TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hose connector, and more particularly to a clamping element of the hose connector.

BACKGROUND

One of the necessities for home ownership is a hose for watering lawns, washing cars, etc. The hose is connected to a source of water supply such as a tap or a pump so that water can be delivered through the hose. A hose connector allows quick coupling of the hose with the source of water supply. The hose connector typically includes a body, a clamping nut, and a clamping element. Based on tightening of the clamping nut, clamping claws of the clamping element press on to the hose to couple the hose with the hose connector. A holding force between the clamping element and the hose depends on a tightening torque that is applied on the clamping nut. If the tightening torque on the clamping nut reduces, there is a possibility that the hose may slip off from the hose connector during operation.

Also, due to heat-cold-impact, a settling behavior exists between the hose and the clamping claws which in turn reduces the holding force of the clamping claws, thereby causing the hose to slip off from the hose connector. Further, in a situations where the hose is subjected to multiple side pulls, an alternating bending load is exerted on the hose which may cause the hose to slip out of connection. Thus, conventional hose connectors lack functional reliability. Also, some conventional hose connectors include separate movable claws that need to be additionally pushed onto the hose. Such an additional component adds to an overall component cost as well as installation costs which is not desirable.

DE102006013934A1 describes a device with a tube piece having a base at which a connecting piece for a pipe is formed. At the base, a connectable nut and a clamping element are provided. By turning the nut into an attachment direction, the clamping element is movable radially toward the connecting piece. On the clamping element, by means of an edge a force is applied due to a turn of the nut in a release direction. The clamping element is moved away radially outward, from the connecting piece. An independent claim is included for a nut, and a tube piece.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a hose connector, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A hose connector has a body. The body includes a first body portion and a second body portion disposed 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. The hose connector also includes a clamping element coupled to the second body portion. The clamping element includes a number of clamping claws. The hose connector further includes a clamping nut threadably coupled to the second body portion. The clamping nut includes a tail portion such that in an engaged position of the clamping nut, the tail portion is adapted to apply force on the clamping element.

There are three alternative embodiments of the hose connector that fulfill similar tasks. That is that the clamping element is coupled with the second body portion in a manner such that the clamping element slides on the second body portion in an axial direction relative to the second body portion. Alternatively, the clamping element is coupled with the second body portion in a manner such that the clamping element is coupled with the second body portion through a form-fit connection. With further alternative embodiment the clamping element is coupled with the second body portion in a manner such that the clamping element is hingedly coupled with the second body portion.

The hose connector of the present embodiment eliminates any accidental removal of the hose for the hose connector during operation. The hose connector provides improved holding force between the hose and the clamping element. More particularly, the hose connector is designed such that any accidental pulling of the hose causes the clamping element to move in a direction of the tail portion of the clamping nut thereby causing the clamping claws to automatically contract and apply additional holding force on the hose. Thus, the hose connector of the present invention provides improved functional reliability.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an inner diameter of the clamping element is slightly greater than an outer diameter of the second body portion at the adjacent region. Such a geometry of the clamping element and the second body portion allows radial tilting of the clamping element. Thus, due to radial mobility of the clamping element, a pull-off force of the hose connector is increased, especially when the hose is pulled sideways.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a distance defined between the clamping nut and the clamping element is decided such that the clamping element is radially tiltable with respect to the hose connector.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a ratio between an outer diameter defined by a body of the clamping element and the distance defined between the clamping nut and the clamping element is decided such that the clamping element is radially tiltable with respect to the hose connector. Thus, when the hose is pulled sideways during operation, the radial tilting of the clamping element prevents an accidental release of the hose from the hose connector.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamping element is coupled to the second body portion through a snap fit arrangement.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second body portion defines a sliding surface, such that the clamping element is slidably received on the sliding surface thereby allowing an axial movement of the clamping element.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sliding surface is defined between a first limiting surface of the second body portion and a second limiting surface of the second body portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a clamping surface of the clamping nut is spaced apart from the clamping element when the clamping nut is coupled with the second body portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first gap is defined between the clamping element and the hose when the clamping nut is coupled with the second body portion. The first gap allows easy attachment and removal of the hose with the first body portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a value of the first gap lies approximately between 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamping element is molded on the body.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an injection molding process is used for molding the clamping element on the body.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of a 2-K injection molding process and an assembly injection molding process is used for molding the clamping element on the body. As the clamping element is manufactured using cost-neutral production techniques, the clamping element does not incur significant manufacturing and installation costs.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamping element and the body are either manufactured as separate components or they become separate components after the molding process. To separate the two components after the molding process on could for example think of adding a separation means already to the molding tool, having a discrete separation tool or have the user of the hose connector to do the separation by actively braking a bond between the two.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamping element is connected to the second body portion by a plurality of internal hinges.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a material of the body is different from a material of the clamping element.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a length of the second body portion is greater than a length of the clamping nut such that the first body portion (106) is extending outward of the clamping nut into the free space when the clamping nut threadably coupled to the second body portion. Such a feature of the second body portion and the clamping nut provides kink protection and also allows centering of the hose. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamping element includes at least one teeth. The teeth press on the hose so that the hose does not slip out of connection.

