WO2017157412A1

WO2017157412A1 - Water-tap connector, water-tap connector assembly, and water-tap arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2017157412A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/055422
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Renner
Original assignee: Husqvarna Ab
Priority date: 2016-03-14
Filing date: 2016-03-14
Publication date: 2017-09-21

Abstract

The underlying invention in particular is directed to a water- tap connector (1) for coupling a water tap to a hose. The water, comprises a tap coupling segment (2) configured for being coupled with a water tap (15); and a hose coupling segment (3) configured for being coupled with a hose coupling fitting of a water hose, wherein the tap coupling segment (2) comprises a threaded portion (6), and wherein subseguent to an axially inner end (8) of the threaded portion (6) a sealing section (9) is provided. The sealing section comprises a first and second annular sealing surface (10, 11). The first annular sealing surface (10) extends between the second annular sealing surface (11) and the axially inner end (8) of the threaded portion (6) over a predefined minimum axial width (W1), and the first and second annular sealing surfaces (10, 11) are arranged at a predefined intermediate angle (a) to each other, the predefined angle (a) amounting less than 180°.

Description

Water-tap connector, water-tap connector assembly, and water-tap arrangement

The underlying invention is related to a water-tap connector for coupling a water tap to a hose, such as for example a garden hose . With conventional water-tap connectors comprising a head having a female thread for being screwed onto a male thread of a water tap, i.e. water faucet, it has been observed that even in case that a watertight connection between the water-tap connector and the water tap by means of an intermediate gasket may initially be established, prolonged use may lead to deterioration of the initially watertight connection and water leakage may be a con^¬ sequence thereof.

In view of this, it is an object of the present invention to re- move the drawbacks of known water-tap connectors, and, in par^¬ ticular, to provide a water-tap connector having improved seal^¬ ing properties .

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims Embodiments result from the dependent claims and the following description .

The embodiments, features and combination of features as de^¬ scribed herein in connection with the invention, as well as the combination of features as given in the annexed claims shall not be considered as limiting. In particular, each feature and each combination of features of a claim category may for example be claimed in a different claim category. Further, each feature and each combination of features in the claims and used in the de- scription below may be used and claimed independently from the respective claimed subject matter and independently from claim dependencies and back-references, for example in an arbitrary combination of features selected from one or more claims, one or more embodiments as set forth herein below and/or from the an^¬ nexed figures . In an embodiment according to claim 1, a water-tap connector for coupling a water tap to a hose is provided.

The water-tap connector comprises a tap coupling segment, such as for example a tap coupling head, that is configured for being coupled with a water tap, a water faucet and the like.

The water-tap connector further comprises a hose coupling seg^¬ ment configured for being coupled with a hose coupling fitting of a water hose, for example with a hose coupling fitting at- tached to an end of the water hose.

The house coupling segment may for example comprise a male or female coupling lock for snap engaging a female or male counterpart coupling lock, for example of a hose fitting configured for being attached, in particular removably attached, to a free end of a hose, such as a garden hose, for example.

The tap coupling segment in the embodiment according to claim 1 may comprise a threaded portion extending over a predefined axi- al length from an outer axial end section of the tap coupling segment .

For example, the tap coupling segment may comprise or be imple^¬ mented as a type of head comprising a female, or optionally a male, thread, configured for being screwed on a counterpart male or female thread of the water tap. The thread of the water tap may be provided at an outlet section, i.e. outlet end thereof, for example. The water-tap connector further comprises a sealing portion that is provided subseguently to an axially inner end of the threaded portion, i.e. subsequently to the thread of the threaded por^¬ tion .

In particular, at one axial end of the water-tap connector a tread of the treaded portion may begin and extend from the axial end over a predefined axial length, wherein subsequent to the end of the threaded portion the sealing portion may be provided.

The threaded portion may in embodiments merge into the sealing portion, i.e. the sealing portion may be positioned and arranged immediately adjacent or directly next to the threaded portion.

The sealing section of the embodiment described in claim 1 may comprise a first annular sealing surface and a second annular sealing surface .

The first and second annular sealing surfaces may be arranged in series to each other in a direction parallel to the center axis of the water-tap connector.

For example, the first and second sealing surfaces may be ar^¬ ranged immediately adjacent to each other. Arranged in series in particular may mean, that the first and second sealing surfaces are arranged successively to each other with respect to the or- dinary flow direction of water through the water-tap connector in ordinary use .

In the embodiment according to claim 1, the first annular seal^¬ ing surface extends between the second annular sealing surface and the axially inner end of the thread, i.e. the threaded por^¬ tion, over a predefined minimum axial width.

