GB865002A - Pipe couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

865,002. Pipe couplings. LUCAS (INDUSTRIES), J. Ltd. Jan. 25, 1960 [Feb. 5, 1959], No. 4066/59. Class 99(1). A coupling comprises in combination complementary tubular parts 4, 5, the part 4 having an end portion 4a adapted to fit within the adjacent end 5a of the part 5, spring-loaded valve closure members 11, 12, co-operating with seatings 9, 10 formed in the coupling parts and adapted to be removed from their seatings automatically on interengagement of the parts, a sealing member 8 located between the overlapping ends 4a, 5a when the coupling parts are engaged, a guide 21 fixed relative to the part 4, a spring-loaded sleeve 22 axially slidable within the guide, a second spring-loaded sleeve 25 surrounding the guide and axially movable relative thereto, and radially movable locking members 24 disposed within holes in the sleeve 22, those members being adapted to coact with an external shoulder 28 on the part 5 and an internal projection 27 on the sleeve 25 to retain the parts in engagement. When engaging the coupling parts the part 5a contacts the balls 24 to move the sleeve 22 inwardly against the spring 23 whereby the balls are out of register with the cam ring 27 to allow the coupling parts to be engaged to the fullest extent. The shoulder 28 passes through the ring 27 and the sleeve 22 is moved to engage the balls between the ring and the part 5 and behind the shoulder. The coupling parts are disengaged by imparting relative axial movement between the part 4 and sleeve 25. In a modification, the sleeve 25 is connected to a fixed part and constitutes the means for mounting the part 4, and a pull exerted on the part 5 causes the coupling parts to move axially relative to the sleeve 25 until the part 5 is released and withdrawn.