MXPA97003384A - Rap coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a quick coupling for a fluid line, comprising: a hollow socket, a hollow cage arranged in a socket, the case has retaining fingers that are normally oriented radially outwards, an insert insertable at one end of the female plug and inside the cage in the socket, a locking flange protruding out radially around the nipple, the flange is configured to mate with the fingers of the cage when the nipple is inserted into the cage and the flange is positioned in the nipple so that it passes the retention fingers, which then move radially inward behind the flange of the inserted nipple to prevent removal of the nipple from the box, and an indicator device on the cage that includes an arm that can be moved outwards radially, which is displaceable out of the cage and the socket and extends axially, is supported in the cage and has In one end that is spaced from the support the cage, the end of the arm is so configured to be seen and / or sensed on the radial outside of the arm plug of the axially extending indicating device includes an indicator protrusion projecting radially outwardly, the indicating device is positioned with respect to the nipple allowing the indicating device to be seen and / or detected from the outer side of the socket when the nipple is installed in the cage with the fingers of the cage, behind the flange, where the plug The female has a respective opening in each of the indicator protrusions protruding radially from each of the axially extending arms, such that with the nipple fully installed in the engaged position, the indicator protuberances protrude through the respective openings in the socket, and the flange on the nipple is positioned to engage and move out of the the arm of the indicating device when the nipple is fully installed and in the coupling position

Description

COUPLING OR FAST.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

The present invention relates to a quick coupling, in particular for refrigerant lines, although it is not restricted to that use. The coupling has a socket and a coupling nipple that can be inserted into the socket. The coupling includes a safety device to ensure the position coupled between the female plug and the coupler nipple. The device has a flange that protrudes radially outwards on the coupling nipple. A socket mounted assembly includes expandable retaining fingers that grip behind the inserted flange.

A quick coupling of this type is known, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,923,228. The female plug of that quick coupling has spring fingers which cooperate with a flange disposed on the coupling nipple and which retain the two parts together in a coupled position.

The bias of those quick couplings is, in particular, that the mechanic who assembles the two parts can not see if the two parts are fully engaged. An incomplete connection causes a leak during the operation.

Known quick couplings are particularly disadvantageous when used in locations that are not visible to the mechanic. This frequently occurs in automobile construction, where quick couplings are hidden from the mechanic, for example, by engine parts. It is difficult for the mechanic to use the sense of touch (his hands) to determine if the two coupling parts are properly assembled. There is also a great danger that, due to a faulty connection, a leak will occur which may later lead to loss of refrigerant during the operation.

THE INVENTION.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a quick coupling which indicates to the mechanic whether the two parts of the coupling are properly inserted one into the other.

This object is achieved by a quick coupling which has a female plug and a coupling nipple which can be inserted into the plug. A lock device for the position coupled between the socket and the coupling nipple includes a protruding flange, radially outwardly on the coupler nipple. A socket mounted on the female plug includes retentive retention fingers to grip behind the flange on the coupler nipple. The iaula has a coupler device including an arm that is displaceable radially outward and extends axially. The end of that arm can be seen and / or sensed from the socket outlet in the engaged position. Because an indicating device indicates the correct coupling in a way that can be seen and felt, defective couplings can be avoided. In particular, the indicating device has an axially extending arm which can be displaced radially outwardly such that the end of the arm in its engaged position is displaced visibly towards the outer side. Preferably, the visible end is colored, so that it protrudes optically from the surroundings. In addition, the end is slightly raised above the outer surface of the socket so that the mechanic can also touch the end.

** It is particularly advantageous if the arm of the indicating device is pressed outwards by the flange on the coupling nipple in the engaged position. In this case, the previously used nipples can be used without any change.

A particularly simple construction comprises an indicator arm which includes an end which has a protrusion which is projected radially outwardly and which engages through an orifice provided in the socket in the engaged position. In addition to its simple construction, this embodiment also has the advantage that the protrusion that extends outwards, can be touched easily., since there is a smooth surrounding surface directly around it. For simple construction, the use of a classroom is advantageous. The class consists of two axially spaced rings that are connected to each other, by at least two ribs extending axially. The arm of the indicating device extends axially and extends from the ring in front of the coupling nipple, extending axially obliquely in the direction towards the other ring. By suitable selection of the material, the radial displacement of the arm of the indicating device can be easily obtained.

The provision of two indicator device arms placed circumferentially in opposition to one another has been found to be particularly advantageous. This ensures that at least one arm can be touched in the position engaged by the mechanic, even if the quick coupling is in a place that is accessible only with difficulty.

