Multi-connection device with front connection plate for simultaneously connecting more than two hydraulic lines and / or electric wires

Abstract

The invention relates to a front connection plate arrangement for simultaneously connecting a plurality of hydraulic lines and / or electrical connectors, comprising a fixed part (10) and a movable part (20) wherein the fixed part (10) comprises a fixed plate (11) housing a female quick coupling (11 ') and / or a female electrical connector, a connection lever set (13) and at least one pair of vertical tie bars (12a, 12b), the tie bars (12a, 12b) are associated with the fixed plate (11) in a vertically slidable manner and are moved by the lever group (13) by means of connecting rods (14a, 14b) linked thereto, in which the tie bars (12a, 12b) each comprise a C-shaped portion (12a ', 12b') into which the movable plate (21) of the movable part (20) can be slidably inserted, thereby supporting a male quick coupling (21 ') and / or a male electrical connector, the connecting rods (14a, 14b) and the tie bars (12a, 12b) are arranged such that movement of the lever group (13) between the'open 'position and the'closed' position causes movement of the tie bars (12a, 12b) in the vertical direction by the connecting rods (14a, 14b), the movement of the tie bars (12a, 12b) in the vertical direction causing the movable plate (21) to be clamped on the fixed plate (11) and causing the quick couplings (11 ', 11' ', 11' ', 11' ', 11' ') to be clamped on the fixed plate (11). 21 ') and / or the electrical connector is changed from an open state corresponding to the open position of the lever group (13) to a connected state corresponding to the closed position of the lever group (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-connection device of the front connection plate type, which supports a plurality of male-female quick connectors for connecting hydraulic pipelines and / or a plurality of electrical connectors for connecting electrical wires.

[0002] The multi-connection device according to the present invention provides an innovative lever system, which can reduce the overall bulk compared with known types of multi-connection systems.

[0003] In addition, the multi-connection device with a front connection according to the present invention allows for precise and simple connection between the plates without the need to provide plugs and corresponding holes on the opposite plates to ensure their alignment during the connection step. This allows the device to be further compact, as the entire surface of the plate can be used to position the joints and / or connectors. Background Art

[0004] In the prior art, it is known to connect a plurality of hydraulic pipelines and / or electrical wires for oil pressure applications through a multi-connection plate device, where a fixed plate is usually connected to a vehicle and supports a plurality of female joints and / or female connectors, and a movable plate is usually connected to a user and supports a corresponding plurality of male quick connectors and / or male electrical connectors.

[0005] The connection of the movable plate to the fixed plate is achieved through a lever connection system, which rotatably moves a pair of guide cams, and pins or rollers associated with the movable plate can slidably engage within the guide cams, so that by moving the lever to close it, the approach and clamping of the movable plate on the fixed plate are achieved. In the known systems, the presence of guide plugs on the opposite plates and corresponding holes for receiving the plugs ensures the alignment between the joints and / or male connectors and female connectors, so that by connecting the plates, the connection of the joints and / or connectors is achieved simultaneously.

[0006] For example, in EP 3 569 911A1 representing the same applicant, as well as in US 2021 / 062949A1, US2011 / 272937A1 and DE 202010014532U1, known solutions are described, which provide examples of joints being connected through the substantially vertical relative movement of the plates supporting the joints or the joints themselves.

[0007] These known types of solutions have some disadvantages.

[0008] These disadvantages include the dimensions of the connection lever and the plate-like elements, which are part of the lever system and in which grooves for roller sliding are formed. The wide dimension of the connection lever is both the result of the need to reduce the connection force required to connect the two plates and the result of the need to resist the separating force caused by the hydraulic pressure affecting the pipelines and thus the joints.

[0009] Another disadvantage of torturing known type systems lies in the cumbersome plugs and guide holes required for aligning and guiding the plates during the coupling step, which reduces the space for hydraulic joints and / or electrical connectors, making it necessary to use larger-sized plates to accommodate the same number of joints / connectors.

