ES2201918B2 - IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN THE OBJECT OF THE MAIN PATENT APPLICATION N. P200101845 BY: FAST SAFETY CONNECTION DEVICE FOR FLUID DRIVES. - Google Patents

Abstract

Improvements introduced in the object of the request of main patent No. P200101845 for: "Connection device quick safety for fluid lines ".

Improvements introduced in the object of the request of main patent No. P200101845 for: "Connection device quick safety for fluid lines ", which they comprise an adapter (9 ') that improves the tightness of the set, as well as some keyways (6 ') in length and diameter appropriate. These improvements also include a board of tightness (8´) that eliminates any possibility of small leaks in The time of connection.

Description

Improvements introduced in the object of the request of main patent No. P200101845 by: "Connection device quick safety for fluid lines ".

Invention Sector

The present invention relates to improvements inserted into the safety quick connect device to  fluid lines, object of the patent application Main No. P200101845.

Prior art

Quick connections are already known for fluid conduits, of the type comprising, in general, a tubular body (female), joined by one of its ends to one of the  parts of the conduit to be connected, and at the other end it introduces a coupling (male), also tubular intended for plug into said tubular body, presenting inside valve means for fluid passage control and media mechanics to retain said coupling in the connected position or in a decompression position, as well as material elements elastic that ensure the tightness of the union between the two.

From the document ES-A-326055 is known a quick connect device of the type to which the invention, in which when the male coupling is plugged into the Female body of the device through a shutter, displaces, with its tip, to a ball separating it from the valve seat of said shutter to allow the passage of fluid through the grooves of a conical tip. At the same time, elastic elements provided in the female body part are applied in throats peripherals provided in said male coupling by connecting firmly both parts in blocked condition of fluid passage to through the connection device.

In a first embodiment described in said document, the female body of the connection has two needles transversal that can move in guide throats corresponding and pushed towards its maximum position mutual approach by an elastically loaded washer, with the in order to cooperate by applying against peripheral rebates provided for effect on said male part to lock it in coupled position. Said transverse needles are displaced, in the direction of down and separating from each other against the loading force of said washer, by manually displacing a cover sleeve covering said female body part of the connection, to leave thus free the male coupling of the connection.

This technique quick connect device  previous, although it provides a fully hermetic coupling between two ends of a fluid conduit, it presents, without However, several drawbacks, among which are the possibility of possible disconnections accidental due to blows or other causes; one step restricted through the valve due to the presence of the own closing ball in said step or, the most important, the dangerous whip-like movement of the driving end that can be violently dismissed due to the pressure of the fluid when there is a decoupling of the connection.

The device referred to in this invention, although it shares characteristics and components of others existing devices, differs so much in the way of combining these elements as in the operation of the device itself, as well as the benefits it has and the deficiencies that correct for other connections.

The quick connect device of the invention  used for retention of the male coupling, both in the opening position (fluid passage), as in the decompression position (fluid passage closure + controlled fluid decompression retained in driving) exclusively balls, unlike others that use balls combined with other elements (of the companies "THIS", "CEJN", "RECTUS"), or do not use balls (from the company "YAIM"). Other substantial differences a stand out with previous connections are: the operation of retention mechanism for decompression that cancels the risk of  possible accidental disconnections when the retention elements in decompression, favored by own pressure of the expelled fluid (contrary to what happens with connections like those of the companies "YAIM", "THIS" and "RECTUS"); the elimination of risk for the operator to expel the fluid in the decompression in a controlled manner, silent and for a safe connection zone, (contrary to company connections "THIS", "YAIM"); the good device performance, thanks to the particular design of the organ sealing, free of elastic elements that interfere with the passage of fluid; the suppression of fluid losses at the time of connect (does not happen with "CEJN", "THIS"); design specific device to work with the profile of Slot male coupling of the company "IMOPAC" as well such as the use of rings and colored stripes to identify the connection, at a glance, as connected or disconnected (as security measures).

Summary of the invention

The commented disadvantages of the devices known from the prior art are surpassed by the device Quick connect safety for object fluid lines of this invention.

The security system of the device connection object of the invention consists of a mechanism of retention that prevents decoupling of the connection before there is an absolute decompression of the fluid, so that avoid possible disconnections or accidental shaking of the conduction, when the retained fluid is violently released. Likewise, a notable decrease in noise level is achieved. in decompression as this is more controlled and the possibility of causing damage to the operator due to possible particles present in the conduction, when expelling the fluid through an area of The risk free connection.

