Title of Invention

A QUICK SAFETY CONNECTION FOR THE REMOVABLE JOINING OF PIPES

Abstract

The present invention relates to a quick safety connection for the removable joining of pipes (C<sub>1</sub>, C<sub>2</sub>) of the type comprising a male connector (A) and a female element (B) adapted to fit and to be locked inside one another, a controlled locking mechanism (10, 11) being adapted to immobilize said male connector (1) axially in a position of connection, while at least one retention member (40, 41) is provided to immobilize said male connector, after release of said connector by said locking mechanism, in an intermediate position of discharge of the pipe (C<sub>1</sub>) connected to said male connector, said locking mechanism and retention member being controlled by a sleeve (60) sliding around a body (2) of the female element, characterized in that it comprises means (100, 200) for limiting the movement of said sleeve, under the effect of the pressure (P) prevailing in its inner volume (V, C) due to the discharge of said pipe in said intermediate position, towards a position of release of said connector (1) by said retention member (40, 41).

Full Text

The present invention relates to a quick safety connection for the removable joining of pipes and, more specifically, to a so-called "double-release" quick connection. European Patent Application 0 722 063 discloses a double-release quick connection in wliich two rings are used, provided with elastic claw elements adapted to cooperate successively with an outer groove of a male connector in order to release tliis connector in two steps, allowing the discharge of the fluid contained in the downstream pipe, which avoids the whiplash movements which might prove dangerous for a user with a single-release connection. Other double-release connections are known for example from US-A-5 290 009 or DE-A-27 41 512. In these known devices, an outer ring or sleeve is used for controlling, on the one hand, means for locking the male connector in the female element in a position of communication of the pipes, and, on the other hand, members for retaining the connector in intermediate position of emptying or discharge of the downstream pipe. In this position of discharge, the fluid which flows from the male connector fills the inner volume of the sleeve, which has the effect of increasing the pressure prevailing in an annular chamber defined around the body of tlie female element and inside this sleeve. Such increase in pressure may, in at least certain configurations, induce a displacement of the sleeve corresponding to an increase in the volume of this chamber, i.e. to a reduction of this pressure. Such a displacement may have the consequence of releasing the male connector without tlie intervention of an operator, which may result in a violent discharge and a potentially dangerous "whiplash". It is a particular object of the present invention to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a quick safety connection in which the male connector does not risk passing automatically, i.e. without the intervention of the operator, from its position of locking in the female element to a position of complete disconnection, without retention in its position of discharge of the downstream pipe. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To that end, the invention relates to a quick connection of the type mentioned hereinbefore, which comprises means for limiting the movement of the sleeve, under the effect of the pressure prevailing in its inner volume due to the discharge of the pipe in the intermediate position, towards a position of release of the connector by the retention member. Thanks to these means for limiting the movement of the sleeve, the latter cannot be displaced towards a position of release, premature and automatic, of the male connector. According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the means for limiting the movement of the sleeve comprise venting orifices allowing the flow of the fluid issuing from the downstream pipe, from the inner volume of the sleeve towards the outside of the connection. These vents avoid too great a rise in pressure within the sleeve, particularly in an annular chamber defined around the body of the female element. Such a pressure is therefore not capable of inducing an untimely displacement of the sleeve. The venting orifices advantageously present a total cross-section allowing the flow of the fluid issuing from this downstream pipe without substantial rise in the pressure in the iimer volume of the sleeve. According to a second, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the means for limiting the movement of the sleeve comprise a stop adapted to cooperate with an inner heel of the sleeve, this stop being disposed in the inner volume of tlie sleeve. Such a stop makes it possible efficiently to limit the