supply lines is known from US 5452736. This device comprises a socket assembly into which a plug can be inserted. Inserting the plug forces back a piston within the socket assembly, thereby opening a poppet valve to allow the flow of gas. The plug is retained by a set of ball bearings that are forced into a groove in the outer surface of the plug by a locking sleeve. The coupling device can be disconnected by * pushing back the locking sleeve to release the ball bearings from the groove, allowing the * * plug to be withdrawn. As the plug is withdrawn, the poppet valve closes to cut off the gas supply. *..e * S
The coupling device disclosed in US 5452736 is very effective and simple to operate.
However, the device is mechanically complex and comprises a large number of : * components, including a body (or "structural part"), a connecting pipe, two sliding sleeves, a valve body, a locking sleeve and a guide plate, as well as the ball bearings and numerous springs, clips and sealing rings. It is therefore costly to manufacture and complicated to assemble. As a result, the coupling device is relatively expensive to purchase.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a coupling device that is as effective and simple to operate as the coupling device described in US 5452736, but which is mechanically simpler and therefore less expensive to manufacture and assemble. A further object is to provide a coupling device that is compatible with the plug of the device described in US 5452736.
According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a coupling device for connecting gas supply lines, the coupling device comprising a socket assembly that is constructed and arranged for releasable connection to a complementary plug element, the socket assembly comprising a body member, an end piece attached to a rear end of the body member, a piston slidingly mounted within the body member, a valve mounted within the piston and a retaining sleeve mounted towards a forward end of the body member, wherein the end piece includes a wall element that co-operates with the valve to open the valve upon connection of the socket assembly to a complementary plug element.
The coupling device that is effective and simple to operate. However, it is also mechanically simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. The socket assembly is also fully compatible with a plug element of the type described in US 5452736.
Advantageously, the valve includes a stem that engages the wall element upon rearward movement of the piston. This causes the valve to open as the plug is inserted. This arrangement contributes to the simplicity of the socket assembly.
Advantageously, the valve includes a tail piece that extends through a guide hole in the wall * *** element, to guide rearward movement of the valve as the plug is inserted into the socket assembly. * *
* Advantageously, the wall element includes at least one channel for allowing the flow of gas * through the wall element.
Advantageously, the coupling device includes a valve spring that is compressed between the valve and the piston. Direct connection between the valve and the piston also contributes to the simplicity of the socket assembly, as this avoids the need for an intermediate guide plate. The valve spring is preferably tapered to permit this direct connection.
Advantageously, the coupling device includes a piston spring that is compressed between the end piece and the piston.
Advantageously, the end piece is retained to the body member by a snap ring, which simplifies manufacturing and assembly of the socket assembly.
According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a coupling assembly including a coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims and a complementary plug element for connection thereto.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, byway of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric exploded view showing the components of a coupling device in the form of a socket assembly; Figure 2 is a side view of a coupling assembly in partial cross-section, showing the socket assembly and a complementary plug element prior to coupling; Figure 3 is a side view in partial cross-section, showing the plug element and the socket assembly in a partially coupled condition, and Figure 4 is a side view in partial cross-section, showing the plug element and the socket assembly in a fully coupled condition. *...
The coupling device comprises a socket assembly 4 that is constructed and arranged for *.....
* releasable connection to a complementary plug element 2. The plug element 2 is a....
conventional and comprises a tubular body having a eorniectiug element 6 at one end and *:* a threaded hose attachment 8 at the opposite end. The outer surface of the connecting element 6 is cylindrical and includes a circumferential groove 10.
The socket assembly 4 includes a tubular body member 12, an end nut 14, a locking sleeve 16, a piston 18 and a poppet valve 20. The end nut 14 is attached to one end of the body member 12 by means of a snap ring 22, the connection of the two parts being sealed by an 0-ring 24. Optionally, a second 0-ring 26 may be located between the end nut 14 and the adjacent end of the body member 12.
