阅读说明：本技术 软管连接器 (Hose connector ) 是由 托马斯·伦纳 于 2019-07-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种软管连接器(100),具有主体(102),该主体具有第一主体部分(106)和第二主体部分。第一主体部分和第二主体部分在其之间限定一间隙,使得该间隙适于在其中接收软管。进一步地,第二主体部分具有朝向间隙的进入部分的端部区段。软管连接器(100)还包括具有多个夹持爪的夹持元件。软管连接器(100)还包括螺纹耦接到第二主体部分的夹持螺母(140)。软管连接器(100)还包括限定在第二主体部分上的至少一个开口(132)。该至少一个开口(132)在第一端部与第二端部之间延伸。此外,为了使软管与软管连接器(100)完全锁定,软管至少呈现在第一端部处。进一步地,为了使软管与软管连接器(100)完全锁定,夹持螺母(140)覆盖第二端部。(A hose connector (100) has a body (102) with a first body portion (106) and a second body portion. The first body portion and the second body portion define a gap therebetween such that the gap is adapted to receive a hose therein. Further, the second body portion has an end section facing the entry portion of the gap. The hose connector (100) further comprises a clamping element having a plurality of clamping jaws. The hose connector (100) further comprises a clamping nut (140) threadedly coupled to the second body portion. The hose connector (100) further includes at least one opening (132) defined on the second body portion. The at least one opening (132) extends between the first end and the second end. Furthermore, in order to fully lock the hose with the hose connector (100), the hose is present at least at the first end. Further, a clamping nut (140) covers the second end in order to fully lock the hose with the hose connector (100).)

1. A hose connector (100) comprising;

a body (102) comprising:

a first body portion (106); and

a second body portion (112) arranged concentrically around the first body portion (106);

wherein the first body portion (106) and the second body portion (112) define a gap (114) therebetween such that the gap (114) is adapted to receive a hose (108) therein;

wherein the second body portion (112) has an end section (118) facing an entry portion (120) of the gap (114);

a clamping element (124) coupled to the second body portion (112), wherein the clamping element (124) includes a plurality of clamping jaws (126); and

a clamping nut (140) threadably coupled to the second body portion (112);

the method is characterized in that:

the hose connector (100) further comprises at least one opening (132) defined on the second body portion (112), the at least one opening (132) extending between a first end (150) and a second end (152), wherein the first end (150) is defined as a peripheral point closest to the end section (118) of the second body portion (112) and the second end (152) is defined as a peripheral point furthest from the end section (118) of the second body portion (112);

wherein, in order to fully lock the hose (108) with the hose connector (100):

the hose (108) being adapted to be received in the gap (114) such that the hose (108) is present at least at the first end (150); and is

The clamping nut (140) is adapted such that the clamping nut (140) covers the second end (152) after being threadedly coupled to the second body portion (112).

2. The hose connector (100) of claim 1, wherein the second body portion (112) comprises external threads (116) that engage with internal threads (142) on the clamp nut (140) to threadably couple the clamp nut (140) and the second body portion (112).

3. The hose connector (100) of claim 2, wherein the at least one opening (132) is disposed adjacent the external thread (116) on the second body portion (112).

4. The hose connector (100) according to claim 2, wherein the opening (132) is realized at least partially within the external thread (116).

5. The hose connector (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (132) is triangular in shape.

6. The hose connector (100) according to claim 5, wherein the orientation of the triangle is such that the triangle is directed to the furthest peripheral point of the end section (118).

7. The hose connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second body portion (112) comprises a plurality of openings (132) circumferentially spaced from each other.

8. The hose connector (100) of claim 7, wherein the second body portion (112) comprises at least four openings (132).

9. The hose connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the presence of the hose (108) at least at the first end (150) of the at least one opening (132) indicates an accurate mounting of the hose (108) on the first body portion (106).

10. The hose connector (100) of claim 9, wherein the hose (108) covers at least half of an overall length (L1) defined by the at least one opening (132), indicating proper installation of the hose (108) on the first body portion (106).

11. The hose connector (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the clamping nut (140) covering the second end (152) of the at least one opening (132) indicates a correct clamping of the hose (108).

12. The hose connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second body portion (112) comprises a stop edge (123) defined adjacent to the at least one opening (132).

13. The hose connector (100) according to claim 12, wherein the stop edge (123) is embodied as an annular rib extending from an outer surface (134) of the second body portion (112).

14. The hose connector (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a first rib (136) provided on the clamping nut (140) abuts the stop edge (123) when the clamping nut (140) is coupled with the second body portion (112).