movements of the sleeve. According to an advantageous aspect, the stop is formed by a ring disposed around the body of the female element in an annular chamber defined between the body and the sleeve. This ring may be provided to be elastically loaded in the direction of an outer bearing surface of the body and in the direction of the heel of the sleeve. In that case, the means for elastically loading the ring may be formed by means for elastic return of the sleeve into position of engagement of the locking mechanism and/or of the retention member. According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the clearance between the body of the female element and the sleeve, downstream of the stop in the direction of flow of the fluid, in the intermediate position of the connector, is greater than the clearance between this stop and the body and/or than the clearance between this stop and this sleeve. This aspect of the invention guarantees that the pressure downstream of the stop is permanently lower than tlie pressure upstream of tliis stop, with the result that the stop is permanently subjected to a difference in pressure which tends to apply it towards the bearing surface defined on the body and towards the heel of the sleeve. The known devices comprise means for locking in transfer position and means for retention in intermediate position, adapted to cooperate with a particular geometry of connector, particularly in the case of using elastic claws. Now, the comiectors that may be used with tlie female elements may have several origins and variable geometries, with the resuU that the locking means and/or the manoeuvring members are not always fully efficient. In order to overcome this drawback, the retention member is formed by a ball capable of axial and radial movements in an oblong slot formed in the body. Furthermore, the locking mechanism may comprise needles mobile in oblong slots formed in the body in directions inclined with respect to the direction of introduction and of extraction of the male connector in and from the female element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more readily understood on reading the following description of an embodiment of a quick safety connection in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an axial section showing the general arrangement of two male and female elements of a connection according to the invention, in coupled position. Figure 2 is a cross-section along line U-II of Figure 1; I-I therein indicates the plane of section of Fi^e 1. Figure 3 is an axial section along line III-III of Figure 1; I-I therein indicates the plane of section of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows, in an exploded perspective view, certain elements constituting the connection of Figures 1 to 3. Figure 5 is a section similar to Figure 1 when the male connector is placed in an intermediate position of discharge or of emptying. Figure 6 is a section along line VI-VI of Figure 5; V-V therein indicates the plane of section of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a section similar to Figure 5 when the male connector has attained its position of discharge or of emptying. Figure 8 is a section along line VIII-VIII of Figure 7; VII-VII therein indicates the plane of section of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 7 upon disconnection of the male connector from the female element of the connection, and Figure 10 is a section along line X-X of Figure 9; IX-IX therein indicates the plane of section of Figure 9. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, the quick connection shown in the Figures comprises a male element A and a female element B both provided to be tubular in shape. The male element A is formed by a connector 1 whose rear part (not shown) is fluidically connected to a first pipe Ci. Similarly, the rear part of the female element B is connected to a second pipe C2 itself connected to a source of compressed air (not shown). The female element B is formed by a tubular body 2 inside which is slidably housed a valve 3 adapted to come into abutment against a seat 4, formed by an elastomer ring immobilized between an inner bush 5 and an outer bush 6 on which the pipe C2 is connected, bushes 5 and 6 being disposed inside a central bore 2a of the body 2. An O-ring 7 is also provided in this central bore in order to abut against the outer radial surface of the connector 1 when the connection is in coupled position, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Two needles 10 and 11 are provided to lock the connector 1 inside the body 2 in the position of Figures 1 and 3. These needles are received in an outer peripheral groove la of the connector 1, bordered by an outer peripheral flange lb. The needles 10 and 11 are mobile inside oblong slots 20 and 21 made in the body 2 and inclined with respect to the central axis