coupling

Abstract

Coupling for connecting to a nipple (10), the coupling (20) comprising a body (100), a locking sleeve (200), and a plurality of locking elements (300). The body (100) being cylindrical about a central axis (110) and comprising a central passage (120) for the nipple and for the fluid. The locking sleeve (200) being cylindrical and slidably arranged on the outside of the body (100), the locking sleeve (200) comprising a plurality of release openings (210), or one circumferential release opening (210), for the plurality of locking elements (300). The plurality of locking elements (300) being arranged circumferentially in a plurality of openings (130) in the body (100), respectively. The shape of each of the plurality of locking elements (300) comprises a first segment (310) of a first right circular cylinder and a second segment (320) of a second right circular cylinder, the second segment (320) being larger than the first segment (310), and the first segment (310) being positioned on an apex of the second segment (320).

Description

[0001] COUPLING

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to couplings, such a quick connect couplings. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a coupling for connecting to a nipple.

[0004] Background

[0005] A coupling can be connected to a nipple. The nipple is the male part and the coupling is the female part. Such couplings may be used for connecting fluid hoses. Couplings normally comprise balls that connect to a groove in the nipple. However, with large hydraulic pressures the load on the balls becomes large. The balls thereby dent, ruins, the coupling and the nipple. There is a limitation on how large the hydraulic pressure may be for a coupling and one of the limitations are the balls in the coupling. It is a problem how to allow a coupling to connect fluid with high hydraulic pressures, for example over 150 MPa.

[0006] A further technical problem is that any modified coupling must also fit and work together with already existing nipples. Any solution must work together with existing pumps, tools, and fluid hoses. It is desirable that any solution is simple, not expensive to produce, and is reliable. It is further a technical problem to avoid cumbersome arrangements that are expensive to manufacture or assemble.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a coupling for connecting to a nipple. This object can be achieved by the features as defined by the independent claim. Further enhancements are characterized by the dependent claims. The invention is defined by the claims.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, a coupling for connecting to a nipple is provided. The coupling 20 comprises a body 100, a locking sleeve 200, and a plurality of locking elements 300. The body 100 is cylindrical about a central axis 110 and comprises a central passage 120 for the nipple and for the fluid. The locking sleeve 200 is cylindrical and slidably arranged on the outside of the body 100, the locking sleeve 200 comprising a plurality of release openings 210, or one circumferential release opening 210, for the plurality of locking elements 300. The plurality of locking elements 300 are arranged circumferentially in a plurality of openings 130 in the body 100, respectively. The shape of each of the plurality of locking elements 300 comprises a first segment 310 of a first right circular cylinder and a second segment 320 of a second right circular cylinder, the second segment 320 being larger than the first segment 310, and the first segment 310 being positioned on an apex of the second segment 320. Preferably an apex 340 of the first segment 310 is curved. The curvature is preferably convex along the central axis 110. Preferably an outer surface area 342 of the first segment 310 is curved. Preferably the base 330 of the locking element comprises a convex surface. Preferably the apex 340, of the first segment 310, is curved with a radius 350 smaller than a radius 150 of the central passage 120 for the nipple 20.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment, such a coupling may connect to a nipple at very high hydraulic pressures, for example 250 MPa. The coupling may also fit and work together with already existing nipples. Existing pumps, tools, and fluid hoses may use such a coupling. The coupling may be simple, not expensive to produce, and reliable.

[0011] At least one of the above embodiments provides one or more solutions to the problems and disadvantages with the background art. Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims. Various embodiments of the present application obtain only a subset of the advantages set forth. No one advantage is critical to the embodiments. Any claimed embodiment may be technically combined with any other claimed embodiment or embodiments.