The hose connector allows simplified assembly and disassembly and is simple to use. Additionally, the hose connector reduces disassembly forces of the hose and the hose connector, thus improving a service life of the hose connector.

Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a hose connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a portion of the hose connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG.3 shows a sectional view of a portion of the hose connector illustrating a hose coupled to the hose connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the hose connector illustrating the hose clamped by a clamping element of the hose connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of a body, a clamping nut, and the clamping element of the hose connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the hose connector illustrating the clamping element in a radially tilted position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the hose connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment for connection of a second body portion and a clamping element of a hose connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views illustrating connection of the second body portion with the clamping element shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating yet another embodiment for connection of a second body portion and a clamping element of a hose connector; and

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating connection of the second body portion with the clamping element shown in FIG. 11, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present 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 can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. 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 an exploded 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 tap or a pump outlet. The hose connector 100 includes a body 102. The body 102 defines a first end 104 that may be detachably coupled with the water supply source. The first end 104 may be generally tubular in shape. In one example, the first end 104 may include internal threads (not shown) that engage with external threads (not shown) on the water supply source for detachably coupling the hose connector 100 with the source of water supply. In an alternate example, the hose connector 100 may be press fitted to the water supply source, without any limitations.

The body 102 includes a first body portion 106. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first body portion 106 has a tubular shape. The first body portion 106 defines a fluid passage (not shown) that allows water from the water supply source to be introduced in a hose 108 that connects with 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 (shown in FIG. 1) of the first body portion 106. Further, the body 102 includes a second body portion 112. The second body portion 112 is disposed concentrically around the first body portion 106. More particularly, the first and second body portions 106, 112 are provided such that a gap 114 (shown in FIG. 1) is defined between the first and second body portions 106, 112. The hose 108 is received within the gap 114 defined between the first and second body portions 106, 112.

Further, the second body portion 112 has an annular shape. The second body portion 112 defines a number of external threads 116. Additionally, the second body portion 112 defines a sliding surface 118 disposed adjacent to the number of external threads 116. The sliding surface 118 is defined between a first limiting surface 120 (shown in FIG. 1) of the second body portion 112 and a second limiting surface 122 (shown in FIG. 1) of the second body portion 112. The sliding surface 118 defines a length“LI” between the first and second limiting surfaces 120, 122. It should be noted that the sliding surface 118, the first limiting surface 120, and the second limiting surface 122 are defined along a circumference of the second body portion 112. In an advantageous embodiment the diameter of the clamping element 124 is significantly greater than the length LI of the sliding surface 122, for example by a factor of 5 to 20, preferably 10 to 15, this has positive effects on the relative radial movement of the clamping element 124 in respect to the second body portion 112.