X-X' of the male and female elements A and B which defines the direction of infroduction and of exfraction of tlie male connector A in and from the female element B. During introduction of the connection 1 in the body 2, the flange lb pushes the needles 10 and 11 inside the slots 20 and 21 until the front face Ic of the connector 1 abuts against the corresponding face 3c of the valve 3. Due to the continuing movement of introduction of the connector 1, the valve is detached from its seat 4, which allows tlie flow of the air traversing the connector, from the upstream pipe C2 towards the downsfream pipe Ci, as represented by arrows F in Figures 1 and 3. A locking ring 30 is disposed around the body 2 and shaped so that the ends of the needles 10 and 11 are in simple abutment against a face 30a of the ring 30 facing the opening of the bore 2a of the body 2, i.e. in the direction of pipe Ci, in the position of Figures 1 and 3. By its face 30b opposite face 30a, the locking ring 30 is in abutment against a compression spring 31 which tends to push it towards the opening of the bore 2a. In this way, when the connector 1 is introduced in the body 2, the needles 10 and 11 are firstly pushed inside the housings 20 and 21, so that they move the ring 30 in tlie direction of the valve 3, against the force of the spring 31. As soon as the flange lb has passed beyond the needles 10 and 11, the elastic return effort due to the spring 31 pushes the ring 30 towards the opening of the bore 2a, so that the needles 10 and 11 are also pushed in this direction and, taking into account the inclined nature of the slots 20 and 21, the needles 10 and 11 are displaced in the direction of the groove la of the coimector 1. The coimector 1 is thus locked in the body 2 in tlie position of Figures 1 and 3. Balls 40 and 41 are housed in two oblong slots 50 and 51 made in the body 2, parallel to axis X-X'. In the position of Figures 1 to 3, the balls 40 and 41 are maintained engaged in the groove la thanks to two bearing portions 53a and 53b formed on a locking ring 53 whose function is detailed hereinafter. At the level of the balls 40 and 41, i.e. in the plane of section of Figure 3, the ring 30 extends in two tongues 30c and 30d which cover the bearing portions 53a and 53b, with the result that a movement of the balls 40 and 41 in a radial outward direction is prevented, the balls 40 and 41 thus being firmly maintained in position in the groove la. A sleeve 60 is arranged around the body 2, capable of movements of translation around this body, parallel to axis X-X'. When it is necessary to open the connection, i.e. to separate the male and female elements A and B, the connector 1 is unlocked from the body 2 by exerting on the sleeve 60 an effort E] directed towards the rear of the female element B, i.e. towards pipe C2, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The sleeve 60 is fast with the ring 53, so that the displacement of the sleeve 60 towards the pipe C2 results in a concomitant displacement of the ring 53. The bearing portions 53a and 53b cover the balls 40 and 41 and prevent any radial movement of these balls towards the outside of the groove la. Sidewalls 53c and 53d of the ring 53 are in simple abutment against the needles 10 and 11. Due to the movement of the ring 53, the sidewalls push the needles in the direction of pipe C2, which also has the effect of pushing the ring 30 against the return forpe of the spring 31, as is produced during the step of unlocking of the connection. Under these conditions, due to the incHnation of the slots 20 and 21 with respect to axis X-X', the needles 10 and 11 are extracted from the groove la of the connector 1, with the result that the connector 1 may be driven or drawn towards the outside of the bore 2ai as represented by arrow T in Figures 5 and 6. The front face Ic of the connector 1 is then no longer in abutment against the face 3a of the valve 3. The valve 3 is therefore applied against the seat 4 under the effect of the pressure forces prevailing in the outer bush 6. In the position of Figures 5 and 6, the connector 1 is retained inside the body 1 by tlie balls 40 and 41 which are maintained in the groove la, as shown in Figure 6. By passing from the position of Figures 1 to 3 to that of Figures 5 and 6, the connector 1 has arrived in a position of decompression or emptying of the air contained in the pipe Ci, since the front face Ic of the connector 1 is separated from the valve 3 by an inner volume V whose width 1, defined between faces Ic and 3c, is non zero. When the operator releases the sleeve 60, the latter is pushed towards the opei|ng of the bore 2a. hi effect, the spring 31 exerts on the ring 30 an effort E2 direc^ea towards the pipe Ci as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The needles 10 and 11, whic|i are in abutment against the ring 30, are pushed towards the opening