[0012] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate presently exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and serve to explain, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a coupling connected to a nipple according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a coupling connected to a nipple according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a coupling disconnected from a nipple according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a coupling disconnected from a nipple according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a coupling disconnected from a nipple according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a locking element according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a locking element according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a locking element according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0021] Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration to explain the geometric build-up of a locking element according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] Detailed Description

[0023] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate couplings according to preferred embodiments. Here the coupling and the nipple are illustrated in a view along a cut through a central axis 110 of the coupling and nipple. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the coupling 20 connected to the nipple 10. Figures 3 to 5 illustrate the coupling 20 disconnected from the nipple 10. Figures 6 to 8 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the locking element 300 used in the coupling 20 to connect to the nipple 10. Figure 8 illustrate the concave curvature 340 based on the radius 350 from the central axis 110, and the convex curvature 330 based on the radius 114 from the central axis 110. Figure 9 illustrate a preferred way of geometrically building up the locking element 300, where the dotted area forms the locking element 300. The nipple 10 is the male part and the coupling 20 is the female part. Preferable the nipples and the couplings described herein are quick connect nipples and quick connect couplings. Together the nipple 10 and the coupling 20 may form a quick connect coupling.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a coupling for connecting to a nipple 10 is provided. The coupling 20 comprises a body 100, a locking sleeve 200, and a plurality of locking elements 300.

[0025] The body 100 is cylindrical about a central axis 110 and comprises a central passage 120 for the nipple and for the fluid. The body 100 may be a hollow cylinder through which fluid may flow. The nipple 10 may fit snuggly into an opening of the central passage 120. The central passage 120 may be a through opening.

[0026] The locking sleeve 200 is cylindrical and slidably arranged on the outside of the body 100. The locking sleeve 200 comprises a plurality of release openings 210, or one circumferential release opening 210, for the plurality of locking elements 300. The locking sleeve 200 may be shaped as a hollow cylinder where the release openings 210 are on the inside, along the same circumference. The release openings 210 may open up inwards, i.e. towards the central axis 110, and may not open up outwards. The locking sleeve 200 may comprise a plurality of release openings 210 arranged along an inner circumference of the locking sleeve 200. The locking sleeve may comprise one circumferential release opening 210 arranged along an inner circumference of the locking sleeve 200.

[0027] The plurality of locking elements 300 are arranged circumferentially in a plurality of openings 130 in the body 100, respectively. The plurality of openings 130 may be arranged along the same circumference. The plurality of openings 130 may be through openings. There may be one opening 130 for each locking element 300. The plurality of locking elements 300 are for engaging an opening in the nipple, for example a circumferential groove on the outside of the nipple, such that the coupling and nipple may be connected.

[0028] The shape of each of the plurality of locking elements 300 comprises a first segment 310 of a first right circular cylinder and a second segment 320 of a second right circular cylinder. The second segment 320 is larger than the first segment 310, and the first segment 310 is positioned on an apex of the second segment 320. This may be taken from all figures, but best from figures 6 to 9. The arrangement of the first segment 310 on the second segment 320 may be similar to how a head sits on a pair of shoulders. Another similarity may be the head section of a sarcophagus. Figure 9 illustrate in dotted lines the first right circular cylinder and the second right circular cylinder. The dotted area illustrates schematically the shape of the locking element 300. Here one may take that the first segment 310 is positioned on an apex, in relation to the straight dotted line, of the second segment 320. The straight dotted line may not go through the origin, instead the straight dotted line may make the second segment 320 less than half the second right circular cylinder. The two bases of each right circular cylinder may be flat. The side of each right circular cylinder may be convex or concave.