In other words, regarding a possible ordinary flow direction parallel to the center axis of the water-tap connector in which the threaded portion defines or is arranged at a water entrance opening of the water-tap connector, the first annular sealing surface is arranged downstream of the threaded portion, and the second annular sealing surface is arranged downstream of the first threaded portion.

Further, in the embodiment of claim 1, it is provided that the first and second sealing surfaces are arranged at a predefined intermediate angle to each other, wherein the predefined angle amounts less than 180°.

This means, that in accordance with the proposed arrangement of the sealing surfaces both a sealing effect in axial direction and a sealing effect in radial direction relative to the center axis of the water-tap connector, coinciding for example with the ordinary direction of flow through the water-tap connector, may be obtained.

In particular, it is possible to obtain a radial sealing effect, in which, upon mounting the water-tap connector to a water tap with an intermediate gasket seal, at least a part of the gasket, for example by elastic deformation, may be impinged with a radi- al force and/or sgueezed and deformed, such that the gasket or seal along its outer circumference is urged against the first annular sealing surface, which may for example be an annular radial sealing surface, to thereby obtain a radial sealing effect in addition to an axial sealing effect generated by means of the second annular sealing surface, which for example may be an annular axial sealing surface .

The combined action of the axial and radial sealing effect is effective in obtaining an improved and prolonged leak tightness, in particular because the radial sealing effect is amplified by pressurized water flowing through and/or being fed to the water- tap connector and a water hose connected therewith, which is usually the case. As can be seen, the radial sealing effect may provide a self- intensifying effect, and proper and prolonged leak tightness may be obtained, for example, without reguiring undue tightening of the treaded portion with a corresponding counterpart threaded portion of the water tap. Even in case of comparatively loose tightening of the threads, sufficient water tightness may be ob^¬ tained by the self-intensifying effect that may be obtained.

In embodiments according to claim 13, a water-tap connector as^¬ sembly may be provided that comprises a water tap connector ac^¬ cording to at least one embodiment as described herein, and fur^¬ ther comprising at least one hose coupling fitting configured for being removably coupled to the hose coupling segment of the water-tap connector. The water-tap connector assembly may op^¬ tionally further comprise a hose with at least one hose coupling fitting that is configured for being mounted, in particular re^¬ movably mounted, to a free end of the hose.

In an embodiment according to claim 14, water-tap arrangement may be provided that comprises a water tap and a water tap con^¬ nector according to at least one embodiment described herein, and/or a water-tap connector assembly according to any embodi- ment described herein, wherein the water-tap comprises at a tap outlet a counterpart threaded portion configured for establish^¬ ing a screw joint with the threaded portion of the water-tap connector . In embodiments of the water-tap arrangement, the outlet and of the water-tap may be configured such that upon establishing the threaded joint, the ring seal is compressed in parallel to the thread axis to thereby sgueeze the ring seal between annular ax^¬ ial sealing surface of the water-tap connector and a counterpart annular axial sealing surface, e.g. the second annular sealing surface, at the outlet end of the water tap such that the outer circumference of the ring seal is urged against the first annu^¬ lar sealing surface, e.g. the annular radial sealing surface, by deformation, in particular elastic deformation, of the ring seal. In this way, an optimal water-tight seal involving both radial and axial sealing surfaces may be obtained, wherein addi- tional sealing support may be obtained by water pressure acting on the ring seal in radial direction.

Further embodiments applicable to the water-tap connector, the water-tap connector assembly, and also to the water-tap arrange^¬ ment will be described below.

In embodiments, the threaded portion of the water-tap connector may comprise an inner thread, i.e. female thread, configured to be threadedly connected to an outer, i.e. male, thread provided at an outlet section of a water tap. In such embodiments, the first and second sealing surfaces represent inner surfaces, i.e. surfaces located on the inner shell of the water-tap connector. In particular in such embodiments, by screwing the water-tap connector onto the water-tap, an axial force may be generated acting on a gadget, i.e. seal, provided in the sealing section, wherein the gadget may be sgueezed between the second annular sealing surface and an axial end surface of the water tap. Through the sgueezing action the gadget, i.e. seal, may be de^¬ formed, in particular elastically deformed, such that the seal by means of deformation is urged radially outward towards the first annular sealing surface to thereby generate a radial seal^¬ ing effect. The radial sealing effect may involve urging the seal along its outer circumference or perimeter against the first annular sealing surface such that the seal water-tightly abuts against the first annular sealing surface.

The radial sealing effect may be enhanced, as already described, by pressurized water fed to the water-tap connector properly mounted to a water tap. This enhancement may be obtained, be^¬ cause pressurized water when fed to the water-tap connector able to urge the seal radially outwards against the first annular sealing surface to thereby increase respective sealing forces.

