A coupling

Abstract

The invention relates a separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations, that designed to cut off liquid flow with be separated when a threshold force is applied and, can be reconnectable to perform its function when desired characterized by including body elements consisting of a connector (10) and a linkage connector (20); a valve (11) which consisting of at least one part, positioned within one of these body elements which in contact with the line where the flow will be interrupted; multiple pullers (21) which positioned at equal intervals within another of these body elements, and each pullers (21) includes at least one valve positioning recess (211) to ensure the valve (11) is closed when the connector (10) and the linkage connector (20) are separated; at least one holder ring (23) that supports and positions the mentioned pullers (21) from their inner parts within the body element.

Description

[0001] A COUPLING

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention is related to the coupling structure that safely separates with a sealing effect when a pulling force is applied in applications where fluids are transferred.

[0004] The invention is related to a coupling structure that is particularly suitable for use in gas stations and can be positioned on the hose between the fuel nozzle and the pump (dispenser).

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] Especially during refueling, when the fuel nozzle is on the vehicle and the vehicle moves, force is applied to the hose and, consequently, to the dispenser. This can lead to damage to the hose connection points or even cause it to break. In such cases, there is a risk of fuel leakage from the hose or damage to equipment due to the high forces applied to the dispenser. To prevent such risky situations, especially in compliance with regulations for fire or explosion prevention, separable couplings are used in gas stations between the dispenser and the fuel nozzle. These couplings have the ability to rotate around their own axis. They can be positioned at the junction between the hose and the fuel nozzle or directly on the hose itself.

[0007] In state of the art, separable rotary couplings (break-away) are commonly used in applications where forces greater than those specified by the standard are applied. These couplings ensure the safe separation of the hose connection and prevent fuel leakage.

[0008] In state of the art, the coupling is causing the fuel nozzle and fuel supply hose to forcibly and uncontrollably detach. In such products, the coupling is damaged in a way that it cannot be reused while performing its function. These products are single-use, and once they have fulfilled their function, they need to be removed and replaced with new ones. The USPTO patent document with publication number US4800913 discusses a rotary coupling structure with a ball-shaped connection area. In this application, the performance of the coupling can vary depending on the direction of the applied force for separation, and during production, it may have assembly challenges. Additionally, the presence of pre-loaded springs in this design can lead to insufficient leakage prevention upon separation.

[0009] The USPTO patent document with publication number US4617975A discusses a coupling structure in which the separation threshold value can be adjusted according to the applied force. However, this application has some drawbacks due to its complex structure and assembly difficulties.

[0010] As a result, all abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field.

[0011] AIM OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention aims to eliminate the abovementioned problems and to make a development in the relevant technical field.

[0013] The main objective of the invention is to introduce a separable rotary coupling structure that, when a force above a certain threshold is applied, can disconnect to stop fuel flow and can be reconnected when desired to perform its function.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to present a separable rotary coupling structure that is economical and consists of fewer components.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to introduce a separable rotary coupling structure during separation, that does not get damaged.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to present a separable rotary coupling structure that ensures the interruption of fuel flow in fuel nozzles equipped with a vapor return line.

[0017] Another objective of the invention is to prevent the dangers and financial losses that may occur when force is applied to the fuel nozzle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The invention is related to a coupling so as to fulfil all aims mentioned above and will be obtained from the following detailed description.

[0019] The invention is a separable coupling that suitable for use in fuel stations, that designed to cut off liquid flow with be separated when a threshold force is applied and, can be reconnectable to perform its function when desired characterized by including body elements consisting of a connector and a linkage connector; a valve which consisting of at least one part, positioned within one of these body elements which in contact with the line where the flow will be interrupted; multiple pullers which positioned at equal intervals within another of these body elements, and each pullers includes at least one valve positioning recess to ensure the valve is closed when the connector and the linkage connector are separated; at least one holder ring that supports and positions the mentioned pullers from their inner parts within the body element. In this context, the connector and linkage connector are brought together by the engagement of the tabbed structure on the connector's connection body part with the protruding structure on the outer circumference of the pullers. During separation, a pulling force is applied to the valve by the pullers. The valve sits in the opening on the connector when released, and the valve is held in the closed position with the pressure of the pressurized fluid flowing from the connector's connection opening.

[0020] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it comprises three pullers positioned within it at 120° angles to each other and with equal spacing between them that located in the body element that is not connected to the flow source when the event of separation, which is the linkage connector.

[0021] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it comprises puller positioning channel within the body of the linkage connector to ensure the positioning of the pullers within the linkage connector.

[0022] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it comprises a puller positioning protrusion to fit into the puller positioning channel.

