Valve connector compatible with multiple valve standards

Abstract

Valve connector (10), comprising: a housing (20) with an outer sleeve (21), a pivot pin (22) and a lever (23), wherein the outer sleeve (21) has a through slot (211) extending along a reference axis (L), an actuating end (212) and a coupling end (213) arranged along the reference axis (L) opposite the actuating end (212), wherein the pivot pin (22) is mounted on the actuating end (212), wherein the lever (23) is pivotable about the pivot pin (22) between a release position and a clamping position at the actuating end (212), wherein the lever (23) has a bearing section (231) and a pressing section (232) provided on an outer circumference in the radial direction of the pivot pin (22), wherein a distance from the bearing section (231) to a center of the pivot pin (22) defines a first radius (R1), wherein a distance from the pressure section (232) to the center of the pivot pin (22) defines a second radius (R2),and where the second radius (R2) minus the first radius (R1) is greater than 1.5 mm; and , a clamping device (30) with a push-button seat (31) arranged in the through slot (211) and configured to be pressed by the lever (23) so that it moves axially along the reference axis (L), wherein when the lever (23) is in the release position, the bearing section (231) rests against the push-button seat (31), and wherein when the lever (23) is in the clamping position, the push-button section (232) rests against the push-button seat (31).

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve connector, in particular a valve connector that is compatible with several valve standards, including American (Schrader), French (Presta) and English (Dunlop) valves.

[0002] Taiwanese patent no. TWI729851 B, entitled "Valve Connector Applicable to Multiple Valve Types," discloses a valve connector comprising a housing, a push element, a switching element, a lever, a clamping element, a push-type core, and an elastic element. The housing has a head comprising a first chamber and a second chamber. The push element is movably mounted within the head. The switching element is pivotally mounted within the first chamber and configured to actuate the push element, causing it to move. The lever is pivotally mounted at one end of the head and is pivotable relative to the head to actuate the switching element.The clamping element is an annular element made of a soft material and is positioned in the second chamber such that it can be selectively pressed by the push element, thereby selectively reducing the inner diameter of the clamping element to adapt it to an English, French, or American valve. The push core is movably arranged within the interior of the push element and the clamping element. The elastic element is positioned between the push element and the push core.

[0003] However, since the outer diameters of American (Schrader), French (Presta) and English (Dunlop) valves differ considerably, the above structure requires that the switching element control the movement and configuration of the pressure element in such a way that the connector can be adapted to these three valve types, resulting in a complicated structure. Brief description of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a valve connector comprising a housing and a clamping device. The housing has an outer sleeve, a pivot pin, and a lever. The outer sleeve has a through-slot extending along a reference axis, as well as an actuating end and a coupling end arranged opposite the actuating end along the reference axis. The pivot pin is mounted at the actuating end. The lever is pivotable about the pivot pin between a release position and a clamping position at the actuating end. The lever has a bearing section and a pressing section provided on an outer circumference in the radial direction of the pivot pin. A distance from the bearing section to the center of the pivot pin defines a first radius, a distance from the pressing section to the center of the pivot pin defines a second radius, and the second radius minus the first radius is greater than 1.5 mm.The clamping device has a push-button seat located in the through-slot and configured to be pressed by the lever, causing it to move axially along the reference axis. When the lever is in the release position, the contact section rests against the push-button seat. When the lever is in the clamping position, the pressing section rests against the push-button seat. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a valve connector compatible with multiple valve standards according to the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the valve connector from Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve connector of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 4 shows a view in the working state to illustrate the valve connector of Fig. 1, which is connected to an American valve; Fig. Figure 5 shows a view in the working state to illustrate the valve connector of Fig. 1, which is connected to a French valve; and Fig. Figure 6 shows a view in the working state to illustrate the valve connector of Fig. 1, which is connected to an English valve. Detailed description of the invention

[0005] The Fig. Figures 1 to 6 show a perspective view, a perspective exploded view, a cross-sectional view, and views in the state of use of a valve connector 10 compatible with several valve standards according to the present invention. The valve connector 10 comprises a housing 20 and a clamping device 30.

[0006] The housing 20 comprises an outer sleeve 21, a pivot pin 22, and a lever 23. The outer sleeve 21 has a through slot 211 extending along a reference axis L and defines an actuating end 212 and a coupling end 213, which is arranged opposite the actuating end 212 along the reference axis L. The pivot pin 22 is inserted into the actuating end 212. The lever 23 is pivotably mounted on the actuating end 212 about the pivot pin 22 between a release position and a clamping position. The lever 23 has a bearing section 231 and a pressing section 232, which are provided on an outer circumference in the radial direction of the pivot pin 22. A distance from the contact section 231 to the center of the pivot pin 22 defines a first radius R1, and a distance from the pressure section 232 to the center of the pivot pin 22 defines a second radius R2, wherein the second radius R2 minus the first radius R1 is greater than 1.5 mm.

[0007] The clamping device 30 has a push-button seat 31, which is arranged in the through-slot 211 and configured to be pressed by the lever 23, causing it to move axially along the reference axis L. When the lever 23 is in the release position, the contact section 231 rests against the push-button seat 31. When the lever 23 is in the clamping position, the push-button section 232 rests against the push-button seat 31.

[0008] The clamping device 30 has a first sealing ring 32 arranged in the through slot 211. The actuator seat 31 is located adjacent to the actuating end 212, and the first sealing ring 32 is located adjacent to the coupling end 213. One end of the actuator seat 31 rests against the lever 23, and an opposite end of the actuator seat 31 is in direct contact with the first sealing ring 32. When the lever 23 is in the clamping position, the actuator seat 31 compresses and deforms the first sealing ring 32.

[0009] In the push-button seat 31, a receiving opening 311 is formed, which is recessed axially from one end of it adjacent to the coupling end 213 in the direction of the actuating end 212 along the reference axis L, and has two clamping sections 312, which are each arranged on opposite sides of the receiving opening 311, so that when the lever 23 is in the release position, the two clamping sections 312 are separated from each other, and when the lever 23 is in the clamping position, the two clamping sections 312 approach each other.

[0010] A shoulder section 214 is provided within the through-slot 211 of the outer sleeve 21. The width of the through-slot 211 on a side of the shoulder section 214 adjacent to the coupling end 213 in the radial direction of the reference axis L is smaller than the width of the through-slot 211 on a side of the shoulder section 214 adjacent to the actuating end 212 in the radial direction of the reference axis L. When the lever 23 is in the release position, the two clamping sections 312 bear against an inner circumference of the through-slot 211 on the side of the shoulder section 214 adjacent to the actuating end 212. When the lever 23 is in the clamping position, the two clamping sections 312 bear against an inner circumference of the through-slot 211 on the side of the shoulder section 214 adjacent to the coupling end 213.

[0011] One end of the receiving opening 311 adjacent to the actuating end 212 is closed. A spring 33 and a push button 34 are arranged in the receiving opening 311. One end of the spring 33 rests against a bottom surface of the receiving opening 311. The push button 34 is received in the receiving opening 311 such that it is axially movable relative to the push button seat 31 along the reference axis L, and is arranged at one end opposite a projection 36 in a sleeve-like manner on the spring 33.

[0012] The first sealing ring 32 has a first coupling hole 321 extending along the reference axis L. An annular recess 341, tapering in the radial direction of the reference axis L, is formed on an outer circumference of the actuator 34. The width of the tapered recess 341 on the side adjacent to the actuating end 212 in the radial direction of the reference axis L is smaller than the width of the tapered recess 341 on the side adjacent to the coupling end 213 in the radial direction of the reference axis L. When the lever 23 is in the release position, the two clamping sections 312 of the actuator 34 disengage, and an American valve (AV) can be inserted into the first coupling hole 321.When the lever 23 is in the clamping position, the two clamping sections 312 engage with the tapered recess 341, which is compressed by the clamping sections 312 to cause the pusher 34 to depress a valve core VC of the American valve AV.

[0013] The clamping device 30 has a second sealing ring 35 which is adapted to an end of the pusher seat 31 adjacent to the coupling end 213.

[0014] The second sealing ring 35 has a second coupling hole 351 extending along the reference axis L. The inner circumference of the second coupling hole 351 is smaller than the inner circumference of the first coupling hole 321 and is less than 5 mm.

[0015] The housing 20 has a cap element 24 which is screwed to the coupling end 213. An end of the first sealing ring 32 opposite the actuator seat 31 rests against the cap element 24.

[0016] With the structure described above, the valve connector 10 is compatible with several valve types. An American valve (AV), a French valve (FV), and an English valve (EV) can be inserted into the first coupling hole 321. When the lever 23 is in the clamping position, it presses against the actuator seat 31 to compress the first sealing ring 32, so that the first sealing ring 32 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the American valve (AV), the French valve (FV), and the English valve (EV) to form an airtight seal and prevent them from detaching from the valve connector 10 during inflation.

[0017] The advantages of the present invention can be summarized as follows: The valve connector 10 is compatible with several valve types. It comprises a housing 20 with an outer sleeve 21, a pivot pin 22, and a lever 23. A through slot 211 is formed in the outer sleeve 21 along a reference axis L. The outer sleeve 21 has an actuating end 212 and a coupling end 213. The pivot pin 22 is mounted on the actuating end 212. The lever 23 is pivotably mounted on the actuating end 212 and has a contact section 231 and a pressure section 232. The distance between the contact section 231 and the pivot pin 22 defines a first radius R1. The distance between the pressure section 232 and the pivot pin 22 defines a second radius R2, with the difference between the radii being greater than 1.5 mm. The clamping device 30 has a push-button seat 31 which is arranged in the through slot 211 and is configured to move axially when pressed by the lever 23.When the lever 23 is in the release position, the contact section 231 rests against the actuator seat 31. When the lever 23 is in the clamping position, the pressure section 232 rests against the actuator seat 31. This design allows for compatibility with various valve types. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] TWI729851 B

[0002]