In embodiments, the first annular sealing surface and the second annular sealing surface may be arranged immediately adjacent to each other. For example, the first annular sealing surface may, in axial direction of the water-tap connector, directly merge into the second annular sealing surface, wherein an intermediate junction section may be implemented as a rounded section or may be implemented as an edge, in particular sharp edge, such as a rectangular edge .

In embodiments, the intermediate angle between the first annular sealing surface and the second annular sealing surface may lie in the range from 45° to 135°. In particular embodiments, the intermediate angle may be substantially egual to 90°, meaning that the first and second annular sealing surfaces may be pro^¬ vided at right angles to each other. In particular, such embodiments implementing the proposed intermediate angles, may be efficient in obtaining good axial and at the same time good radial seal under the action of an axial force generated by tightening the threaded connection between the threaded portion of the water-tap connector and a counter- part threaded portion of the water tap.

In embodiments, the first annular sealing surface may be imple^¬ mented as an annular radial sealing surface, and the second an^¬ nular radial sealing surface may be implemented as an annular axial sealing surface.

An annular axial sealing surface shall be understood a surface that is oriented essentially in parallel to a radial direction as regards the center axis, i.e. longitudinal axis, of the wa- ter-tap connector as a reference, meaning that the surface nor^¬ mal of the annular axial sealing surface is oriented parallel to the center axis of the water-tap connector.

An annular radial sealing surface shall be understood a surface that is oriented essentially in parallel to the center axis, i.e. longitudinal axis, of the water-tap connector, meaning that the surface normal (s) of such an annular radial sealing surface are oriented parallel to radial directions as regards the longi^¬ tudinal axis as a reference.

Such annular radial and axial sealing surfaces may, disregarding manufacturing tolerances, span an intermediate angle of about 90°. In particular such sealing surfaces are suitable for being used both in connection with profiled seals, i.e. gadgets, for example O-ring seals, and flat-type seals having essentially a rectangular cross section that may be fitted into the intermedi- ate angle of about 90°.

In embodiments, the threaded portion may comprise, as already indicated, an inner threaded portion configured for threaded coupling with an outer threaded portion of a water tap.

In embodiments, the radial outer surface of the tap coupling segment may comprise a grip-enhancing corrugated structure and/or texture, the corrugated structure may optionally comprise a plurality of corrugations extending for example parallel to the axial direction, i.e. parallel to the center axis, of the water-tap connector.

In embodiments, the second annular sealing surface may provided on an annular collar, implemented for example as an annular shoulder.

In embodiments in which the threaded portion is an inner, female thread, the shoulder may projecting radially inwards as regards the core diameter of the thread as a reference, for example. In particular in such embodiments, the second annular sealing surface may face, i.e. be oriented towards, the threaded portion, wherein the surface normal of the second annular sealing surface may be oriented essentially parallel to the axis of the thread. In particular in such embodiments an excellent axial sealing performance may be obtained. In embodiments, the first annular sealing surface may be provid^¬ ed immediately adjacent to the axially inner end of the thread, i.e. threaded portion, of the tap coupling segment. Further, the first annular sealing surface in embodiments may be implemented such that its surface normals are essentially perpendicular to the axis of the thread and/or substantially perpendicular to the surface normal of the second annular sealing surface. In embodi^¬ ments, the first annular sealing surface and/or the second annu^¬ lar sealing surface may be rotationally symmetric to the center axis of the thread. An excellent sealing efficiency may be ob^¬ tained with such sealing surfaces, for example irrespective of the type of seal or gadget that is used, and in particular even in cases where the screw connection is tightened comparatively loosely .

In embodiments, the axial width of the first annular sealing surface, i.e. the width of the annular radial sealing surface measured in parallel to the center axis, i.e. longitudinal axis, of the water-tap connector may be smaller or substantially egual to the radial width of the second annular sealing surface, i.e. the width of the annular axial sealing surface measured in par^¬ allel to the radial direction.

In embodiments, in which the treaded portion comprises a thread implemented as an inner, i.e. female, thread, the diameter of the first annular sealing surface, e.g. the annular radial seal^¬ ing surface, measured perpendicular to the center axis may be smaller or essentially egual to the core diameter of the thread of the threaded portion. This in particular may mean that the inner diameter of the water-tap connector in the section comprising the first annular sealing surface may be smaller than the core diameter of the thread. Such embodiments may allow for easy insertion and removal of gadgets and seals used as sealing means supported and abutting respective sealing surfaces in the mounted state. In embodiments, the second annular sealing surface, e.g. the an^¬ nular axial sealing surface, at least in sections, for example over the whole circumference, may have a planar surface struc^¬ ture with respect to the center axis, defining for example a cy- lindrical surface structure. In other embodiments, the second annular sealing surface may at least in sections have a convex and/or concave surface structure.

