Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BREAKAWAY HOSE COUPLING WITH MANUAL
ROTATIONAL SEPARATION
Background of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a breakaway hose coupling for a
flexible fuel supply hose and of the general type disclosed in U.S. Patents
No.
4,763,683 and No. 5,433,247 which issued to the assignee of the present
invention. The
breakaway coupling may be for a coaxial hose as disclosed in the patent with a
fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage both of which have axially
moveable valve members for closing the passages in the event the coupling is
separated. The present invention also relates to a breakaway coupling having
a single fuel supply passage with axially moveable valve members for closing
the
fuel supply passage in the male and female coupling bodies in the event of
separation of the coupling.
[0002] In a breakaway hose coupling having a single fuel supply passage
or coaxial fuel supply and vapor return passages, the breakaway hose coupling
protects the fuel dispensing equipment from forces which may damage the
equipment when separation of the coupling occurs. For example, when a
vehicle driver inadvertently forgets to remove the fuel dispensing nozzle from
the
fuel tank inlet tube and drives away, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
4,691,941,
the coupling separates when the hose receives an axial tension force, for
example, between 300 to 350 pounds. Upon separation, internal valve members
move to their closed positions to prevent the release of fuel from the
coupling
components and attached hoses.
[0003] It has been found desirable to provide for separating the
breakaway coupling by the operator of the fueling station or by inspection
personnel in order to perform periodic inspection and maintenance on the
breakaway coupling to insure continued proper operation of the coupling. One
form of manual separation of the breakaway hose coupling is disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 6,182,695. This patent discloses the use of a cup-like tool having
a
lever actuated cam and which mounts on the coupling after one of the hoses has
been removed by threadably engaging one of the coupling members. The tool
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applies an axial tension force to the coupling to produce separation of the
coupling members. After the coupling is inspected and parts are replaced, if
necessary, the tool is used for reassembling the coupling, after which the
hose
is reattached so that the use of the coupling may be continued.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention is directed to an improved breakaway
coupling for a flexible fuel supply hose and of the type described above. The
breakaway coupling of the invention provides for conveniently and quickly
separating the coupling without removing a hose from the coupling and with the
use of conventional hand tools or wrenches. This separation of the coupling
permits a person to perform regular or periodic inspection and maintenance of
the breakaway coupling to assure proper and continued operation of the
coupling including free movement of the internal valve members. The means for
manual separation of the coupling components does not add substantial cost to
the manufacture of the coupling nor does it add any significant weight or size
to
the coupling.
[0005] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a tubular male
and female components or valve bodies of a breakaway coupling are provided
with axially opposing and peripherally extending cam surfaces. The cam
surfaces are effective to exert a substantial axial separating force on the
tubular
coupling components or valve bodies in response to relative rotation of the
valve
bodies using conventional tools such as a pair of open end wrenches. The cam
surfaces may be formed on integral parts of the valve bodies or may be formed
on cylindrical sleeves or collars threadably connected to the valve bodies.
Preferably, a resilient cylindrical sleeve is attached to the male valve body
and
surrounds the cam surfaces and junction of the valve bodies.
[0006] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent
from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended
claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an assembled and connected
breakaway coupling constructed in accordance with the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 1 but with the protective
cylindrical cover removed;
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[0009] FIG. 3 is an axial section of the assembled and connected coupling
components, taken generally on a line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an axial section of the coupling components shown in
FIGS. 1-3 and with the components disconnected;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an end view of the assembled coupling taken generally
on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 2 and showing a
modification of a coupling constructed in accordance with the invention;
[0013] FIG. 7 is an axial section similar to FIG. 3 and taken generally on
the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0014] FIG. 8 is an axial section similar to FIG. 7 and showing an
assembled co-axial balanced-type breakaway coupling constructed in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a section similar to FIG. 8 and showing an assembled co-
axial inverted-type breakaway coupling constructed in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a breakaway hose coupling 10 constructed in
accordance with the invention and which includes a tubular male valve fitting
or
body 12 and a tubular female valve fitting or body 14 which are formed of a
metal such as aluminum and have corresponding hexagonal outer end surfaces
16 and 18, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the valve bodies 12 and 14
are shown in their coupled or connected position and are partially surrounded
by
a resilient and cylindrical sleeve or cover 20 which has an internal
circumferential
bead 22 which snap-fits into a mating external groove 23 within the valve body
16.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 3, the female valve body 14 defines an internal
fuel supply passage 25 and has an end portion with internal threads 27 for
receiving a fitting on the end of a short fuel supply hose (not shown)
extending
from a fuel pump or dispenser. A valve element or member 32 is supported for
axial movement within the center of the passage 25 by a valve stem 33 slidably
supported by a center cross portion 34 of a washer 36 (FIG. 5) secured within
the valve body 14 by a retaining ring 39. The valve member 32 carries a
resilient
sealing ring 42 which is normally urged toward a tapered or frusto-conical
surface or valve seat 44 by a compression spring 46. The valve member 32 has
an axially projecting center pin 48 which has a tapered or conical end surface
51.
