WO2007049969A1

WO2007049969A1 - Extraction means for a connector element of a coupling and protection means for the connector element

Info

Publication number: WO2007049969A1
Application number: PCT/NO2006/000371
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kristoffer Dale
Original assignee: Kongsberg Automotive As
Priority date: 2005-10-24
Filing date: 2006-10-24
Publication date: 2007-05-03
Also published as: GB2445124A; ES2335180B2; SE0502404L; ES2335180A1; CN101296828A; SE530390C2; GB0806299D0; GB2445124B

Abstract

A male connector element of a push-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, the male connector element comprising a first end being axially insertable into a socket of the coupling arrangement and a second end portion of the male connector element extends axially outward of the socket, wherein a radially outer surface of the second end portion is formed with means for aiding the extraction of the male connector element from the socket, wherein the means extend in a helical direction. The arrangement of the coupling arrangement is such that in use a torsional force applied to the means for aiding the extraction of the male connector element from the socket results in an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket.

Description

Extraction Means for a Connector Element of a Coupling and Protection Means for the Connector Element

The invention relates to extraction means for extracting a male connector element of a coupling from a socket and protection means for the male connector and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with a cap and a collar for protecting a male connector element, the male element being insertable into a socket so forming a press-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, and means for extracting the male connector element from the socket.

Background of the Invention

In known systems involving pressurised media, such as air brake systems on commercial vehicles, press-in coupling arrangements comprise a male connector element and a socket. The socket may be formed in a cast housing, for example in a valve or a distribution block. The male connector element is axially insertable into the socket and forms a fluid tight seal there-between.

The male connector element of known press-in coupling arrangements is formed with an annular barb on the radially outer surface. In a pressed-in condition the barb is in frictional contact with a radially inner surface of the socket such that the male connector element is held within the socket. It may be necessary to remove the male connector element from the socket if the coupling assembly requires maintenance or repair. However, it is difficult to remove the male connector element because of the frictional contact between the male connector element and the socket.

In some situations the end of the male connector element that is protruding from the socket and may remain unconnected to any other device or tube, for example if the male connector element is used as a test point. In such a situation it is desirable to have a removable cap to protect the inner regions of the male connector element from the outside environment. The test point may be located within a valve block. The test point may be assembled into the valve block and the assembled unit is then transported to the final customer. It is desirable to have the test point protected for transportation to the final user. Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention provides an advantage over the known press-in coupling arrangements by providing extraction means for the male connector element. A further advantage over the known arrangements is the provision of means for protecting the male connector element.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a male connector element of a push-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, the male connector element comprising a first end being axially insertable into a socket of the coupling arrangement and a second end portion of the male connector element extends axially outward of the socket, wherein a radially outer surface of the second end portion is formed with means for aiding the extraction of the male connector element from the socket, wherein the means extend in a helical direction.

The arrangement of the coupling arrangement is such that in use a torsional force applied to the means for aiding the extraction of the male connector element from the socket results in an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket.

Preferably the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket is a helical groove formed in the radially outer surface of the male connector element.

Alternatively, the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket is a helical rib formed on the radially outer surface of the male connector element.

The male connector element preferably comprises an annular collar for extracting the male connector element from the socket, the annular collar being formed with an internal thread that corresponds to the external thread of the male connector element, the arrangement being such that in use a torsional force applied to the annular collar results in an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket.

In an embodiment of the present invention the male connector element preferably comprises an insert formed with a tubular element that provides fluid communication through the male connector element. The insert may comprise a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism may form a testing point within a system involving pressurised media, such as air brake systems on commercial vehicles.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the male connector element may comprise, and is adapted to receive, an attachment element for a tube, the attachment element comprising a first tubular section that is receivable by the male connector element and a second tubular section that extends axially outwardly in a direction away from the male connector element. The attachment element may be formed with a series of raised ribs or barbs to help prevent the tube from coming off the attachment element. Similar types of attachment elements are know as hose nipples.

The attachment element preferably comprises a flange that is disposed between the first and second tubular sections and a tubular securing collar formed with a central hole and an internal thread, the arrangement being such that in an assembled condition the securing collar utilises the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket to retain the attachment element onto the male connector element.

The means for extracting the male connector element may perform a dual function of being utilised for retaining a secondary element, such a the attachment element or a closure, on the male connector element.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure for a male connector element for systems involving pressurised media, the closure comprising a removable cap part for covering an end portion of the male connector element and a collar part formed with means for attaching the closure onto the male connector element and the cap part being detachably connected to the collar part.

Preferably the means for attaching the closure onto the male connector element comprises a helical threaded arrangement.

The means for attaching the closure onto the male connector element may alternatively comprises a snap-on arrangement.