of the Dore |3na laKe a position of abutment against the flange lb shown in Figure^?, hi tms position, the needles 10 and 11 exert on the sidewalls 53c and 53d of the ring 53 ai| eifort substantially similar to effort E2, which has the effect of also pushing this ring 53 and the sleeve 60 which is fast therewith in the direction of pipe Ci. The position of Figures 7 and 8 is tlien attained, in which the balls 40 and 41 are t maintained in position in the groove la, as shown in Figure 8. In the positions of Figures 5 to 8, the air located in the pipe Ci mgi'^ow from the connector 1 into the volume V, which makes it possible to drain the pipe C] and subsequently to avoid any risk of'whiplash when the male and female elements A and B are effectively separated. From volume V, the air fills the internal interstices of the female element B and, in particular, an annular chamber C defined in the inner volume of the sleeve 41-* 60 around the body 2. On the pipe d side, the annular chamber C is obturated by . the ring 53. Due to the flow of the air under pressure from the volume V towards the chamber C, the pressure P in the annular chamber C tends to increase. When it is desired to continue disconnection of the male and female elements A and B, it suffices to exert on the sleeve 60 an effort E3 as shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the direction opposite the effort Ei, which has the effect of displacing the ring 53 in the direction of the pipe Ci beyond the opening of the central bore 2a of the body 2. The bearing portions 53a and 53b then no longer * oppose tlie extraction of the balls 40 and 41 outside the groove la of the connector 1. When the balls 10 and 11 are extracted from the groove la and since the needles 40 and 41 are already upstream of the flange lb, there is nothing to oppose the extraction of the connector 1 from the body 2, which may in that case be effected as shown in Figures 9 and 10. During introduction of the male element A in the female element B, the inclined front face of the flange lb pushes the balls 40 and 41 upstream. The balls, captive in their slots 50 and 51, come into abutment in these slots and push the body 2 inside the sleeve 60 held in the operator's hand. The position of Figures 9 and 10 is then attained. In this position, the balls 40 and 41 may be driven radially to the outside of the slots 50 and 51 by the flange Ife of the connector 1 in the course of introduction in the bore 2a of the body 2. In effect, the ring 53 and the ring 30 do not overlap at the level of parts 53a, 53bi and 30c. In tliis way, taking into Recount the operation of the needles 10 and 11 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, it will be imderstood that the connection between the male and female elements A and B is automatic, in that it intervenes solely by the movement of introduction of the male connector 1 in the body 2. Returning to the intermediate positions shown in Figures 5 to 8, and corresponding to the discharge of the pipe Ci, it will be understood that it is indispensable that the balls 40 and 41 perform tiieir fruiction of retention of the connector 1 inside the body 2 efficiently, until the pipe Ci is completely discharged, in order to avoid any untimely separation of the male part A from the female part B. Such a separation would in effect be the same as denying the feature of double release of the connection in question. Due to the increase in the pressure P in the chamber C, the effort E4 exerted on the face 30b of tlie ring 30 in the direction of the pipe Cj increases as the air coming from this pipe discharges. If the pressure P in the chamber C becomes too high, care must be taken that the effort E4 is not sufficient to push the ring 53 and the sleeve 60 towards the position of Figures 9 and 10 in which the balls 40 and 41 may be ejected from the groove la, while the operator has not exerted on the sleeve 60 any effort equivalent to the effort E3 represented in Figures 9 and 10. In order to eliminate this danger of untimely opening of the connection, and in accordance with the invention, it is provided to limit the movement of the sleeve 60 and of the ring 53 in the direction of the pipe Ci in the position of Figures 5 to 8. To that end, vents 100 are provided in the body 2, so that the air flowing from the connector in the volume V may follow the path represented by arrow F' in Figure 7. In this way, a potentially dangerous rise in pressure in chamber C is avoided. According to an embodiment of the invention (not shown), it may also be provided that the inner surface of the ring 53 presents longitudinal ribs which define channels with the outer surface of the body 2, these channels allowing communication of chamber C and the outside atmosphere. These channels therefore also constitute vents for communication of the inner volume of the sleeve 60 and the outside of