Similarly, the first annular sealing surface, at least in sec- tions, preferably over the whole circumference, may have a pla^¬ nar, convex and/or concave surface structure.

The surface structure and shape may, within the given ranges, be varied, for example in order to vary and/or adapt the contact pressure by which the seal, i.e. gadget, is pressed against the sealing surface in accordance with respective needs.

In embodiments, a ring seal, i.e. ring gasket, may be provided that is configured such that in the mounted state of the water- tap connector, i.e. in case that the water-tap connecter is screwed to a water tap, the ring seal abuts and is urged in axi^¬ al direction against the second annular sealing surface, e.g. the annular axial sealing surface, and also abuts and is urged in radial direction against the first annular sealing surface, e.g. the annular radial sealing surface, wherein the ring seal is preferably made from an elastically deformable material, in particular rubber. By this, enhanced sealing may be obtained. As mentioned already above, the radial sealing effect may be self- intensifying in case that pressurized water is fed to and/or through the water-tap connector fixed to a water tap.

In embodiments, the ring seal may be configured such that, in the inserted and uncompressed state, the thickness of the ring seal measured in parallel to the thread axis, for example coin- ciding with the center axis or longitudinal axis of the water- tap connector, is slightly larger than the axial width of the first annular sealing surface, e.g. the annular radial sealing surface. The thickness of the ring seal may correspond to the seal cord diameter in case of an O-ring seal, for example.

The difference between ring seal thickness and axial width of the first annular sealing surface may lie in the range of 0,3 mm to 0,7 mm, and may for example be about 0,5 mm.

In particular in such embodiments adeguate axial preload and/or compression acting on the ring seal may be obtained, whilst, in some embodiments, by elastic deformation of the ring seal, tight contact between the ring seal and the for example annular radial sealing surface may be obtained.

The difference of 0,5 mm as mentioned above may for example ap- plied in cases that the diameter, e.g. the core diameter, of the thread is about 24 mm to 35 mm

In embodiments, it may be provided that an outer diameter of the ring seal is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first annular sealing surface, e.g. the annular radial sealing surface, such that the ring seal in the inserted state, i.e. in a condition in which the water-tap connector is not connected and tightened to the thread of the water tap, at least partially is spaced from the first annular sealing surface in circumferen- tial direction, but abuts and is urged against the first annular sealing surface over the whole outer circumference in the ordi^¬ nary mounted state, i.e. in the state in which the water-tap connector is screwed to the thread of the water tap and tight^¬ ened accordingly. Here, comparatively easy insertion and removal of the ring seal may be obtained whilst being able to provide a water tight seal involving both axial and radial sealing surfac^¬ es of the sealing section.

In other embodiments, it may be provided that the outer diameter of the ring seal is substantially egual to the inner diameter of the first annular radial sealing surface, e.g. annular radial sealing surface, such that the ring seal in the inserted state substantially abuts both the second annular sealing surface and, over essentially the whole circumference, also the first annular sealing surface . Such an arrangement and implementation of sealing section and ring seal may be of advantage if the cross section of the ring seal matches the cross section of the sealing section, which may for example have a rectangular shape and/or configuration. Here, the ring seal and sealing section may in particular be imple- mented such that the ring seal can be accommodated without play in radial direction relative to the center axis of the water-tap connector, which in turn may be advantage for obtaining adeguate sealing efficiency in axial and radial direction, even in cases where the threads are tightened comparatively loosely.

In yet further embodiments, it may be provided that an outer di^¬ ameter of the ring seal is slightly larger, in particular by about 1,5 % to 2,0 % and/or 0,5 mm, for example, than the inner diameter of the first annular sealing surface, e.g. the annular radial sealing surface, such that the ring seal in the inserted state is captively held within the sealing section.

Beyond obtaining the captive effect, the sealing efficiency in^¬ volving the first annular sealing surface may be improved in such cases, as the ring seal prior to tightening the threads may be brought in a position in which it abuts in circumferential direction the first annular sealing surface, e.g. the annular radial sealing surface. In embodiments, the ring seal may be shaped, as already men^¬ tioned further above, such that at least a section of its cross- section substantially matches a corresponding section of the sealing section. For example the first and second annular seal^¬ ing surfaces may be angled by 90°, and the ring seal may have a rectangular cross section, which for example is the case with so-called flat seals . The match in shape between the ring seal and the sealing section comprising the first and second annular sealing surfaces, may in variants for example be such that it is possible to insert the ring seal into the sealing section substantially without of play in radial direction.

As already indicated, the ring seal may be implemented as a pro^¬ filed ring seal, such as an O-ring seal, or as a flat ring seal.