[0029] According to one embodiment, an apex 340 of the first segment 310 is curved. According to one embodiment, an outer surface area 342 of the first segment 310 is curved. The curvature is preferably convex along the central axis 110, as schematically illustrated in the figures, especially figure 8. According to one embodiment, the first segment 310 may comprise a concave surface 342. The apex 340 is the top of first segment 310 in the figures 6 to 9. The outer surface 342 at the apex of the first segment 310 may be configured to face the groove in the nipple 10, at least a part of the surface 342 may be in contact with the groove in the nipple 10, when the nipple 10 is connected to the coupling 20 as illustrated in figures 1 and 2. As the locking element 300 rotates, the surface area 342 on the apex 340 of the first segment 310 may contact the nipple 10. The surface area 342 is hash marked in figures 7 and 8, and with a solid line in figure 9 where the surface area 342 extends to the left and right of the apex 340. This surface area may be curved as a concave surface area 342. The surface area 342 may extend over the apex towards the second segment 320. The surface area 342 of the first segment 310, may face the central axis 110, for engaging the nipple 10, and may be curved and the curved surface 342 may follow a radius 350 with an origin on the central axis 110, the radius being perpendicular to the central axis 110. This is best illustrated in figure 8, where the length of the radius 350 may also be taken from figure 1. The curve 340 may be a part of a circle with an origin on the central axis 110. All the locking elements 300 may have a surface area 342 that is part of a circle with an origin on the central axis 110.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the base 330 of the locking element 300 may comprises a convex surface. In figures 6 to 8 the reference number 330 indicates the base of the locking element 300 and may also indicate the convex surface. The base 330 of the locking element 300 may be rounded to fit the inner radius of the locking sleeve 200. The curvature of the base 330 of the locking element 300, the base of the second segment 320, may face away from the central axis 110, for engaging an inner surface of the locking sleeve 200, and may comprise a convex curvature. The convex surface may follow a radius 114 with an origin on the central axis 110, the radius being perpendicular to the central axis 110. This is best illustrated in figure 8. The convex surface 330 may be a part of a circle with an origin on the central axis 110. All the locking elements 300 may have a convex surface that is part of a circle with an origin on the central axis 110. The radius 350 and the radius 114 may originate from the same point on the axis 110. For clarification, in figure 8 the central axis 110 is perpendicular to the paper. The radius 114 may be the same as, or slightly smaller than, the radius to the inner surface of the locking sleeve 200.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the plurality of openings 130 in the body 100 and the circumferential or plurality of release openings 210 of the locking sleeve 200 may be positionable to face each other by sliding movement of the locking sleeve 200. The body 100 and the locking sleeve 200 may be configured to allow each locking element 300 in that position to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the central axis 110. This may allow rotating the first part 310 out of a grove of the nipple. Each of the plurality of openings 130 in the body 100 and the circumferential or each of the plurality of release openings 210 of the locking sleeve 200 may be large enough to accommodate each of the plurality of locking elements 300.

[0032] According to one embodiment, all edges of the plurality of locking elements 300 may be rounded. As may best be taken from figures 6 to 8, the edges, the corners, of the locking element 300 are rounded. There are no sharp corners or edges. This allows the locking element 300 to move without getting stuck, for example moving in to, or out of, engagement with the nipple 10.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the apex 340 may be curved with a radius 350 smaller than a radius 150 of the central passage 120 for the nipple 20. This may allow for properly engagement between the coupling 20 and the nipple 10. The top surface of the first segment 310 may be curved, preferably along a radius equal to a groove in the nipple 10 for which the locking element 300 may be configured to engage. This may provide a strong and stable lock of the nipple 10 in the coupling 20.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the plurality of openings 130 in the body 100 may have a complimentary shape to the second segment 320. The plurality of openings 130 may be configured to allow the first segment 310 to protrude inwards into the central passage 120 for the nipple 20. In this way the first segment 310 may engage a groove in the nipple 10. The plurality of openings 130 in the body 100 have a different radius then the radius of the protruding first segment 310. This reflects that the second segment 320 is larger than the first segment 310.

