AU745854B2

AU745854B2 - Device for connecting conduit elements

Info

Publication number: AU745854B2
Application number: AU64633/99A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rainer Weichel
Original assignee: Gossler Fluidtec GmbH
Current assignee: Gossler Fluidtec GmbH
Priority date: 1998-09-11
Filing date: 1999-08-09
Publication date: 2002-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-09
Also published as: EP1110022A1; PL346616A1; WO2000015998A1; AU6463399A; DE19841571A1

Description

[Translation from German] 60394 P 6334 PCT, CONNECTING

DEVICE

The invention relates to a device for connecting segments of a transport line for liquids, comprising a base part provided with at least one depression and a counterpart member equipped with at least one operating element and connected with a suspension element to be inserted in the depression of the base part.

Such connecting devices are used in numerous applications in the form of couplings. A typical field of application consists in that, in the filling of supply tanks in the vicinity of filling stations at a junction nozzle on the supply tank, said junction nozzle constituting the base part, a counterpart member is connected, surmounting a fill hose as end piece, The fill hose is connected at the opposed end of its extent to the transport tank of a tank car.

To support manual operability, there are devices known as lever arm couplings, constructed as defined in German Standard DIN 28 28. According to a special configuration, sorcalled "Camlock" couplings are employed as well.

However, the known coupling members exhibit various disadvantages. As operating elements for effecting a mechanical connection between the base part and the counterpart member, often comparatively small levers are employed, two levers being commonly arranged opposed to each other. In this way, a mechanical fixation is provided at two points only. Neither a tightening to avoid leakage nor an arrest that would prevent an unintentional loosening of the coupling connection is P:\WPDOCS\AMD\speci 7 188870.doc- I7/I12OI -2possible. Furthermore, the procedure of locking the coupling element and that of releasing the lock is cumbersome and comparatively laborious for operators wearing gloves.

The present invention therefore seeks to contrive a device of the kind initially mentioned, so as to provide an improved quality of connection and facilitate handling.

This is accomplished, according to the invention, in that the depression of the base part extends along an outer periphery of the base part in the form of a circumferential groove and in that the suspension element after the base part and counterpart have been put 10 together extends along the depression and is displaceable transverse to a centerline of the "counterpart into the depression, upon actuation of the operating element, wherein a translatory motion of the tension ring in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the centerline is transformed in a transverse positioning of the suspension element transverse o to the centerline.

ooo• S By the conformation of the depression of the base part as an encircling circumferential groove, it is made possible for the suspension element to transmit forces for fixation of the coupling parts relative to each other into the base part at a plurality of points of contact. Owing to the displaceability of the suspension element transverse to the centerline, and hence also transverse to provided flow directions of the liquids to be transported, a simple design and a robust construction are favoured.

Simple manual actuation is facilitated in that the operating element is configured as a lever.

For the transformation of rotary motions into translatory motions, provision is made to connect the operating element to a tension ring having an internal thread engaging an external thread of the counterpart.

Avoidance of leakage is supported in that a seal is arranged in the direction of a strain provided between the base part and the. counterpart.

A simple mechanical design for positioning the suspension element is provided in that the tension ring comprises a positioning surface acting upon the suspension element and extending oblique to the centerline.

To provide differential positionings of the operating element in a working arrangement and a resting arrangement, it is proposed that the operating element be arranged swingable in relation to an axis of rotation.

Unintentional release of the guide coupling can be avoided by providing the operating element with a locking tooth capable of being introduced and caught in gear teeth.

To avoid unallovable loads, it is proposed that a range of motion provided for the tension ring be limited by stops.

An adaptation to conventional application geometries is made in that the base part and the counterpart extend coaxially, at least in places, relative to the centerline.

In support of a simple coupling operation, it is proposed that the base part and the counterpart be arranged to be axially plugged together at least in places relative to each other.

P:\WPDOCS\AMDpeci\758887Odoc.I7/!2/I0 -4- A typical field of application is opened up in that at least the base part or the counterpart is connectable to a supply tank for liquid fuel.

