EP2151897B1

EP2151897B1 - Connection device for a circulator for a boiler apparatus, connector for a circulator, connection socket for a circulator and circulator

Info

Publication number: EP2151897B1
Application number: EP08425541.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Elio Marioni
Original assignee: Askoll Holding SRL
Current assignee: Taco Italia SRL
Priority date: 2008-08-06
Filing date: 2008-08-06
Publication date: 2016-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-06
Also published as: EP2151897A1; EP2151897B8

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a connection device for a circulator, a connector for a circulator, and a connection socket for a circulator and a circulator.

Known art

As is known, a circulator, in particular a heating circulator, comprises a housing, in which electrical and mechanical means are housed, among which there are provided an electric pump comprising an electric motor for moving a rotor, optional electronic control circuitry for controlling movement of electric motor and further electric means, for example for supplying energy to the electric motor.
Therefore, a supply connection is needed for supplying energy to the electric means.
Therefore, it is necessary to use a connection device for such a connection.
Such a connection device comprises following two components, which are separated from each other, but may be mated with each other:

a connection socket, which is fixed to the housing of the circulator,
a connector, which is movable and mated with an electric cable.

The connector commonly comprises connection means, which may be mated with suitable connection counter-means, which are provided within the connection socket.
Although it is advantageous from several viewpoints, such a solution is not devoid of drawbacks.
In fact, it happens that the connection means may not be particularly efficient in all possible situations. In some cases, an electric cable may pull on the connector, for example because of incidental forces acting on it, up to the point, where it tends to disengage the connector from the connection socket.
Document EP 1 744 411 discloses an electrical connector assembly formed by a panel with two abutment elements and an electrical connector with two lockin portions. The portions have a locking surface arranged to press against the elements chile the connector is turned relative to the panel, in such a way as to lock the connector to the panel.
The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a connection device which may overcome the drawbacks of the known art.

Summary of the invention

This technical problem is solved by a connection device for a circulator, comprising a connection socket and a connector, wherein the connector and the connection socket respectively comprise connection means and connection counter-means, which may be mutually mated, in order to allow the connection between the connector and the connection socket, the connection means and connection counter-means comprising, respectively:

insertion means and insertion counter-means, which are guided in order to guide the insertion of connector into said connection socket,
locking means and locking counter-means for irreversibly locking in a guided way the connector with the connection socket according to the preamble of claim 1.

According to a preferred embodiment, the insertion means and counter-means provide for a guided screwing of connector within the connection socket. Preferably, the guided insertion means of connector comprise ramps, and insertion counter-means of connection socket comprise recesses which are provided at a certain depth within the walls of guiding surfaces.
According to a preferred embodiment, the guided insertion means and counter-means provide for guided rotation of connector within the connection socket. Preferably, the guided insertion means of connector comprise round shaped guiding surfaces, and guided insertion counter-means of connection socket comprise round shaped guiding walls, which are complementarily shaped with respect to guiding surfaces.
According to a preferred embodiment, locking means and locking counter-means provide for a mutual engagement of the pawl type, in particular a snap like engagement, in order to lock the connector in a locking position.
Preferably, locking means of connector comprise at least a recess and locking counter-means of connection socket comprise at least a pawl for irreversible engagement of the at least one recess, preferably of the snap fit type.
The connector locking means comprise at least a pawl and locking counter-means of connection socket comprise at least a bending tooth with an end wall: the pawl, which may be elastically bent backwards, by way of interference of bending tooth, snaps into a non-bended position, when connector reaches the locking position, inhibiting a return movement of connector. Preferably, the bending tooth is provided at a certain depth on the wall of connection socket.
The connector locking means and the locking counter-means of connection socket form a mutual abutment, of the tooth-countertooth type, in order to provide an end-stop for the connector. Preferably, the connector locking means comprise at least an abutment tooth, and locking counter-means of connection socket comprise at least an abutment countertooth, which abuts against the abutment tooth, in order to form an end-stop for connector.
Preferably, in this way, the connection device allows the connector to perform a guided rotation from an insertion position to a locking position, in which the connector is irreversibly locked:

due to the tooth-countertooth abutment, the end-stop inhibits a continuation of rotation of connector beyond the locking position;
due to the pawl type engagement, a return rotation of connector towards the insertion position is inhibited;
due to above said guided screwing of connector within the connection socket, a traversing movement of connector along its own axis is avoided.

