Pipe joints or couplings – With assembly means or feature – Quick release
Patent
1995-05-18
1997-07-22
Nicholson, Eric K.
Pipe joints or couplings
With assembly means or feature
Quick release
285 35, 285402, 285322, F16L 3712
Patent
active
056497237
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coupling device which will enable a fluid line to be connected quickly and easily to and disconnected from an externally screw-threaded connector part, so as to enable fluid to be conveyed without risk of leakage, even when the fluid is under high pressure.
2. Background of the Invention
There is in many instances a need to simplify coupling procedures, particularly when needing to make and release connections frequently with short intermediate periods, particularly with regard to the number of turns through which a screw-threaded coupling device must be rotated in order to make or to release a connection. It would be very beneficial if the distance through which the device has to be rotated could be shortened, for when automating the connection and disconnection of such coupling devices, for instance with the aid of robotics. In this regard, particularly high demands are placed on coupling devices of this nature when they are intended for use with high-pressure media, for instance in hydraulic systems and systems which utilize highly pressurized gases.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,332 teaches a coupling device for a releasable and sealing connection to a tubular, externally threaded connector part. This device includes and which includes a fluid passage in the extension of the line, and a radially and outwardly directed flange; flange and which have the form of arcuate, internally threaded segments for engagement with the connector part. These segments are radially pivotal to enable the coupling device to be connected to and released from the connector part; the centerpiece and which can be moved over the segments, between a forward position in which the sleeve brings the threaded segments into meshing engagement with the threads of the connector part, and a rearward position in which the segments are able to swing or pivot out of engagement with said threads; and mutual engagement restrict the possibility of relative rotational movement between the segments and the sleeve.
In the case of this known device, when the threaded segments are in meshing engagement with the screw-threads of the connector part, any unintentional retraction of the sleeve caused by small rotation of the sleeve in the release direction will cause the segments to swing-out and fully release the coupling. This constitutes a serious accident risk, particularly when working at very high pressures.
Similar coupling devices are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,327,714 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,406. The coupling devices taught by these patent specifications also have the aforesaid drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to provide a coupling device of the general kind defined in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,332, but with which the risks of unintentional release of the coupling are essentially fully eliminated.
The inventive coupling is characterized in that those points around which a segment rotates when swinging outwards are so located that if the segment attempts to swing outwards after a connection has been made, the arc movement of at least points situated adjacent the top of the screw-thread of the segment will cut through or intersect an adjacent thread flank of the external screw-thread of the connector part. Outward swinging of the segment is thereby prevented without previously relieving the coupling of load by rotating the segment in relation to the connector part.
Thus, in accordance with this embodiment, the segments are unable to swing outwards until the screw-thread coupling has been loosened or backed-off slightly, by rotating the coupling parts in relation to one another. Hence, the thread pitch will provide a clearance that will allow the thread flanks of the segments and connector part to pass freely relative to one another.
According to one preferred embodiment, the segment rotational points are located so that the segments must be rotated through 30.degree.-45.degree. in order for the free passage
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AGA Aktiebolag
Nicholson Eric K.
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