[0010] These disadvantages are negatively perceived by users who require devices with minimized size and weight. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In view of the above, the task of the present invention is to provide a compact multi-connection device having a front coupling plate that supports multiple male-female quick connectors for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic lines and / or electrical connectors, thereby solving the inconveniences not solved by the prior art.

[0012] In this task, the object of the present invention is to provide a compact device for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic lines and / or electrical connectors, which has a reduced size compared to equivalent devices of known types having the same connectors.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact device for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic lines and / or electrical connectors, which includes a closing and protection system for the fixed plate.

[0014] The above task, as well as the above object and other objects that will become clearer later, are achieved by a compact front connection plate device for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic lines and / or electrical connectors according to claim 1 of the appended claims.

[0015] Other features of the compact front connection plate device for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic lines and / or electrical connectors according to the present invention are indicated in the dependent claims, which also form part of this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from a description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the compact front connection plate device for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic lines and / or electrical connectors according to the present invention, which is illustrated by way of example and not limitation with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view showing the components of the device according to the present invention in the state of plate connection and the lever in the closed position;

[0018] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the fixed plate of the device according to the present invention in the disconnected state, the lever in the closed position, and the cover closed;

[0019] Figure 3 Showing Figure 2A perspective view of the fixed plate with the lever in the fully open position and the cover in the partially open state;

[0020] Figure 4 and Figure 5 respectively show a partial cross-sectional side view of the state where the lever is in the Figure 3 intermediate position;

[0021] Figure 6 Shows the lever in the Figure 3 open position, where a spring that guides the cover to the closed position can be seen;

[0022] Figure 7 Shows the lever in the Figure 3 open position, where the action of the plug moving the cover to open can be seen;

[0023] Figure 8 Shows a perspective assembly view of the movable plate of the device according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 9 Shows a subsequent connection step, where the movable plate is positioned between the tie rods by sliding, bringing the movable plate closer to the fixed plate;

[0025] Figure 10 Shows Figure 9 a partial cross-sectional view of the vertical plane of the view, where the mutual positioning of the movable plate and the closing cover can be noted;

[0026] Figure 11 Shows a subsequent connection step, where the movable plate is fully inserted into the slots in the tie rods while the lever remains in the open position corresponding to the unclamped plate state;

[0027] Figure 12 and Figure 13 respectively show Figure 11 the partial cross-sectional side views of the coupling states;

[0028] Figure 14 Shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the state where the lever is lowered and the plates are coupled. Detailed Description

[0029] Specifically referring to the drawings, a compact front connection plate device 100 for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic pipelines and / or electrical connectors according to the present invention includes a fixed part 10 and a movable part 20.

[0030] The fixed part 10 includes Figure 2The components visible in [the figure] include not only the fixed plate 11 that houses the female joint 11', but also a connecting lever group 13, a protective cover 18 that connects the fixed plate 11, and a pair of vertical tie rods 12a, 12b. This pair of vertical tie rods is vertically slidably associated with the fixed plate 11 and is moved by the lever group 13 through connecting rods 14a, 14b.

[0031] More specifically, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the fixed part 10 includes a fixed plate 11. A plurality of female joints 11' are housed in the fixed plate 11, and the lever group 13 is hinged to the fixed plate 11.

[0032] The lever group 13 further includes a handle 13' adapted to be grasped by an operator to move the lever group itself, and a pair of forming plates 13c, 13d. They are pivoted to opposite sides of the fixed plate 11 at a pair of first coaxial pins 13a, 13b.

[0033] In order to strengthen the lever group 13 and enable it to use a single handle 13', a connecting element 13l, which is constituted by a cylindrical rod 13l in the example shown in the figure, connects the forming plates 13c and 13d together.