[0023] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it comprises a ring positioning channel suitable for accommodating the holder ring that presses against the inner side of the pullers to keep them engaged with the linkage connector wall, to ensure that the pullers remain in contact with the puller positioning channel through the puller positioning protrusion.

[0024] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it includes a connector with a support tab recess, which is a channel-shaped within its connection body part, to securely hold the valve in place within the valve positioning recess through the valve clamp protrusion by exerting pressure from their outer edges on the puller support protrusions of the pullers located within the linkage connector.

[0025] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it includes a valve cap region that located on the valve body which is forming the valve designed to keep closed the opening of the connector when the connector and linkage connector are separated by force, thereby cuts off the fluid flow.

[0026] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it includes a valve sealing element to ensure a seal between the valve and the connector.

[0027] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it includes at least one flow passage opening that located on the valve body which is forming the valve to allow fluid flow when the connector and the linkage connector are connected to each other.

[0028] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it includes at least one inner sealing element positioned between the connector and the linkage connector to provide seal between them.

[0029] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it includes a vapor return element extends from within the valve body to complete the vapor return line through the valve and that opens into the valve cap region. The mentioned vapor return element, includes a connecting element that located on the coaxial hose side, during the valve closure, that has sufficient length to tolerate the movement of the vapor return element.

[0030] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it includes a valve cap region with an outwardly convex shape to ensure it remains closed when applied to the pressure force of the fluid

[0031] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it comprises the pullers that includes a valve positioning recess and the valve containing compatible valve clamp protrusions and valve clamp recesses that interlock with each other, with ensuring sealing between the connection body part and the inner sealing element, allowing valve and pullers to rotate without interaction when axial force is applied to the interconnected connector and linkage connector.

[0032] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it comprises a support tabs and the support tab recesses on the connector that ensures the connector and linkage connector remain connected by engaging with puller support protrusions.

[0033] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it comprises the valve and the pullers which made of plastic material.

[0034] Another preferred embodiment of the invention; it contains the connector and the linkage connector to prevent sparking in case of friction, which one of them is made of aluminum and the other is made of steel.

[0035] The protection scope of the invention is specified in the claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this brief and detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 provides the cross-sectional view of the invention.

[0038] Figure 2 provides a sectional drawing of the coupling in separated position.

[0039] Figure 3 provides a perspective drawing of a configuration of the valve within the coupling.

[0040] Figure 4A provides a perspective drawing of the puller within the coupling.

[0041] Figure 4B shows the top view of the puller.

[0042] Figure 5 provides a schematic representation drawing of a configuration of the coupling that suitable for use in systems with a vapor return line.

[0043] The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of protection as defined in the claims, and they should not be referred to in isolation without resorting to the technical description in the present disclosure to interpret the scope defined in those claims. The mentioned drawings aim to provide clarity in defining the invention.

[0044] DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCES IN FIGURES

[0045] 10. Connector

[0046] 100. Connection opening

[0047] 101 . Connection body part

[0048] 102. Support tab

[0049] 103. Support tab recess

[0050] 11 . Valve

[0051] 110. Valve body

[0052] 111. Flow passage opening

[0053] 112. Valve body support

[0054] 113. Valve clamp protrusion

[0055] 114. Valve clamp recess

[0056] 115. Valve cap region

[0057] 12. Valve sealing element

[0058] 13. Vapor return element

[0059] 20. Linkage connector

[0060] 200. Outer sealing element

[0061] 201 . Puller positioning channel

[0062] 21. Puller

[0063] 210. Puller support protrusion

[0064] 211 . Valve positioning recess 212. Puller positioning protrusion

[0065] 213. Ring positioning channel

[0066] 22. Inner sealing element

[0067] 23. Holder ring

[0068] B. Coupling

[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] In this detailed description a coupling (B) is described by means of examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

[0071] The invention is related to a coupling (B) structure, especially suitable for use in gas stations, that can be positioned on the hose between the fuel nozzle and the pump (dispenser) and ensures the interruption of flow when disconnected.

[0072] The invention is a separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations, that designed to cut off liquid flow with be separated when a threshold force is applied and, can be reconnectable to perform its function when desired characterized by including body elements consisting of a connector (10) and a linkage connector (20); a valve (11 ) which consisting of at least one part, positioned within one of these body elements which in contact with the line where the flow will be interrupted; multiple pullers (21 ) which positioned at equal intervals within another of these body elements, and each pullers (21 ) includes at least one valve positioning recess (211 ) to ensure the valve (11 ) is closed when the connector (10) and the linkage connector (20) are separated; at least one holder ring (23) that supports and positions the mentioned pullers (21 ) from their inner parts within the body element.