the connection. In any case, the total cross-section of the vents is provided to be sufficient to allow the flow of the fluid issuing from pipe Ci without a substantial rise in the pressure P in the chamber C, with the result that any risk of untimely movement of the ring 53 may be set aside. Furthermore, a safety ring 200 is housed in the chamber C, i.e. between the body 2 and the sleeve 60, in abutment against a shoulder 2b of the body 2. The ring 200 is more particularly visible in Figure 4. It comprises an annular portion 200a and two sectors 200b and 200c presenting, in combination with the annular portion 200a, a cross-section in the form of a C as shown in Figures 3, 6, 8 and 10. The face 200d of the ring 200 turned towards the pipe Ci is in simple abutment against the spring 31, so that the ring 200 is elastically loaded in the direction of the shoulder 2b of the body 2. Furthermore, the sleeve 60 bears a plurality of inner heels 60a of which two are visible in Figures 1,5,7 and 9 and which are provided to cooperate witli the face 200e of the ring 200 turned towards the pipe C2. In tlie event of rise in pressure in the chamber C, the effort E4, exerted on the locking ring 30 and which would tend to displace the ring 53 in the direction of the pipe Ci, would have the effect of likewise entraining the sleeve 60 which is fast with the ring 53. Such a movement of the sleeve 60 in the direction of the pipe Ci would involve, due to the abutment of the heels 60a on the face 200e of the ring 200, a displacement of this ring against the effort E5 generated by the spring 31 and tlie pressur^e prevailing in the chamber C. In other words, the antagonistic efforts E4 and E5 which are respectively exerted on the rings 53 and 200, as shown in Figure 8, are due to the pressure P and to the spring 31, with the result that they are substantially of the same value, which makes it possible to avoid a lack of equilibrium which might lead to a displacement of the ring 53 and of the sleeve 60. In this way, independently of the value of the pressure P, a situation of stable equilibrium in the configuration of Figures 5 and 8 is obtained. The air present in the pipe Ci can therefore escape safely, through the vents 100 or equivalent, without risk of auto-movement of the sleeve 60. In order to improve the reliability of the connection further, the clearance J between the sleeve 60 and the body 2 downstream of the ring 200 is provided to be greater than the clearance j between the ring 200 and the body 2 and than the clearance]' between the ring 200 and the sleeve 60. The air present in tlie chamber C may thus flow in the annular space defined by the clearance J, as represented by arrow F" in Figures 7 and 8. Thus, the pressure prevailing downstream of the safety ring 200 is permanently lower than the pressure P prevailing in the chamber C, as long as this pressure is difiFerent from atmospheric pressure. This make it possible to make fiiU use of the force due to the pressure P prevailing in the chamber C to load the ring 200 in the direction of the shoulder 2b, without risk of unstable positioning of the ring 200 inside the chamber C, even in a variant embodiment where the spring 31 does not cooperate with the ring 200. The vents 100, on the one hand, and the safety ring 200, on the other hand, may be provided independently in the connection of the invention or in combination, as shown in the Figures. In other words, the ring 200 might be omitted as long as sufficient vents are provided; similarly, the vents might be eliminated while only one safety ring is provided. The safety ring presents the additional advantage of not being accessible from the outside, with the result that its functioning is never altered. In particular, when the connection operates in a dirty environment, it may be that waste encumbers the vents 100 and even blocks them, which would render them inefficient. The ring 200 functions totally satisfactorily, including in a dirty environment. It should also be noted that the ring 200 is efficient whatever the pressure P which depends on the pressure of the fluid transiting in the connection, since the effort exerted on the ring 200 to withstand the displacement of the sleeve 60 increases with this pressure. In fact, the ring 200 constitutes an element for stopping displacement of the sleeve 60 and the ring 5. In the example shown, it is constituted by a ring, but it is obvious that it might also be formed by discrete elements distributed around the body 2 in the iimer volume of the sleeve 60. The invention has been shown with a locking means formed by needles and retention members formed by ball, which allows the female element B to be adapted to the connectors 1 of the male element A of variable geometry. However, other locking means and retention members may be envisaged, in particular claws, possibly mounted on an annular