The means for attaching the collar part onto the male connector element is preferably an internal thread formed on a radially inner surface of the collar part of the closure, the internal thread being adapted to fit onto a corresponding external thread formed on the male connector element.

The removable cap part is detachably connected to the collar part by frangible means. The cap part is preferably detachably attached to the collar part by frangible connections.

The collar part may be formed with means to aid grip on the radially outer surface of the collar part and these means to aid grip may comprise a series of raised rib elements formed on the radially outer surface of the collar part. Preferably the axial length of the collar part is such that when assembled on the male connector element the collar covers the external thread of the male connector element.

The cap part may comprise a tab that extends radially outward from the radially outer edge of the cap.

In an embodiment of the present invention the closure may be adapted for a male connector element of a push-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, the push-in coupling arrangement comprising a male connector element and a socket, a first end of the connector being axially insertable into the socket and a second end portion of the male connector element extending axially outward of the socket, wherein the closure comprises a removable cap part for covering the second end portion of the male connector element and a collar part formed with means for attaching the closure onto the male connector element and the cap part being detachably connected to the collar part.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a press-in coupling arrangement comprising a closure according to the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a press-in coupling arrangement comprising a male connector element according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a press-in coupling arrangement comprising a male connector element according to the first aspect of the present invention and a closure according to the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided means for extracting a male connector element of a push- in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, the male connector element comprising a first end being axially insertable into a socket of the coupling arrangement and a second end portion of the male connector element extends axially outward of the socket, wherein the means extend in a helical direction and the radially outer surface of the second end portion is formed with the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket, the arrangement being such that , in use, the means for extracting the male connector converts a torsional force applied to the male connector into an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket. Preferably, the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket is a helical groove formed in the radially outer surface of the male connector element.

The means for extracting the male connector element from the socket is alternatively a helical rib formed on the radially outer surface of the male connector element.

The male connector element preferably comprises an annular collar for extracting the male connector element from the socket, the annular collar being formed with an internal thread that corresponds to the external thread of the male connector element, the arrangement being such that in use a torsional force applied to the annular collar results in an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for extracting a male connector element of a push-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, the male connector element comprising a first end being axially insertable into a socket of the coupling arrangement and a second end portion of the male connector element extends axially outward of the socket, wherein the method comprises converting a torsional force applied to the male connector into an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket.

It shall be appreciated that one or more of the features described above regarding the various aspects of the invention may be used in conjunction with other features of other respective aspects of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A specific embodiment of the invention and variants thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which :-

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a press-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure 1 and shows the arrangement in a pressed-in position;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure 2 and a closure mounted onto a male connector element of the arrangement;

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the press-in coupling arrangement and closure shown in Figure 3 with a cap part of the closure removed; Figure 5 is an isometric view of a press-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media;

Figure 6 is an isometric view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure 5 and shows the arrangement in a pressed-in position;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure

6 and a nut threaded onto a male connector element of the arrangement; and

Figure 8 is an isometric view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure

7 and shows the male connector element partially extracted;

Figure 9 is a cross-section view of the socket of the press-in coupling arrangement;

Figure 10 is a cross-section view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure 1;

Figure 11 is a cross-section view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure 3;

Figure 12 is a cross-section view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure 4;

Figure 13 is a cross-section view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure 7;

Figure 14 is a cross-section view of the press-in coupling arrangement shown in Figure 8; and

Figure 15 is a cross-section view of a male connector element of a press-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media and an attachment element for a tube.

Description of the Specific Embodiments

Figures 1, 2, 9 and 10 show two elements that form a press-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, such as a test point for an air brake system on commercial vehicles.

The press-in coupling arrangement comprises a male connector element 2 and a substantially cup-shaped socket 3. The male connector element 2 may comprise a number of radially external annular rims 1 and a number of external annular seals 4 in the form of o-rings. The male connector element 2 comprises a helical thread 5 formed on a radially external surface. Disposed within the male connector 2 there is a tubular insert 7 having a lower annular u-shaped flange 11 and an annular locking collar 13. The u-shaped flange 11 is in frictional contact with the radially innermost surface of the male connector element 2. The locking collar 13 is disposed at the uppermost open end of the male connector element 2. The radially outermost surface of the collar 13 is formed with an annular rim 15 that is received by a corresponding annular groove 17 formed in an inner surface of the male connector element 2. Disposed within the collar 13 and the inner portion of the upper region of the male connecting element 2 there are two O-ring seals 19. The male connector element 2 is insertable into the socket 3 in an axial direction 6. In use a flexible tube is insertable into the male connector element 2 and over the tubular insert 7. A fluid tight seal is formed between the flexible tube and the O- ring seals 19.