[0035] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of release openings 210, or the one circumferential release opening 210, may comprise one side 220, or two sides 220, 230, at an angle 240 to the axis 110. This is best illustrated in figures 1 and 2. In figure 1 one side 220 of the release opening 210 forms an angle 240 with the central axis 110. In figure 2 two sides 220, 230 of the release opening 210 each form an angle 240 with the central axis 110. The convex surface of the base of the locking element 300 may be engageable with the one side 220, or two sides 220, 230, of the release openings 210, or the one circumferential release opening 210. Each of the plurality of release openings 210, or the one circumferential release opening 210, may comprise a flat or curved side 220. According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of release openings 210, or the one circumferential release opening 210, may comprises two sides 220, 230, each side 220, 230 at an angle 240 to the axis 110. The two sides 220, 230 may form with each other an angle 242 smaller than 180 degrees, the angle 242 opening and facing away from the central axis 110. This is illustrated in figure 2. As may be taken from figures 4 and 5, this allows the locking element 300 to tilt to either side when the nipple is disengaged from the coupling.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the angle 240 may in the range of 20 to 70 degrees. The two angles 240 identified in figure 2 may be different from each other, for example one may be larger and the other smaller.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first segment 310 may be half the first right circular cylinder when cut along an axis of the first right circular cylinder. According to one embodiment, the second segment 320 may be less than half of the second right circular cylinder when cut along an axis of the second right circular cylinder. The locking element 300 may in this way be configured to provide optimum strength for locking and optimum form for rotating and positioning the first segment into engagement with a nipple groove. However, the locking element 300 is not limited to this configuration.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the locking sleeve 200 may be configured to slide between at least two different positions. The first position may allow the locking elements 300 to move at least partly into the release openings 210. The second position may allow the locking elements 300 to be held in the plurality of openings 130 in the body 200. The first position is illustrated in figures 3 to 5. The second position is illustrated in figures 1 and 2. In the second position the inner surface of the locking sleeve 200 may be substantially in contact with the base of each of the locking elements 300.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the body 100 may comprise at least two parts that are screw connected. Each of the two parts may be substantially hollow right circular cylinders. The two parts may be connected in a different way than screw connected, for example clamp or snap connected.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the coupling may be a quick connect coupling. The quick connect coupling may be configured for pressures over 150 MPa, preferably over 200 MPa, preferably over 250 MPa. The configuration that makes such high pressures possible are one or more of the features of the described embodiments herein. According to one embodiment, the two bases of each first and second segments 310, 320 may be flat. As illustrated in figure 8, the left hand side show that the base of the first segment 310 is flat and the base of the second segments 320 is flat. The corresponding applies to the right hand side. The axes of the first right circular cylinder and the second right circular cylinder may be perpendicular to the axis 110. Embodiment herein are not limited to flat bases, and the bases may be convex or concave.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the plurality of locking elements 300 may be made out of metal, for example steel, preferably corrosion resistant metal, for example stainless steel. This may allow the coupling to be used for very high pressures, for example over 150 MPa, preferably over 200 MPa, preferably over 250 MPa. The locking element 300 may be solid and not flexible. The number of locking elements 300 circumferentially arranged in the coupling may be three to twelve locking elements 300. The plurality of locking elements 300 may be injection moulded. According to one embodiment, an injection moulded tool for injection moulding the locking elements 300 according to any embodiment disclosed herein is provided.

[0042] According to one embodiment, a tool for making the locking elements 300 or the body 100, or both, for the coupling as described herein, is provided. The tool is a mould for injection moulding the locking elements 300 or the body 100, or both. According to one embodiment, a tool for making the locking elements 300, for the coupling as described herein, may be provided. The tool is a mould for injection moulding the locking elements 300. The tool may be a mould for metal injection moulding the locking elements 300. The locking elements 300 may be made out of metal and may be made by metal injection moulding the locking elements 300 using a tool, a mould, that comprises one or more openings shaped like the locking element 300 described herein. A metal mixture may be injected into the one or more openings of the tool to metal injection moulding the locking elements 300. According to one embodiment, the body 100, as described herein, may be metal injection moulded. A further tool may be a further mould for metal injection moulding the body 100. The plurality of openings 130 in the body 100 may be made during the metal injection moulding.