15. The hose connector (100) according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the clamping nut (140) is adapted to completely cover the second end (152) of the at least one opening (132) when the first rib (136) abuts the stop edge (123).

16. The hose connector (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the at least one opening (132) is at least one of rectangular, circular and oval.

17. The hose connector (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping nut (140) is adapted to restrict the passage of foreign objects into the external thread (116) of the second body portion (112) and the internal thread (142) of the clamping nut (140) when the clamping nut (140) is coupled with the second body portion (112).

18. The hose connector (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping element (124) comprises at least one tooth (128).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hose connector, and more particularly to a coupling mechanism for a hose connector.

Background

One of the necessary conditions for self-habitats is hoses for watering lawns, car washes, etc. The hose is connected to a water supply source, such as a faucet or a pump, so that water can be delivered through the hose. The hose connector allows for quick coupling of the hose to the water supply source. Hose connectors typically include a body, a clamping nut, and a clamping element. To couple the hose with the hose connector, the hose is pushed so that the hose is received by the body of the hose connector. In some cases, the main body does not receive a hose of the proper length. This is typically due to friction between the main body and the hose. If the hose is not properly received by the main body, there is a possibility that the hose may slip out of the connection during operation. For example, if the hose is subjected to an alternating load, the likelihood that the hose may slip out of the connection is high. It is therefore important that the user knows whether the hose has been fully received by the main body. Currently available hose connectors do not provide any indication as to whether the hose has been fully received by the main body.

EP2644959a2 describes a pipe coupling for receiving and retaining a pipe. The coupling includes a coupling body having a passageway to receive a portion of the pipe. A collet in the coupling body has a post with an outer surface that engages a tapered surface in the coupling body that pushes the post inward to resist withdrawal of the tube. The biasing member provides a biasing force to urge the strut axially onto the tapered surface without inserting a tube. The collet can hold a variety of pipe diameters. The coupler may be equipped with inserts for sealing with the inner diameter of the tube, the inserts having different diameters. For sealing purposes, the insert is fitted into the end of the tube before the tube is inserted into the coupling body. The insert has a channel that aligns with the channel in the coupling body when inserted. The insert is provided towards its end furthest from the end of the tube with an O-ring seal which seals against the coupling body. To this end, the coupling body exhibits a narrow section, so that the O-ring on the insert seals against the inner annular wall of the coupling body by being pushed therein. The coupling body also comprises a window allowing to inspect the inserted tube and thus to determine the passage of the tube. While the passage of the tube is a good indicator of successful access, it does not guarantee that the user has inserted the tube far enough to achieve a watertight seal between the tube and the coupling body. This is because the window is already completely covered by the tube when the O-ring has not yet entered the narrow section of the coupling body for sealing. Thus, when the O-ring reaches the front of the narrowed section, the user experiences that the reaction force may tend to think he has fully entered the hose and thus stops further pushing. This then leads to an improper seal and thus to a wrong connection. By just looking at the window, there is no opportunity to distinguish between the case of a reaction force due to the O-ring reaching a narrow section of the coupling body and the case of a reaction force due to the tube being pushed completely into the coupling body.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the above discussed drawbacks. This object is at least partly achieved by a hose connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hose connector has a body. The body comprises a first body portion and a second body portion arranged concentrically around the first body portion. The first body portion and the second body portion define a gap therebetween such that the gap is adapted to receive a hose therein. Further, the second body portion has an end section facing the entry portion of the gap. The hose connector also includes a clamping element coupled to the second body portion. The clamping element comprises a plurality of clamping jaws. The hose connector also includes a clamp nut that is threadably coupled to the second body portion.

The hose connector also includes at least one opening defined on the second body portion. The at least one opening extends between a first end and a second end. The first end of the at least one opening is defined as the closest peripheral point to the end section of the second body portion and the second end is defined as the peripheral point furthest from the end section of the second body portion. Furthermore, in order to fully lock the hose with the hose connector, the clamping nut is adapted to be threaded behind the second body part such that the clamping nut covers the second end.

The at least one opening indicates to a user whether the hose has been properly received by the second body portion and also indicates whether the clamping nut is properly engaged with the second body portion. The hose connector of the present invention therefore provides improved functional reliability. The hose connector also allows for simple assembly and disassembly and is easy to use. Further, the at least one opening may be provided in the second body part without any additional cost.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second body part comprises an external thread which engages with an internal thread on the clamping nut for threadedly coupling the clamping nut and the second body part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one opening is provided adjacent to the external thread on the second body part.

