Rapid coupling device for snap-fastening a tubular member or a set of tubular members to one or more endpieces
US5332268A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S285/921
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Two hoses in the cooling circuit of a vehicle engine are secured to respective tubular members for coupling to respective tubular endpieces of a heat exchanger, e.g. a radiator or a heater. The tubular members have respective through openings extending transversely to their longitudinal axes, and they are associated with a plate disposed in the vicinity of said openings. Each endpiece has a catch groove associated with a respective ramp. In the coupled position, the grooves coincide the openings. Respective branches of a U-shaped spring clip are received in the openings and engage in the grooves when the endpieces are pushed into the tubular members, thereby snap-fastening the coupling device together. The tips of the branches have respective lugs that co-operate with tabs of the plate. The tab are shaped to cam the lugs during snap-fastening in such a manner as to ensure that, providing snap-fastening has taken place properly, the entire spring clip is shifted to a position that is visibly distinct for ease of checking and that is also locked such that uncoupling can be performed only by means of a special tool for splaying the branches apart.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.