Therefore, the connector is irreversibly fixed within the connection socket.
The invention also relates to a circulator for a boiler, comprising above said connection device.
The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood by means of the following description, of some preferred exemplary embodiments, which are illustrative and non limiting, with reference to appended drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of the circulator comprising a connection device which does not form part of the present invention,
Fig. 2 shows a view analogous to fig. 1, but with detached components,
Fig. 3 shows a front view of the circulator of fig. 1,
Fig. 4 shows a partial sectional view along line IV-IV of fig. 3, with the connection device in a first position,
Fig. 5 shows a partial sectional view along line IV-IV of fig. 3, with the connection device in a second position,
Fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of a detail of section of fig. 4,
Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of a detail of section of fig. 5,
Fig. 8 shows a partial sectional view along line VIII-VIII of fig. 3, with the connection device in a second position,
Fig. 9 shows a view, analogous to fig. 6, of a connection device according to the present invention,
Fig. 10 shows a partial sectional view along line X-X of fig. 9,
Fig. 11 shows a partial sectional view along line XI-XI of fig. 9,
Fig. 12 shows a view, analogous to fig. 7, of embodiment of fig. 9,
Fig. 13 shows a partial sectional view along line XIII-XIII of fig. 12,
Fig. 14 shows a partial sectional view along line XIV-XIV of fig. 12.