The connection consists of a body tubular (female), joined by one of its ends to a part of the installation and at the other end we introduce a male element (coupling), also tubular attached to the other part of the installation. The tubular body has inside that act as a valve regulating the opening and closing of the passage of fluid, and retaining means of the male element being introduced in the body; all complemented with the corresponding joints that guarantee the tightness of the assembly. The improvements that now incorporates the connection device are specified in that the adapter (9) and bushing (2) are joined in a single element, to know the adapter (9 '), with what is achieved, in addition to reducing a component, improve the tightness of the set by not already being the seal is necessary (3). On the other hand, the drills (6) for the passage of fluid in the connection phase and in the phase of decompression are replaced by keyways (6 ') in length and appropriate diameter, thereby increasing the passage section, as well as the flow rate.

It is a further improvement of the device quick security connection object of this request the fact that the seal (8) is no longer housed in a box practiced for this purpose in the tubular body (1), being housed now in a cavity located in the valve (5). The new board (8 ') located in this new position, improves system stability since it eliminates any possibility of small leaks at the time of the connection (as there is a permanent closure between the bore the body (1) and the outer surface of the valve (36)), preventing also that the system can get fluped when penetrating possible impurities present in the passage fluid.

In accordance with the present invention, the body tubular female safety quick connect device it has inside a bushing with a cylindrical part of adequate length, which delays the opening moment when entering the male element (13) and acting as a brake in the phase of disconnection to the valve means (5) and the male element (13), with a housing for a seal on which supports another seal in the media acting as valve. The female tubular body has another outside sliding sleeve under the action of a spring and a sleeve which presents a series of steps on its outer surface to facilitate grip with the hands in the disconnection phase or decompression. Through holes are provided for exit of fluid at the time of the decompression phase. These means Valves consist of a series of holes that allow the passage of the fluid in the connection and disconnection phases.

On the other hand, the means of retention of male element of the safety quick connect device object of the invention consist of said housed balls in the holes of the female tubular body (1) during the phase of connection, as well as in keyways on which balls slide that retain the male element until the absolute decompression of the fluid.

Moreover, the tightness of the device quick connect set object of this invention are constituted by paths together that guarantee the tightness during the connection phase, as well as by other boards which, together with the action of an inner spring and the pressure of the fluid, guarantee the tightness in the disconnection phase.

According to an additional feature of the device object of this request, at one end of the female tubular body is provided an adapter that acts as cap, spring and valve assembly closure.

It is another additional feature of the device object of the invention the fact that a ring of expansion to close the sleeve.

According to a second embodiment of the safety quick connection device for pipes of fluid object of the invention, this is characterized in that its male element has two grooves and a conical part in its connection end On the other hand, the female tubular body has practiced a box in which a colored element is arranged that acts as a distinction between the connection and disconnection phases, an expansion ring being provided for the phase of Connection.

Brief description of the drawings

In what follows, a realization of the safety quick connect device for fluid lines according to the invention, making reference to it to the attached drawings. In these:

- figure 1 represents a sectional view longitudinal of the device object of the invention;

- figure 2 represents a sectional view longitudinal of the device object of the invention, both in its connected phase (upper part) as well as disconnected (part lower); Y

- Figure 3 shows a sectional view longitudinal of the disconnecting device in a second form of  realization, with the connection and disconnection phases as well as in figure 2.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

Figure 1 shows a section longitudinal of the device object of this invention with the different elements that compose it. The figure shows a female tubular body 1, inside which a bushing is provided 2 with a housing for a seal 3, on which supports another gasket 4 housed in a valve acting device 5, and consists of a series of 6 'keyways that allow the passage of fluid in the connection phase and in the decompression phase. At inside this valve 5 a sealing gasket is arranged 7 which, together with the gasket 8, located inside the body tubular female 1, guarantee tightness during connection. The tightness in the disconnection is provided by joints 3 and 4,  thanks to the action of an inner spring 10 and the pressure itself of the fluid. Note the particular shape of the bushing 2, with a cylindrical part 35 of suitable length (see Figure 2), for delay the opening moment (fluid passage), when introducing the male element 13 (figure 2), so that the outer surface 36 of valve 5 can close on gasket 8 before begin to pass fluid, thus preventing the loss of it to through the holes 24 (figure 2) in the connection. On the other hand, this cylindrical part 35 of the bushing 2 serves as a brake in the disconnection to valve 5 and male element 13, since advances the closing point and the friction between joint 4 and bushing 2 in its cylindrical part 35, reducing this way, the shock load of the male element 13 in its part conical 23 (figure 2) on the retention balls 15.