Further embodiments and variants, in particular exemplary embod^¬ iments, will be described in connection with the annexed fig^¬ ures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an axial cross section of a water-tap connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an axial cross section of the water-tap connector of FIG. 1 together with an inserted O-ring seal;

FIG. 3 shows an axial cross section of the water-tap connector of FIG. 2 mounted to a water tap;

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of a variant of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 shows an axial cross section of a water-tap connector and water tap assembly implemented for user with flat type seals.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, elements similar or identic in function are designated with like reference signs.

The embodiments in the figures may relate to preferred embodi^¬ ments, while all elements and features described in connection with embodiments may be used, as far as appropriate, in combina^¬ tion with any other embodiment and feature as discussed herein, in particular related to any other embodiment discussed further above .

FIG. 1 shows an axial cross section of a water-tap connector 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The water-tap con^¬ nector 1 comprises a tap coupling segment 2, representing a type of head, and configured for being coupled with a water tap, for example a water faucet, in particular a faucet intended for be^¬ ing connected with a garden hose, for example.

The water-tap connector 1 further comprises a hose coupling seg^¬ ment 3 configured for being coupled with a hose coupling fitting (not shown) of a water hose (not shown) . The hose coupling segment 3 and the tap coupling segment 2 in the present case are designed in one piece, and may for example made from a plastic material, or optionally from metal.

The hose coupling segment 3 comprises at a lower end a groove 4 implemented for insertion of a ring gasket so as to obtain a wa^¬ ter-tight connection with the hose coupling fitting. Further, the hose coupling segment 3 comprises a detent or locking pro^¬ jection 5 intended for locking engagement with a counterpart locking element of a hose coupling fitting.

The tap coupling segment 1 comprises a threaded portion 6 with a thread that extends over a predefined axial length Dl from an outer axial end section 7 of the tap coupling segment 2. The outer axial beginning of the thread may be, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1, offset from the outer axial face of the hose coupling segment 2.

The threaded portion and thread extend to an axial inner end 8, where the threaded portion 6 merges into a sealing section 9 of the water-tap coupling 1. The sealing section 9 comprises in the embodiment exemplarily shown in the figures an annular radial sealing surface 10 which is implemented as a cylinder section as regards the center axis A of the water-tap connector 1. Or in other words, the annular radial sealing surface 10 is oriented in parallel to the center axis A, i.e. perpendicular to the radial direction R as regards the center axis A as a reference.

The sealing section 9 further comprises in the embodiment shown in the figures an annular axial sealing surface 11 which is oriented in parallel to the center axis A, meaning that the surface normal of the annular axial sealing surface 11 is oriented in parallel to the center axis A. In the present examples, the annular radial 10 and axial sealing surfaces 11 are arranged adjacent to each other, meaning that the threaded portion 6 merges into the annular radial sealing surface 10, which in turn merges into the annular axial sealing surface 11.

As regards the ordinary flow direction of water passing through the water-tap connector, which direction is indicated as F, the threaded portion 6, the annular radial sealing surface 10, and the annular axial sealing surface 11 are arranged successively to each other and in a downstream arrangement .

The annular radial sealing surface 10 and the annular axial sealing surface 11 in the embodiments as shown in the figures are implemented such that an intermediate angle a between the two sealing surfaces is about 90 degrees . It shall be noted, that other angles as indicated in the description further above shall also be possible.

In general terms, the sealing section 2 comprises a first annu- lar sealing surface 10 and, a second annular sealing surface 11 which is arranged in series to the first annular sealing surface 10 in a direction parallel to the center axis A of the water-tap connector 1, i.e. parallel to the ordinary flow direction F.

The first annular sealing surface 10 extends between the second annular sealing surface 11 and the axially inner end 8 of the thread, i.e. threaded portion 6, over a predefined minimum axial width Wl . The first and second sealing surfaces 10, 11, i.e. the annular radial sealing surface 10 and the annular axial sealing surface 11, are arranged at a predefined intermediate angle to each other amounting in the present embodiment 90°.

As can be recognized from the figures, the radial outer surface of the tap coupling segment 2 comprises a grip-enhancing corru^¬ gated structure 12 comprising a plurality of corrugations ex- tending preferably parallel to the center axis A of the water- tap connector 1. This structure in particular enables appropriate manual tightening of the threaded portion 6.

The annular axial sealing surface 11 is implemented at or on an annular collar 13 projecting inwardly from a cylindrical wall section on which the threaded portion 6 and the annular radial sealing surface 10 are implemented.