Detailed description

An embodiment which does not form part of the present invention is illustrated in figs. 1-8.
A circulator 1 is of the heating type. The circulator 1 comprises a housing 2, of plastic material, in which mechanical and electric means are housed, which are known per se, and which may move fluids among conduits 3, which are connected to an hydraulic heating circuit.
In order to supply energy to electric means of circulator 1, a connection to an external power supply is provided, by using a connection device 4.
This connection device 4 comprises a connection socket 5, which is fixed, in particular is integral, with housing 2 of circulator 1 and a connector 6, which is an element made as separated from connection socket 5.
Connection socket 5 comprises an aperture 30 provided in housing 2.
Connector 6 is essentially comprised of a component, which is made as mobile, which is mated to an electrical cable, provided with a pair of conductors 60, and which is essentially complementarily shaped with respect to connection socket 5, so that it may be coupled with said connection socket 5.
In particular, connector 6 has connection means, which may be mated with suitable connection counter-means of connection socket 5, so as to allow the connector 6 to be connected with connection socket.
The connection means of connector 6 comprise guided insertion means for guided insertion of connector 6 into connection socket 5. In turn, connection socket 5 has guided insertion counter-means for guided insertion of connector into connection socket 5.
These guided insertion means and counter-means are such as to allow axial insertion, along axis H, shown in fig. 2, of connector 6 into connection socket 5.
Moreover, these guided insertion means and counter-means allow guided movement of connector 6 from an insertion position, illustrated in figs. 4 and 6, towards a locking position, illustrated by figs. 5, 7 and 8. The movement from insertion position to locking position is achieved by partial rotation, in clockwise direction according to figs. 6 and 7, about axis H.
Guided insertion means and counter-means are such as to cause a guided rotation of connector 6 within connection socket 5. In order to do this, the guided insertion means of connector 6 comprise rounded guiding surfaces 9, and guided insertion counter-means of connection socket 5 comprise rounded guiding walls 10, which are complimentarily shaped with respect to guiding surfaces 9 of connector 6.
Guided insertion means and counter-means provide for a guided screwing of connector 6 into connection socket 5. In order to do this, the guided insertion means of connector 6 comprise ramps 11, and guided insertion counter-means of connection socket 5 comprise recesses 12, which are provided at a certain depth along walls of guiding surfaces 9. In this way, while the connector 6 rotates, about axis H, from insertion position towards locking position, the mutual engagement between ramps 11 and recesses 12 causes an axial impediment for the pure traversing movement of connector 6 along axis H. The use of ramps and recesses is advantageously simpler than the use of a traditional threaded engagement.
Connection means of connector 6 moreover comprise locking means, capable to lock the connector 6 in the locking position. In turn, connection counter-means of connection socket 5 comprise locking counter-means which may be coupled to said locking means for locking the connector 6 to connection socket 5.
Locking means of connector 6 and locking counter-means of connection socket 5 are such as to provide for a mutual abutting of the tooth-countertooth type, in order to inhibit a further rotation of connector 6 beyond the locking position. In order to do so, locking means of connector 6 comprise an abutment tooth 13, and locking counter-means of connection socket 5 comprise an abutment countertooth 14 to provide a stop for abutment tooth 13. In this way, rotation of connector 6 is stopped by the abutment between abutment tooth 13 and abutment countertooth 14, in order to provide an end stop with respect to a further clockwise rotation of connector 6, which stops in the locking position.
Locking means of connector 6 and locking counter-means of connection socket 5 are such as to provide for a recess-pawl engagement, in order to inhibit return rotation of connector 6 towards the insertion position. In order to do so, locking means of connector comprise a recess 15, which is provided by a step in a guiding wall 10, and locking counter-means of connection socket 5 comprise a pawl 16, which irreversibly engages recess 15 when the connector 6 has reached the locking position; reference number 80 indicates the assembly comprised of the recess 15 and pawl 16. The pawl 16 is so as to inhibit counterclockwise rotation towards insertion position, therefore realizing an irreversible engagement.
Pawl 16 may snap into the recess 15. In particular, pawl 16 is a radial extension of a respective guiding wall 10; moreover, pawl 16 slightly protrudes inwardly, in order to contact guiding wall 10, which, during rotation towards the locking position, forces the pawl 16 outwardly, so that pawl 16 snaps, when reaching the locking position, at recess 15. Advantageously, if pawl 16 is made of plastic material, this snapping movement is more easily accomplished.
Abutment countertooth 14 is overlaying recess 12, which is provided at a certain depth.
Pawl 16 is such as to comprise a wall 31 which acts as an extension for guiding wall 10, in order to continue the guiding clockwise rotation of connector 6.
Each ramp 11 and each abutment tooth 13 are provided on a respective protrusion 17, which is substantially perpendicular to axis H; correspondingly, an easing recess 18 is such as to guide insertion of connector 6 into connection socket 5. In this way, insertion of connector 6 is more easily accomplished.
Advantageously, once the locking position has been reached, pawl 16 is contacting connector 6 and provides an elastic force, directed inwardly, which is capable to dampen vibrations acting on connection socket 5.
Connection means and counter-means are integrally formed with the connector 6 and connection socket 5, respectively, which are made of plastic material. This allows their manufacturing by means of molding, which is advantageously simpler with respect to systems involving mounting of separate components.
Connection between connector 6 and connection socket 5, by manual displacement, is as follows:

a first traversing movement along the axial direction, according to axis H, through which the connector 6 moves into insertion position;
a second rotational movement about axis H, so that pawl 16 is elastically compressed, which moves the connector 6 into locking position, in which pawl 16 snaps in and engages recess 15, so that connector 6 is irreversibly mated with circulator 1.

