GB887802A - Improvements in pipe couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

887,802. Pipe couplings. FLIGHT REFUELLING Ltd. Nov. 14, 1960 [Aug. 14, 1959], No. 27841/59. Addition to 855,557 Class 99(1). [Also in Group XXIX] In the plug and socket pipe coupling described in the parent Specification wherein the plug 12 has an external annular groove 14 engageable by latches 16 hinged to the socket and to hold the coupling joined when the plug is fully inserted into the socket, and in which a locking ring 18 rotatable on the socket and restrained against axial displacement thereon has cam-profiled recesses 20 receiving the toes of the latches and adapted on rotation of the locking ring in one sense to lock the latches in engagement with the groove and on rotation of the ring in the opposite sense to free the latches for disengagement from the groove, the plug and socket each have a valve normally sealing the mouth thereof, the plug valve 30 being spring-loaded towards the seating thereof and unseatable by inward displacement, the socket being provided with an externally operable mechanism for seating and unseating the socket valve 42, such mechanism being also operative to unseat the plug valve when the plug is fully inserted into the socket. As shown, the plug and socket valves 30, 42 include stems 24, 36 axially slidable in bosses 26, 38, the valve 26 being biased [to the valve-seating position thereof by a spring 32, and the valve 42 seating inwardly on a spring-loaded axially slidable sleeve 44. A link 58 pivotally connects the stem 36 and a crank 54 on a shaft 56 carrying a crank-handle 62, the crank being so disposed in relation to the crank-handle that when the latter is in either of the limiting positions thereof the link 58 has passed the dead-centre relatively to the stem thus locking the socket valve in the closed and fully open positions thereof. Mounted on the handle 62 is a spring-loaded plunger 66 which when the plug is fully inserted into the socket is pushed from a recess 70 and by a pushbutton 72 engaged by the plug so as to free the crank-handle for rotation to the " valve-open " position. A push-rod 74 is received in a recess 78 in the crank-handle hub when the valves are closed, and, when the crank-handle is rotated to " valve-open " position, is displaced axially to enter a recess 80 in the locking ring 18 to prevent the latter from being rotated from the locking position of the latches 16. In a modification, the valves 30, 80, Fig. 4, each have pilot valves for assisting opening of the valves against fluid pressure, the valve 30 being separate from the stem 24 and guided by a skirt 84 slidable in an extension 28 and the pilot valve thereof comprising a flange 86 provided with a sealing ring 88 coacting with a seat 90 on the valve 30; a spring 32 acts on the flange to seat the latter on the seat 90 and press the valve 30 against the seat thereof. The non-rotative socket valve 80 is guided by a skirt 92 in a housing 94 integral with a boss 38 which slidably supports a rod 96 splined for a bevel wheel 98 meshing with a bevel wheel 108 mounted on a shaft 110 carrying a hand-wheel 114. The rod 96 is screwed for engagement by a nut 116 non-rotatable but slidable in the valve 80, and mounts a head 128 carrying a trapped ball 132 engageable with the stem 24 of the plug valve. To open the valves, the rod is rotated by means of the hand-wheel to move the nut 116 axially to the left, as seen in the figure, relatively to the rod and rightward movement of the rod is communicated via the ball 132 to the stem 24 and is resisted by a spring 32, leftward movement of the nut being resisted by a spring 106 ; the flanges 118, 86 are unseated and the flange 120 abuts the valve 80 while the head 128 contacts the valve 30 whereby the valves are opened. Disconnection of the plug from the socket before the valves are closed and by rotation of the locking ring 18 causes the plug to be automatically pushed out of the socket, both valves closing automatically under the action of the springs 32, 106. The rod 96 is withdrawn by rotation of the hand-wheel 114 before re-insertion of the plug into the socket.