Threaded to the female tubular body 1, at the end  left of the connection, there is an adapter 9 ', which acts of closing of the bushing set 2 - spring 10 - valve 5. The tightness of the tubular body assembly 1 and adapter 9 ', it get sealing the thread 37 that joins both elements.

Housed in body 1 are practiced about holes 11 in which balls 12 have been introduced which act as retention elements of the male element 13, during Connection. Likewise, there are some keyways 14 on which  balls 15 slide, which are responsible for retaining the male element 13 until fluid decompression. Body 1 also presents through holes 24 (figure 2) for fluid outlet in the moment of decompression.

On the outside of the female body 1 is has a sliding bushing 16 under the action of a spring 17, and of a sleeve 18 presenting a series of steps 26 (figure 2) on its outer surface to facilitate adhesion with Hands on disconnection. The possibility of manufacturing the 18 sleeve with anti-scratch materials, or use protectors with the same purpose.

The closure of the sleeve 18 is carried out with a expansion ring 19, keeping it in the position of disconnection represented in figure 1, thanks to the action of the spring 20.

Next, the operation of the  safety quick connect device for conduits fluids object of the invention, both in its connection phase, and also in its disconnection phase.

Operation in the connection phase appears represented in the upper half of figure 2 (section longitudinal of the set). When the male element is introduced or coupling 13 through the bore of the body 21 and the valve 22, this moves valve 5 into the interior of the body 1, overcoming the opposition of the pier 10 and allowing the passage of fluid through the 6 'keyways. As we introduce the coupling 13, the retention balls 12 go descending to the bottom of the holes 11, which allows the bushing 16 slide to the right loaded by the spring 17 and be placed on balls 12, these being located between the cone 23 (figure 2) of coupling 13 and bushing 16, so that manage to retain the male element 13 in the passage position of fluid It should be noted both the automatic connection of the male element 13, without prior displacement of the sleeve 18, as the guide of the coupling 13 adjusted to the valve bore 22 and body 21, so that possible losses by misalignment thereof, with respect to the axis of the connection and the seal joints 7 and 8, in the fluid passage position.

The special design of the shutter organ makes that the keyways 6 'of the valve 5 allow the passage of fluid in a continuous and unobstructed manner, preventing it contact time between fluid and inner spring 10 during connection (see upper half of figure 2), which reduces considerably the losses of load, facilitating simultaneously the expulsion of fluid in decompression (see lower half of figure 2).

At this point, the balls 15 that are used to retention in decompression, are in position represented by dashed line 25.

To disconnect the sleeve 18, it moves towards left, overcoming the opposition of pier 20. In his displacement pushes the loaded 16 bushing to the left under the action of the spring 17, allowing the balls 12 ascend pushed by the coupling 13 at its exit, remaining these in the original position 27 represented by dashed line discontinuous In this movement to the left of the sleeve 18, this one also drags the balls 15 to the bottom of the keyway 14 while touching the cone 29 of the male element, and pushing it out. At its exit, the coupling 13 drag the balls 15 to the opposite end of the keyway 14, these being housed between the cone of the coupling 23, the bottom of the keyway 14 and the inner part 31 of the sleeve 18. In this blocking position decompression of retained fluid occurs in driving, through the 6 'keyways located in the valve 5 and the holes 24 made in the tubular body 1. Decompression fluid pressure tends to push the coupling 13 out, locking the balls 15 in the lock position represented in the lower half of the figure 2, which makes it difficult to release the male coupling 13 until all the fluid has been evacuated, preventing possible accidental disconnections in decompression.

Decompression occurs in a way controlled, significantly reducing the noise level and expelling the fluid from the connection through point 38, so that the possible particles that are in the conduction do not may damage the operator.

To free the male element 13, just push it slightly inwards, returning the sleeve 18 to its initial position; or move the sleeve 18 manually to the right; but necessarily, the disconnection It has to happen in two stages.