[0043] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using the coupling. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0044] List of elements

[0045] 10 nipple

[0046] 20 coupling

[0047] 100 body

[0048] 110 central axis of body

[0049] 114 radius for base

[0050] 120 central passage of body

[0051] 130 openings for the locking elements

[0052] 200 locking sleeve

[0053] 210 release openings

[0054] 220 first side in release opening

[0055] 230 second side in release opening

[0056] 240 angle

[0057] 242 angle between the two sides

[0058] 300 locking element

[0059] 310 first segment

[0060] 320 second segment

[0061] 330 base

[0062] 340 apex of the first segment

[0063] 342 surface area of the first segment

[0064] 350 radius from central axis to first segment

Claims

Claims1 Coupling for connecting to a nipple (10), the coupling (20) comprising a body (100), a locking sleeve (200), and a plurality of locking elements (300), the body (100) being cylindrical about a central axis (110) and comprising a central passage (120) for the nipple and for the fluid; the locking sleeve (200) being cylindrical and slidably arranged on the outside of the body (100), the locking sleeve (200) comprising a plurality of release openings (210), or one circumferential release opening (210), for the plurality of locking elements (300); the plurality of locking elements (300) being arranged circumferentially in a plurality of openings (130) in the body (100), respectively; and wherein the shape of each of the plurality of locking elements (300) comprises a first segment (310) of a first right circular cylinder and a second segment (320) of a second right circular cylinder, the second segment (320) being larger than the first segment (310), and the first segment (310) being positioned on an apex of the second segment (320).2 The coupling according to claim 1 , wherein an apex (340) of the first segment (310) is curved.3 The coupling according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outer surface area (342) of the first segment (310) is curved.4 The coupling according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a locking element base (330) comprises a convex surface.5 The coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of openings (130) in the body (100) and the circumferential or plurality of release openings (210) of the locking sleeve (200) are positionable to face each other by sliding movement of the locking sleeve (200), the body (100) and the locking sleeve (200) being configured to allow each locking element (300) in that position to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the central axis (110).6 The coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all edges of the plurality of locking elements (300) are rounded.7 The coupling according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the apex (340) is curved with a radius (350) smaller than a radius (150) of the central passage (120) for the nipple (20).8 The coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of openings (130) in the body (100) have a complimentary shape to the second segment (320); and the plurality of openings (130) are configured to allow the first segment (310) to protrude inwards into the central passage (120) for the nipple (20).9 The coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of release openings (210), or the one circumferential release opening (210), comprises one side (220), or two sides (220, 230), at an angle (240) to the axis (110).10 The coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of release openings (210), or the one circumferential release opening (210), comprises two sides (220, 230), each side (220, 230) at an angle (240) to the axis (110); and wherein the two sides (220, 230) form with each other an angle (242) smaller than 180 degrees opening and facing away from the central axis (110).11 The coupling according to any one of the preceding claims 9 or 10, wherein the angle (240) is in the range of 20 to 70 degrees.12 The coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first segment (310) is half the first right circular cylinder when cut along an axis of the first right circular cylinder; and / or the second segment (320) is less than half of the second right circular cylinder when cut along an axis of the second right circular cylinder.13 The coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking sleeve 200 is configured to slide between at least two different positions, afirst position allowing the locking elements (300) to move at least partly into the release openings (210), and a second position where the locking elements (300) are held in the plurality of openings (130) in the body (200). 14 The coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body(100) comprises at least two parts that are screw connected; and / or wherein the coupling is a quick connect coupling; and / or wherein the two bases of each first and second segments (310, 320) are flat; and / or wherein the plurality of locking elements (300) are made out of metal, preferably steel.15 A tool for making the locking elements (300) or the body (100), or both, for the coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool is a mould for injection moulding the locking elements (300) or the body (100), or both, respectively.

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