WO2014108760A1

WO2014108760A1 - Quick connector

Info

Publication number: WO2014108760A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/050340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paolo Seghi; Luca Bechis; Giuseppe RUSCONI
Original assignee: Manuli Rubber Industries S.P.A.
Priority date: 2013-01-14
Filing date: 2013-01-14
Publication date: 2014-07-17

Abstract

A quick connector is disclosed comprising a female body (2), a male body (9) coupled inside the female body, a tubular element (15) that is axially slidable on the female body, and locking balls (8) that are arranged in a circular seat (7) obtained on the female body and are able to assume an internal position, in which the balls protrude from the seat and are partially received in a groove (14) obtained on the male body for locking the latter in an axial direction by interference, and an external position in which the locking balls do not interfere with the male body; the tubular element is taken by elastic means (19) to a locking position in which the quick connector constrains the locking balls in the internal interference position and the quick connector is taken by an operator to an unlocking position in which the balls are free to move to an external position.

Description

QUICK CONNECTOR

Background of the invention

[0001 ] The invention relates to a quick connector for hydraulic connections.

[0002] Specifically, but not exclusively, the invention may be advantageously applied to removably connecting hydraulic apparatuses that operate in critical work situations, for example in environments with great humidity and dust, as in the mining industry, in particular in underground coal mines.

[0003] For the hydraulic connection of apparatuses used in underground coal mines, a system is known comprising a male body having an integrated hose holder, for connecting to flexible pipes, a female body for connecting to a hydraulic installation and an insertible fork for hooking the aforesaid two bodies.

[0004] The prior art has various drawbacks.

[0005] Firstly, the hooking and unhooking system is not very convenient and easy to handle. In particular, the fork will have to be shaped to avoid working loose, so both inserting and extracting the fork are actually very difficult. For the connection, the operator will have to push the male body inside the female body and then arrange the fork inside holes arranged on the female body that will have to be aligned on a groove on the male body. This engaging operation is relatively complex and laborious, in particular because of interference of the components. The unhooking operation is no less complicated and normally requires the use of tools.

[0006] Secondly, the known connecting system has a relatively high overall radial dimension.

[0007] Further, the known system is not very resistant to humidity and dust. There is thus a relatively high risk of early oxidation of the components and intrusion of dust inside the connecting zone, with consequent damage to the system, in particular to the hydraulic sealing means.

[0008] Another drawback is the poor mechanical resistance of the coupling made by the fork, especially in consideration of the great hydraulic operating pressure of the apparatuses used in a mining environment (normally 300-350 bar, with maximum peaks sometimes above 400 bar).

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] One object of the invention is to overcome one or more of the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art.

[001 1 ] One advantage is to provide a quick connector that is simple and practical to use, in particular a connector with engagement and disengagement that are performable manually by an operator without requiring the need for tools.

[0012] One advantage is to devise a connector with reduced overall radial dimensions, in particular with a high ratio between the actual useful internal diameter for the passage of fluid (flowrate) and the maximum external diameter (overall radial dimensions).

[0013] One advantage is to provide a quick hydraulic connection with relatively high mechanical resistance.

[0014] One advantage is to make a quick connector available, for example for flexible pipes, having a connection area protected from the entry of harmful external agents, in particular dust and humidity.

[0015] One advantage is to give rise to a quick connector for a pipe that may assume a sealed hydraulic connection configuration with a degree of rotation freedom around the longitudinal axis thereof.

[0016] One advantage is to provide a quick connector that is totally integrated with one or more flexible pipes without the need for intermediate connecting and sealing systems.

[0017] Such objects and advantages and still others are achieved by the connector according to one or more of the claims set out below.

[0018] In one embodiment, a connector comprises a female body, a male body coupled inside the female body according to a connecting axis, a tubular element (ring nut) that is axially slidable on the female body, and locking balls (in particular a ring of locking balls) that are arranged in a circular seat obtained on the female body and are able to assume a radially internal position, in which the balls protrude internally from the seat and are partially received in a groove obtained on the male body to lock the latter in an axial direction by interference, and a radially external position in which the balls do not interfere with the male body; the tubular element is taken by elastic means to a locking position in which the tubular element constrains the balls in the radially internal interference position and may be taken (manually) by an operator to an unlocking position in which the balls are free to move to a radially external non-interference position.

Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate an embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example.

[0020] Figure 1 is a semisection view of an embodiment of a quick connector according to the invention. [0021 ] Figure 2 shows the male body of the connector in figure 1.

[0022] Figure 3 shows the female body and the tubular element (ring nut) of the connector in figure 1.

[0023] Figures 4A to 4F show some steps in sequence of the operation of engaging the male body in the female body.

[0024] Figures 5A to 5D show some steps in sequence of the operation of disengaging the male body.

Detailed description

[0025] With reference to the aforesaid figures, with 1 a quick connector for a removable hydraulic connection has been indicated. The connector 1 may be used, in particular, for the tight hydraulic connection (for example for the direct hydraulic connection) between a flexible pipe and a hydraulic installation. The connector 1 may enable the pipe, arranged in a connected seal configuration, to rotate around its own longitudinal axis.

[0026] The connector 1 comprises a tubular female body 2 that defines a fluid passage internally. The female body 2 may have, as in this case, a first end portion 3 for connecting to a (known and not illustrated) hydraulic installation. The connection may comprise, for example, a screw connection (as in the illustrated example) or another type of connection.

[0027] The female body 2 may be, as in this specific example, entirely of the free-flow type, thereby the body 2 defines internally a fluid passage devoid of intercepting means or of valve means of another type.

[0028] The female body 2 may comprise, for example, a (tubular) female portion 4 having a first internal surface 5 (for example a revolution surface, in particular a cylindrical surface), and a first external surface 6 (for example a revolution surface, in particular a cylindrical surface).

[0029] The female portion 4 may have, as in this specific case, seat means for housing rolling elements (balls or rollers), for example a plurality of ball seats 7 that, in particular, may be arranged along a circumference around a connecting axis X. Each ball seat 7 may have an internal opening that opens on the first internal surface 5 and an external opening that opens on the first external surface 6. Instead of a plurality of ball seats 7 that are distinct from one another it is possible to provide at least one ball seat (which is not shown) which is enable on its own to receive a plurality of rolling elements (balls or rollers).

[0030] The connector 1 may comprise, as in the example disclosed here, a plurality of locking elements arranged in a ring, in particular rolling elements (for example balls or rollers). In the specific case the connector 1 comprises a plurality of locking balls 8, each of which may be arranged in a respective ball seat 7. Each locking element (ball 8) may have, as in the case in point, a greater diameter than a dimension measured in a radial direction of the respective ball seat 7. This radial dimension (where radial dimension is defined as the dimension in a radial direction with reference to the connecting axis X) in particular will be comprised between the aforesaid internal opening and the aforesaid external opening. The plurality of locking balls 8 may be replaced by a plurality of other locking elements, in particular a plurality of other rolling elements, for example rollers. The seat means may comprise in this case, instead of the ball seats 7, seat means that is suitable for housing other locking elements (rolling elements, for example rollers).

[0031 ] Each locking element (ball 8) may be movable in a radial direction with the possibility of assuming at least one internal position, in which it protrudes partially inwards beyond the internal opening, and an external position, in which it protrudes partially outwards beyond the external opening. The amplitude (diameter) of the internal opening will be less than the diameter of a locking element (ball 8) so that the latter is anyway housable stably inside its ball seat 7 when the element (ball 8) is in an internal position.

[0032] The connector 1 comprises a male body 9 that defines internally a fluid passage intended for being in communication (in this case free and coaxial communication) with the fluid passage defined by the female body 2. The male body 9 may be tubular. The male body 9 may have a second end portion 10 for connecting to a hydraulic conveying pipe, for example for connecting to a flexible pipe. The male body 9 may have a (tubular) male portion 1 1 inserted inside the female portion 4 according to the connecting axis X.

[0033] The male portion 1 1 may have, in particular, a second internal surface 12 (for example a revolution, in particular cylindrical, surface) and a second external surface 13 (for example a revolution, in particular cylindrical, surface). The second internal surface 12 bounds the fluid passage inside the male body 9. The second external surface 13 may in particular be coupled (for example shapingly coupled, in particular rotationally), with the first internal surface 5 in such a manner that the male body 9 is connected in the female body 2 around the axis X. The second external surface 13 may have a (continuous) external groove 14 that may, in particular, extend along a circumference that extends (coaxially) around the connecting axis X to be able to receive the balls 8 in the internal position.