Further, in the embodiment as shown in the figures, the annular axial sealing surface 11 faces the threaded portion 6, and the surface normal of the annular axial sealing surface 11 is ori^¬ ented essentially parallel to the axis of the thread coinciding with the center axis A in the present case. From FIG 1 it can also be inferred that the annular radial seal^¬ ing surface 10 is provided immediately adjacent to the axially inner end 8 of the thread of the threaded portion 6.

In addition, the annular radial sealing surface 10 is implement- ed such that its surface normals are essentially perpendicular to the axis of the thread, corresponding to the center axis A in the present case, and/or are substantially perpendicular to the surface normal of the annular axial sealing surface 11.

Also, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, both the annular radial sealing surface 10 and the annular axial sealing surface 11 are rotationally symmetric to the center axis A, wherein the annular radial and axial sealing surfaces 10, 11 in the present embodi^¬ ment are implemented as planar surfaces. However, it is also possible that the sealing surfaces have corrugations and/or a convex-type and/or a concave-type shape or structure.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 showing an axial cross section of the water-tap connector of FIG. 1 together with an inserted O-ring seal 14.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the O-ring seal 14 and the annular radial sealing surface 10 are selected in their dimensions such that the outer free diameter of the O-ring seal 14, i.e. the outer diameter of the O-ring seal in the non-inserted state, is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the annular radial sealing surface 10.

Thereby, the O-ring seal, when inserted, is held by elastic forces within the sealing section 9, meaning that the O-ring is biased in radial direction R against the annular radial sealing surface 10. Thus, the O-ring seal 14 may captively be held with^¬ in the sealing section 9.

Further reference is now made to FIG. 3 showing an axial cross section of the water-tap connector 1 of FIG. 2 mounted to a wa^¬ ter tap 15. The water tap 15 is not shown in its entirety, but only an outlet-end section of the water tap, comprising a counterpart threaded portion 16 to be coupled with the threaded por^¬ tion 6 of the water-tap connector 1 is shown. The counterpart threaded portion 16 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is implemented or comprises a male thread onto which the female thread of the water-tap connector 1 may be screwed. As may be inferred from FIG. 3, by screwing the water-tap con^¬ nector 1 onto the water tap 15, an axial face side of the water tap 15, i.e. the face side at the outlet-end section of the wa^¬ ter tap 15, contacts and upon tightening the screw connection squeezes the O-ring seal 14 by exerting a force K to the O-ring seal 14 which is thereby compressed.

As a consequence of the squeezing force K applied to the O-ring seal, and the squeezing of the O-ring seal 14 between the axial face side of the water tap 15 and the annular axial sealing sur- face 11, the O-ring seal is deformed and thereby urged radially outward against the annular radial sealing surface 10.

Thus, in the mounted state, in which the water-tap connector 1 is screw-mounted to the water tap 15, and in which the threaded portions are tightened, a sealing effect involving both the an^¬ nular radial sealing surface 10 and the annular axial sealing surface 11 may be obtained, thereby improving water-tightness as compared to solutions having just a single annular axial sealing surface .

One advantage of providing also an annular radial sealing surface 10 as proposed with the present invention is, that in case of use, pressurized water fed to the water-tap connector 1, hav^¬ ing connected thereto for example a garden hose (not shown) , may enhance the sealing effect.

More specifically, pressurized water fed to the water tap 15 and water-tap connector 1 combination exerts a force directed radi^¬ ally outwards onto the O-ring seal 14 thereby increasing the sealing forces acting between the O-ring seal and the annular radial sealing surface 10. As can be seen, by applying the two annular sealing surfaces, improved water-tightness between water tap 15 and water-tap con^¬ nector 1 may be obtained, in particular, and due to the self- sealing properties conferred by the annular radial sealing sur- face 10, even in cases where the threads are tightened compara^¬ tively loosely.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 showing a detailed view of a variant of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. In more detail, the variant shown in FIG. 4 differs from the embodiment shown in

FIG. 3 in that the free outer diameter of the O-ring seal 14 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the annular radial sealing surface 10. In this case, the O-ring seal 14 in the inserted and uncom^¬ pressed state at least partially is spaced by a gap G from the annular radial sealing surface 10 in circumferential direction, which is exemplarily visualized in FIG. 4. However, also in such cases, and by selecting an O-ring seal 14, or generally a ring seal, that is sufficiently elastic and de- formable, the O-ring seal 14, by tightening the thread connec^¬ tion, may be urged against the annular radial sealing surface 10 to thereby abut against the annular radial sealing surface 10 over the whole outer circumference of the O-ring seal 14. Thus similar water-tightness as compared to the variant shown in FIG. 3 may be obtained.