The piston 18 is slidingly located within the body member 12 and is urged forwards by a piston spring 28 that is compressed between the piston 18 and the end nut 14. A flange 30 at the rear end of the piston 18 co-operates with the body member 12 to limit forwards movement to the piston. Two 0-rings 32,34 provide a gas-tight seal between the body member 12 and the piston 18.
The poppet valve 20 is slidingly located within the piston 18 and is urged rearwards by a tapered helical valve spring 36, which is compressed between a clip 38 on the shaft 39 of the poppet valve 20 and an inner wall of the piston 18. In this position, the poppet valve is closed, an 0-ring 40 sealing the connection between the head 41 of the poppet valve 20 and a corresponding recess 43 in the front face of the piston 18. The poppet valve 20 can be urged forwards relative to the piston 18, against the resilient bias of the valve spring 36, to allow the flow of gas through gas channels 42 in the piston 18.
The shaft 39 of the poppet valve 20 includes a tail 44 at its rear end, which slidingly engages a guide hole 45 in an inwardly extending wall 46 provided within the end nut 14.
Channels 48 are provided within the wall 46 to allow gas to flow through the socket assembly 4 when the poppet valve 20 is open.
The locking sleeve 16 encompasses the forward end of the body element 12 and is arranged for sliding movement relative to the body element in the axial direction of the coupling device. The locking sleeve 16 is attached to the body element 12 by means of a snap ring *.S.
50 that limits forwards and backwards movement of the sleeve. The sleeve 16 is urged * : forwards by a locking sleeve spring 52 that is compressed between the sleeve and the body member 12. However, when the coupling device is decoupled as shown in Figure 2, :* forward movement of the locking sleeve 16 is prevented by a set of ball bearings 54 that are located within holes 56 in the forward part of the body member 12 and project radially outwards beyond the surface of the body member.
In order to connect the coupling device, the plug element 2 is inserted into the front end of the socket assembly 4, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows the coupling device in a partially coupled condition in which the plug element 2 has been inserted partially but not fully into the socket assembly 4. The forward end of the connecting element 6 has been inserted past the first 0-ring seal 32, thereby pushing the piston 18 back into the socket assembly 4 and compressing the piston spring 28. The poppet valve 20 is however still closed, preventing any flow of gas through the coupling device.
Figure 4 shows the coupling device in a fuily coupled condition. The plug element 2 has been inserted fully into the socket assembly 4, thereby pushing the piston 18 further backwards against the compression of the piston spring 28. Further rearwards movement of the poppet valve 20 is prevented by engagement of the poppet valve shaft 39 with the inwardly extending wall 46 of the end nut 14. The poppet valve 20 is therefore forced open against the compression of the valve spring 36. This allows gas to flow through the coupling device via the gas channels 42, 48 and the hollow body of the piston 18.
In the fully inserted condition, the groove 10 on the outer surface of the plug element 2 is aligned with the ball bearings 54, thereby allowing the ball bearings to move radially inwards. This in turn allows the locking sleeve 16 to spring forwards under the influence of the spring 52, thereby trapping the ball bearings 54 in the inwardly displaced positions.
This locks the plug element 2 to the socket assembly 4, thereby locking the two parts of the coupling assembly to one another.
In order to disconnect the coupling device, the locking sleeve 16 is pushed manually backwards, thereby releasing the ball bearings 54 from their inwardly displaced positions.
The plug element 2 is then ejected from the socket assembly 4 by the action of the * *** compressed piston spring 28. Upon ejection of the plug element 2, the poppet valve 20 closes under the influence of the valve spring 36. *
* The socket assembly of the present invention is mechanically simpi, compnsing five maJor components: the body member 12, the end nut 14, the piston 18, the poppet valve 20 and the locking sleeve 16. By comparison, the socket assembly described in US 5452736 is relatively complex, comprising a body member, a connecting pipe, a first sleeve (which corresponds to the piston of the present invention), a poppet valve, a locking sleeve, a second sliding sleeve and a guide plate. The present invention therefore avoids the need for the second sleeve and the guide plate. This is achieved by providing an inwardly extending wall 46 within the end nut 14, which serves both to guide and to open the poppet valve 20 when the plug element is inserted into the socket assembly, and by using a tapered helical valve spring 36, which engages the poppet valve 20 directly rather than via a guide plate.
