GB2395538A

GB2395538A - A Coupling Device

Info

Publication number: GB2395538A
Application number: GB0227469A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tak Ming William Tsui
Original assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2002-11-25
Filing date: 2002-11-25
Publication date: 2004-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-25
Also published as: TW200409873A; CN1253624C; GB2395538B; TWI231848B; GB0227469D0; CN1502738A; HK1062317A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling device (2) suitable for placing two textile processing machines in fluid flow communication, comprising first (4) and second (6) co-axial pipe arrangements, a transfer pipe (8) and a divider plate (10) located within the transfer pipe (8). The pipe arrangements (4, 6) comprise separators (22, 24) located in an annular passage (26, 28) to separate the annular passage (26, 28) into fore (42, 50) and back (44, 52) chambers. The separators (22, 24) being connected to the divider plate (10). The device (2) being arranged such that fluid flowing into the inlet of one pipe arrangement (4) flows out of the outlet of the other pipe arrangement (6). The device (2) may also comprise a butterfly valve (12) in the divider plate (10) to selectively prevent fluid flow from one end of the transfer pipe (8) to the other end thereof.

Description

A COUPLING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a device for coupling a plurality of machines, in particular, although not exclusively, for use with textile processing machines.

The present invention also finds particular use in coupling to provide fluid flow 5 communication.

In the process of dyeing batches of yarn packages it is common that the quantity of yarn packages exceeds the capacity of a single dyeing machine. Therefore, it is necessary to divide the yarn packages into smaller batch sizes. Each smaller batch is then usually processed by a different dyeing machine. Variation in colour and shade 10 often occurs between the batches when different dyeing machines are used.

To improve uniformity of colour and shade from the dyeing process it is common to join the pipe-work system of two dyeing machines together by means of a coupling device. Traditional coupling methods and coupling devices are particularly suitable for use with machines fitted with external pipe-work.

15 According to a traditional coupling device, dyeing fluid can be redistributed between machines by coupling the pump discharge of a first machine to the dyeing vessel of a second machine and likewise coupling the pump discharge of the second machine to the dyeing vessel of the first machine.

It is an object of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an 20 alternative coupling device.

The present invention provides a coupling device comprising a first pipe arrangement and a second pipe arrangement being joined by a transfer pipe, each pipe arrangement comprising a first conduit and a second conduit, the transfer pipe being divided into two chambers and arranged such that a fluid inlet of the first pipe 25 arrangement may be placed in fluid flow communication with a fluid outlet of the second pipe arrangement and/or a fluid inlet of the second pipe arrangement may be placed in fluid flow communication with a fluid outlet of the first pipe arrangement.

Preferably, each pipe arrangement comprises an outer pipe and an inner pipe arranged co-axially to provide the first conduit and the second conduit. The co-axially 30 arranged outer pipe and inner pipe define an annular passage between the exterior of the inner pipe and the interior of the outer pipe. The interior of the inner pipe defines

an inner passage. In this case, the inner passage and the annular passage provide the first conduit and the second conduit.

Suitably, the inner passage provides a fluid inlet and the annular passage provides a fluid outlet. Suitably, the fluid inlet is the inlet between a machine 5 connected to the coupling device in use and the pipe arrangement, through which fluid is received in the pipe arrangement from the machine. Suitably, the fluid outlet is the outlet between a pipe arrangement and a machine connected to the coupling device in use, through which fluid is returned from the pipe arrangement to the machine.

Suitably, each pipe arrangement further comprises separating means arranged 10 to divide the annular passage into two separate chambers.

Suitably, the separating means is a plate. Suitably, the plate is arranged such that the whole of the outer edge of the plate contacts the outer wall of the annular passage and the whole of the inner edge of the plate contacts the inner wall of the annular passage. Suitably, the plate is arranged such that the annular passage is divided 15 into a fore chamber and a back chamber. Suitably, the plate is arranged at an incline relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipe arrangement. Preferably, the separator of the first pipe arrangement is inclined in a direction opposing the direction of inclination of the separator of the second pipe arrangement.

Suitably, the transfer pipe is in fluid flow communication with the interior of 20 the annular passage by means of an opening in the wall of the outer pipe. Preferably, the transfer pipe is in fluid flow communication with both the chambers of the annular passage of each pipe arrangement.

Suitably, the transfer pipe is divided into two chambers by means of a divider plate. Suitably, the divider plate is provided by an elongate plate. The elongate plate 25 may comprise a single, unitary plate or a plurality of separate plates joined together.

Preferably, the divider plate extends along the full length of the transfer pipe and extends across the full interior diameter of the transfer pipe, to provide a substantially fluid tight fit therein. Preferably, the divider plate separates the transfer pipe longitudinally into two chambers.