A further variant or embodiment may be inferred from FIG. 4, which may be applied also to the other variants and embodiments described above and below.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the thickness or width W2 of the 0- ring seal 14, corresponding in the present case to the cord di- ameter of the O-ring seal 14, measured in parallel to the center axis A is slightly larger, for example by 0,3 mm to 0,7 mm, e.g. 0,5 mm, than the axial width Wl of the annular radial sealing surface 10. By this, it can be ensured that sufficient axial preload can be applied to the O-ring seal 14 by tightening the water-tap connector 1 to the water tap 15. In other words, by using a respective O-ring seal it may be ensured that, the axial face side of the water tap 15 located at the outlet opening of the water tap 15 is able to sgueeze the O-ring seal 14 over the whole circumference of the O-ring seal 14, i.e. over the whole circumference of the axial face side, such that both an optimal axial, and by deformation of the O-ring seal 14, and an optimal radial sealing may be obtained.

It shall be noted that the O-ring seal 14 may be made from an elastic deformable material, such as for example rubber, or sim^¬ ilar. Further, instead of the O-ring seal 14, any other type of seal may be used, for example ring seals having other profiles and cross sections.

FIG. 5 shows a variant, in which a so-called flat ring seal 17 is used. The flat ring seal 17 is selected and shaped such that its outer diameter essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the annular radial sealing surface 10. Further, the cross section of the flat ring seal 17, presently of rectangular shape, at least in part and in the region of the sealing surfac^¬ es 10, 11 matches with the cross-sectional shape of the sealing section 9.

In the exemplary embodiments and variants shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the diameter of the annular radial sealing surface 10 is substantially egual to the core diameter D2 (cf. FIG. 1) of the thread of the threaded portion 6 of the water-tap connector 1. However, in variants, it may be provided that the core diameter D2 is slightly larger than the diameter of the annular radial sealing surface 10. By this, insertion and removal of the ring seal 14, 17 may be simplified.

In all, and in particular in view of the exemplary embodiments shown and described in connection with the figures, it can be seen, that the underlying problem is solved by the solution as proposed herein.

List of reference numerals

1 water-tap connector

2 tap coupling segment

3 hose coupling segment

4 groove

5 locking projection

6 threaded portion

7 outer axial end section

8 axial inner end

9 sealing section

10 annular radial sealing surface

11 annular axial sealing surface

12 grip-enhancement corrugated structure 13 annular collar

14 O-ring seal

15 water tap

16 counterpart threaded portion

17 flat ring seal

a intermediate angle

A center axis

Dl axial length

D2 core diameter

F ordinary flow direction

G gap

K force

R radial direction

Wl minimum axial width

W2 thickness of ring seal

Claims

Water-tap connector (1) for coupling a water tap (15) to a hose, comprising:

a tap coupling segment (2) configured for being coupled with a water tap (15); and

a hose coupling segment (3) configured for being cou^¬ pled with a hose coupling fitting of a water hose,

the tap coupling segment (2) comprising a threaded portion (6) extending over a predefined axial length (Dl) from an outer axial end section (7) of the tap coupling segment

(2) ,

wherein subseguent to an axially inner end (8) of the threaded portion (6) a sealing section (9) is provided,

the sealing section (9) comprising a first annular sealing surface (10) and, a second annular sealing surface (11) arranged in series to the first annular sealing surface (10) in a direction parallel to the center axis (A) of the water-tap connector (1), wherein

the first annular sealing surface (10) extends between the second annular sealing surface (11) and the axially in^¬ ner end (8) of the threaded portion (6) over a predefined minimum axial width (Wl), and wherein

the first and second annular sealing surfaces (10, 11) are arranged at a predefined intermediate angle (a) to each other, the predefined angle (a) amounting less than 180°.

The water-tap connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein: the first annular sealing surface (10) and second annu^¬ lar sealing surface (11) are arranged immediately adjacent to each other, and/or

the intermediate angle (a) between the first (10) and second annular sealing surfaces (11) lies in the range from 45° to 135°, or substantially corresponds to 90°.

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3. The water-tap connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein :

the first annular sealing surface (10) is implemented as an annular radial sealing surface (10), and wherein

the second annular sealing surface (11) is implemented as an annular axial sealing surface (11) .

4. The water-tap connector (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

the threaded portion (6) comprises an inner threaded portion (6) configured for threaded coupling with an outer threaded portion (16) of a water tap (15), and/or

the radial outer surface of the tap coupling segment (2) comprises a grip-enhancing corrugated structure (12), the corrugated structure (12) optionally comprising a plurality of corrugations extending preferably parallel to the center axis (A) of the water-tap connector (1) .

5. The water-tap connector (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

the second annular sealing surface (11) is provided on an annular collar (13) and/or

when depending on claim 4, the collar (13) projects radially inwards; and/or

the second annular sealing surface (11) faces the threaded portion (6), and the surface normal of the second annular sealing surface (11) is oriented essentially paral^¬ lel to the axis (A) of the thread of the threaded portion (6) .

