Connection part, hose coupling provided with the connection part, and method for connecting hoses - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connecting piece for a hose coupling, for example a hose coupling for a fire hose, comprising an annular element, a number of hook-like connecting elements arranged on and on the annular element, the hook-like connecting elements being adapted to engage with corresponding connecting parts of corresponding connecting parts to form a coupling, and wall surfaces on the inward-facing sides of the hook-like connecting elements, the wall surfaces being arranged at a chamfered angle with respect to the main throughflow direction of the connecting piece.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting part for a hose coupling, for example a hose coupling for a fire hose. [Background technology]

[0002] Various couplings are known in practice, in which connecting parts are used to which hoses or hose parts, in particular fire hoses, can be connected, by means of which the hoses or hose parts are connected to each other or to other points, such as connection points, connecting parts and manifolds. Such connecting parts usually use teeth or a series of hook-like elements embodied so that they can come into engagement with corresponding elements of other connecting members.

[0003] A problem with such known connecting means for connecting hoses is that the connecting parts of the hose coupling are difficult to position during connection and / or disconnection of them. This is particularly important when the coupling is used in the event of a disaster such as a fire. It therefore happens that, for example, during the release of a hose coupling, the connecting parts are pulled out of alignment with the other connecting parts. This makes it more difficult or even impossible to disconnect the connecting parts from each other. This means that more effort than necessary is required to disconnect the connecting parts.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connecting part which eliminates or at least reduces the above mentioned problems.

[0005] The invention relates to a connecting part according to the invention suitable for connecting hoses or hose parts, which comprises: An annular element; a number of hook-like connecting elements disposed on and in the annular element, the hook-like connecting elements being configured to engage with corresponding connecting parts of corresponding connecting parts to form a coupling; a wall surface on the inner side of the hook-shaped connecting element, the wall surface being provided at a chamfer angle with respect to the main throughflow direction of the connecting part; A connecting component is provided.

[0006] A hose part can relate to various types of hoses or hose parts and is also understood to mean tubes or pipes. The connection part according to the invention is particularly suitable for connecting so-called fire hoses or fire hose parts.

[0007] The annular element provides stability for the connecting part, which is provided with a number of hook-like connecting elements. The dimensions of the annular element are adapted to the type of hose or hose part. The hook-like elements are configured such that they can come into engagement with corresponding hook-like connecting elements of a corresponding connecting part, when the coupling is realised. In a currently preferred embodiment, the hook-like elements are provided integrally with the annular element, preferably provided from a single part.

[0008] According to the invention, the hook-shaped connecting element is provided with a wall on the inward side. This wall is provided at a chamfer angle with respect to the main throughflow direction of the connecting part. The wall partially follows the circumference or contour of the annular element. Providing the wall with a chamfer angle simplifies the connection, and in particular the disconnection, of two connected connecting parts. In practice, it has been found that these connecting parts are often pulled out of alignment to a certain extent, in particular during disconnection of the connecting parts. This causes the two connecting parts of the coupling to be clamped to each other, such that they cannot be effectively disconnected or cannot be disconnected at all without further effort. This prevents the coupling from being released. This becomes even more difficult if the hose is filled (for example with water). It has been found that by providing a chamfer angle, this misalignment can be prevented in an effective way or can be effectively reduced so that connecting parts that can be effectively utilized are actually obtained.

[0009] The chamfer angle is preferably in the range of 2 degrees to 25 degrees, preferably in the range of 5 degrees to 20 degrees, and most preferably the chamfer angle is about 15 degrees. It has been found that with such a chamfer angle misalignment of the connecting parts can be prevented in an effective manner. A connecting part which can be utilized in an effective and user-friendly manner is hereby provided.

[0010] A further particular advantage of the coupling part according to the invention is the weight reduction which can be realised with respect to conventional couplings: a conventional Storz coupling has a weight of about 11 kg, whereas a similar coupling with a connection part according to the invention has a weight of about 4 kg to about 5 kg. This makes the coupling according to the invention much more user-friendly which can be realised and contributes to even faster coupling and / or decoupling.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the connecting piece further comprises a positioning surface provided on the hook-shaped connecting element, the positioning surface being oriented substantially in the circumferential direction of the annular element, the positioning surface being provided at a positioning angle relative to the main through-flow direction of the connecting piece.