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The valve body 14 defines a cylindrical bore 53 and a cylindrical end portion
54
having external threads and defines an annular or cylindrical counterbore or
cavity 56. The cavity 56 confines an annular latch spring 58, for example, in
the
form of a canted coil spring as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,655,462 . The
valve body 14 also defines a slightly larger diameter counterbore or cavity 61
is
connected to the counterbore 56 by a tapered or frusto-conical surface 62.
[0018] The male valve body 12 has internal threads 66 for receiving a
fitting on the end of a flexible fuel supply hose (not shown) which extends to
a
fuel dispensing nozzle (not shown). The valve body 12 includes a cylindrical
intermediate portion 68 which seats within the end portion 54 of the valve
body
14 and carries a pair of external resilient sealing rings 71 to form a fluid-
tight seal
with the end portion 54 of the valve body 14. The valve body 12 has a
cylindrical
inner end portion 73 which slides into the bore 53 and carries a resilient
external
sealing ring 74 to form a second fluid-tight seal between the valve bodies 12
and
14. An annular external seat 77 is formed on the valve body 12 and normally
retains the latch spring 58. A tapered or frusto-conical surface 79 extends
from
the seat 77 to the cylindrical outer surface of the body end portion 73.
[0019] The valve body 12 also supports a valve element or member 82
which includes a guide stem 84 supported for sliding movement within the
center
hole of another circular washer 36 in the same manner as the guide stem 34 of
the valve member 32 is supported for sliding movement. The washer 36 is
retained by a spring retaining washer 39, and the valve member 82 carries a
resilient sealing ring 86 which is adapted to seat on a tapered or frusto-
conical
surface 88 formed within the valve body 12. The valve member 82 also has a
tubular inner end portion 93 with a tapered or frusto-conical seat 94 which
receives the tapered end surface 51 of the valve member 32. A compression
spring 96 extends from the center portion of the washer 36 into a counterbore
within the valve member 82 and cooperates with the compression spring 46 to
center the valve members 32 and 82 in their open positions (FIG. 3) when the
valve bodies 12 and 14 are coupled or connected together.
[0020] In accordance with the present invention, diametrically opposite
cam surfaces 102 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are formed on the male valve body 12, and
opposing and mating diametrically opposite cam surfaces 104 are formed on the
female valve body 14. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-4, the cam surfaces
102 are formed on the end of a tubular or cylindrical sleeve or collar 106
which
is connected to the valve body 12 by mating threads 108 (FIG. 3). The cam
surfaces 104 are formed on the end of a tubular or cylindrical sleeve or
collar
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110 which is rigidly connected to the valve body 14 by mating threads 112.
Diametrically opposite V-shaped gaps 114 are defined between the cam
surfaces 102 and 104 to provide for assembling the valve bodies 12 and 14.
[0021] When the valve bodies 12 and 14 are separated (FIG. 4), the latch
spring 58 is rolled or shifted to the right (FIG. 3) until the spring 58
expands
outwardly into the large annular cavity 61. The valve body 12 is then inserted
into the valve body 14 until the cam surfaces 102 engage the cam surfaces 104.
The valve bodies 12 and 14 are then pulled axially apart by the width of the
gap
114 so that the latch spring 58 rolls inwardly due to pressure exerted by the
annular surface 77 until the latch spring is confined within the annular
recess 56,
as shown in FIG. 3. In this position, the latch spring 58 secures the valve
bodies
12 and 14 together in their normal connected and operating position. As
mentioned above, a substantial axial tension force, such as 300 pounds to 350
pounds, is required to separate the valve bodies 12 and 14 back to the
disconnected positions shown in FIG. 4.
[0022] When it is desired to separate the valve bodies 12 and 14 for
inspection and/or replacement of internal parts or components, such as the
springs and O-ring seals, a pair of wrenches, such as open end wrenches, are
inserted onto the hex surfaces 16 and 18, and torque is applied so that the
valve
bodies 12 and 14 are rotated relative to each other. This causes the cam
surfaces 102 and 104 to exert the necessary substantial axial tension force on
the valve bodies so that the valve body 12 collapses the latch spring 58
radially
until the valve bodies 12 and 14 are free to separate when the valve members
32 and 82 move to their closed positions, as shown in FIG. 4. As also shown in
FIG. 4, when the valve bodies 12 and 14 separate, the protective resilient
cover
20 remains with the male valve body 12 to provide protection for the tubular
end
portion 73 of the valve body 12.