[0073] Figure 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a configuration of the coupling (B) according to the invention. The coupling (B) consists of two main body parts, as the connector (10) and the linkage connector (20). The mentioned connector (10) is positioned on the source side where the flow occurs, while the linkage connector (20) is connected to the other component (the fuel nozzle) where there is no flow. An outer sealing element (200) can be positioned around the outer periphery of the mentioned linkage connector (20) to ensure sealing. In the preferred configuration, the outer surface of the linkage connector (20) has threads in a section, allowing it to be directly connected to the fuel nozzle.

[0074] The connector (10) contains a valve (11 ) with a single valve body (110) inside it. Mentioned connector (10) is attached to the component where the flow source is located (preferably the fuel hose) via the connection opening (100).

[0075] As seen in Figure 1 , the connector (10) and the linkage connector (20) are connected to each other through a valve (11 ) and a puller (21 ). An inner sealing element (22) is positioned between the linkage connector (20) and the connector (10), that ensuring a seal between the two components. The connector (10) and the linkage connector (20) can rotate relative to each other around the mentioned inner sealing element (22) axis. Thus, allows the coupling (B) to have the ability to rotate securely around its own axis without leakage.

[0076] In the preferred configuration, the cross-section of the inner sealing element (22) is non-cylindrical and includes inwardly curved protrusions on the surfaces it contacts. During rotation, this design allows for sealing.

[0077] When the force specified in EN 13617-2 standard is applied to the coupling (B), the connector (10) and the linkage connector (20) can separate from each other. Figure 2 provides a cross-sectional view of the separated two components. During separation, the valve (11 ) closes the opening within the connector (10) through its valve cap region (115), and it ensures a secure interruption of flow by maintaining a seal on the connected line. The valve (1 1 ) includes at least one valve sealing element (12) that, during the separation, comes into contact with the connector (10) body to stop the flow. The connection body part (101 ) of the connector (10) contacts the valve sealing element (12) and fits into the linkage connector (20) in this area.

[0078] Figure 3 provides a perspective drawing of the valve (11 ) that the invention includes. The valve body (110) includes a valve cap region (115) and multiple valve body supports (112) as an integral part with the valve cap region (115). Among the mentioned valve body supports (112), there are multiple flow passage opening (111 ). When the connector (10), and the linkage connector (20) are assembled together, the valve (11 ) allows the flow can pass through the flow passage opening (111 ) on the valve body (110). The valve (11 ) includes a valve clamp protrusion (113) and a valve clamp recess (114), which are part of the valve body (110) and are used to make contact with the pullers (21 ).

[0079] As seen in Figure 2, the linkage connector (20) contains at least three pullers (21 ). Drawings of the mentioned pullers (21 ) are provided in Figure 4A and Figure 4B. The puller (21 ) is positioned through a puller positioning protrusion (212) on the puller positioning channel (201 ) that contained by the linkage connector (20). The pullers (21) that positioned on the mentioned positioning channel (201 ), can circularly change its position on the linkage connector (20). There is a ring positioning channel (213) on the mentioned pullers (21); and the pullers (21 ) placed in the puller positioning channel (201 ) are secured through a holder ring (23) which inserted into the mentioned ring positioning channel (213). In the preferred configuration, the mentioned holder ring (23) is a circlip.

[0080] At the tip of the puller (21 ), comprises a puller support protrusion (210) which is located outer section of the puller (21 ), and comprises a valve positioning recess (211 ) which is located by inner section of the puller (21 ). The valve (11 ), with its valve clamp protrusion (113) and the following section containing the valve clamp recess (114), can fit into the mentioned valve positioning recess (211). During assembly, the support tab (102) and support tab recess (103) on the connector (10) exert pressure from the outer edge onto the puller positioning protrusion (212), and they ensuring that the valve (11) is securely held within the puller (21 ) with proper resistance.

[0081] In Figure 5, another preferred configuration of the invention is provided. The mentioned configuration of the coupling (B) shown in this setup is designed to work in systems that use a vapor return line. In this particular configuration, the valve (11 ) includes at least one vapor return element (13). Mentioned vapor return element (13) is connected to the vapor return line within the coaxial fuel hose through the valve cap region (1 15) and extends from the inner region of the valve (11 ) to the linkage connector (20). It is connected to the vapor return line inside the fuel nozzle. During separation, the valve (11 ) blocks the liquid passage, but the vapor return line stays open

[0082] Within the scope of the invention, the change in the position of the valve (11 ) within the connector (10) is achieved through the pullers (21 ). The invention includes three pullers (21 ) positioned at 120° angles to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the number of mentioned pullers (21 ) can be increased or decreased. During separation, the pressure exerted by the support tab recess (103) and the support tab (102) to the puller support protrusion (210) of the pullers (21 ) located on the connector (10) is removed, and valve clamp protrusion (113) and valve clamp recess (114) which included by the valve (11 ), closes the opening of the connector (10) with the pulling effect. The valve (11 ) remains in the closed position due to the fluid pressure acting on the connector (10).