In the pressed- in position a first end of the male connector element 2 is in frictional contact with a radially inner surface of the tubular part 9 and a second end 8 of the male connector element 2, which includes the thread 5, remains outside the socket 3. The first end of the male connector element 2 forms a fluid tight seal with the socket 3. The pressurised media system may comprise a plurality of such coupling arrangements. The socket 3 may be formed in a cast valve or distribution block used within the system. The socket 3 comprises a tubular part 9 and an annular flange part 10 disposed at an open end of the tubular part 9. The socket 3 is formed with a central port 21 that provides fluid communication between the male connector element 2 and the pressurised media. The cast valve or distribution block may be a metal such as an aluminium or zinc alloy.

With reference to Figure 3, 4, 11 and 12, there is shown a closure 12 comprising a cap part 14 and an annular collar part 16. The collar part 16 is formed with an internal helical thread (shown in Figures 11 and 12) that corresponds to the thread 5 of the male connector element 2. The closure 12 screwed onto the male connector element 2.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the means for attaching the collar part onto the male connector is a snap-on arrangement. The snap-on arrangement is a rim and groove arrangement whereby the rim snaps into the groove as the collar part 16 is axially pushed onto the male connector element 2. In this arrangement it may be desirable for the collar part 2 to be non-removable from the male connector element 2 once it has been snapped on. The rim may be formed in the radially outer surface of the male connector element 2 and the groove formed in a radially inner surface of the collar part 16. Alternatively, the groove may be formed in the male connector element 2 and the rim formed on the collar part 16. The cap part 14 is attached to the collar part 16 by frangible means, such as but limited to, a thin breakable web or a series of breakable nibs. The frangible means also provides a tamper evident feature that indicates if the cap part 14 has been first removed form the collar part 16. Formed round the circumference of the radially outer surface of the collar part 16 there is a series of raised ribs 18. The ribs 18 provide an improved gripping surface for the user. The cap part 14 comprises a tab 20 that extends radially outward from the radially outermost edge of the cap part 14. The tab 20 provides a lever for removing the cap part 14 from the collar part 16.

In use the closure 12, which comprises both collar and cap parts 14, 16, is threaded onto the male connector element 2 and provides protection against ingress of material into the male connector element 2 and provides protection of the thread 5. If access of the male connector element 2 is required, i.e. for testing purposes, then the cap part 14 may be removed from the collar part 16. The collar part 16 remains attached to the male connector element 2 following the removal of the cap part 14 (see Figures 4 and 12). In an embodiment of the present invention the cap part 14 is replaceable onto the male connector element 2 following the use of the test point. In a further embodiment, the closure 12 comprises an additional flexible strip (not shown), one end of the strip being connected to the cap part 14 and the opposite end of the strip being connected to the collar part 16; such an arrangement allows the cap part 14 to be removed from the male connector element 2 but remain connected to the collar part 16. If access to the thread 5 is required, the collar part 16 may be unscrewed from the male connector element 2.

Figures 5, 6, 9 and 10 show two elements that form a press-in coupling arrangement, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, for systems involving pressurised media, such as a test point for an air brake systems on commercial vehicles.

The press-in coupling arrangement comprises a male connector element 2 and a substantially cup-shaped socket 3. The male connector element 2 may comprise a number of radially external annular rims 1 and an annular seal in the form of an O- ring 4. The male connector element 2 comprises a helical thread 5 formed on a radially external surface. The male connector element 2 is insertable into the socket 3 in an axial direction 6. The socket 3 comprises a tubular part 9 and an annular flange part 10 disposed at an open end of the tubular part 9.

In the pressed-in position a first end of the male connector element 2 is in frictional contact with a radially inner surface of the tubular part 9 and a second end 8 of the male connector element 2, which includes the thread 5, remains outside the socket 3. The first end of the male connector element 2 forms a fluid tight seal with the socket 3. The pressurised media system may comprise a plurality of such coupling arrangements. The socket 3 may be formed in a cast valve or distribution block used within the system. The cast valve or distribution block may be a metal such as an aluminium or zinc alloy.

With reference to Figure 7, 8, 13 and 14, there is shown a method for removing the male connector element 2 from the socket 3. The method comprises threading a hexagon nut 30 onto the thread 5. The nut 30 threads onto the male connector element 2 without significant resistance until the nut 30 comes into contact with the surface of the flange 10. When the nut 30 is in contact with the flange 10 and a further torsional force is applied in direction 22, the male connector element 2 will experience an axial force in a direction opposite to direction 6, i.e. axially away from the socket 3. The axial force in a direction opposite to direction 6 will be of sufficient amount to overcome the frictional forces that hold the male connector element 2 within socket 3. Hence, the male connector element 2 is removed form the socket 3.

It shall be appreciated that in one embodiment of the present invention the collar part 16 (shown in Figures 3, 16, 11 and 12) may be used in the method for removing the male connector element 2 from the socket 3. A torsional force is applied to the collar part 16 and this force is transferred to an axial force in the direction of extraction of the male connector element 2, the axial force being sufficient to overcome the frictional forces between the male connector element 2 and the socket 3.

