KOMATSU——_“*— Training Aid @ SELF-SEAL COUPLING In the maintenance of hydraulic equipment, it often becomes necessary to disconnect the high-pressure hoses, being attended with inevitable spilling of oil from each disconnected hose joint. There ought to be a joint that does not spill oil when disconnected. The need is met by the self-seal coupling, to be described here. It is a slip-in-to-connect and pull-off-to-disconnect joint not needing a wrench to tighten. It is often used in such high-pressure hose lines as are required to be disconnected more frequently. The above cutaway view shows che coupling in connected state. Note that the joine faces are sealed with an “O” ring. Locking balls are used to prevent the inserted member from slipping off. Mere pulling will not undo this coupling. To disconnect the coupling, take a firm grip on the sleeve and pull: This removes the force pushing the Now, pulling che coupling half will locking balls to the dent. cause it to slide off the other half. KOMATSU LTD.Inside the coupling is a spring-loaded valve for each coupling half. Severing the two halves permits the respective valves to seat, thereby closing the end openings. What seals the valve in seated condition is an “O” ring. A rise of internal pressure, if any, will force the “O” ring against the seat face, thereby making the valve even tighter. Handling precautions © Do not undo the coupling when the line is in pressurized condition. If you should do so, the oil might burst out, damaging the “O” rings and dirtying up the adjacent areas. Such a practice is moreover dangerous. © The male half of the coupling must be handled with greater care. Be careful not to scar the outer sealed shoulder, against which the “O” ring bears in connected condition. © Use of a hammer to loosen and tighten the coupling is a taboo. Hammering may distort the coupling to impair its oil-tightness, or, if the worst occurs, may crack it. ‘© After disconnecting the coupling, be careful not to allow each coupling half to get dirty with dire, paint, etc. Making up a dirty coupling will damage the “O” ring to result in leakage. Use a soft wiping cloth to remove dirt from the disconnected coupling halves. If the coupling halves, have to be left disconnected, have each covered with a dust cap o plug. Replacing the body “O” ring Whenever oil leakage is noted on a coupling of this type, replace its “O” ring by a new one. To remove the ring, take care not to damage the ring groove, and, if necessary, pry it off the groove with a pointed wood piece. To fit che “O” ring, push it deep beyond the groove with finger tips, and gently slide it into the groove by guiding with a flat pointed wood piece. The back-up ring goes after the “O” ring. Give a light coat of grease to the “O” ring in place for protection. ‘The “O” ring mounted on the internal valve is not meant for renewal. If this ring is found damaged, the whole coupling must be replaced. aim anny <