The hose connector 100 includes a clamping element 124. The clamping element 124 includes a number of clamping claws 126. Further, the clamping claws 126 include one or more teeth 128 that are defined on an inner surface 130 of the respective clamping claws 126. The teeth 128 apply pressure on the hose 108 so that the hose 108 does not slip out of connection. In the illustrated embodiment, each clamping claw 126 includes two teeth 128. Alternatively, each clamping claw 126 may include more than two teeth, without any limitations.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the clamping element 124 is associated with the second body portion 112 such that the clamping element 124 is movable relative to the second body portion 112. FIG. 3 illustrates an open configuration of the hose connector 100 and FIG. 4 illustrates a closed configuration of the hose connector 100. In one example, the clamping element 124 is coupled to the second body portion 112 through a snap fit arrangement. Further, in an embodiment, the clamping element 124 is associated with the second body portion 112 such that it slides on the second body portion 112 in an axial direction“Al” relative to the second body portion 112. The clamping element 124 is coupled to the second body portion 112 such that the clamping element 124 is slidable along an axis defined by the direction“Al” (see FIG. 4) on the second body portion 112 with respect to the second body portion 112. More particularly, the clamping element 124 is slidably received on the sliding surface 118 thereby allowing an axial movement of the clamping element 124. As shown, the clamping element 124 is slidable between the first and second limiting surfaces 120, 122 (see FIG. 1) of the second body portion 112. In one example, the clamping element 124 may be slidable by a distance of approximately 2 mm with respect to the second body portion 112.

As shown in FIG. 6, the clamping element 124 includes a protrusion 132 extending from the clamping element 124. More particularly, the protrusion 132 extends from an inner surface 134 defined by a body 136 of the clamping element 124 inwardly towards the second body portion 112 such that the protrusion 132 and the body 136 together define an L-shape. In one example, during the axial movement of the clamping element 124, a bottom surface of the protrusion 132 contacts the sliding surface 118. In another embodiment, a height of the protrusion 132 is lesser than a height of the second limiting surface 122 such that the protrusion 132 does not contact the sliding surface 118 during the axial movement of the clamping element 124. However, in this embodiment, the inner surface 134 defined by the body 136 of the clamping element 124 is in sliding contact with the second body portion 112. Further, during the axial movement of the clamping element 124, side surfaces 152, 154 of the protrusion 132 move towards the first and second limiting surfaces 120, 122 (shown in FIG. 1) respectively.

Additionally, the clamping element 124 is radially tiltable by an angle“R” with respect to the second body portion 112. The angle“R” may be defined between the first limiting surface 120 and the side surface 152 defined by the protrusion 132 of the clamping element 124. More particularly, an inner diameter “Dl” defined by the body 136 of the clamping element 124 is slightly greater than an outer diameter“D2” of the second body portion 112. Additionally, a ratio between an outer diameter“D3” of the clamping element 124 and a distance“D4” (shown in FIG. 4) is decided such that the clamping element 124 is radially tiltable by the angle“R” with respect to the hose connector 100. Such a geometry of the clamping element 124 and the second body portion 112 allows radial tilting of the clamping element 124 with respect to the second body portion 112.

In one example, the clamping element 124 is molded on the body 102. For example, an injection molding process may be used for molding the clamping element 124 on the hose connector 100. Alternatively, a 2-K injection molding process or an assembly injection molding process may be used for molding the clamping element 124 on the hose connector 100. In other examples, the clamping element 124 and the hose connector 100 may be manufactured as separate components that are coupled with each other at a later stage of assembly. As the clamping element 124 is manufactured using cost efficient techniques, the hose connector 100 does not incur significant component production costs. Additionally, installation costs and time associated with the assembly and disassembly of the clamping element 124 with the body 102 is reduced as the clamping element 124 is molded with the body 102. Further, a material of the body 102 may be different from a material of the clamping element 124. In an example, the clamping element 124 may be made of polyoxymethylene whereas the body 102 may be made of polypropylene, without any limitations.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hose connector 100 includes a clamping nut 140. The clamping nut 140 defines a clamping surface 144. The clamping nut 140 is threadably coupled to the second body portion 112. More particularly, the clamping nut 140 includes a number of internal threads 142 that engage with the number of external threads 116 on the second body portion 112 to threadably couple the clamping nut 140 with the second body portion 112. Based on a rotation of the clamping nut 140 in a threading direction“A2”, the clamping nut 140 may be coupled or decoupled from the second body portion 112.