It shall also be appreciated that the thread 5 may be replaced by a helical groove or a helical raised rib formed in the radially outer surface of the end 8 of the male connector element 2. In these embodiments of the present invention a tool may be used to apply a torsional force to the helical groove or helical rib, said force being transferred into an axial force that extracts the male connector element 2 from the socket 3 as hereinbefore described.

With reference to Figure 15 there is shown the male connector element 2 and a tubular attachment element 40. The attachment element 40 comprises a first tubular section 42, a second tubular section 44 and an annular flange 46 disposed between the first and second tubular sections 42, 44. The first tubular section 42 is received by the male connector element 2 and is held between the insert 7 and the O-rings 19. The distal end part of the first tubular section 42 is held within the u-shaped flange 11. The radially outer surface of the second tubular section 44 is formed with a series of barbed rims 48, which help to secure a tube onto the tubular attachment element 40. The tubular attachment element 40 is secured onto the male connector element 2 by a tubular locking nut 50. The locking nut 50 is formed with a central hole 52, through which the second tubular section 44 extends outwardly in a direction away from the male connecting element 2, and an internal thread 54 that corresponds to the external thread 5 of the end 8. The tubular attachment element 40 and the male connecting element 2 provide fluid communication thorough the tubular channel that extends along their common axis 60.

In use the attachment element 40 is secured within the male connector element 2 by the locking nut 50 utilising the external thread 5. The male connector element 2 may be inserted into the socket 3. When the male connector element 2 is to be removed from the socket 3 the locking nut 50 is unscrewed from the thread 5. The male connector element 2 may then be removed from the socket 3 using the nut 30 as herein before described above.

It shall be appreciate the thread 5 is multifunctional. The thread 5 functions as a securing means for the attachment element 40, as an extraction means for the male connector element 2 and a securing means for the closure 12.

Claims

1. A male connector element of a push-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, the male connector element comprising a first end being axially insertable into a socket of the coupling arrangement and a second end portion of the male connector element extends axially outward of the socket, wherein a radially outer surface of the second end portion is formed with means for extracting the male connector element from the socket, wherein the means extend in a helical direction.

2. A male connector element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket is a helical groove formed in the radially outer surface of the male connector element.

3. A male connector element as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket is a helical rib formed on the radially outer surface of the male connector element.

4. A male connector element as claimed in claim 1 wherein the male connector element comprises an annular collar for extracting the male connector element from the socket, the annular collar being formed with an internal thread that corresponds to the external thread of the male connector element, the arrangement being such that in use a torsional force applied to the annular collar results in an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket.

5. A male connector element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the male connector element comprises an insert formed with a tubular element that provides fluid communication through the male connector element.

6. A male connector element as claimed in claim 5, wherein the insert comprises a valve mechanism.

7. A male connector element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the male connector element comprises, and is adapted to receive, an attachment element for a tube, the attachment element comprising a first tubular section that is receivable by the male connector element and a second tubular section that extends axially outwardly in a direction away from the male connector element.

8. A male connector element as claimed in claim 7, wherein the attachment element comprises a flange that is disposed between the first and second tubular sections and a tubular securing collar formed with a central hole and an internal thread, the arrangement being such that in an assembled condition the securing collar utilises the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket to retain the attachment element onto the male connector element.

9. A press-in coupling arrangement comprising a male connector element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 and a socket.

10. Means for extracting a male connector element of a push- in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, the male connector element comprising a first end being axially insertable into a socket of the coupling arrangement and a second end portion of the male connector element extends axially outward of the socket, wherein the means extend in a helical direction and the radially outer surface of the second end portion is formed with the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket, the arrangement being such that , in use, the means for extracting the male connector converts a torsional force applied to the male connector into an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket.

11. Means for extracting a male connector element as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket is a helical groove formed in the radially outer surface of the male connector element.

12. Means for extracting a male connector element as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means for extracting the male connector element from the socket is a helical rib formed on the radially outer surface of the male connector element.

13. Means for extracting a male connector element as claimed in claim 10 wherein the male connector element comprises an annular collar for extracting the male connector element from the socket, the annular collar being formed with an internal thread that corresponds to the external thread of the male connector element, the arrangement being such that in use a torsional force applied to the annular collar results in an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket.

14. A method for extracting a male connector element of a push-in coupling arrangement for systems involving pressurised media, the male connector element comprising a first end being axially insertable into a socket of the coupling arrangement and a second end portion of the male connector element extends axially outward of the socket, wherein the method comprises converting a torsional force applied to the male connector into an axial movement of the male connector element in a direction away from the socket.