In the alternative, the at least one opening does not interfere with the internal thread, for example by positioning the opening adjacent to the internal thread, embodiments of the invention may also be achieved by forming the at least one opening at least partially within the external thread. As with this embodiment, no additional spaced openings are required adjacent the threads of the hose connector, which can be manufactured in shorter versions.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one opening is triangular. The particular orientation of the triangle may also be considered.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the orientation of the triangle may be chosen such that the triangle points to the furthest peripheral point of the end section. Thereby, a user of the hose connector is visually instructed to enter the hose far enough into the hose connector at least until the hose is seen in the opening.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second body part comprises a plurality of openings, which are circumferentially spaced from each other.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second body part comprises at least four openings.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the presence of the hose at least at the first end of the at least one opening is an indication of an accurate mounting of the hose on the first body part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hose covers at least half of the total length defined by the at least one opening to indicate an accurate mounting of the hose on the first body part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the covering of the second end of the at least one opening is an indication of an accurate clamping of the hose.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second body portion comprises a stop edge defined adjacent to the at least one opening.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the stop edge is embodied as an annular rib extending from the outer surface of the second body part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first rib provided on the clamping nut abuts against the stop edge when the clamping nut is coupled with the second body part. More specifically, when the clamping nut abuts the stop edge, the user realizes that the clamping nut is fully engaged with the second body portion and that the hose is properly clamped by the clamping element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the clamping nut is adapted to completely cover the second end of the at least one opening when the first rib abuts against the stop edge.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the shape of the at least one opening is at least one of rectangular, circular and oval.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the clamping nut is adapted to restrict passage of foreign objects into the at least one opening, the external thread of the second body portion, and the internal thread of the clamping nut when the clamping nut is coupled with the second body portion. Any possibility of contamination of the external thread of the second body part by the ingress of dust is therefore eliminated.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the clamping element comprises at least one tooth.

Further features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a hose connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the body and clamping element of a hose connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a hose connector and a hose received by the hose connector according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a hose connector with a clamping nut in an engaged state according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the openings and the placement of the openings.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be used in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "side," "longitudinal," "lateral," "transverse," "upward," "downward," "forward," "rearward," "lateral," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," "inner," "outer," "inward," "outward," "top," "bottom," "higher," "above … …," "below … …," "center," "intermediate," "between … …," "end," "adjacent," "proximal," "distal," "radial," "circumferential," and the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the drawings. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a hose connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hose connector 100 may be coupled with a water supply source (not shown) for performing a watering operation. For example, the water supply source may include a faucet or a pump outlet. The hose connector 100 includes a body 102. The body 102 defines an end 104 that may be removably coupled to a water supply. The end 104 may typically be tubular in shape. In one example, the end 104 may include internal threads (not shown) that engage external threads on the water supply to removably couple the hose connector 100 with the water supply. In an alternative example, the hose connector 100 may be press-fitted to the water supply source without any limitation.

The body 102 includes a first body portion 106. The first body portion 106 defines a fluid passageway (not shown) to allow water from a water supply to be introduced to a hose 108, the hose 108 being connected to the hose connector 100. The hose 108 is received by the first body portion 106 such that the hose 108 contacts an outer surface 110 of the first body portion 106. Further, the body 102 includes a second body portion 112. The second body portion 112 is arranged concentrically around the first body portion 106. More specifically, the first body portion 106 and the second body portion 112 are arranged such that a gap 114 is defined between the first body portion 106 and the second body portion 112. The hose 108 is received in the gap 114 defined between the first body portion 106 and the second body portion 112.

The second body portion 112 has an annular shape. The second body portion 112 defines a plurality of external threads 116. Further, the second body portion 112 defines a sliding surface (not shown) disposed at one side of the plurality of external threads 116. The second body portion 112 also defines an end section 118 that is disposed toward an inlet portion 120 of the gap 114. Further, the second body portion 112 includes a stop edge 123. The stop edge 123 is disposed adjacent the opening 132. The stop edge 123 is embodied as an annular rib extending from the outer surface 134 of the second body portion 112.

The hose connector 100 includes a gripping element 124. The clamping member 124 includes a plurality of clamping jaws 126. Further, the clamping jaws 126 include one or more teeth 128 defined on an inner surface of the respective clamping jaw 126. In the illustrated embodiment, each gripper jaw 126 includes two teeth 128. Alternatively, each gripper jaw 126 may include two or more teeth 128 without limitation.