The clamping nut 140 is shown in an engaged position in FIG. 4 and in a disengaged position in FIGS. 2 and 3. The clamping nut 140 is said to be in the engaged position when the internal threads 142 of the clamping nut 140 engage with the external threads 116 on the second body portion 112. The clamping element 124 is disposed within the clamping nut 140 in the engaged position of the clamping nut 140. The clamping nut 140 includes a tail portion 143. When the clamping nut 140 is in the engaged position, the tail portion 143 applies a force on the clamping element 124.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the engaged position of the clamping nut 140, the clamping surface 144 of the clamping nut 140 is spaced apart from an outer surface 146 of the clamping element 124 such that the distance “D4” is defined therebetween. The distance“D4” provides some space so that the clamping element 124 can tilt radially. Additionally, in one example, the distance“D4” increases a force of the snap connection between the clamping element 124 and the second body portion 112 thereby providing an additional positive connection to the snap connection. Further, a stroke of the clamping nut 140 is greater than a stroke of the clamping element 124. Thus, in the disengaged position of the clamping nut 140 and when the clamping element 124 is disengaged from the hose 108, the hose 108 can be easily pushed or removed from the first body portion 106 as there is no self-reinforcing effect of the clamping element 124. Further, dimensions of the clamping nut 140, the clamping element 124, and the first body portion 106 is decided such that in a maximum tightened condition of the clamping nut 140, a first gap 148 exists between the clamping element 124 and the hose 108. In some examples, a value of the first gap 148 lies approximately between 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm. In one example, the value of the first gap 148 is approximately equal to 1 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a length“L2” of the first body portion 106 is greater than a length“L3” of the clamping nut 140 such that the first body portion (106) is extending outward of the clamping nut (140, 1140) into the free space when the clamping nut (140, 1140) threadably coupled to the second body portion (112, 812, 1112). Thus, the first body portion 106 extends beyond the clamping nut 140, thereby providing kink protection. Such a design of the first body portion 106 and the clamping nut 140 also prevents slanted attachment of the hose 108 to the hose connector 100 which in turn allows centering of the hose 108. Further, the centering of the hose 108 reduces a load that is exerted on the clamping claws 126 when the hose 108 is pulled sideways, thereby preventing bending of the clamping claws 126.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, for coupling the hose 108 with the hose connector 100, the hose 108 is received by the first body portion 106. Further, the clamping nut 140 is threadably coupled with the second body portion 112 by rotating the clamping nut 140 in a clockwise direction“Cl” along the threading direction“A2”. As the internal threads 142 of the clamping nut 140 engage with the external threads 116 of the second body portion 112, the clamping element 124 axially moves towards the first limiting surface 120 (shown in FIG. 1) until the protrusion 132 (shown in FIG. 5) contacts the first limiting surface 120. Further engagement of the internal threads 142 and the external threads 116 causes the tail portion 143 of the clamping nut 140 to apply the force on the clamping claws 126. Thus, the clamping claws 126 are in turn pressed radially inwards towards the hose 108, thereby applying a holding force on the hose 108.

Further, when the hose 108 is to be removed, the clamping nut 140 is removed from the second body portion 112 by rotating the clamping nut 140 in a counter clockwise direction“C2” opposite to the threading direction“A2”. More particularly, a disengagement of the clamping nut 140 from the second body portion 112 causes the clamping claws 126 to radially spring back to their original position as the tail portion 143 no longer applies the force on the clamping claws 126. A spring back action of the clamping claws 126 releases the holding force previously applied by the clamping claws 126 on the hose 108, thereby allowing easy removal of the hose 108 from the first body portion 106.