Likewise, it is contemplated that at least the base part or the counterpart be connectable to a filling hose.

In the interest of universal utility, it is proposed that at least the base part or the counterpart be provided in the region of their ends away from each other with an internal thread to support a connecting nozzle provided with an external thread.

An enhancement of dependability in operation can be achieved by equipping a oi' locking means with a spring prestress in the direction of a locked position.

10 Simplicity of manufacture with high functional reliability is promoted in that the oo suspension element comprises a plurality of spheres.

To ensure a defined positioning of the suspension element, it is proposed that the spheres be positioned by a sleeve having recesses with a diameter at least locally smaller than the diameter of the spheres.

15 A compact structure is promoted in that the sleeve extends substantially cylindrically and concentrically relative to the centerline.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred but non-limiting embodiments thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a partial longitudinal section of an assembled base part with counterpart.

Fig. 2 shows the device according to Pig. 1 after a constraint of base part and counterpart relative to each other and after a maneuver of the operating element to occupy a locked position, Fig. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the device, in which use is made of spheres positioned and secured by a sleeve with recesses to obtain a geometrical interlock, and Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of the detail IV in Pig. 3 vith a Plurality of pictured positionigs of the sphere.

According to the embodiment of Fig. 1, a coupling member to connect segments pf a transport line consists of a base part and a counterpart The counterpart is equipped with an operating element positioning a suspension element The suspension element is introducible into a depression of the base part by an associated positioning motion of the operating element The depression extends in the form of a circumferential groove along an outer periphery of the base part The counterpart comprises a receptacle for the suspension element in which the suspension element is arranged prior to a displacement of position into the depression In the cmbodiment shown in Fig. 1, 'the counterpart (2) comprises an external thread engaged by an internal thread of a tension ring(19By the mutually engaging threads 9), a rotary motion of the tension ring (19) relative to a centerline (10) is transformed Into a translatory motion in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the centerline In addition, in the region of the receptacle the tension ring (19) comprises an obliquely arranged positioning flank (11) Which, upon tI?&fllatory motion of the tension ring (19) in the direction Of the lengthwise extent of the centerline occasions a transverse Positioning of the suspension element transverse to the centerlsine1OJUp 0 n a tightening* motion, this causes. a reduction of the distance between the Suspension element and the Centerline (10)s leading to a transfer of the suspension element into the depression of the base part In the region of an end limit (12) of the base part a seal (13) Is arranged, which may for example be configured as a sealing 'r ing. On performance of the coupling operation between the base part and the counterpart thte seal (13) is clamped between the end limit (12) of the base part and a contact surface (14) of the counterpart The strain Is due to the translatory motion of the Coubterpatr (2) relative to the base part conditioned by tbe rotary and translatory motion of the teusion ring (19).

According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the base part and the counterpart are provided In the region of their ends away from each other with internal threads 16), into which the line segments to be connected can be introduced. For this purpose, the line segments may expediently.

be provided with external threads. In the region of the internal threads (15, 16), flat seals (17, 18) ate arranged, providing a seal relative to the coupling parts after the corresponding line segments have been screwed in-.

One possibility for arresting the Counterpart (2) relative to the base part is provided in the embodiment accu-UK ro 1.n that the counterpart In the regon of the tension ring (19) is provided With a switgably arranged operating element This sving takes place relative to an axis of rotation (20) running transverse to the lengthwise extent of the centerllne Upon su'nging of the operating element towards the counterpart a locking to6th (21) of the lever-like operating element (3) engages teeth (22) of the counterpart arranged along an outer periphery of the counterpart After an engagement of the locking tooth (21) In the teeth no rotary motion of the tension ring (19) relative to the counterpart or base part is possible. In this say a locked condition is established.