30 Suitably, the divider plate is connected at one end to a separator of a pipe arrangement. Preferably, each end of the divider plate is connected to a separator of a pipe arrangement.

The divider plate may be separate from the separators. Alternatively, the divider plate may be integral with one or both of the separators. The divider plate may be connected to the separator by any suitable means that provides a fluid tight connection between the separator and the divider plate. For example, the divider plate 5 may be welded or adhered to the separator. Alternatively, or in addition, the divider plate may be connected to the separator by a connection means. As a further alternative, the divider plate may be provided by an extension of one or both separators. Suitably, the transverse plane of the divider plate is inclined relative to the 10 vertical. Suitably, the transverse plane of the divider plate is inclined relative to the horizontal. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the divider plate changes from one end of the transfer tube to the other. The angle of inclination of the divider plate may change gradually along the length of the transfer pipe, providing a substantially smooth and uniform transition from one end of the transfer pipe to the other.

15 Preferably, the divider plate is arranged to have a section that is substantially planar.

By planar, it is meant that a section of the plate extends in the same plane. The planar section may be at any suitable location along the length of the divider plate, but is preferably around the mid-point of the plate.

The angle of inclination of the divider plate may change by at least 30 , 20 suitably at least 45 and preferably at least 60 between one end of the transfer pipe and the other end of the transfer pipe. The angle of inclination of the divider plate may change by less than 150 , suitably less than 120 and preferably less than 100 between one end of the transfer pipe and the other end of the transfer pipe. The angle of inclination of the divider plate preferably changes by about 90 between one end of 25 the transfer pipe and the other end of the transfer pipe.

Suitably, the inclination of the divider plate is effected by an opposing inclination of the separators of the pipe arrangements and by virtue of attachment of the ends of the divider plate to the separators.

Suitably, the coupling device further comprises a valve operable to prevent 30 fluid flow from one end of the transfer pipe to the other end thereof. Preferably, the valve is a butterfly valve.

The butterfly valve is suitably a component of the divider plate. In which case, the valve is suitably located in the planar section of the divider plate. Suitably, the butterfly valve comprises a disc that turns about an axis on its diameter and selectively blocks or allows flow of fluid through the transfer tube.

5 The disc is suitably provided by a cut-out section of the divider plate. The dimensions of the disc should correspond with the interior dimensions of the transfer pipe. The shape of the disc should correspond with the interior cross-sectional shape of the transfer pipe at that point; for example, if the transfer pipe has a circular cross sectional shape the disc is suitably circular, but if the transfer pipe has a square cross 10 sectional shape at that point, the disc is suitably square.

Suitably, movement of the disc is controlled by a rod that extends through the transfer pipe wall. The rod may be attached to an edge of the disc, or alternatively, the rod may extend across part or the whole extent of the disc.

A coupling device according to the present invention may further comprise a 15 pump. The pump may be an integral part of the coupling device or separate therefrom.

If the pump is separate from the coupling device, the pump is suitably connected to the coupling device for use therewith. The pump may be either directly or indirectly connected to the coupling device.

Suitably, a pump is connected to an end of each pipe arrangement. Suitably, a 20 pump is connected to the end of each pipe arrangement opposite to the end thereof providing the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

Preferably, a separate pump is connected to each of the first pipe arrangement and the second pipe arrangement.

A coupling device according to the present invention finds particular advantage 25 in use with textile processing machines, especially textile processing machines without external pipework. However, a coupling device according to the present invention may also be used with machines with external pipework.

In use of a coupling device according to the present invention, fluid flows from a first machine into a fluid inlet of a first pipe arrangement, which fluid inlet is 30 provided by an end of the inner passage. The fluid flows along the length of the inner passage to a pump connected to the opposite end of the first pipe arrangement. The pump directs the fluid flow into the fore chamber of the annular passage from where it

flows into the transfer pipe. The fluid flow is directed through the transfer pipe by means of the divider plate, to flow into the back chamber of a second pipe arrangement. The fluid then exits the second pipe arrangement from the back chamber of the annular passage into a second machine.

5 At the same time, or separately, fluid flows from the second machine into a fluid inlet of the second pipe arrangement provided by the inner passage thereof. The fluid flows along the length of the inner passage to a pump connected to the opposite end of the second pipe arrangement. The pump directs the fluid flow into the fore chamber of the annular passage from where it flows into the transfer pipe. The fluid 10 flow is directed through the transfer pipe by means of the divider plate, to flow into the back chamber of the first pipe arrangement. The fluid then exits the first pipe arrangement from the back chamber of the annular passage into the first machine.

If the coupling device comprises a valve, an additional mode of operation may be utilised. When the valve is in the open position, the device would operate 15 substantially as described above.

To close the transfer pipe, and prevent fluid flow along the length thereof, the valve is activated, by turning the disc in the case of a butterfly valve, to close the pipe.