The hose connector 100 disclosed herein provides improved functional reliability as a possibility of any release of the hose 108 during operation is reduced/eliminated. More particularly, the clamping element 124 described herein is embodied as a self-reinforcing component as any pull of the hose 108 causes the clamping element 124 to tilt and/or move against the threading direction“A2” of the clamping nut 140 to in turn apply additional holding force on the hose 108. Additionally, when the hose 108 is pulled sideways during operation, the radial tilting of the clamping element 124 prevents an accidental release of the hose 108 from the hose connector 100. Further, components of the hose connector 100 do not require any prior assembly or disassembly hence the hose connector 100 allows simplified connection of the hose 108 with the hose connector 100.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 illustrate another embodiment of the present disclosure. A hose connector 800 of this embodiment includes a second body portion 812 and a clamping element 824. As shown in FIG. 9, the clamping element 824 is coupled to the second body portion 812. More particularly, the clamping element 824 is coupled with the second body portion 812 such that the clamping element 824 is movable relative to the second body portion 812. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping element 824 is coupled with the second body portion 812 through a form- fit connection. The clamping element 824 includes a number of tongue members 856 extending from a side surface 858 defined by the clamping element 824. In the illustrated example, the clamping element 824 includes three tongue members 856, without any limitations. Each of the tongue members 856 includes first bar 860 and a second bar 862, such that the first and second bars 860, 862 are perpendicular to each other and form a T- shape. Further, the second body portion 812 defines a number of openings 864 provided in a portion of the second body portion 812 that includes a number of external threads 816. More particularly, the second body portion 812 includes three openings 864 corresponding to the number of tongue members 856.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the clamping element 824 is coupled with the second body portion 812, the tongue members 856 are partially received within the corresponding openings 864. A shape defined by each of the openings 864 is provided such that the openings 864 receive the first bar 860 and a portion of the second bar 862 of the corresponding tongue member 856, when the clamping element 824 is coupled with the second body portion 812. As shown in FIG. 10, owing to the connection between the second body portion 812 and the clamping element 824, the clamping element 824 is radially tiltable by an angle“Rl” with respect to the second body portion 812. The angle“Rl” may be defined between a surface 866 of the second body portion 812 and the side surface 858 of the clamping element 824.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. A hose connector 1100 of this embodiment includes a second body portion 1112, a clamping element 1124, and a clamping nut 1140 (shown in FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 11, the clamping element 1124 is coupled to the second body portion 1112. More particularly, the clamping element 1124 is coupled with the second body portion 1112 such that the clamping element 1124 is movable relative to the second body portion 1112.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping element 1124 is hingedly coupled with the second body portion 1112. For example, the clamping element 1124 is hingedly coupled with the second body portion 1112 by a continuous bond connection. More particularly, the hose connector 1100 includes a number of internal hinges 1156. For example, the hose connector 1100 may include four internal hinges 1156. A first end 1158 of each of the internal hinges 1156 is connected to the second body portion 1112, whereas the second end 1160 of each of the internal hinges 1156 is connected to the clamping element 1124. In an example, a length of each of the internal hinges 1156 may taper from the first end 1158 towards the second end 1160, such that the internal hinges 1156 are substantially trapezoidal in shape.

The internal hinges 1156 allow movement of the clamping element 1124 with respect to the second body portion 1112. In one example, the internal hinges 1156 are made of a flexible material, such as plastics, in order to allow movement of the clamping element 1124 with respect to the second body portion 1112. As shown in FIG. 12, owing to the hinged connection between the second body portion 1112 and the clamping element 1124, clamping element 1124 is radially tiltable by an angle (not shown) with respect to the second body portion 1112. The angle may be defined between a surface 1162 of the second body portion 1112 and a side surface 1164 of the clamping element 1124.

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 the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 Hose Connector

102 Body

104 First End

106 First Body Portion

108 Hose

110 Outer Surface

112 Second Body Portion

114 Gap

116 External Threads

118 Sliding Surface

120 First Limiting Surface

122 Second Limiting Surface

124 Clamping Element

126 Clamping Claws

128 Teeth

130 Inner Surface

132 Protrusion

134 Inner Surface

136 Body

140 Clamping Nut

142 Internal Threads

143 Tail Portion

144 Clamping Surface

146 Outer Surface 148 First Gap

152 Side Surface

154 Side Surface

00 Hose Connector 12 Second Body Portion 816 External Threads 824 Clamping Element 856 Tongue Member 858 Side Surface

860 First Bar

862 Second Bar

864 Opening

866 Surface

1100 Hose Connector 1112 Second Body Portion 1124 Clamping Element 1140 Clamping Nut

1156 Internal Hinges 1158 First End

1160 Second End

1162 Surface

1164 Side Surface A1 Axial Direction A2 Threading Direction Cl Clockwise Direction C2 Counter Clockwise Direction

D1 Inner Diameter

D2 Outer Diameter

D3 Outer Diameter

D4 Distance

LI Length

L2 Length

L3 Length

R Angle

R1 Angle