The clamping element 124 is coupled to the second body portion 112. In one example, the clamping element 124 is coupled to the second body portion 112 by a snap-fit arrangement. The clamping element 124 is coupled to the second body portion 112 such that the clamping element 124 is slidable relative to the second body portion 112 along the axial direction "a 1". More specifically, the clamping element 124 is slidingly received to the sliding surface, thus allowing axial displacement of the clamping element 124. Furthermore, the clamping element 124 and the second body portion 112 are designed such that the clamping element 124 is radially inclined with respect to the second body portion 112.

In one example, the clamping element 124 is molded onto the body 102. For example, an injection molding process may be used to mold the gripping element 124 on the hose connector 100. Further, a 2-K injection molding process or a component injection molding process may be used to mold the clamping element 124 on the hose connector 100. In further examples, the gripping element 124 and the hose connector 100 may be manufactured as separate components, which are then coupled to each other. Since the clamping element 124 is manufactured using cost-effective techniques, the hose connector 100 does not incur significant component production costs. Further, installation costs and time associated with assembly and disassembly of the clamping element 124 and the body 102 are reduced due to the clamping element 124 being molded with the body 102. Further, the material of the body 102 may be different from the material of the clamping element 124. In one example, the clamping element 124 may be made of polyoxymethylene, while the body 102 may be made of polypropylene, without limitation.

The hose connector 100 also includes a clamping nut 140. The clamp nut 140 is threadably coupled to the second body portion 112. The clamp nut 140 may be engaged to or disengaged from the second body portion 112 based on rotation of the clamp nut 140 in the threaded direction "a 2". The clamp nut 140 is shown in an engaged position in fig. 4 and in a disengaged position in fig. 1, 2 and 3. When the internal threads 142 of the clamp nut 140 engage the external threads 116 on the second body portion 112, the clamp nut 140 is said to be in the engaged position. The clamp nut 140 defines a clamp surface 144.

Further, the clamp nut 140 includes a tail portion 143 such that when the clamp nut 140 is in the engaged position, the tail portion 143 exerts a force on the clamping element 124. As illustrated in fig. 4, the clamp nut 140 exerts no force on the clamp element 124 such that when the clamp nut 140 is in the disengaged position, the clamp element 124 is in the retracted position.

Further, the clamp nut 140 includes a first rib 136 that extends from an inner surface 138 of the clamp nut 140. Alternatively, the first rib 136 may include a plurality of ribs that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The first rib 136 is implemented as a circular ring extending from the inner surface 138. When the clamp nut 140 is coupled with the second body portion 112, the first rib 136 abuts the stop edge 123, thus indicating that the clamp nut 140 is in the engaged position. Further, in the engaged position of the clamp nut 140, the clamp nut 140 restricts passage of foreign objects toward the external threads 116 of the second body portion 112 and the internal threads 142 of the clamp nut 140. Therefore, any possibility of contamination of the external thread 116 and the internal thread 142 due to the entry of dust or other foreign matter is eliminated.

Referring to FIG. 2, the hose connector 100 includes one or more openings 132 defined in the second body portion 112. The openings 132 are implemented as through openings. In the illustrated example, the hose connector 100 includes a number of openings 132 that are circumferentially spaced from one another. More specifically, the hose connector 100 includes four openings 132. Alternatively, the hose connector 100 may include more than four openings or less than four openings without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The opening 132 is disposed adjacent the external threads 116 on the second body portion 112. More specifically, the opening 132 is disposed between the stop edge 123 and the external threads 116.

For illustrative purposes, the single opening 132 of the hose connector 100 will be described in detail. However, it should be noted that the description provided below applies equally to all of the openings 132 of the hose connector 100. The shape of the opening 132 may be rectangular, circular, or elliptical. In the illustrated example, the opening 132 is rectangular in shape. Opening 132 extends between a first end 150 and a second end 152. Further, first end 150 is defined as the peripheral point on opening 132 closest to end section 118. Conversely, the second end 152 is defined as the peripheral point on the opening 132 that is furthest from the end section 118.

As shown in fig. 3, when the hose 108 is fully locked with the hose connector 100, the hose 108 is received in the gap 114 such that the hose 108 is presented at least at the first end 150. In some examples, the hose 108 may exhibit one-half or more than one-half of the overall length "L1" defined by the opening 132. In further examples, the hose 108 may be presented up to the second end 152 such that the hose 108 completely covers the opening 132. The presence of the hose 108 at the first end 150 of the opening 132 is an indication of the proper installation of the hose 108 on the first body portion 106. More specifically, the presence of the hose 108 at the opening 132 indicates the proper installation of the hose 108 on the first body portion 106.