In this case, fluid flows from the first machine through the inner passage of the first pipe arrangement to the pump. The pump directs the fluid into the fore chamber of the 20 annular passage and from there into a first chamber of the transfer pipe. When the fluid flow contacts the closed valve, the fluid passes through the hole in the divider plate resulting from rotation of the disc, and into a second chamber of the transfer pipe.

The fluid flows from the second chamber of the transfer pipe into the back chamber of the first pipe arrangement. From there the fluid passes back into the first machine. At 25 the same time, or separately, fluid flows from the second machine through the inner passage of the second pipe arrangement to the pump. The pump directs the fluid into the fore chamber of the annular passage and from there into a first chamber of the transfer pipe. When the fluid flow contacts the closed valve, the fluid passes through the hole in the divider plate resulting from rotation of the disc, and into a second 30 chamber of the transfer pipe. The fluid flows from the second chamber of the transfer pipe into the back chamber of the second pipe arrangement. From there the fluid passes back into the second machine.

The coupling device advantageously provides a means of transferring fluid from one machine to another, and thereby mixing the fluid of one machine with that of another. This helps to achieve a more even dyeing result when used with two dyeing machines. 5 In addition, when the coupling device comprises a valve, the device can be used in two different operating modes, depending upon whether or not mixing between the machines is required.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which: 10 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coupling device in a first mode; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the coupling device of figure one in a second mode; Figure 3 is perspective view of the device of figure one in operation in the first mode; 15 Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device of figure one in operation in the second mode; Figure 5 is an end view of figure 1, and Figure 6 is an end view of figure 2.

The figures show a coupling device 2, comprising a first pipe arrangement 4 20 and a second pipe arrangement 6, a transfer pipe 8, a divider plate 10 and a butterfly valve 12.

Each pipe arrangement 4, 6 comprises an inner pipe 14, 16, an outer pipe 18, 20 and a separator 22, 24. The inner pipes 14, 16 and outer pipes 18, 20 are arranged co-axially, with an annular passage 26, 28 being provided between the outer pipe 18, 25 20 and the inner pipe 14, 16 and an inner passage 30, 32 being provided by the inner pipe 14, 16. The separator 22, 24 has a plate-like construction, through which the inner pipe 14, 16 extends, and is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipes 14-20. The separator 22 of the first pipe arrangement 4 is inclined in the opposite direction to the separator 24 of the second pipe arrangement 6.

30 The divider plate 10 is attached at one end to the separator 22 of the first pipe arrangement 4, and at the other end to the separator 24 of the second pipe arrangement 6. The divider plate 10 is twisted along the length thereof as a result of the opposing

orientation of the separators 22, 24. A mid-section of the plate 10 has a substantially planar section 34, which in this embodiment is substantially horizontal when the device is arranged for use.

The butterfly valve 12 comprises a disc 36, provided by a cut-out section of the 5 divider plate lO, and an actuator rod 37 that extends across substantially the full diameter of the disc 36.

As illustrated in figure 1 and 2, the butterfly valve 12 is moveable between a first mode, wherein fluid can flow along the full length of the transfer pipe 8 in use, and a second mode, wherein fluid is prevented from flowing along the full length of 10 the transfer pipe in use. The coupling device 2 is switched between the first operational mode and the second operational mode by rotation of the valve disc 36.

Use of the device 2 in the first operational mode will be described with reference to figure 3, assuming the first pipe arrangement 4 is connected to a first machine (not shown) and the second pipe arrangement 6 is connected to a second 15 machine (not shown).

Fluid 38 flows from a first machine (not shown) into a fluid inlet 40 of the first pipe arrangement 4 through the inner passage 30 and into a pump (not shown). The fluid flow is directed into the back chamber 42 of the annular passage 26 by the pump and then into the transfer pipe 8. In the transfer pipe 8, the fluid is directed by means 20 of the divider plate 10, to flow into the back chamber 44 of the second pipe arrangement 6. The fluid 38 flows out of the back chamber 44 of the second pipe arrangement 6 to a second machine (not shown).

At the same time, or separately, fluid 46 flows from the second machine (not shown) into a fluid inlet 48 of the second pipe arrangement 6 through the inner passage 25 32 to a pump (not shown) attached to the second pipe arrangement 6. The pump directs the fluid 46 into the fore chamber 50 of the annular passage 28 and then into the transfer pipe 8. The fluid flow 46 is directed through the transfer pipe 8 by means of the divider plate 10, to flow into the back chamber 52 of the first pipe arrangement 4. The fluid 46 flows out of the back chamber 52 of the first pipe arrangement 4 to the 30 first machine.

Use of the device 2 in the second operational mode will be described with reference to figure 4, assuming the first pipe arrangement 4 is connected to a first

machine (not shown) and the second pipe arrangement 6 is connected to a second machine (not shown).