ring. Such claws may, as desired, replace the needles, the balls or both at the same time. The invention is also apphcable with retention members formed by articulated levers in tlie female part and each provided with a nose or beak adapted to penetrate in an outer peripheral groove of the male connector. The geometry of the nose or beak of these levers may be adapted to that of the groove of the connector, hence a considerable adaptability of the female element with respect to the different types of connectors on the market. The invention has been described with a connection suppUed with air. However, it is applicable whatever the fluid, gaseous or liquid, transiting in the pipes. CLAIMS 1. Quick safety connection for the removable joining of pipes (C1, C2) of the type comprising a male connector (A) and a female element (B) adapted to fit and to be locked inside one another, a controlled locking mechanism (10,11) being adapted to immobilize said male connector (1) axially in a position of connection, while at least one retention member (40,41) is provided to immobilize said male connector, after release of said connector by said locking mechanism, in an intermediate position of discharge of the pipe (Ci) connected to said male connector, said locking mechanism and retention member being controlled by a sleeve (60) sliding around a body (2) of the female element, characterized in that it comprises means (100,200) for limiting the movement of said sleeve, under the effect of the pressure (P) prevailing in its inner volume (V, C) due to the discharge of said pipe in said intermediate position, towards a position of release of said connector (1) by said retention member (40,41). 2. Quick connection according to Claim 1, characterized in that said means for limiting the movement of said sleeve comprise venting orifices (100) allowing the flow (F') of the fluid issuing fi-om said pipe (d), fi'om the inner volume (V, C) of said sleeve (60) towards the outside of said connection (A, B). 3. Quick connection according to Claim 2, characterized in that said venting orifices (100) have a total cross-section allowing the flow (F') of the fluid issuing fi-om said pipe (C1) without substantial rise of the pressure (P) in the inner volume (V,C)ofsaid sleeve (60). 4. Quick connection according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that said means for limiting the movement of said sleeve comprise a stop (200) adapted to cooperate with an inner heel (60a) of said sleeve (60), said stop being disposed in said inner volume (C) of said sleeve. 5. Quick connection according to Claim 4, characterized in that said stop is formed by a ring (200) disposed around said body (2) in an annular chamber (C) defined between said body and said sleeve (60). 6. Quick connection according to Claim 5, characterized in that said ring (200) is elastically loaded (31) in the direction of an outer bearing surface (2b) of said body (2) and in the direction of said heel (60a). 7. Quick connection according to Claim 6, characterized in that the means for elastically loading said ring (200) are formed by means (31) for elastic return into position of engagement of said locking mechanism (10,11) and/or of said retention member (40,41). 8. Quick connection according to one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the clearance (J) between said body (2) and said sleeve (60), downstream of said stop (200), in the direction of flow (F") of said fluid, in said intermediate position, is greater than the clearance (j) between said stop (200) and said body (2) and/or than the clearance (j') between said stop (200) and said sleeve (60). 9. Quick connection according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that said retention member is formed by a ball (40,41) capable of axial and radial movements in an oblong slot (50, 51) formed in said body (2) parallel to the direction (X-X') of introduction and extraction of said male connector (A) in and from the female element (B). 10. Quick connection according to one of the precedmg Claims, characterized in that said locking mechanism comprises needles (10,11) mobile in oblong slots (20,21) formed in said body in directions inclined with respect to the direction (X-X') of introduction and extraction of said male connector (A) in and from tlie female element (B). 11, Quick safety connection for the removable joining of pipes substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

1079-mas-1999-abstract.pdf

1079-mas-1999-claims filed.pdf

1079-mas-1999-claims granted.pdf

1079-mas-1999-correspondnece-others.pdf

1079-mas-1999-correspondnece-po.pdf

1079-mas-1999-description(complete)filed.pdf

1079-mas-1999-description(complete)granted.pdf

1079-mas-1999-drawings.pdf

1079-mas-1999-form 1.pdf

1079-mas-1999-form 26.pdf

1079-mas-1999-form 3.pdf

1079-mas-1999-form 5.pdf

1079-mas-1999-other documents.pdf