[0083] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve (11 ) and the pullers (21) are made of plastic material.

[0084] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the connector (10) or the linkage connector (20) is made of steel, while the other is made of aluminum. During separation, this design helps prevent the occurrence of sparks. In the preferred configuration, the connector (10) is made of aluminum, and the linkage connector (20) is made of steel.

[0085] The coupling (B) as described within the scope of the invention is designed to separate under the forces specified in the EN 13617-2 standard. The coupling (B) covered by the invention has an 18ATEX 0104 certification. The force resistance varies depending on the pullers (21 ), valve (11 ), and tab design and tolerances of the connector (10).

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations, that designed to cut off liquid flow with be separated when a threshold force is applied and, can be reconnectable to perform its function when desired characterized by including: body elements consisting of a connector (10) and a linkage connector (20); a valve (11 ) which consisting of at least one part, positioned within one of these body elements which in contact with the line where the flow will be interrupted;Multiple pullers (21 ) which positioned at equal intervals within another of these body elements, and each pullers (21 ) includes at least one valve positioning recess (211 ) to ensure the valve (11 ) is closed when the connector (10) and the linkage connector (20) are separated; at least one holder ring (23) that supports and positions the mentioned pullers (21 ) from their inner parts within the body element.

2. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; comprises three pullers (21 ) positioned within it at 120° angles to each other and with equal spacing between them that located in the body element that is not connected to the flow source when the event of separation, which is the linkage connector (20).

3. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 2; comprises puller positioning channel (201 ) within the body of the linkage connector (20) to ensure the positioning of the pullers (21 ) within the linkage connector (20).

4. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 3; comprises a puller positioning protrusion (212) to fit into the puller positioning channel (201 ).

5. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 4; comprises a ring positioning channel (213) suitable for accommodating the holder ring (23) that presses against the inner side of the pullers (21 ) to keep them engaged with the linkage connector (20) wall, to ensure that thepullers (21 ) remain in contact with the puller positioning channel (201 ) through the puller positioning protrusion (212).

6. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; includes a connector (10) with a support tab recess (103), which is a channel-shaped within its connection body part (101), to securely hold the valve (11 ) in place within the valve positioning recess (211 ) through the valve clamp protrusion (113) by exerting pressure from their outer edges on the puller support protrusions (210) of the pullers (21 ) located within the linkage connector (20).

7. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; includes a valve cap region (115) that located on the valve body (110) which is forming the valve (11 ) designed to keep closed the opening of the connector (10) when the connector (10) and linkage connector (20) are separated by force, thereby cuts off the fluid flow.

8. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 7; includes a valve sealing element (12) to ensure a seal between the valve (11) and the connector (10).

9. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; includes at least one flow passage opening (111 ) that located on the valve body (110) which is forming the valve (11 ) to allow fluid flow when the connector (10) and the linkage connector (20) are connected to each other.

10. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; includes at least one inner sealing element (22) positioned between the connector (10) and the linkage connector (20) to provide seal between them.

11. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; includes a vapor return element (13) extends from within the valve body (110) to complete the vapor return line through the valve (11 ) and that opens into the valve cap region (115).

12. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; includes a valve cap region (115) with an outwardly convex shape to ensure it remains closed when applied to the pressure force of the fluid13. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; comprises the pullers (21 ) that includes a valve positioning recess (211 ) and the valve (11 ) containing compatible valve clamp protrusions (113) and valve clamp recesses (114) that interlock with each other, with ensuring sealing between the connection body part (101 ) and the inner sealing element (22), allowing valve (11 ) and pullers (21 ) to rotate without interaction when axial force is applied to the interconnected connector (10) and linkage connector (20).

14. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; comprises a support tabs (102) and the support tab recesses (103) on the connector (10) that ensures the connector (10) and linkage connector (20) remain connected by engaging with puller support protrusions (210).

15. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; comprises the valve (11 ) and the pullers (21 ) which made of plastic material.

16. A separable coupling (B) that suitable for use in fuel stations according to the claim 1 ; contains the connector (10) and the linkage connector (20) to prevent sparking in case of friction, which one of them is made of aluminum and the other is made of steel.

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