[0023] A modification of the breakaway coupling is shown in FIGS. 6 and
7. In this embodiment, a breakaway coupling 10' has the same components as
the breakaway coupling 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-5, and
accordingly, the components are identified with the same reference numbers but
with the addition of prime marks. The primary difference in the embodiment
disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7 is that the diametrically opposite cam surfaces
102'
and the opposing diametrically opposite cam surfaces 104' are formed as
integral parts of the corresponding valve bodies 12' and 14'. Preferably, the
valve bodies 12' and 14' are machined from a metal such as aluminum using an
automatic machining tool center. Thus, the integral cam surfaces 102' and 104'
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may be easily formed on the valve bodies by appropriate programming of the
machining tool center.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 8, a breakaway coupling 120 is of the balanced-
type, for example, as disclosed in above mentioned Patent No. 4,763,683, and
wherein the fuel vapor within a motor vehicle fuel tank is displaced by the
incoming fuel and is directed back to the fuel dispenser pump through an outer
passage within a co-axial hose. In this embodiment, the coupling 120 includes
a male valve member or body 122 which couples with a female valve member
or body 124. The valve body 122 includes a fitting 126 which has internal
threads for receiving a co-axial hose (not shown), a hexagonal outer surface
127
and a center fuel supply passage 128 surrounded by circumferentially spaced
and axially extending vapor return passages 132. The fitting 126 is threaded
into
a tubular fitting extension 136 which has circumferentially spaced spacing
ribs
and a tubular portion 138 with a peripherally extending groove receiving the
latch
spring 58' and also has a tapered annular valve seat 141.
[0025] A valve member 144 is similar in construction to the valve member
82' and carries a resilient sealing ring 86' for engaging the valve seat 141.
The
valve member 144 has a center valve stem 146 which is supported for axial
movement by a frusto-conical washer 148 similar to the washer 36 and having
openings spaced around a hub portion. The outer peripheral portion of the
washer 148 seats on the end of a tubular portion 151 of the fitting 126. A
compression spring 152 surrounds the stem 146 and urges the valve member
144 towards a closed portion engaging the seat 141. The fitting extension 136
has peripherally extending cam surfaces 154 with a diametrically opposite V-
shaped configuration similar to the cam surfaces 102 described above.
[0026] The female valve body 124 includes a tubular fitting 156 which
defines a continuation of the center fuel supply passage 128 and has a
hexagonal outer surface 161 and internal threads 162 for receiving a fitting
(not
shown) on the end of a relatively short co-axial fuel supply hose such as
disclosed in above mentioned Patent No. 4,763,683. The fitting 156 also has
vapor return passages 132 and is threadably connected to a tubular valve body
168 which defines a tapered annular valve seat 171 extending to a counterbore
which receives the tubular portion 138 of the fitting extension 136. The valve
body 168 surrounds a valve member 173 which carries a resilient sealing ring
and has a tip portion 174 projecting axially into a bore formed within the
valve
member 144. The valve member 173 also has a stem portion 178 which is
slidably supported by another conical washer 148 engaging and seated on the
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inner end of the fitting 156. Another compression spring 152 surrounds the
valve
stem 178 and urges the valve member 173 towards a closed position engaging
the valve seat 171. As apparent from FIG. 8, when the valve bodies 122 and
124 are pressed axially together, the valve members 144 and 173 move to their
open positions compressing the corresponding springs 152.