Another embodiment would be also conceivable, according to which the rotation from insertion position to locking position is achieved by counterclockwise rotation of connector.
An embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in figs. 9-14. The circulator is not shown, since it is analogous to the circulator of the preceding embodiment, which is similarly provided with a housing, in which mechanical and electric means are provided, for forcing fluid moving through conduits which are connected to a hydraulic heating system.
A connection to an external electric power supply is provided, by means of a connection device 104, which comprises a connection socket 105, which is fixed, in particular integral, with the circulator housing, and a connector 106, which is an element, which is made as separated from connection socket 105; the latter comprises an aperture 130 which is provided in the housing.
Essentially, the connector 106 is a made as movable component, which is mated to an electrical cable, with a pair of conductors 160, and which is substantially complimentarily shaped and may be mated with the connection socket 105.
In particular, the connector 106 comprises connection means which may be mated with suitable connection counter-means of connection socket 105, for allowing the connection between the connector 106 and connection socket 105.
Connection means of connector 106 comprise guided insertion means and guided connection counter-means of connection socket 105, which cooperate in order to allow insertion of connector 106 into connection socket 105.
Such guided insertion means and counter-means are such as to provide for axial insertion, along axis H' (figs. 10 and 13), of connector 106 into connection socket 105.
Moreover, guided insertion means and counter-means allow guided displacement of connector 106 from an insertion position, shown in figs. 9-11, towards a locking position, shown in figs. 12-14. Displacement from insertion position towards locking position is achieved by partial rotation, which, according to figs. 9 and 12, is a clockwise rotation, about axis H'.
Guided insertion means and counter-means are such as to provide for a guided rotation of connector 106 within connection socket 105. In particular, guided insertion means of connector 106 comprise rounded guiding surfaces 109, and guided insertion counter-means of connection socket 105 comprise rounded guiding walls 110, which are complimentarily shaped with respect to guiding surfaces 109 of connector 106.
Guided insertion means and counter-means are such as to provide for a guided screwing of connector 106 into connection socket 105: the guided insertion means of connector 106 comprise ramps 111, and guided insertion counter-means of connection socket 105 comprise recesses 112, which are provided at a certain depth along walls of guiding surfaces 109, so that the connector 106 rotates about axis H', from insertion position towards locking position, providing mutual engagement between ramps 111 and recesses 112, therefore avoiding a pure traversing movement of connector 6 along axis H'.
Connection means of connector 106 comprise locking means, which are capable to lock the connector 106 in the locking position and correspondingly, connection counter-means of connection socket 105 comprise locking counter-means which are capable to be coupled to said locking means for locking the connector 106 to connection socket 105.
Locking means of connector 106 and locking counter-means of connection socket 105 are such as to provide for a mutual abutting of the tooth-countertooth type, so as to inhibit a further rotation of connector 6 beyond the locking position: locking means of connector 106 comprise an abutment tooth 113, and locking counter-means of connection socket 105 comprise an abutment countertooth 114 to provide a stop for abutment tooth 113, so that rotation of connector 106 is stopped by the abutment stop between abutment tooth 113 and abutment countertooth 114, such as to avoid a further clockwise rotation of connector 106, which stops in the locking position.
Locking means of connector 106 and locking counter-means of connection socket 105 provide a recess-pawl engagement 180, in order to inhibit return rotation of connector 106 from locking position towards the insertion position.
In order to do so, locking counter-means of connection socket 105 comprise a bending tooth 140, which protrudes from wall of connection socket 105, and which has an end wall 142; locking means of connector 106 comprise a pawl 141, which is made as perpendicular to axis H' of connector 106, and which is bendable towards axis H'; assembly formed by bending tooth 140 and pawl 141 is indicated at 180. When connector 106 is in the insertion position, pawl 141 is backwardly deformed, due to bending tooth 140, which interferes with pawl 141; this takes places during rotation of connector 106 from insertion position towards locking position; reaching of locking position corresponds with pawl 141 passing end wall 142 of bending tooth 140 and snapping in, reaching a non deformed position. At this point, pawl 141 irreversibly engages end wall 142, in order to inhibit a (counterclockwise) return rotation of connector 106.
If pawl 141 is made of elastic material, snapping movement, at reaching the locking position, is simplified.
Each ramp 111 and each abutment tooth 113 are provided on a respective protrusion 117, which is substantially perpendicular to axis H'; correspondingly, an easing recess 118 may guide insertion of connector 106 into connection socket 105. In this way, insertion of connector 106 is simplified.
Advantageously, connection means and counter-means are integrally formed with connector 106 and connection socket 105, respectively, which are made of plastic material.
Connection between connector 106 and connection socket 105, by manual displacement, is achieved as follows:

a first traversing movement in an axial direction, along axis H', which moves connector 106 into insertion position; during such movement, pawl 141 is elastically bent by bending tooth 141;
a second rotational movement about axis H', which moves connector 106 into locking position, in which pawl 141 is elastically freed, so that connector 106 is irreversibly mated with circulator.

The major advantage of the present invention is the fact that any movement of connector is inhibited, once the latter is fixed in the locking position, which is the final position, in which circulator may operate.
In this way, an irreversible connection is obtained. A perfectly hermetic sealing is achieved, starting with the first installation.
This allows the circulator to have a better efficiency, with an additional electrical and hydraulic advantage.
Above all, it may be ruled out that by pulling the electric cables in any direction, these may become detached; in fact, since any movement is inhibited, the connector cannot separate from the connection socket.
The present circulator is characterized by a greater sturdiness, since it lacks removable parts.
A long operating life of circulator may be expected, without the need of maintenance interventions.

Claims

Connection device (104) for a circulator for a boiler apparatus, of the type comprising a connection socket (105) and connector (106), wherein said connector (106) and said connection socket (105) comprise connection means (109, 111, 113, 141) and connection counter-means (110, 112, 114, 140), respectively, matable with each other, in order to provide for a connection between said connector (106) and said connection socket (105), said connection means and counter-means (109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 140, 141) respectively comprising:
- guided insertion means and counter-means (109-112) for the guided insertion of said connector (106) into said connection socket (105),

- locking means and counter-means (113-115, 140, 141) for irreversibly locking said connector (106) with said connection socket (105),
characterized in that
said locking means of connector (106) comprise a pawl (141), which is made perpendicular to an axis (H') of said connector (106), and which is bendable towards said axis (H'), and locking counter-means of connection socket (105) comprise a bending tooth (140), with an end wall (142), which may irreversibly engage said pawl (141);
said guided insertion means of connector (106) comprise ramps (111) and said guided insertion counter-means of connection socket (105) comprise recesses (112), said insertion means and counter-means providing for guided screwing of said connector (106) into said connection socket (106).
Connection device according to claim 1, wherein said locking means and counter-means (113-115, 140, 141) provide for a snap type engagement, in order to lock said connector (6; 106) in a locking position.
Connection device according to any of preceding claims, wherein said locking means of connector (6; 106) and said locking counter-means of connection socket (5; 105) provide for a mutual abutting of the tooth-countertooth type, in order to provide an end stop for connector (6; 106).
Connection device according to claim 1, wherein said locking means of connector (6; 106) comprise at least one abutment tooth (13; 113), and locking counter-means of connection socket (5; 105) comprise at least one abutment countertooth (14; 114), which may abut against abutment tooth (5; 105).
Connection device according to any of preceding claims, wherein said guided insertion means and counter-means provide for a guided rotation of connector (6; 106) within connection socket (5; 105).
Connection device according to claim 5, wherein said guided insertion means of connector (6; 106) comprise rounded guiding surfaces (9; 109), and said guided insertion means of connection socket (5; 105) comprise rounded guiding walls (10; 110), which are complimentarily shaped with respect to guiding surfaces (9; 109).
Circulator for a boiler apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a connection device (4) according to any of claims 1-6.