[0034] The lever group 13 further includes the pair of connecting rods 14a, 14b. They are located on the sides of the lower fixed plate 11 and are pivoted to one of the vertical tie rods 12a, 12b at second hinge pins 15a, 15b respectively, and are pivoted to the forming plates 13c, 13d at third hinge pins 16a, 16b respectively.

[0035] The configuration and operation of the lever group 13 and the connecting rods 14a, 14b are specifically visible in Figures 2 to 7 : Figure 2 shows the lever group 13 in a lowered connection position, and it can be noted that it corresponds to the lowered position of the tie rods 12a, 12b; Figure 3 shows how, by moving the lever group 13 to a raised disconnection position, the tie rods 12a, 12b are also pushed upward under the action of the connecting rods 14a, 14b.

[0036] Figure 4 and Figure 5 allow understanding of the configuration of the connecting rods 14a, 14b and the tie rods 12a, 12b. The ends of the tie rods 12a, 12b above the fixed plate 11 have C-shaped parts 12a', 12b'. The C-shaped parts 12a', 12b' include lower arms 12a”, 12b”, upper arms 12a”', 12b”' and substantially vertical connecting elements 12a””, 12b””.

[0037] The movement of the lever group 13 causes the movement of the connecting rods 14a, 14b and the tie rods 12a, 12b, and the tie rods 12a, 12b translate in the vertical direction.

[0038] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 a closing cover 18 is provided on the fixing plate 10 to protect the upper surface of the fixing plate 11 from dirt and dust contamination, and the concave connector 11' is received in the fixing plate 11.

[0039] Advantageously, a safety system 17 is provided on the lever group 13, which, according to the prior art, includes a lock, which in turn includes an abutting plug adapted to fit into a special receiving hole formed in the fixing plate to lock the movement of the lever.

[0040] The multi-connection fixing part 10 can preferably be fixed to the operating machine by two screws 19 located in the front position and thus easily accessible.

[0041] Specifically referring to Figure 1 , the first connection step is that the operator acts on the lock 17, and by operating the lock 17, it is then possible to rotate the lever group 13 by acting on the handle 13'.

[0042] The lock 17 can be a push type or a pull type, so that in order to be able to operate it, the operator may have to push or pull the safety button outwards.

[0043] Figure 3 It shows the lever group 13 rotated to the "open" position corresponding to the disconnected state. The rotation center of the lever is constituted by the first pins 13a, 13b, advantageously constituted by screws screwed into the fixing plate 11.

[0044] As mentioned above, the connecting rods 14a, 14b are connected to the lever 13 by pins 16a, 16b, so the rotation of the lever 13 also causes the displacement of the above-mentioned connecting rods 14a, 14b.

[0045] Still referring to Figure 3 , it can be noted that in the tie rods 12a, 12b, there are plugs 19a, 19b protruding from the tie rods towards the inside of the multi-connection device 100, preferably cylindrical, for causing the automatic opening movement of the closing cover 18 and on the other hand holding it in the closed position, which will be specifically explained with reference to the cross-sectional views of Figure 6 and Figure 7 .

[0046] Figure 4 A partial cross-section of the multi-connection device according to the present invention is shown in a side view, in which it can be noted that the connecting rods 14a, 14b are in the disconnected position corresponding to the open lever 13.

[0047] Advantageously, protrusions 14a' (and 14b', not shown in the figure) are appropriately formed on the connecting rods 14a, 14b so as to abut against the lower part of the fixing plate 11 and serve as a stroke stopper for the rotational movement of the lever 13.

[0048] Specific reference is made to Figure 5 , which shows another partial cross-section of the multi-connection device according to the invention in the state of Figure 4 , in which the tie rods 12a, 12b can be observed, and they can slide in appropriate seats 11a (and 11b, not shown in the figure) appropriately formed in the fixing plate 11 along the substantially vertical direction indicated by the arrow Z in the figure.

[0049] When the lever group 13 is in the "open" position corresponding to the disconnected state, the connecting rods 14a, 14b push the tie rods 12a, 12b upward.