[0034] The connector 1 comprises a tubular element 1 5 (for example a ring nut or the like), which may be coupled coaxially outside the female portion 4. The tubular element 15 may have, in particular, a (tubular) locking portion 16 and a (tubular) unlocking portion 17). The locking portion 16 may have, for example, a minimum internal diameter IDS that will be less than a minimum internal diameter (not shown in the figures) of the unlocking portion 17. The tubular element 15 may be movable axially in the female body 2 with the possibility of assuming a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position (figure 1 or figure 3) the (narrower) locking portion 16 externally surrounds the plurality of ball seats 7 to constrain the balls 8 in the internal position. In the unlocking position (figure 4D or figure 5B) the (wider) unlocking portion 17 externally surrounds at least partially the plurality of ball seats 7 to enable the balls 8 to assume the external position.

[0035] In the locking position the male body 9 may assume an engaged configuration in which the body 9 is locked axially with respect to the female body 4 through the effect of the interference of portions of the locking balls 8 protruding beyond the internal opening. In the unlocking position the male body 9 will be free to slide axially with respect to the female body 2 to enable the male body 9 to enter or exit.

[0036] The tubular element 15 (ring nut) may have, in particular, an external gripping surface 18 that is free (in particular neither surrounded or covered by other elements of the connector 1 ). The external surface 18 may be, in the engaged configuration of the connector in which the locking balls 8 are coupled with the groove 14, graspable by external gripping means (for example by a hand of the operator) to move the tubular element 15 axially from the locking position to the unlocking position. The connector 1 may comprise, in particular, elastic means 19 for returning the tubular element 15 to the locking position.

[0037] The gripping external surface 18 of the tubular element 15 has a maximum external diameter ODS. The first internal surface 5 of the female portion 4 has a minimum internal diameter IDF. The connector 1 may be structured, in particular, in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDF) is < 1.9, or < 2.0, or < 2.1 , or < 2.2, or < 2.3. The connector 1 may be structured, in particular, in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDF) is > 1.8, or > 1 .7, or > 1.6, or > 1.5, or > 1.4, or > 1 .3. In particular, the connector 1 may be structured in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDF) is comprised between 1.7 (or 1 .8) and 1.9 (or 2.0). In the specific case illustrated here the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDF) is = 1.83.

[0038] The connector 1 may be structured, in particular, in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDS) is < 1 .4, or < 1.5, or < 1 .6, or < 1 .7, or < 1.8, or < 1.9, or < 2.0. The connector 1 may be structured, in particular, in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDS) is > 1.4, or > 1.3, or > 1.2, or > 1.1. In particular, the connector 1 may be structured in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDS) is comprised between 1.2 (or 1.3) and 1.5 (or 1.4). In the specific case illustrated here the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDS) is = 1.36.

[0039] The second internal surface 12 of the male portion 1 1 has a minimum internal diameter IDM. The connector 1 may be structured, in particular, in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDM) is < 3.0, or < 3.2, or < 3.4, or < 3.6, or < 3.8, or < 4.0. The connector 1 may be structured, in particular, in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDM) is > 2.8, or > 2.6, or > 2.4, or > 2.2, or > 2.0. In particular, the connector 1 may be structured in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDM) is comprised between 2.7 (or 2.5) and 3.1 (or 3.3). In the specific case illustrated here the dimensional ratio (ODS / IDM) is = 2.9.

[0040] The second external surface 13 of the male portion 1 1 has a maximum external diameter ODM. The connector 1 may be structured, in particular, in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODM / IDM) is < 1.6, or < 1.7, or < 1.8, or < 1.9, or < 2.0, or < 2.1. The connector 1 may be structured, in particular, in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODM / IDM) is > 1.5, or > 1.4, or > 1.3, or > 1.2, or > 1.1. In particular, the connector 1 may be structured in such a manner that the dimensional ratio (ODM / IDM) is comprised between 1.4 (or 1.3) and 1.6 (or 1.7). In the specific case illustrated here the dimensional ratio (ODM / IDM) is = 1.56.