To close the transfer pipe 8, and prevent fluid flow along the length thereof, the valve 12 is activated using the rod 37 to turn the disc 36. Fluid 38 flows from the first 5 machine into the inner passage 30 of the first pipe arrangement 4 and then into a pump (not shown). The pump directs the fluid flow 38 into the fore chamber 42 of the annular passage 26 and then into a first chamber 56 of the transfer pipe 8. When the fluid flow contacts the closed valve 12, the fluid passes through the hole 54 in the divider plate 10 resulting from rotation of the disc 36, and into a second chamber 58 of 10 the transfer pipe 8. The fluid flows from the second chamber 58 of the transfer pipe 8 into the back chamber 52 of the first pipe means 4. From there the fluid passes back into the first machine. At the same time, or separately, fluid 46 flows from the second machine into the inner passage 32 of the second pipe arrangement 6 and then into a pump. The pump directs the fluid flow 46 into the fore chamber 50 of the annular 15 passage 28 and then into the first chamber 56 of the transfer pipe 8. When the fluid flow contacts the closed valve 12, the fluid passes through the hole 54 in the divider plate lO resulting from rotation of the disc 36, and into the second chamber 58 of the transfer pipe 8. The fluid flows from the second chamber 58 of the transfer pipe 8 into the back chamber 44 of the second pipe means 6. From there the fluid passes back 20 into the second machine.

Claims

1. A coupling device comprising a first pipe arrangement and a second pipe arrangement being joined by a transfer pipe, each pipe arrangement comprising a first conduit and a second conduit, the transfer pipe being divided into two 5 chambers and arranged such that an inlet of the first pipe arrangement may be placed in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the second pipe arrangement and/or an inlet of the second pipe arrangement may be placed in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the first pipe arrangement.

2. A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pipe 10 arrangements both comprises an outer pipe and an inner pipe arranged co-axially to provide the first conduit and the second conduit.

3. A coupling device according to claim 2, wherein the co-axially arranged outer pipe and inner pipe define an annular passage between the exterior of the inner pipe and the interior of the outer pipe and the interior of the inner pipe defines an 15 inner passage.

4. A coupling device according to claim 3, wherein the inner passage provides a fluid inlet and the annular passage provides a fluid outlet.

5. A coupling device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each pipe arrangement further comprises separating means arranged to divide the annular passage into 20 two separate chambers.

6. A coupling device according to claim 5, wherein the separating means is a plate arranged such that the whole of the outer edge of the plate contacts the outer wall of the annular passage and the whole of the inner edge of the plate contacts the inner wall of the annular passage.

25 7. A coupling device according to claim 6, wherein the annular passage is divided into a fore chamber and a back chamber by means of the separating plate.

8. A coupling device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the separating plate is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipe arrangement.

9. A coupling device according to claim 8, wherein the separator plate of the first 30 pipe arrangement is inclined in a direction opposing the direction of inclination of the separating plate of the second pipe arrangement.

10. A coupling device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein, in use, the transfer pipe is in fluid flow communication with both chambers of the annular passage of each pipe arrangement.

11. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the S transfer pipe is divided into two chambers by means of a divider plate.

12. A coupling device according to claims 11, wherein the divider plate separates the transfer pipe longitudinally into two chambers.

13. A coupling device according to claim 11 or 12, when dependent upon any one of claims S to 10, wherein the divider plate is connected at each end to a separating 10 means of a pipe arrangement.

14. A coupling device according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the transverse plane of the divider plate is inclined relative to the vertical.

IS. A coupling device according to claim 14, wherein the angle of inclination of the divider plate changes from one end of the transfer pipe to the other end thereof.

IS 16. A coupling device according to claim 1 S. wherein the divider plate has a section that is substantially planar.

17. A coupling device according to claim 1 S or 16, wherein the angle of inclination of the divider plate changes by about 90 from one end of the transfer pipe to the other end thereof.

20 18. A coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a valve operable to control fluid flow from one end of the transfer pipe to the other end of the transfer pipe.

19. A coupling device according to claim 18, wherein the valve is a butterfly valve.

20. A coupling device according to claim 19 as dependent upon any one of claims 11 25 to 19, wherein the butterfly valve is a component of the divider plate.

21. A coupling device according to claim 20, wherein the butterfly valve comprises a disc that turns about an axis on its diameter, the disc being provided by a section of the divider plate.

22. A coupling device according to claim 20 or 21 as dependent upon any one of 30 claims 16 - 19, wherein the butterfly valve is located in the planar section of the divider plate.

23. A coupling device according to claim 21, wherein the disc has dimensions corresponding substantially with the interior dimensions of the transfer pipe.

24. A coupling device substantially as described herein and with referenced to the drawings hereof.

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