Fig, 2 shows the base part the Counterpart and the tension ring (19) in a Positioning following a fixation of the counterpart relative to the base part The sUSpension element is here inserted locally in the depression of the base part and leads to a geomatrical connection. It may likewise be seen that the locking tooth (21) is In engagement with the teeth (22).

In the performance of a COupling operation, first the counterpart ie thrust onto the base part Then, in the POsitioning of the operating element as shown in Fig. 1, a rotary motion of the tension ring (19) relative to the couuterpart and the base part follows. The resulting translatory motion leads to a displacement of the supension element Into the region of the depression of the base part With itncreasing rotation of the Operating element and the tension ring (19) connected ".-tCwLnt Rhe base part comes to be clamped relative to the counterpart in the region of the seal Rence the rotary motion may be continued until a sufficient sealing effect has been achieved, In principle, of Course, provision is made to provide stops for the rotary motion of the tension ring so that a maximum interval is provided for the execution of the rotary motion.

After attaining a sufficient clamping of the parts, the locking tooth (21) of the operating element is swung into the teeth (22) of the counterpart In this way a locking effect is obtained, and unintentional release of the coupling connection is avoided. The coupling connectlon is undone in the reverse sequence.

As material for the suspension element for example a sufficiently stable encircling spiral spring may be employed.

Likewise, it is possible for example to employ a sufficiently deformable and at the same time ompressively. stable sealing ring, or a plurality of balls or pressure parts of some other kind along a connecting strip. It is possible likewise, instead of performing the clamping operation by means of a rotatable tension ring (19) as illustrated in the figures to employ eccentrics, generating the requisite forces in the event of a positioning vith the aid of tension levers.

When the coupling connection is released, the suspension element for example by virtue of.aa inherent elasticity, may be returned from the receptacle into the depression However, it is possible likewise for example by use of additional springs or other positioning elements to provide a positive return into the receptacle In the region of the flank of the counterpart facing the suspension element it is possible, by contrast with the embodiment represented in Fig. 1, to provide an oblique or curved wall shape extending essentially perpendicular to the centerline in order to avoid a point or line compression load on the suspension element The embodiments represented in Fig. and Fig. 2 merely exemplify a possible realization of the coupling principle discussed. In principle, numerous other possible design realizations are conceivable.

Fig.3 shows the uie of suspension elements configured as spheres. To support a defined positioning of the spheres and to prevent the spheres from dropping out of the region of the receptacle upon assembly of the device, a bushing (23) is provided for positioning and retention of the balls, with recesses (24) of diameter dimensioned slightly smaller than would correspond to a ball diameter. In t.his way it is Possible to pass the balls locally through the recesses (24) though complete passage of the balls through the recesses (24) is prevented.

In the embodiment shown in Fi.. 3, the bushing (23) is essentially cylindrical and runs along an outer periphery of the base part separating the receptacle in the region, of the tension ring (19) from the depression in the base part Prom the enlarged representation in Fig. 4, Lt may be seen how upon motion of the tension ring (19) relative to the

Claims

1. Device for connecting segments of a transport line for liquids, including a base part providing with at least one depression and a counterpart equipped with at least one operating element connected to a suspension element introducible into the depression of the base part, characterised in that the depression of the base part extends as a circumferential groove alone an outer periphery of the base part, and in that the suspension element, after an assembling of base part and counterpart, runs along the depression and transverse to a centerline of the counterpart, being displaceable into the depression in event of actuation of the operating element, wherein a translatory motion of a tension ring in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the centerline is transformed in a transverse positioning of the suspension element transverse to the centerline.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the operating element is configured as a lever.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the direction of a tension provided between the base part and the counterpart, a seal is arranged.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating 20 element is arranged swingable relative to an axis of rotation. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a locking means provided is equipped with spring prestress in the direction of a locked positioning.

P \WPDOCS\AMD\spci\7587O.dc- 17/12/01 12

6. A device for connecting segments of a transport line for liquids, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 9th day of November, 2001 GOSSLER FLUIDTEC GMBH By Their Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE 00 00 404 0 0: 0*