[0012] Providing the hook-like connecting element according to the invention with a so-called positioning surface at a positioning angle relative to the main through-flow direction of the connecting part provides a positioning or alignment function for the hook-like connecting element. Such a positioning or alignment function is thereby provided, for example, also for the connecting part. The connecting part can thereby be connected in an effective manner to the corresponding connecting part without significantly reducing the strength of the coupling. The advantage of applying such a positioning angle is that the coupling can be realized more quickly. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a disaster such as a fire, which must be realized quickly and efficiently in order to be able to fight such a fire.

[0013] The positioning angle is preferably in the range of 2 degrees to 20 degrees, more preferably in the range of 5 degrees to 15 degrees, and most preferably the positioning angle will be about 10 degrees. It has been discovered that such angles provide an alignment function or positioning mechanism in an effective manner.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the connecting part comprises a locking element configured to lock a corresponding connecting part in position.

[0015] By providing a locking element, undesired disengagement of the two connecting parts is avoided.

[0016] The locking element is preferably provided with a spring or a similar spring element. The spring is preferably configured such that when the two connecting parts are connected, they move towards each other and press away the locking element, here for example by means of the spring. Rotation in the circumferential direction of the annular element through a connecting angle of for example 5 degrees to 15 degrees will release the locking element again and move it by the spring into a blocking position. This prevents undesired back rotation. Decoupling of the connecting parts is then possible by pressing on the spring or spring element, allowing decoupling by back rotation through the connecting angle. This provides an effective and robust coupling.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the connecting piece comprises at least 6 hook-like connecting elements, preferably at least 8 hook-like connecting elements.

[0018] It has been found that by providing at least six connecting elements, a suitable coupling can be provided in an effective manner. The number of connecting elements is preferably adapted to the diameter of the annular element. It is clear that a different number of connecting elements is also possible.

[0019] The invention further relates to a hose coupling for connecting hoses or hose parts, which comprises at least two connecting parts according to the invention.

[0020] Such a hose coupling provides the same or similar benefits and advantages as those described for the connecting piece according to the present invention.

[0021] The hose coupling according to the invention can be used for connecting a hose to an adapter, a pipe, a connection part etc. and for connecting two separate hose parts to each other. Furthermore, it also makes it possible to connect several hoses or several hose parts with separate couplings to, for example, a coupling part.

[0022] The present invention also further relates to a method for connecting hoses or hose parts, comprising the steps of providing at least two connecting parts according to an embodiment of the present invention and connecting said connecting parts.

[0023] The method provides the same effects and advantages as those described for the connecting piece and / or hose coupling.

[0024] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will now be described on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows two corresponding connecting parts for a hose coupling according to the invention. [Diagram 2] 13A-13D show alternative embodiments of two corresponding connecting parts for a hose coupling according to the invention; [Diagram 2] 11A-11D show further alternative embodiments of two corresponding connecting parts for a hose coupling according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The connecting piece 2 is provided with an annular element 4, on which a number of hook-like connecting elements 6 (FIG. 1) are arranged. In the embodiment shown, the connecting piece 2 is provided with eight connecting elements 6. Each connecting element 6 is provided with a hook 10, a positioning surface 12, an outer side surface 14, an end surface 16, a contact surface 17 and a chamfered surface or wall surface 18. Furthermore, each connecting element 6 is provided with a rear surface 20 and an outer side surface 22.

[0027] In use, a flow takes place through the connecting part 2 in the through-flow direction A or conversely in the opposite direction. In the embodiment shown, the positioning surface 12 is provided at a positioning angle α relative to the through-flow direction A. In the embodiment shown, the chamfered surface 18 is further provided at a chamfer angle β relative to the through-flow direction A. In the embodiment shown, the positioning angle α is approximately 10 degrees and the chamfer angle β is approximately 15 degrees. It will be clear that the application of other angles is likewise possible according to the invention. It is thus possible, for example, to omit the positioning angle α, i.e. to apply a positioning angle α of approximately 0 degrees.

[0028] Furthermore, a locking element 24 is provided. In the embodiment shown, the locking element 24 is provided with a spring element 26.

