DESCRIPTION "Connecting device for a duct for fluid distribution, particularly for compressed air distribution" [0001] . The present invention relates to a union for the distribution line of a fluid, in particular of compressed air or a low temperature fluid. [0002] . In particular, the present invention relates to a union tee, generally used in distribution lines for feeding compressed air from the compressor to the users. [0003]. Distribution lines generally comprise a main line, fed by a compressor, on which one or more secondary lines are inserted, adapted for feeding one or more users. [0004] . A known problem in. the field is the build up of a liquid called "condensate", in the main line, caused by the fluid condensation.
[0005] . The condensate passage in a secondary line often- causes malfunctions of the user linked thereto. [0006] . ' The need of avoiding the condensate passage from the main line to a secondary line is therefore strongly felt.
[0007] . Some known solutions in the field provide for the use of descending elbows, having a characteristic shape as a question mark, for linking the main line and the secondary line, realising a type of union known as
"gooseneck" . [0008] . However, said type of union implies several disadvantages. For example, it requires considerable space for a proper installation. [0009] . A further solution is described, for example, in document EP 0 575 225. [0010] . However, also this solution implies some disadvantages such as for example the need of perforating the pipe of the main line at the point where a secondary line should be inserted. [0011] . In yet another solution, the secondary line portion is inserted into the main line by a sleeve that arranges transversally to the section of the main line. [0012]. However, this solution exhibits the disadvantage of a considerable load loss at the union made, due to the considerable narrowing of the air flow section along the main line. [0013] . Object of the present invention is that of devising a union for the distribution line of a fluid, in particular compressed air, which should solve the disadvantages .mentioned above and overcome the problems mentioned with reference to the prior art .
[0014] . The object of the present invention is achieved by a union according to claim 1. The depending
claims describe variant of embodiments. [0015] . The features and advantages of the union according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of a preferred embodiment, made by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein: [0016] . - figure 1 shows a partly sectioned perspective view of a union according to the present invention; [0017] . - figure 2 shows a sectioned view of the union of figure 1;
[0018] . - figure 3 shows a distribution line comprising the union of figure 1.
[0019] . With reference to the annexed figures, reference numeral .1 globally indicates a distribution line of a fluid, in particular compressed air or a low temperature fluid, such as argon or nitrogen. [0020] . The distribution line 1 comprises a main line 2, generally connected, for example to a compressor, and at least one secondary line 4, derived from said main line and operatively connected to a user for the use of the compressed air.
[0021] . The main line preferably extends along a substantially horizontal direction X-X and is mounted at the walls of the room where it is installed, at a fixed
height, called main height, compared to the room tread surface . [0022] . The secondary lines 4 start from the main line
2, generally developing along a substantially vertical axis Y-Y and substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction of the main line, until they reach the user arranged at a fixed height, called user height. [0023] . The main line 1 comprises at least one union 10 « for the operating connection of the mam line 2 with the secondary line 4. [0024] . Union 10 comprises a main hollow body 12 preferably having prevailing extension along the horizontal axis X-X, between a first end 12a and a second end 12b. [0025] . Said main body exhibits at least one inlet 16, operatively associable to a main portion 2a of said main line 2, and at least one outlet 18, operatively associable to a secondary portion 4a of said secondary line 4. [0026], Said main body 12 comprises an outside wall 14, preferably having substantially cylindrical shape. Said outside wall extends along said horizontal direction X-X of the main line 2.. [0027] . Preferably, moreover, the outside wall 14
exhibits an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the main portion 2a of the main line. [0028] . Preferably, the main body 12 comprises, at the second end 12b of said main body, an inner annular projection 17, jointed to said outside wall 14. Said inner annular projection 17 exhibits an inner diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the outside wall 14. [0029] . Preferably, moreover, said main body 12 comprises a. circumferential abutment 19, preferably jointed to said inner annular projection 17 and adapted for realising axial abutment means for the main portion 2a of the main line 2. [0030] . Moreover, union 10 comprises an intermediate body 20 adapted for being seated into the main body 12.
[0031] . The intermediate body 20 comprises an intermediate • wall 22 , preferably with a substantially cylindrical shape, having prevailing extension along the horizontal axis X-X of the main line, between a first end 22a and a second end 22b.
[0032] . Preferably, moreover, said intermediate body 20 comprises a collar 24, radially protruding outwards relative to said intermediate wall 22. [0033] . Preferably, said collar 24 is arranged axially
relative to the intermediate wall 22 so as to be closer to the first end 22a of said wall rather than to the second end 22b. [0034] . The outer diameter of the intermediate wall 22 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outside wall 14 of the main body 12. [0035] . The intermediate body 20, seated into the main body 12, is kept into position by said inner annular « projection 17 of the mam body 12, on which the second end 22b of the intermediate wall rests 22, and by said collar 24 of the intermediate body 20, which rests onto a support portion 14a of the outside, wall 14 of the main body 12. [0036] . In other words, collar 24, the support portion 14a, the second end 22b of the intermediate wall 22 and the inner annular projection 17 realise a preferred example of means for positioning the intermediate body 20 ■ inside the main body 12 of union 1. [0037] . Preferably, the inner diameter of the intermediate wall 22 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the main portion 2a of the main line 2 associable to union 10. [0038] . The intermediate body 20 being seated into the main body 12, the intermediate wall 22, spaced from the
outside wall 14 of the main body 12, forms an inside main chamber 29 and an intermediate chamber 30 external to said main chamber into said main body. [0039] . In other words, the main chamber 29 is adapted for being flown through by compressed air with condensate, whereas the intermediate chamber 30 is adapted for being flow through by compressed air substantially free from condensate. [0040] . The intermediate chamber 30 is adapted for placing the main line 2 of the distribution line in fluid communication with its secondary line 4. [0041] . According to an example of embodiment, the intermediate wall 22 exhibits at least one thorough hole
32 through which said main line 2 and said secondary line 4 are placed in communication.
[0042] . Preferably, said at least one thorough hole 32 is opened on top relative to the inlet 16 of the main body 12. '
[0043] . The main body 12 of union 10 preferably comprises sealing connecting means of the main portion 2a of the main line 2 and of the secondary portion 4a of the secondary line 4 with union 10.
[0044] . Said main body 12, moreover, is preferably associable to means for connecting the main portion 2a
and the secondary portion 4a to union 10, for example of the sleeve type, called "quick joint". [0045] . In the normal use of sleeve 10, the compressed air is fed through the main portion 2a of the main line. [0046] . Holes 32 through the intermediate wall 22 of the intermediate body 20 are arranged at a higher height than the height of the bottom of the main portion 2a of the main line 2, that is, the height at which any condensate present into the main line settles by gravity. [0047] . To be fed to . the user, the compressed air follows a feeding path that comprises a portion of the main chamber, on the bottom of which there is the condensate, and a portion of the intermediate chamber, it being . thus fed to the secondary portion 4a of the secondary line. [0048] . On the other hand, the condensate remains on the bottom of the main chamber 29 and hence it is brought towards a drainage point of the distribution line. [0049]. In other words, the intermediate wall 22, spaced from the outside wall 14 so as to make said outlet accessible to the compressed air, overlaps the outlet 16 of said outside wall, that it, covers it, thus realising a bridge between the portion upstream of the main line relative to the union, and the portion downstream of it.
[0050] . On the other hand, the compressed air, separated from the condensate by gravity, comes out of the main chamber from a point at a higher height than that of the condensate and goes to the secondary line through the intermediate chamber. [0051] . Unusually, the union according to the present invention prevents the condensate present into the main line from passing into the secondary line . [0052] . Advantageously, moreover, it exhibits a small size, since it is free from projections from the main line . [0053] . According to a further advantageous aspect, said union is directly inserted along the main line without the need of perforating said line in a fixed position of its wall to connect a union. [0054] . According to an even further advantageous aspect, said union exhibits a substantially load-loss- free operation along the main line since the main chamber along which the air with condensate passes, is free from obstacles such as collars or projections that hinder the fluid flow section.
[0055] . A further advantage of the union according to the invention consists in comprising means for positioning the intermediate body adapted for realising
a main chamber free from obstacles for the fluid flow, thus limiting load losses. [0056] . In other words, said positioning means are also adapted for leaving said main chamber free from obstacles for the fluid flow. [0057] . It is clear that a man skilled in the art will be able to make several changes to the union described above, all falling within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.