[0041 ] The female body 2 may have, in particular, a first sealing portion 20 having an external sealing surface provided with first sealing means 21 (for example an annular washer) which, in the engaged configuration, may be sealingly coupled with an internal surface of an end portion 24 of the tubular element 15.

[0042] The male body 9 may have, in particular, a second sealing portion 22 that may be arranged outside the female portion 4 and may have an external sealing surface provided with second sealing means 23 (for example an annular washer) which, in the engaged configuration, may be coupled with an end portion of the tubular element 15. In particular, the second sealing means 23 may be coupled with an internal surface of the unlocking portion 17.

[0043] The tubular element 15 (ring nut) may be mounted on the female body 2, for example by locking means 25 (in particular a locking ring arranged in an annular seat obtained on the female body 2). [0044] The tubular element 15 (ring nut) may be made (as in the specific example) integrally of a single piece. In particular, the locking portion 16 and/or the unlocking portion 17 and/or the end (sealing) portion 24 may be made integrally of a single piece.

[0045] The female body 2 may be made integrally of a single piece. In particular, the first end portion 3 and/or the female portion 4 and/or the first sealing portion 20 may be made integrally of a single piece.

[0046] The male body 9 may be made integrally of a single piece. In particular, the second end portion 10 and/or the male portion 1 1 and/or the second sealing portion 23 may be made integrally of a single piece.

[0047] In use, the connector may be engaged in the manner illustrated in figures 4A to 4F. The male body 9 (on which a flexible pipe that is not illustrated may be mounted) and the female body 2 (which may be connected to a hydraulic installation that is not illustrated) are moved near one another. In order to enable the male body 9 to be inserted, the tubular element 15 will be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position (figure 4C). The locking elements (balls 8) may thus be moved from the internal interfering or locking position, to the external non-interfering or unlocking position (figure 4D). Inserting the male body 9 may enable the locking elements (balls 8) to lodge within the groove 14 (figure 4E). The tubular element 15 may then be returned to the locking position (by the elastic means 19) in such a manner as to lock the balls 8 in the interfering or locking position (figure 4F) inside the groove 14.

[0048] The disengagement occurs by (manually) moving the tubular element from the locking position to the unlocking position (figure 5B). The male body 9 is thus free to slide axially to be removed from the female body 2 (figure 5C), the locking by interference by the locking elements (balls 8) no longer being operative. The male body 9 is thus completely separable from the female body 2 and from the tubular element 15, which will maintain the locking elements (balls 8) positioned inside the respective ball seats 7.

[0049] The connector 1 could be structured in such a manner that, in the engaged configuration, the male body 9 (having the pipe-holding end) is able to rotate around the connecting axis X with respect to the female body 2, rotationally supported by the locking balls 8 that are coupled (in direct contact) with the circumferal groove 14 arranged on the body 9.

Claims

1. Connector ( 1 ) comprising:

a tubular female body (2) having a first end portion (3) for connecting to a hydraulic installation and a tubular female portion (4) having a first internal surface (5) and a first external surface (6), said female portion (4) having seat means (7) arranged along a circumference around a connecting axis (X), said seat means (7) having at least an internal opening on said first internal surface (5) and at least one external opening on said first external surface (6); a plurality of locking balls (8) arranged in said seat means (7), each ball (8) having a diameter that is greater than a radial dimension of said seat means (7) comprised between said internal opening and said external opening, each ball (8) being movable in a radial direction with the possibility of assuming at least one internal position wherein it protrudes partially inwards beyond said internal opening and an external position wherein it protrudes partially outwards beyond said external opening;

a tubular male body (9) having a second end portion (10) for connecting to a hydraulic conveying pipe and a tubular male portion (1 1 ) inserted inside said female portion (4) according to said connecting axis (X), said male portion (1 1 ) having a second internal surface (12) and a second external surface (13), said second internal surface ( 12) defining a fluid passage, said second external surface (13) being coupled with said first internal surface (5), said second external surface (13) having an external groove ( 14) extending along a circumference around said connecting axis (X) to receive said locking balls (8) in the internal position;

a tubular element (15) coupled coaxially outside said female portion (4), said tubular element (15) having a tubular locking portion (16) and a tubular unlocking portion (17), said locking portion (16) having a minimum internal diameter less than a minimum internal diameter of said unlocking portion (17), said tubular element (15) being axially movable with respect to said female body (2) with the possibility of assuming a locking position in which said locking portion (16) surrounds said seat means (7) externally for constraining said balls (8) in said internal position, and an unlocking position wherein said unlocking portion (17) surrounds said seat means (7) externally to enable said balls (8) to assume said external position, and engaged configuration being provided wherein said tubular element (15) is in said locking position and said male body (9) is locked in axial direction with respect to said female body (2) through the effect of the interference of ball (8) portions protruding beyond said internal opening, a disengaging configuration being further provided wherein said tubular element (15) is in said unlocking position and said male body (9) is free to slide axially with respect to said female body (2).