[0029] When the two connecting parts 2 are moved towards each other in the through-flow direction A in order to couple the connecting parts 2, one of the eight connecting elements 6 will in the shown embodiment press the locking element 24 radially outwards. After rotation in the connecting direction B relative to the corresponding connecting part 2, the locking element 24 will be released and will spring back to its free position. A return rotation in the opposite direction of rotation in the connecting direction B is thereby prevented. A coupling 28 is thereby provided from the two connecting parts 2 which can be realized in an effective manner.

[0030] In order to disengage the coupling 28, the locking element 24 is again moved from the free position. A rotation in the opposite coupling direction B can then be performed through a coupling angle of about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees, thereby allowing disengagement of the two coupling parts 2. Thanks to the positioning angle α and the chamfer angle β, the coupling parts 2 can be moved relatively easily relative to one another, allowing for example an efficient disengagement.

[0031] An alternative connecting piece 30 (FIG. 2) allows for a hose coupling 32. The connecting piece 30 is particularly suitable for larger hose diameters and in the embodiment shown is provided with ten connecting elements 34. Otherwise the connecting piece 30 is provided with the same elements and offers the same operation as the connecting piece 2 described above.

[0032] A further alternative connecting piece 36 (FIG. 3) allows for a coupling 38. The connecting piece 36 is particularly suitable for larger hose diameters. In this embodiment, the connecting piece 36 is provided with twelve hook-like connecting elements 40. The operation of the connecting piece 36 to achieve the coupling 38 is the same as that described for the connecting pieces 2, 30 shown above.

[0033] In a currently preferred embodiment, the contact surface 17 is provided at an angle γ to the through-flow plane which is perpendicular to the through-flow direction A. The couplings 28, 32 and 38 can thereby be realised with a certain degree of force, so that a robust coupling is indeed obtained. It is further possible to provide further sealing rings in a conventional manner (not shown). The hook-like connecting elements 6, 34 and 40 are preferably provided integrally with the ring 4.

[0034] The invention is in no way limited to its above-mentioned preferred embodiments. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. It is thus possible to provide, for example, a number of hook-like connecting elements 6, 34 and 40 other than the 8, 10 or 12 shown. The number of the number of hook-like connecting elements 6, 34 and 40 is preferably adapted to the diameter of the annular element 4. The connecting elements 2, 30, 36 can be provided from aluminium or another suitable material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 2 Connecting parts 4 Circular elements, rings 6. Connecting elements, hook-shaped connecting elements 10. Hook 12 Locating Surface 14 External surface 16 End face 17 Contact surface 18 Chamfered surface, wall surface 20 Posterior side 22 External surface 24 Locking Elements 26 Spring elements 28 Coupling 30 Connecting parts 32 Connected Elements 32 Hose coupling 34 Hook-shaped connecting element 36 Connecting parts 38 Coupling 40 Hook-shaped connecting element

Claims

1. A connecting part for a hose coupling, comprising: An annular element; a number of L-shaped hook-like connecting elements arranged on a circumferential surface of the annular element, the hook-like connecting elements being configured to engage with corresponding connecting elements of corresponding connecting parts to form a coupling; a wall surface on the inner side of the hook-shaped connecting element, the wall surface partially following the circumference or contour of the annular element and oriented in the radial direction of the annular element and at a chamfer angle with respect to the main through-flow direction of the connecting part; In the connecting component, the connecting part further comprises a positioning surface provided on an end surface of the hook-shaped connecting element protruding in a rotational direction of the annular element, the positioning surface being oriented substantially in the rotational direction of the annular element; the locating surface is provided at a locating angle relative to the main through-flow direction of the connecting piece, The positioning angle is in the range of 2 degrees to 20 degrees, preferably in the range of 5 degrees to 15 degrees, and most preferably about 10 degrees.

2. 2. The connecting piece according to claim 1, wherein the chamfer angle is in the range of 2 degrees to 25 degrees, more preferably in the range of 5 degrees to 20 degrees, and most preferably about 15 degrees.

3. The coupling part of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a locking element configured to lock the corresponding coupling part in place.

4. The coupling element according to claim 3 , wherein the locking element is provided with a spring.

5. A connecting piece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least 6 hook-like connecting elements, preferably at least 8 hook-like connecting elements.

6. 1. A hose coupling for connecting hoses or hose components, comprising: A hose coupling comprising two connecting parts according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 1. A method for connecting hoses or hose components, comprising the steps of: Providing two connecting components according to any one of claims 1 to 5; connecting the connecting parts; A method comprising:

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