[0027] A tubular housing 180 has a cylindrical outer surface and one end
portion attached to the fitting 156. The opposite end portion of the housing
180
slides onto the fitting 126, and resilient sealing rings 182 form fluid-tight
connections between the housing 180 and the fittings 126 and 156. The housing
180 cooperates with the concentrically spaced valve bodies 136 and 168 to
define a continuation of the vapor return passages 132 within the fittings 126
and 156. An annular resilient lip seal 188 is confined within the housing 180
between a ring 191 and a ring 193, and the seal 188 and rings 191 and 193
move axially to open positions (FIG. 8) forming a continuation of the vapor
return
passage 132 when the valve bodies 122 and 124 are assembled or coupled
together. When the valve bodies are separated, the annular lip seal 188 and
the
rings 191 and 193 move to the left within the housing 180 in response to a
force
exerted by a compression spring 196. When the lip seal 188 engages the outer
cylindrical surface of the valve body 168, the vapor return passage 132 is
closed
simultaneously with the closing of the fuel supply passage 128 by the valve
members 144 and 173. A set of three circumferentially spaced and axially
extending pins 198 have end portions secured to the ring 193 and extend within
the vapor return passage 132. The opposite end portions of the pins 198
project
between the spacing ribs on the fitting extension 136 and engage the inner end
of the fitting 126. When the valve bodies 122 and 124 are coupled together,
the
pins 198 shift the rings 191 and 193 and the sealing ring 188 to the open
position (FIG. 8) so that the fuel vapor is free to flow through the passage
132
of the coupling 120.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 8, the inner end of the valve body member 168
has peripherally extending cam surfaces 204 with a diametrically opposite V-
shaped configuration mating with the cam surfaces 154. The cam surfaces 154
and 204 function in the same manner as the cam surfaces 102 and 104 and 102'
and 104' described above, that is, to separate the valve bodies 122 and 124
axially in response to relative rotation of the fittings 126 and 156 of the
valve
bodies, respectively. To protect the valve bodies 122 and 124 and the cam
surfaces 154 and 204, a cylindrical cover sleeve 206 of a resilient plastics
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material, has one end portion secured to the fitting 126 and remains with the
valve body 122 when the valve bodies 122 and 124 are separated.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 9, a breakaway coupling 220 is of the inverted-
type, that is, has a center vapor return passage 222 surrounded by a fuel
supply
passage 224. The coupling 220 includes a male valve member or body 226 and
a female valve member or body 228, and the valve body 226 includes a stepped
tubular portion 232 having a peripherally extending groove 233 which receives
the latch spring 58. The tubular portion 232 also has a tapered annular valve
seat 236 and supports a concentric inner tube 238 having peripherally spaced
positioning ribs 239 engaging the valve body 226 and secured by a retaining
ring. The inner tube 238 supports a slidable tubular valve member 242 which
carries a resilient sealing ring 243. A compression spring 246 urges the valve
member 242 towards a closed position where the sealing ring 243 engages the
valve seat 236. The inner tube 238 also supports an internal tubular wire coil
248 having an axially extending end portion or pin 249 within the center of
the
tube 238.
[0030] The valve body 228 defines a tapered annular valve seat 252 and
has an innertubular portion 256 which slidably receives innertubular portion
232
of the valve body 226. The valve body 228 also supports a center tube 258
having peripherally spaced positioning ribs 259 secured by a retaining ring
and
having an inner tubular portion 262 defining an annular tapered valve seat
264.
The center tube 258 also supports another tubular valve member 242 which
carries a resilient sealing ring 243, and another compression spring 246 urges
the valve member 242 towards a closed position engaging the valve seat 252.
When the valve bodies 226 and 228 are connected or coupled together, the
inner opposing ends of the two valve members 242 contact each other at 266.
[0031] The center tube 258 also supports an internal conical compression
spring 272 which seats on an annular shoulder within the tube 258 and supports
a valve member 274. The valve member 274 carries a resilient sealing ring 276
for engaging the valve seat 264 when the valve bodies 226 and 228 are
separated. When the valve bodies are coupled together, the center pin 249 of
the coil 248 extends into the valve member 274 and shifts it to an open
position
(FIG. 9) against the bias of the spring 272, thereby opening the vapor passage
222. As also apparent, when the valve bodies 222 and 226 are separated, the
valve members 242 shift to their closed positions against the valve seats 236
and 252 in response to the forces exerted by the compression springs 246.
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[0032] The valve bodies 226 and 228 of the coaxial coupling 220 also has
a set of mating and opposing V-shaped cam surfaces 280 and 282, respectively.
The cam surfaces function to separate the valve bodies 226 and 228 and
overcome the connection by the latch spring 58' in response to relative
rotation
of the valve bodies 226 and 228 with the use of wrenches attached to outer end
surfaces of the valve bodies. The cam surfaces 280 and 282 are protected by
a resilient plastic sleeve 284 which receives the inner portion 256 of the
valve
body 228 and is attached to the valve body 226.
[0033] From the drawings and the above description, it is apparent that
a breakaway coupling constructed in accordance with the invention provides
desirable features and advantages. As a primary advantage, the breakaway
coupling of the invention may be conveniently and quickly inspected for
regular
or periodic maintenance and to insure proper operation of the internal valve
members by simply rotating the valve bodies relative to each other with
conventional hand tools or wrenches. In addition, the separation of the valve
bodies may be performed without disconnecting any flexible hoses from the
valve bodies. Also, the resilient outer tubular sleeve or cover protects the
valve
bodies and cam surfaces and prevents dust and dirt from entering the gap
between the cam surfaces. As described above in connection with FIGS. 8 and
9, the opposing cam surfaces may be formed on coaxial breakaway couplings
with vapor return passages such as a balanced-type coupling shown in FIG. 8
or an inverted-type coupling shown in FIG. 9. The separation means of the
invention also eliminates the need for a specially formed tool as disclosed in
above-mentioned Patent No. 6,182,695.
[0034] While embodiments of the invention have been described in the
detailed description, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the
preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the
broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
What is claimed is:
