Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02322911 2000-10-11
PRESSURIZED HOSE COUPLING
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a pressurized
s hose coupling which is simple in construction and which uses
line pressure to positively engage a flexible hose with the
coupling.
BACKGROUND ART
~o Various pressurized air hose couplings are known
to couple a pressurized line to a flexible hose. Couplings
using nipple ends and lock collars are also known and
reference is made to U.S. Patent 3,885,819 as a typical
example of prior art couplings that resemble the type of
t5 connector to which the present invention relates. However,
in that patent, the connector utilizes an end cap to receive
the end of the hose fitted over the nipple. The sleeve is
also dimensioned to be supported on the end cap. The nipple
is provided with ridges as well as the inner surface of the
2o ring. The end cap is also transparent to locate the end of
the hose to make sure it remains immovable on the nipple.
In the patent, the sleeve is hand-squeezed
forwardly on the hose to connect the hose between its ridges
and the ridges of the nipple. The cap is also preferably
z5 formed of a thermo-plastic material to retain the steel ring
thereon by friction fit. Alternatively, the ring could be
formed of plastic and the abutment cap formed of steel to
obtain the same friction-fit retention. A problem with such
design is that because the nipple has ridges thereon, it is
3o sometimes difficult to push the hose entirely over the
elongated nipple and locate it into the cap cavity. Also,
the ring must be drawn forward towards the enlarged portion
of the nipple in order to squeeze the hose tightly thereover
while at the same time maintaining the hose snuggly fitted
35 in the end cap. This finger force securement of the ring
does not always result in a solid attachment of the flexible
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hose end over the nipple and could cause the hose to loosen
and disconnect during use or cause leakage. Furthermore,
the inner surface of the sleeve is not parallel to the
nipple outer surface and therefore only a portion of the
s sleeve is used to clamp the hose and making it more
susceptible to leakage.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is a feature of the present invention to
~o provide a fluid pressure hose coupling which overcomes the
above-mentioned disadvantage of the prior art and which is
simple to construct and has fewer parts.
Another feature of the present invention is to
provide a fluid pressure hose coupling which utilizes the
~s pressure in the supply line to effect the attachment of the
flexible hose on the nipple end of the coupling and wherein
the hose as well as the hose clamping sleeve is displaced
during connection of the hose to the coupling.
Another feature of the present invention is to
2o provide a fluid pressure hose coupling wherein a flexible
hose end can be easily slid over a nipple outer smooth
surface, easily secured thereover and easily disconnectable
from the coupling.
A still further feature of the present invention
2s is to provide a fluid pressure hose coupling wherein the
hose pressure in the line acts against the cylindrical hose
clamping sleeve to assist in displacing the sleeve over the
hose as the sleeve and the hose are pulled together over the
nipple.
3o According to the above features, from a broad
aspect, the present invention provides a fluid pressure hose
coupling for connecting a flexible hose to a pressurized
fluid line. The coupling has a through bore. Connecting
means is provided for securing the body to a pressurizable
3s line. The coupling has a cylindrical nipple end section
having a circumferentially smooth tapered cone-like outer
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surface having a larger outer diameter section at a free end
thereof. The larger outer diameter is greater than an inner
diameter of a flexible hose to slide thereover. The free
end has an inwardly tapered circumferential front end wall
s adapted to assist a hose end inner wall section to be slid
over the smooth tapered cone-like outer surface of the
nipple end section. A cylindrical hose clamping sleeve is
positionable about the nipple end section and has an
inwardly tapered inner surface whose diameter is larger at a
io front end thereof. The inner surface is parallel to the
nipple end section outer surface. The cylindrical sleeve
when disposed concentrically about the nipple end section
with the larger inner diameter at the front end aligned with
the larger outer diameter section of the nipple, forms a
hose compression gap which is narrower than a wall thickness
of an end section of a flexible hose to be slid over the
nipple end section whereby positioning the sleeve over the
hose end section, when disposed over the nipple end section,
and drawing the hose and sleeve towards the free end of the
2o coupling when fluid pressure is applied, causes the sleeve
to compress the inner hose section over at least the larger
outer diameter section of the tapered outer surface of the
nipple end section. The hose end section is disconnected
from the nipple end section by removing pressure from the
is hose and pushing the sleeve rearwardly away from the nipple
end section free end out of contact with the hose and
pulling the hose out of frictional engagement with the
nipple end section.
According to another broad aspect of the present
3o invention there is provided a fluid pressure hose coupling
having a cylindrical nipple end section as above-described
but wherein a circumferential channel is provided in the
body and disposed concentrically about the nipple rearwardly
thereof. The channel has an open end facing the free end of
35 the nipple end section and disposed above the larger outer
diameter section. A cylindrical hose clamping sleeve having
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a cylindrical piston end and an opposed inwardly tapered
inner clamping surface whose diameter is larger at a front
end thereof is also provided. The inner surface is parallel
to the nipple end section outer surface. A flexible 0-ring
s is disposed in the channel adjacent an end wall of the
channel. Conduit means interconnects the end wall to the
through bore. The cylindrical piston end when disposed in
the channel against the O-ring forms a hose end receiving
gap between the tapered inner surface of the clamping sleeve
~o and the tapered outer surface of the nipple end section to
receive an end section of a flexible hose slid over the
nipple end section and into the compression gap whereupon,
when fluid pressure is applied to the line, pressure will
act upon the O-ring through the conduit means and against
15 the cylindrical piston end urging the clamping sleeve
together with the hose end section outwardly and causing the
hose end section to be compressed between the tapered inner
surface of the clamping sleeve and the larger outer diameter
section at a free end of the tapered outer surface of the
zo nipple end section which move closer together to diminish
the gap a distance less than the thickness of the hose.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention
z5 will now be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded partly sectioned view of a
first embodiment of a fluid pressure hose coupling of the
present invention;
3o FIG. 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing
a hose positioned over the smooth tapered cone-like outer
surface of the cylindrical nipple end section of the
coupling;
FIG. 3 is a still further view similar to Figure
35 2 but showing the cylindrical hose clamping sleeve
positioned over the hose;
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FIG. 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing
the position of the hose and cylindrical hose clamping
sleeve in a secured position about the nipple end section of
the coupling;
s FIG. 5 is a side view of a hose coupled to the
coupling and a partly section view of the threaded connector
secured to a pressurized line;
FIG. 6 is a fragmented perspective view of a
further embodiment of a fluid pressure hose coupling
~o constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a section view of the hose coupling of
Figure 6;
FIG. 8 is a partly sectioned side view of the
fluid pressure hose coupling of Figure 6 and showing an end
~s section of a flexible hose to be secured thereto;
FIG. 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 but showing
the end section of the flexible hose disposed over the
nipple end section of the coupling;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 but showing
zo the hose in its secured position over the nipple end section
and the hose clamping sleeve in engagement therewith; and
FIG. 11 is a section view of the coupling showing
a modification of the conduit leading to the circumferential
channel formed in the body.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, and more
particularly to Figures 1 to 5, there will be described the
construction and operation of the fluid pressure hose
3o coupling 10 of a first embodiment of the present invention.
As hereinshown, the coupling 10 has a threaded connecting
pipe section 11 for threaded engagement with a pressure line
12, as shown in Figure 5. A through bore 13 extends through
the body 14 of the coupling. The body 14 also has a hexagon
3s cylindrical section 15 whereby to be engaged by a tool to
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thread the connecting pipe section 11 in the pressure line
12.
The coupling 10 is also provided at the opposed
end to the threaded pipe section 11 with a cylindrical
s nipple end section 16 provided with a circumferentially
smooth tapered cone-line outer surface 17. This smooth
surface facilitates the sliding of the end section 18' of a
flexible pipe 18 thereover. As also hereinshown, the nipple
end section 16 has a larger outer diameter section 19 at a
~o free end thereof. The larger diameter is greater than the
inner diameter "d" of the flexible hose 18 to be slid
thereover. The free end of the nipple end section also has
an inwardly tapered circumferential front end wall 20 which
assists the hose end inner wall section to be slid over the
~s smooth tapered cone-like outer surface 17.
A cylindrical hose clamping sleeve 21 is
positioned about the nipple end section 16 and has an
inwardly tapered inner surface 22 whose diameter is larger
at a front end 22' thereof and tapers inwardly towards the
zo rear end. The inner surface 22 extends substantially
parallel to the nipple end section outer surface 17.
As can be seen from Figures 1 to 4, when the
cylindrical sleeve is disposed concentrically about the
nipple end section with the larger inner diameter at the
z5 front end aligned with the larger outer diameter section 19
of the nipple end section it forms a hose compression gap 23
which is narrower than the thickness of the wall 24 of the
flexible hose 18 to be slid over the nipple end section
whereby positioning the sleeve over the hose end section and
3o drawing the hose and the sleeve together towards the free
end of the coupling when fluid pressure is applied to the
line 12, causes the sleeve to compress the hose section over
at least the larger outer diameter section 19 of the tapered
outer surface of the nipple end section, as clearly shown in
35 Figure 4. As hereinshown, the end wall 25 of the flexible
hose 18 also displaces itself away from the tool engaging
CA 02322911 2000-10-11
portion 15 of the connector and as it slides up the nipple
smooth outer surface 17, it becomes positively engaged by
the gripping means herein constituted by a plurality of
circumferential ridges 26 provided on the inner surface of
s the sleeve 21.
The gripping means may also be constituted by
different types of projections extending inwardly from the
inner surface 22 of the sleeve and hereinshown it is
comprised of two or more circumferential ridges of sawtooth
~o cross-section, each defining a rearwardly sloping front wall
27 leading to a sharp ridge 28 and an abrupt transverse rear
wall 29. The inner surface 22 of the sleeve may also be
casted or machined to be a rough surface to provide
frictional retention with the outer surface of the flexible
i5 piping and thus providing some gripping thereof as the force
acting on the sleeve is that of the pulling finger force
provided by the user person as well as the pushing force
exerted in the hose by the pressure which can be in the
order of 100 psi. Both these forces provide for a solid
2o compression attachment of the hose clamping sleeve about the
flexible hose.
In order to disconnect the hose end section from
the nipple end section of the coupling, it is necessary to
remove pressure from the hose section or the pressure line
z5 12 and pushing the sleeve and hose end rearwardly on the
smooth outer surface 17 away from the nipple end section
until the sleeve is out of contact with the hose.
Thereafter the hose is simply pulled out of its frictional
engagement with the nipple end section.
3o Referring now to Figures 6 to 10, there is shown a
further embodiment of the pressure hose coupling, herein
generally designated by reference numeral 10'. This
coupling 10' is also provided with a cylindrical nipple end
section 16 having the smooth outer surface 17 and the
3s inwardly tapered circumferential front end wall 20 to
facilitate slipping the end section of the flexible hose 18
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thereover. The coupling also has the threaded connecting
pipe section 11 and the tool engaging section 15. However,
in this embodiment, the body 14 of the coupling and its
sleeve 30 are differently constructed as will be described
s hereinbelow.
As more clearly illustrated in Figure 7, the
coupling body 14 is provided with a circumferential channel
31 which is disposed concentrically about the nipple end
section 16 and disposed rearwardly thereof. The
~o circumferential channel has an open end 32 facing the free
end section of the nipple and is disposed above the larger
outer diameter section 19. The cylindrical hose clamping
sleeve 30 is provided with a cylindrical piston end 33 and
an opposed inwardly tapered inner clamping surface 34 whose
is diameter is larger at a front end 35 thereof. The inner
clamping surface 34 extends substantially parallel to the
nipple end section outer surface 17, as is the case with the
hose coupling of the first embodiment. A flexible 0-ring 36
is disposed in the channel 31 adjacent an end wall 37 of the
2o channel. Conduit means in the form of a rearwardly
angulated conduit 38 interconnects the rear portion of the
channel 31 to the through bore 13 of the coupling. The
conduit 38 is inwardly sloped whereby not to obstruct the
pressured air flow flowing through the coupling in the
z5 direction of arrow 39.
As hereinshown, when the cylindrical piston end 33
of the clamping sleeve 30 is disposed in the channel 31
against the O-ring 36, it forms a hose receiving gap between
the tapered inner surface 34 of the clamping sleeve and the
so tapered outer smooth surface 17 of the nipple end section to
receive the end section 18' of the flexible hose 18, as more
clearly illustrated in Figure 9. As previously described,
the end section 18' of the flexible pipe is slid over the
nipple end section and this is facilitated by the smoothness
3s of the front end wall 20 and outer surface 17. The end wall
25 of the flexible pipe is slid over the nipple end section
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until it abuts the abutment wall 41 of the coupling body
below the open end 32 of the channel 31. However, because
the end section of the flexible pipe is disposed under the
clamping sleeve 30 there is further provided a sighting hole
s 42 in the clamping sleeve and aligned with the abutment wall
41 whereby the hose end is visible under the sleeve 30 to
make sure the hose is in proper position.
With the hose end section positioned over the
nipple end section as shown in Figure 9, the sleeve can then
~o be placed in engagement with the hose section. To do this,
fluid pressure is applied to the line and into the flexible
hose 18 and the fluid pressure passes through the conduit 38
and pushes the 0-ring 36 forwardly into the channel applying
pressure against the piston end section 33 of the sleeve. of
15 The pushing force of the fluid pressure cause the sleeve and
the end section of the flexible hose to move forwardly to an
engaged position as illustrated in Figure 10. The hose end
section is then compressed between the tapered inner surface
34 of the clamping sleeve 30 and the larger outer diameter
2o section 19 at the free end of the tapered outer smooth
surface of the nipple end section 16 as these surfaces move
closer together to diminish the gap opening to a distance
which is less than the thickness of the hose. The 0-ring is
in constant pressure against the sleeve as long as there is
25 pressure in the line, thus preventing accidental
disconnection of the sleeve.
As shown in Figure 10, the cylindrical piston end
33 is further provided with a fluid exhaust hole 50 in an
intermediate area thereof whereby to exhaust any fluid that
3o may accumulate in the space 51 formed between the rear
circumferential wall 25 of the flexible hose 18 and an inner
surface portion 52 as well as the rear abutment wall 41
behind the nipple end section which is formed as the hose is
initially urged outwardly with the cylindrical piston.
35 Similar to the embodiment described in Figures 1
to 5, the inner clamping surface 34 is also provided with
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gripping means to engage in the outer surface of the
flexible hose end section. Again this gripping means is
hereinshown as constituted by gripping projections in the
form of one or more circumferential ridges 55 of sawtooth
s cross-section.
It is also pointed out that the cylindrical piston
end 33 of the sleeve is dimensioned for close sliding fit in
the circumferential channel. The flexible 0-ring is formed
of suitable material such as rubber and is displaced in
to close friction fit for fluid pressure sealing contact in the
channel whereby to prevent any leakage. It is pointed out
that the O-ring may have a different cross-sectional shape.
In order to disconnect the hose from the
connector, it is first necessary to remove the fluid
15 pressure within the line and to push back the clamping
sleeve and hose end over the smooth outer surface 17. As
the end section of the hose moves rearwardly, the gripping
surface of the sleeve disengages with the outer surface of
the hose. The connector assembly and the hose end section
zo is thus in the position as shown in Figure 9 and by holding
firmly on the sleeve 30 about its knurled surface 30', the
hose end section 18' can be pulled away from the smooth
nipple end section 16.
Figure 11 shows a further modification of the
zs connector 10' and as hereinshown the conduit 38' is formed
differently than that illustrated in Figure 7. This conduit
38' extends into the end wall 37 of the circumferential
channel 31 immediately behind the 0-ring 36. The conduit
extends in front of the step portion 56. Although not
3o shown, one or more of these conduits could be formed in the
coupling body but it has been found that a single one is
sufficient to apply the pushing force against the piston end
of the clamping sleeve.
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It is within the ambit of the present invention to
cover any obvious modifications of the preferred embodiments
described herein, provided such modifications fall within
the scope of the appended claims.