2. Connector according to claim 1 , wherein:

said tubular element (15) has a gripping external surface ( 18) which is free and which, in said engaged position, is graspable by external gripping means for axially moving the tubular element (15) from said locking position to said unlocking position, elastic means (19) being provided for returning said tubular element (15) to said locking position;

said female body (2) is integrally of the free-flow type, thereby it defines internally a fluid passage that is devoid of intercepting means or of other valve means;

said tubular element (15) is made integrally of a single piece;

said female body (2) is made integrally of a single piece;

said male body (9) is made integrally of a single piece.

3. Connector according to claim 2, wherein:

said gripping external surface (18) has an external gripping diameter ODS; said first internal surface (5) has a minimum internal diameter IDF; said locking portion ( 16) has a minimum internal diameter IDS;

said second internal surface (12) has a minimum internal diameter IDM;

said second external surface (13) has a maximum external diameter ODM;

1.7 < (ODS / IDF) < 1.9;

1.3 < (ODS / IDS) < 1.5;

2.7 < (ODS / IDM) < 3.1 ;

1.4 < (ODM / IDM) < 1.6.

Connector according to claim 1 , wherein said tubular element (15) has a gripping external surface (18) which is free and which, in said engaged position is graspable by external gripping means to move said tubular element (15) axially from said locking position to said unlocking position, elastic means (19) being provided for returning said tubular element (15) to said locking position.

Connector according to claim 4, wherein: said gripping external surface (18) has an external gripping diameter ODS; said first internal surface (5) has a minimum internal diameter IDF; (ODS / IDF) < 1.9 or < 2.0 or < 2.1.

6. Connector according to claim 5, wherein (ODS / IDF) > 1.7 or > 1.6 or > 1.5.

7. Connector according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein:

said gripping external surface (18) has an external gripping diameter ODS; said locking portion (16) has a minimum internal diameter IDS;

(ODS / IDS) < 1.5, or < 1.6, or < 1.7.

8. Connector according to claim 7, wherein (ODS / IDS) > 1.3 or > 1.2 or > 1.1.

9. Connector according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein:

said external gripping surface (18) has an external gripping diameter ODS; said second internal surface ( 12) has a minimum internal diameter IDM;

(ODS / IDM) < 3.1 , or < 3.3, or < 3.5.

10. Connector according to claim 9, wherein (ODS / IDM) > 2.7, or > 2.5, or > 2.3.

11. Connector according to any preceding claim, wherein:

said second internal surface (12) has a minimum internal diameter IDM;

said second external surface (13) has a maximum external diameter ODM; (ODM / IDM) < 1.6, or < 1.7, or < 1.8.

12. Connector according to claim 9, wherein (ODM / IDM) > 1.4, or > 1.3, or > 1.2.

13. Connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said tubular element (15) is made integrally of a single piece.

14. Connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said first end portion (3) and said female portion (4) are made integrally of one piece.

15. Connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said female body (2) is made integrally of a single piece.

16. Connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said female body (2) is integrally of the free-flow type, thereby it defines internally a fluid passage that is devoid of intercepting means.

17. Connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said male body (9) is made integrally of a single piece.

18. Connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said second end portion (10) and said male portion (1 1 ) are made integrally of one piece.

19. Connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said female body (2) has a first sealing portion (20) having an external sealing surface provided with first sealing means (21) that, in said engaged configuration, is coupled with an internal surface of an end portion (24) of said tubular element (15).

20. Connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said male body (9) has a second sealing portion (22) that is arranged outside said female portion (4) and has an external sealing surface provided with second sealing means (23) that, in said engaged configuration, is coupled with an internal surface of said unlocking portion (17).