A very simple connection between the socket and a pipe can be provided, wherein the end section of the socket with opposite facing of the coupling nipple is developed so that it can be widened and this also includes a flange that projects radially towards in. If the end of the pipe is provided with a rim extending radially outwardly, the connection between the socket and the pipe can be obtained merely by inserting the end of the pipe into the socket. In the inserted condition, the flange protruding inward cooperates in a secured manner with the rim extending radially outwardly from the pipe.

~ An annular groove on the outer circumferential surface of the end section of the socket and a locking ring, which can be inserted therein, prevents the enlarged end of the socket from becoming wider and thereby prevents the plug from coming out when sliding from the pipe in a simple way.

In order to prevent the cage from rotating in the socket, and in particular in such a way that the cage is correctly positioned with respect to the socket, at least two projections provided on a cage ring cooperate with at least two plug recesses. female. The advantage also lies in particular in the simple construction of this unit of insurance and positioning to test of rotation.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

Figure 1 is a dismembered view of a quick coupling made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2a is a front perspective view of a female plug with an inserted blade.

Figure 2b is a rear perspective view.

Figure 3a is a perspective view of a female plug.

Figure 3b is an end view.

Figure 3c is a section at 3c through Figure 3b.

Figure 3d is a side view, partially sectioned.

Figure 3e is a section in 3e, through figure 3d.

Figure 4a, is a perspective view of the cage, Figure 4b is an end view.

Figure 4c is a section in 4c of Figure 4b.

~ Figure 4d is a section in 4d of Figure 4e.

Figure 4e is a side view.

Figure 4f is a section in 4f of Figure 4b.

Figure 5a is a partially disassembled side view of the coupling; Y Figure 5b is a sectional view taken through the quick coupling in its coupled condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

A quick coupling 1, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a hollow cylindrical plug 3, a hollow housing 5, which is also cylindrical v is disposed inside the female socket, and a cylindrical coupling nipple 7 from one end of the plug. tube that is going to be coupled and that is insertable in the cell. In addition, there is a gasket 9, a ring 11, a safe c and a portion of a pipe 13, in which the coupling is coupled.

The female plug 3 has two grooves 15, circumferentially wide, which open on the axial edge at one end. These sections 17 of the female plug longitudinally and the sections are connected to each other at the opposite end of the female plug. The two slots 15 allow the two longitudinal sections 17 to move radially, at the open edge end, when an elastic material is used for the socket.

The open edges of the two longitudinal sections 17 have flanges 19 extending circumferentially, and also radially towards the inner side. In the region of each flange 19, on the outer side of the longitudinal sections 17, there is a groove 21 which also extends circumferentially and is designed to receive a lock ring 11.

The outside diameter of the cell 5 is smaller than the inside diameter of the female plug 3. The cell is inserted into the female plug 3. The cell 5 consists essentially of two axial end rings 23 which are connected to each other by a plurality of ribs 25 extending axially. The ribs 25 which are circumferentially spaced and extend parallel to the east, consequently form slots 27 in the substantially rectangular chamber. Then, more detailed descriptions of socket 3 and of socket 5 are provided with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

Figure 1 also shows that the nipple tubular has a frustoconical end section 29e which is intended to facilitate its insertion into the socket 3 or the shell 5. At a distance from the end section 29, the coupler nipple 7 has an annular flange 31, which protrudes radially outside.

The side 33 of the flange, with opposite front of the end section 29, extends practically radially.

The diameter of the flange 31 is a little more glued than the inner diameter of the ring 23 of the ring 5. This ensures that the coupling nipple 7 can be inserted together with the flange 31 in the ring 5.

In the embodiment shown, the pipe 13 is provided with three longitudinal sections 35.1, 35.2 and 35.3 which have outer diameters which increase in the direction toward the socket 3 so that the longitudinal section 35.3 has the largest diameter.

The axial edge of the longitudinal section 35.3 is flanged in order to produce a flange-shaped end 37. The outside diameter of this flange-shaped end 37 is selected to correspond approximately to the inside diameter of the socket 3 behind the flange 19, that is, on the side of the flange that is aligned with the pipe.

In addition, the inner diameter of the longitudinal section 35.3 and the end diameter of the ring 23 of the blade 5 facing section 35.3 are designed in such a way that the ring 23 can be inserted into the pipe 13 and at least in the section 35.3 longitudinal. The gasket 9 shown in FIG. 1 also has an outer diameter which makes it possible to insert the ring 9 into the longitudinal section 35.3.

Figure 2 shows again in an enlarged view and from two different opposing perspectives, the female plug 3 with the cell 5 inserted. Since agui is used for identical identical reference numerals, the description of the parts is not repeated.

The rear perspective view of Figure 2b clearly shows the ring 23 supporting against a stop surface 41 directed inwardly on the socket 3. The stop surface 41 is intended to prevent the ring 5 from coming off the end. rear of the female plug 3. Figure 2b also shows two open-edge shells 43, of short circumferential width, which are opposite each other extending from the outside of the socket 3 to the b-pillar resting against the surface 41 of stop.

These flocks 43 again are very clearly shown in the detailed drawings of the female plug 3 contained in Figures 3. In Figures 3, each of the longitudinal sections 17 of the female plug 3, has an opening 45 which extends radially. through the wall v is rectangular in shape seen from above.

Figures 4 show the classroom 5 in detail. The perspective view shows retention fingers 47 starting from one of the two rings 23 and extending in the recesses 27. Two retention fingers 47 are illustrated per reel. These extend obliquely inward thereby narrowing the inside diameter. These retention fingers can also be moved radially outwards, which makes possible, for example, the use of an elastic material for the classroom.

An arm 49 is disposed between each two retention fingers 47 of a recess 27. The arm 49 also extends obliquely to the inside., and extends from the ring 23. On the end of the arm there is a protuberance 51 of rectangular shape, as seen in a top view, and which extends radially outwards. The arm 49 with the protrusion 51, is connected in a radially displaceable manner to the ring 23. Along its radial extension towards the outer side, the protrusion 51 also has a section 53 extending inward, starting from the inner side of the arm 59.

Figures 4 also show positioning protrusions 52 which are arranged on the rear ring 23 of the cage and extend axially. They are dimensioned so that they can be coupled with the recesses 43 in the socket 3.

The operation of the quick coupling 1 is explained with reference to figures 5.

The cage 5 is first pushed into the socket 3 until it hits against the stop surface 41. In this connection, the positioning protuberances 52 must engage in the recesses 43 in order to obtain the desired positioning. Then, the unit consisting of the female plug 3 and the cage 5, is connected to the pipe 13, in particular the longitudinal section 35.3, until the stop surface 55, of the ring 23, bears against the flange-shaped end 37 .

When the socket 3 is pushed on the pipe 13, the longitudinal sections 17 are radially widened by cooperation of the flange 19 with the flange-shaped end 37. However, in the end position, the flange-shaped end 37 grips behind the flange 19 and the sections 17 return inward, so that it is no longer possible to pull out the female plug 3. In order to prevent Subsequent radial broadening of the two longitudinal sections 17 inserts the lock ring 11 into the corresponding groove 21 around the sections 17. A plastic ring or a steel bracket instead of the lock ring 11 can be used. , of course. The axial displacement of the female plug 3 with the box 5 is thus prevented by the interaction of the flange 19 and the stop surface 55. In another embodiment (nomostrada), the female plug 3 together with the cage 5 are connected in a non-separable manner with the pipe, for example welded or joined.

The coupler nipple 7 is then inserted into the socket 3 unit and cage 5. The flange 31 around the nipple comes into contact with the retention fingers 47 and presses them radially outwards. After the flange 31 has been moved beyond the retaining fingers 47, the fingers swing back and inward and make it impossible for the coupler nipple 7 to be pushed out again, preventing excessively deep penetration of the nipple. coupling nipple 7 by the ring 23 of the cage, which serves as a stop for the flange 31.

In Figure 5b, the flange 31 cooperates with the projection 53 extending inwardly of the arm 49 and therefore presses the protuberances 51 radially outwardly by corresponding relative positioning of the socket 3 and the cage 5, which is effected by interaction of the recesses 43 and the positioning projections 52, the two openings 45 of the socket 3 are directly on the respective protuberances 51 of the cage 5.

In the coupled condition, the flange 31 of the coupler nipple thus presses the protuberances 51 outwardly enough to pass through the openings 45 to protrude a bit with reference to the surrounding surface of the socket 3.

If the outer surfaces of the protuberances 51 are in color, then the mechanic is able to optically recognize an appropriate complete coupling by means of the protuberances 51. If the coupling 1 is not visible, the protuberances 51 can be easily touched.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art, therefore, it is preferred that the present invention is not limited by this specific statement, but only by the attached clauses.

Claims (15)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. - Quick coupling for a fluid line, comprising: a hollow socket; a hollow cage disposed in the socket, the box has retaining fingers that are normally oriented radially inward, but move radially outwards; a coupler nipple insertable into one end of the female socket and into the cage in the socket; A safety flange protruding radially outwardly around the coupler nipple, the flange is configured to engage with the fingers of the cage when the coupler nipple is inserted inside the cage and the flange is placed on the coupler nipple so that it passes the retaining fingers that then move radially inward behind the flange of the coupler nipple inserted to prevent removal of the coupling nipple from the box; and an indicator device on the cage including a radially outwardly displaceable arm that moves outwardly from the cage and the socket, this indicating device is positioned with respect to the nipple to allow the indicating device to be seen and / or touched from the outer side of the socket when the coupling nipple is installed in the cage with the fingers of the cage, behind the flange.

2. - Quick coupling according to clause 1, wherein the arm of the indicating device extends axially and is supported by the cage and has an end that is spaced from the support on the cage, the end of the arm is configured so that it can be seen and / or touch on the radial outer side of the socket.

3. - Quick coupling according to clause 2, wherein the retention fingers of the cage are obliquely inclined radially inwardly of the cage and are inclined inwardly along the direction of insertion of the coupling nipple into the cage.

4. - Quick coupling according to clause 2, wherein the flange on the coupler nipple is positioned to couple and move outwardly to the arm of the indicating device when the nipple is fully installed and in the engaged position.

5. - Quick coupling according to clause 4, wherein the arm end of the axially extending indicating device includes an indicator protrusion extending radially outwardly; the female plug has a respective opening in each of the indicator protrusions protruding radially outwardly from each of the axially extending arms such that with the nipple fully installed in the engaged position, the indicator protuberances protrude through the the respective openings of the female plug.

6. - Quick coupling according to clause 4, wherein the cage consists of two axially spaced rings and at least two axially extending ribs, circumferentially spaced, connecting the rings of the cage; the fingers of the cage extend from one of the rings.

7. - Quick coupling according to clause 6, wherein the fingers and the arm of the axially extending indicating device both extend from a ring of the cage of the two rings facing the coupling nipple.

8. - Quick coupling according to clause 7, wherein there are two circumferentially opposed arms of the arms extending axially of the indicating device.

9. - Quick coupling according to clause 4, wherein the female plug has an end section turned in the opposite direction of the expanding coupling nipple and supporting a flange projecting radially inwards.

10. - Quick coupling according to clause 9, wherein the end section of the socket includes an annular groove; and a lock ring insertable into the groove to retain the end section of the socket against the expansion radially outward.

11. - Quick coupling according to clause 7, wherein the arm end of the axially extending indicating device includes an indicator protrusion projecting radially outwardly; the female plug has a respective opening in each of the indicator protrusions protruding radially from each of the axially extending arms such that with the coupler nipple fully installed in the engaged position, the indicator protuberances protrude through the respective openings of the female plug.

12. - Quick coupling according to clause 11, wherein a ring of the cage facing the coupling nipple includes two projections placed axially protruding; corresponding recesses in the socket are positioned to receive the positioning protrusions of the cage, in order to position the indicating protuberances of the arms of the indicating device so that the indicator protuberances are in the respective regions of the openings in the socket .

13. - Quick coupling according to clause 4, where the socket and the cage are developed as a single unit.

14. - Quick coupling according to clause 4, further comprising a pipe to be received in the socket on the opposite side of the socket of the coupler nipple; the pipe includes a flange and the socket includes means for gripping the flange of the pipe to couple the pipe to the socket.

15. - Quick coupling according to clause 4, further comprising a pipe to be received in the socket on the opposite side of the socket of the coupler nipple; the pipe includes a flange and the socket includes means for gripping the flange of the pipe to couple the pipe to the socket; wherein the flange of the tune is configured to be retained in the socket by a flange that projects radially inward. SUMMARY A quick coupling that has a female plug and a coupling nipple that can be inserted into the socket. A lock device for the position coupled between the socket and the coupler nipple includes a flange projecting radially outwardly on the coupler nipple. A cage mounted on the socket includes retentive retention fingers for gripping behind the flange on the coupling nipple. The cage has an indicating device that includes arms that are displaceable radially outward and extend axially. The ends of these arms have a protrusion which can be seen and / or touched from the outer side of the socket in the engaged position. A connection on the other end of the socket to a pipe.