Claims

[1] Valve connector (10), comprising: a housing (20) with an outer sleeve (21), a pivot pin (22) and a lever (23), wherein the outer sleeve (21) has a through slot (211) extending along a reference axis (L), an actuating end (212) and a coupling end (213) arranged along the reference axis (L) opposite the actuating end (212), wherein the pivot pin (22) is mounted on the actuating end (212), wherein the lever (23) is pivotable about the pivot pin (22) between a release position and a clamping position at the actuating end (212), wherein the lever (23) has a bearing section (231) and a pressing section (232) provided on an outer circumference in the radial direction of the pivot pin (22), wherein a distance from the bearing section (231) to a center of the pivot pin (22) defines a first radius (R1), wherein a distance from The pressure section (232) defines a second radius (R2) towards the center of the pivot pin (22),and where the second radius (R2) minus the first radius (R1) is greater than 1.5 mm; and, a clamping device (30) with a push-button seat (31) arranged in the through slot (211) and configured to be pressed by the lever (23) so that it moves axially along the reference axis (L), wherein when the lever (23) is in the release position, the bearing section (231) rests against the push-button seat (31), and wherein when the lever (23) is in the clamping position, the push-button section (232) rests against the push-button seat (31). [2] Valve connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping device (30) further comprises a first sealing ring (32) arranged in the through slot (211), wherein the actuator seat (31) is arranged adjacent to the actuating end (212) and the first sealing ring (32) is arranged adjacent to the coupling end (213), wherein one end of the actuator seat (31) rests against the lever (23) and an opposite end of the actuator seat (31) is in direct contact with the first sealing ring (32), and wherein, when the lever (23) is in the clamping position, the actuator seat (31) compresses and deforms the first sealing ring (32). [3] Valve connector (10) according to claim 2, wherein the actuator seat (31) has a receiving opening (311) which is recessed axially from an end thereof adjacent to the coupling end (213) in the direction of the actuating end (212) along the reference axis (L), wherein the actuator seat (31) has two clamping sections (312) which are each arranged on opposite sides of the receiving opening (311), such that when the lever (23) is in the release position, the two clamping sections (312) are separated from each other, and wherein when the lever (23) is in the clamping position, the two clamping sections (312) approach each other. [4] Valve connector (10) according to claim 3, wherein a shoulder section (214) is provided within the through-slot (211) of the outer sleeve (21), wherein a width of the through-slot (211) on a side of the shoulder section (214) adjacent to the coupling end (213) in the radial direction of the reference axis (L) is smaller than a width of the through-slot (211) on a side of the shoulder section (214) adjacent to the actuating end (212) in the radial direction of the reference axis (L), wherein, when the lever (23) is in the release position, the two clamping sections (312) bear against an inner circumference of the through-slot (211) on the side of the shoulder section (214) adjacent to the actuating end (212), and wherein, when the lever (23) is in the clamping position, the two clamping sections (312) bear against an inner circumference of the through-slot (211) on the side of the shoulder section (214) adjacent to the coupling end (213). [5] Valve connector (10) according to claim 3, wherein an end of the receiving opening (311) adjacent to the actuating end (212) is closed, wherein a spring (33) and a push button (34) are arranged inside the receiving opening (311), wherein one end of the spring (33) rests against a bottom surface of the receiving opening (311), wherein the push button (34) is received in the receiving opening (311) in such a way that it is axially movable relative to the push button seat (31) along the reference axis (L), and is arranged at one end opposite a projection (36) in a sleeve-like manner on the spring (33). [6] Valve connector (10) according to claim 5, wherein the first sealing ring (32) has a first coupling hole (321) extending along the reference axis (L), wherein an annular, tapered recess (341) is formed on an outer circumference of the actuator (34) in the radial direction of the reference axis (L), wherein a width of the tapered recess (341) on a side adjacent to the actuating end (212) in the radial direction of the reference axis (L) is smaller than a width of the tapered recess (341) on a side adjacent to the coupling end (213) in the radial direction of the reference axis (L), such that when the lever (23) is in the release position, the two clamping sections (312) are disengaged from the actuator (34) and an American valve (AV) can be inserted into the first coupling hole (321), and wherein, when the lever (23) is in the clamping position,the two clamping sections (312) are configured to engage with the tapered recess (341) so that the tapered recess (341) is compressed by the two clamping sections (312) to cause the actuator (34) to depress a valve core (VC) of the American valve (AV). [7] Valve connector (10) according to claim 6, wherein the clamping device (30) further comprises a second sealing ring (35) adapted to an end of the actuator seat (31) adjacent to the coupling end (213), wherein the second sealing ring (35) has a second coupling hole (351) extending along the reference axis (L), wherein an inner circumferential width of the second coupling hole (351) is smaller than an inner circumferential width of the first coupling hole (321) and is less than 5 mm. [8] Valve connector (10) according to claim 2, wherein the housing (20) further comprises a cap element (24) which is screwed to the coupling end (213), and wherein an end of the first sealing ring (32) rests against the cap element (24) opposite the actuator seat (31).

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