6. The water-tap connector (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein

the first annular sealing surface (10) is provided im^¬ mediately adjacent to the axially inner end (8) of the thread of the threaded portion (6), and/or

the first annular sealing surface (10) is implemented such that its surface normal/s are essentially perpendicular

2 to the axis of the threaded portion (6) and/or substantially perpendicular to the surface normal of the second annular sealing surface (11), and/or

the first annular sealing surface (10) and/or the sec^¬ ond annular sealing surface (11) is/are rotationally symmet^¬ ric to the center axis (A) of the water-tap connector (1) .

7. The water-tap connector (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein

the axial width of the first annular sealing surface (10) is smaller or substantially egual to the radial width of the second annular sealing surface (11); and/or,

when dependent on claim 4, the diameter of the first annular sealing surface (10) is smaller or essentially egual to the core diameter (D2) of the thread of the threaded por^¬ tion ( 6 ) ;

8. The water-tap connector (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein

the second annular sealing surface (11), at least in sections, preferably over the whole circumference, has a planar or convex or concave surface structure; and/or

the first radial sealing surface (10), at least in sec^¬ tions, preferably over the whole circumference, has a planar or convex or concave surface structure.

9. The water-tap connector (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

a ring seal (14, 17) configured such that in the mount^¬ ed state of the water-tap connector (1) the ring seal (14, 17) abuts and is urged in axial direction against the sec^¬ ond annular sealing surface (11), and also abuts and is urged in radial (R) direction against the first annular sealing surface (10), wherein the ring seal (14, 17) is preferably made from an elastically deformable material, in particular rubber.

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10. The water-tap connector (1) according to claim 7, wherein the ring seal (14, 17) is configured such that, in the inserted state, the thickness (W2) of the ring seal (14, 17) measured in parallel to the thread axis (A) is slightly larger, in particular by 0,3 mm to 0,7 mm, preferably 0,5 mm, larger, than the axial width (Wl) of the first annular sealing surface (10) .

11. The water-tap connector (1) according to claim 7 or 8,

wherein :

an outer diameter of the ring seal (14) is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first annular sealing surface (10) such that the ring seal in the inserted state at least partially is spaced from the first annular sealing surface (10) in circumferential direction, but abuts and is urged against the first annular sealing sur^¬ face (10) over the whole outer circumference in the ordi^¬ nary mounted state; or

an outer diameter of the ring seal (17) is substantial^¬ ly egual to the inner diameter of the first annular sealing surface (10) such that the ring seal (17) in the inserted state substantially abuts both the first annular sealing surface (10) and second annular sealing surface (11); or an outer diameter of the ring seal (14) is slightly larger, in particular by about 1,5 % to 2,0 % and/or 0,5 mm, than the inner diameter of the first annular sealing surface (10) such that the ring seal (14) in the inserted state is captively held within the sealing section ( 9 ) .

12. The water-tap connector (1) according to at least one of claims claim 7 to 9 , wherein:

the ring seal (17) is shaped such that at least a sec^¬ tion of its cross-section substantially matches a corre^¬ sponding section of the sealing section ( 9 ) , in particular such that the ring seal (17) can be inserted into the seal^¬ ing section ( 9 ) substantially without of play in radial di^¬ rection (R) ; and/or the ring seal (14, 17) is implemented as a profiled ring seal, such as an O-ring seal (14), or as a flat ring seal (17) .

13. Water-tap connector assembly (1), comprising

a water tap connector (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, and further comprising at least one hose coupling fitting configured for being removably coupled to the hose coupling segment (3) of the water-tap connector ( 1 ) , and

optionally further comprising a hose with at least one hose coupling fitting that is configured for being mounted, in particular removably mounted, to a free end of the hose.

14. Water-tap arrangement (1, 15) comprising

a water tap (15), and

a water tap connector (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, and/or

a water-tap connector assembly according to claim 13, wherein

the water-tap (15) comprises at a tap outlet a counter^¬ part threaded portion (16) configured for establishing a threaded joint with the threaded portion (6) of the water- tap connector (1), wherein,

when dependent on at least one of claims 7 to 10, the outlet of the water-tap (15) is configured such that upon establishing the threaded joint, the ring seal (14, 17) is compressed in parallel to the thread axis (A) to thereby sgueeze the ring seal (14, 17) between the second annular sealing surface (11) of the water-tap connector (1) and a counterpart annular axial sealing surface at the outlet end of the water tap (15) such that the outer circumference of the ring seal (14, 17) is urged against the first annular sealing surface (10) by deformation, in particular elastic deformation, of the ring seal (14, 17) .