Referring now to figure 3, in it a longitudinal sectional view of a second is shown preferred embodiment of the quick connect device object of the invention.

In the upper half of Figure 3 the set in the initial position, without introduction of the element male 13. The operation is identical to that already described previously, with the caveats that sleeve 32 (with steps 39 to improve adhesion) also exerts the function of the previous bushing 16, the closure being made with a ring of expansion 33 and a retention mechanism for the decompression.

It should be noted, as previously done, the special characteristics of the sealing organ, making that the keyways 6 'of the valve 5 allow the passage of fluid from continuously and without interference, and preventing the fluid contact spring 10 during connection, so it is possible to reduce significantly the loss of load. The organ Shutter is designed to operate uniquely and specifically with the male element 13 (this one has two grooves 41 which, together with the particular arrangement of the 6 'keyways improves the connection performance by taking advantage of conical part 42 of the end of this male element 13 for the passage of fluid). Likewise, fluid losses are avoided at the instant of connection, when closing the outer surface 36 of the valve 5 on the 8 'joint, before fluid starts to pass.

In the lower half of Figure 3 it is represented the assembly in the connection position, in which the valve 5 has been displaced by the male element 13, loaded under the action from the spring 10, causing the balls 12 to descend through the holes 11 pushed by sleeve 32, loaded by the action of spring 17. The sleeve is pushed to the right until its conical part 34 meets the closing ring 33. At this point, the coupling 13 is fixed in the connection.

As in the described embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2, the tightness is guaranteed thanks to the placement  of the corresponding boards 3, 4 (without connection), and 7, 8 '(when there is fluid flow).

As a safety supplement, in the body female 1 a box 40 is practiced, in which a element of a certain color that acts as a distinctive between connection and disconnection, so you always know if the connection is working or not. The connection will be in operating position if the color element remains visible, while there will be disconnection when the strip is not visible color. This color strip is visible on the connection by simple automatic displacement of sleeve 32 when the male element 13. The same will be done with the closing ring 33, giving it a color, so that it is visible in the disconnection and this one hides in the connection (acts in opposite way to the strip of color that we place in the body 1).

To release the male element 13 and cut the fluid passage, sleeve 32 moves to the left, causing the balls 12 to return to their previous position and the coupling 13 is free.

Also as a security complement, it must be point out the long path of sleeve 32 to free the coupling 13, which makes the connection more reliable against accidental disconnections.

It should be understood that in the foregoing it has been described and illustrated the invention according to embodiments preferred of the same, being able to carry out in this variations and modifications without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention, which should only be delimited by attached claims.

Claims (1)

1. Improvements introduced in the object of the main patent application No. P200101845 for "Device of quick safety connection for fluid lines ", which understands:

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a tubular body (1) female attached by one of its ends to one of the parts of the driving to connect;

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a male element (13) joined by one of its ends to the other part of the conduction to be connected, said male element (13) being provided for be introduced into said tubular body (1) by the other of its extremes;

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valve means (5) arranged inside the tubular body (1) female;

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retention means of the male element (13) inside the tubular body (1) female, in relation to mutual blocking; Y

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Sealing means (7,8) provided inside the female tubular body (1) intended to house the male element (13) and to be applied in sealing relationship with it in the locked condition of the quick connect device, characterized in that:

the tubular body (1) female has in its inside of a bushing (2) with a cylindrical part (35) of adequate length, which delays the opening moment when entering  the male element (13) and acting as a brake in the phase of disconnection to the valve means (5) and the male element (13), with a housing for a seal (3), on which supports another seal (4) on the valve means (5); the tubular body (1) female has in its exterior of a sliding bushing (16) under the action of a spring (17) and a sleeve (18) presenting a series of steps (26) on its outer surface to facilitate the hand grip in the disconnection or decompression phase, with through holes 24) for fluid outlet at the time of the decompression phase; said retention means of the male element (13) consist of balls (12) housed in the holes (11) of the tubular body (1) female during the connection phase, as well as in keyways (14) on which balls (15) slide that retain to the male element (13) until the absolute decompression of the fluid; said improvements characterized in that said valve means (5) consist of a series of keyways (6 ') that allow the passage of the fluid in the connection and disconnection phases, increasing the passage section and the flow rate, and because said sealing means they consist of a gasket (8 ') housed in a cavity located in the valve (5).