The socket assembly of the present invention is therefore less expensive to manufacture than the socket assembly of US 5452736. Assembly of the coupling device is also simpler, first because it comprises fewer components, and second because the end nut 14 is retained by a simple snap ring 22, whereas the connecting pipe ofUS 5452736 is retained within the body 2 by corresponding screw threads.
The socket assembly of the present invention is also completely compatible with a plug element of the type described in US 5452736, thereby allowing connection to appliances that are already fitted with that type of plug. * ** * * . * I. * S.. * S S...
*5S*** * S
S
S S SS ** * S S
S
Claims (10)
- CLAIMS1. A coupling device for connecting gas supply lines, the coupling device comprising a socket assembly that is constructed and arranged for releasable connection to a complementary plug element, the socket assembly comprising a body member, an end piece attached to a rear end of the body member, a piston slidingly mounted within the body member, a valve mounted within the piston and a itaining sleeve mounted towards a forward end of the body member, wherein the end piece includes a wall element that co-operates with the valve to open the valve upon connection of the socket assembly to a complementary plug element.
- 2. A coupling device according to claim 1, in which the valve includes a stem that engages the wall element upon rearward movement of the piston.
- 3. A coupling device according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the valve includes a tail piece that extends through a guide hole in the wall element. * ** * * ** .::
- 4. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the wall **.* element includes at least one channel for allowing the flow of gas through the wall element. * **..*S S
- 5. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims including a valve spring that is compressed between the valve and the piston.
- 6. A coupling device according to claim 5, in which the valve spring is tapered.
- 7. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims including a piston spring that is compressed between the end piece and the piston.
- 8. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the end piece is retained to the body member by a snap ring.
- 9. A coupling device substantially as described heiin with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
- 10. A coupling assembly including a coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, and a complementaiy plug element for connection thereto. * S* * * * * ** * .*. * * S... * SI***ISI S * S. * * I * .
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0819350.0A GB2464695B (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2008-10-22 | Coupling device for connecting gas supply lines |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0819350.0A GB2464695B (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2008-10-22 | Coupling device for connecting gas supply lines |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0819350D0 GB0819350D0 (en) | 2008-11-26 |
| GB2464695A true GB2464695A (en) | 2010-04-28 |
| GB2464695B GB2464695B (en) | 2012-09-19 |
Family
ID=40097824
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0819350.0A Active GB2464695B (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2008-10-22 | Coupling device for connecting gas supply lines |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2464695B (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3073342A (en) * | 1959-10-05 | 1963-01-15 | Seaton Wilson Mfg Company | Airless coupling |
| US5709243A (en) * | 1995-11-20 | 1998-01-20 | Aeroquip Corporation | Low spill female coupling |
| US20040103946A1 (en) * | 2002-11-29 | 2004-06-03 | Eaton Corporation | Coupling assembly having a coupling member removably securable in an apparatus |
-
2008
- 2008-10-22 GB GB0819350.0A patent/GB2464695B/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3073342A (en) * | 1959-10-05 | 1963-01-15 | Seaton Wilson Mfg Company | Airless coupling |
| US5709243A (en) * | 1995-11-20 | 1998-01-20 | Aeroquip Corporation | Low spill female coupling |
| US20040103946A1 (en) * | 2002-11-29 | 2004-06-03 | Eaton Corporation | Coupling assembly having a coupling member removably securable in an apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0819350D0 (en) | 2008-11-26 |
| GB2464695B (en) | 2012-09-19 |
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