Further, when the hose 108 is fully locked with the hose connector 100, the clamp nut 140 covers the second end 152 of the opening 132. The covering of the second end 152 of the opening 132 is an indication that the hose 108 is properly gripped by the hose connector 100. The opening 132 indicates to the user whether the hose 108 has been properly received by the first body portion 106 and whether the clamp nut 140 is properly engaged with the second body portion 112. Further, the opening 132 provides a cost effective solution to let the user realize the correct coupling of the hose 108 to the hose connector 100 without incurring any additional costs.

To couple the hose 108 with the hose connector 100, the hose 108 is coupled with the first body portion 106. More specifically, the hose 108 is pushed until the hose 108 is visible at the first end 150 of the opening 132, which indicates that the hose 108 has been received a sufficient length by the first body portion 106. The clamp nut 140 is then threadably coupled to the second body portion 112 by rotation of the clamp nut 140 in the clockwise direction "C1" along the threaded direction "a 2". As the internal threads 142 of the clamp nut 140 engage the external threads 116 on the second body portion 112, the tail portion 143 of the clamp nut 140 exerts a force on the clamp jaws 126. Thus, the gripping claws 126 are in turn pressed radially inward toward the hose 108, thereby exerting a retaining force on the hose 108.

Referring to fig. 4, when the clamping nut 140 is coupled with the second body portion 112, the clamping nut 140 covers the opening 132 (see fig. 2 and 3). The clamp nut 140 is rotated until the opening 132 is completely covered by the clamp nut 140. More specifically, the clamp nut 140 is rotated until the first rib 136 (see fig. 1) contacts and abuts the stop edge 123 and the clamp nut 140 completely covers the second end 152 of the opening 132. Complete coverage of the opening 132 indicates that the hose 108 is fully locked with the hose connector 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the hose 108 is removed from the hose connector 100, the clamp nut 140 is disengaged from the second body portion 112. The clamp nut 140 is disconnected by rotating the clamp nut 140 in a counter-clockwise direction "C2" in a direction opposite the threading direction "a 2". When the clamp nut 140 is disengaged from the second body portion 112, the opening 132 is visible, thereby indicating that the clamp nut 140 is in the disengaged position. Further, disengagement of the internal threads 142 of the clamp nut 140 from the external threads 116 on the second body portion 112 causes the clamping jaws 126 to spring radially back to the retracted position as the tail portions 143 no longer exert a force on the clamping jaws 126. The resilient action of the clamping jaws 126 releases the retention force previously exerted on the hose 108 by the clamping jaws 126, thereby allowing the hose 108 to be easily removed from the first body portion 106.

The hose connector 100 disclosed herein provides improved functional reliability. The hose connector 100 allows for simplified assembly and disassembly and is easy to use. More specifically, the components of the hose connector 100 do not require any prior assembly or disassembly, and thus the hose connector 100 allows for simplified assembly and disassembly of the hose 108 and the hose connector 100.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the openings and the placement of the openings. The main elements of the hose nut are similar to the embodiments already shown and described with reference to fig. 1 to 4. The difference from this embodiment is the placement and shape of the opening (132). Again, the second body portion (112) includes external threads (116) that engage with internal threads (142) on the clamp nut (140) to threadably couple the clamp nut (140) with the second body portion (112). In the illustrated embodiment, the opening (132) is implemented at least partially within the external thread (116). In this way, the additional spacing for the openings adjacent to the threads of the hose connector can be significantly reduced or even eliminated. Thus, the hose connector (100) can be manufactured in a shorter version. Also illustratively, the opening (132) is triangular in shape. The particular orientation of the triangle may also be considered, for example, an orientation selected such that the triangle points to the furthest peripheral point of the end section (118). Thereby, a user of the hose connector is visually indicated that the hose has entered the hose connector far enough until the hose is seen at least in the opening (132).

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Component list

100 hose connector

102 main body

104 end portion

106 first body part

108 flexible pipe

110 outer surface

112 second body portion

114 gap

116 external thread

118 end section

120 inlet portion

123 stop edge

124 clamping element

126 gripper jaw

128 tooth

132 opening

134 outer surface

136 first rib

140 clamping nut

142 internal thread

143 tail portion

144 clamping surface

146 outer surface

150 first end portion

152 second end portion

Axial direction of A1

A2 thread direction

C1 clockwise

C2 counterclockwise

L1 length