[0050] Specific reference is made to Figure 6 , and it can be observed how the cover 18 is preferably hinged to the fixing plate 11 by a pin 18a, and is advantageously provided with a torsion spring 18b corresponding to the pin 18a, and the torsion spring 18b tends to keep the cover 18 in the closed position.

[0051] In addition, a washer 18c is applied to the cover for the purpose of ensuring closing and protecting the coupling surface of the fixing plate 11.

[0052] Figure 7 A partial cross-section of the multi-connection device according to the invention is shown in a side view, which allows observing how the cylindrical plugs 19a, 19b protruding inward from the tie rods 12a, 12b are engaged in the correspondingly shaped seats 18d formed in the cover 18.

[0053] When the rotation of the lever 13 causes the tie rods 12a, 12b to translate upward through the connecting rods 14a, 14b, the cylindrical plugs 19a, 19b engaged in the formed seats 18d lift and open the cover 18.

[0054] On the contrary, when the lever 13 is not lifted, the cover 18 is kept in its closed position by the push of the torsion spring 18b and abuts against the cylindrical plugs 23a, 23b.

[0055] Figure 8 The movable part 20 of the multi-connection device 100 with positive connection according to the invention is shown.

[0056] It preferably includes a movable plate 21 which supports a plurality of male joints 21' for connection with corresponding female joints 11' equipped with the fixing plate 11.

[0057] The movable plate further comprises one or more, advantageously two spherical push rods 24 for the mutual positioning of the upper movable plate 21 relative to the lower fixed plate 11, and the lower fixed plate 11 will comprise suitable receiving seats for said push rods.

[0058] Figure 9 The subsequent connection steps are shown, in which the operator can bring the movable plate 20 closer to the fixed part 10 by inserting the movable plate 21 between the tie rods 12a, 12b of the fixed part while carefully aligning the protrusions 22 of the movable plate with the opposite C-shaped parts 12a', 12b'.

[0059] Advantageously, during the forward insertion movement of the movable plate 21 into the seats of the tie rods 12a, 12b, the lower surface of the protrusion 22 rests on and slides along the upper edges of the lower arms 12a", 12b" of the shaped part, while the upper surface of the protrusion 22 contacts the lower parts of the upper arms 12a'", 12b'". The insertion movement can continue until the protrusion 22 abuts against the substantially vertical surfaces of the connecting elements 12a"", 12b"".

[0060] The transverse grooves 23c formed on the lateral surface 23 of the movable plate 21 are adapted to receive the cylindrical plugs 23a, 23b, as can be better seen with reference to Figures 10 to 14 it.

[0061] In fact, in Figure 10 a cross-section of the multi-connection device according to the present invention is shown in a vertical plane, in which it can be noted that the rear surface 21b of the movable plate 21 opposite the front surface 21a is advantageously suitably shaped, preferably inclined with respect to the vertical direction, to contact the leading edge 18' of the closing cover 18, thereby pushing the movable plate 21 towards the bottom of the C-shaped grooves 12a', 12b' of the tie rods and causing the cover 18 to open fully.

[0062] Figure 11 The subsequent connection steps are shown, in which the movable plate 21 is fully inserted into the shaped grooves 12a', 12b' formed in the tie rods.

[0063] With reference to Figure 12 , which shows a partial cross-section, in which it can be noted that the movable plate 21 is held in position by the spherical push rods 24, and each push rod 24 finds an abutment in a corresponding hole 12c provided corresponding to the tie rod, in particular corresponding to the lower surface of the upper arms 12a'", 12b'".

[0064] Centering between the push rod 24 and the holes 12c of the tie rods 12a, 12b ensures the correct alignment of the male connector 21' with the corresponding female connector 11', thus ensuring the possibility of connecting the hydraulic lines.

[0065] Figure 13Shows a cross-section of the multi-connection device 100 according to the invention in the same connection step that is always between the movable part 20 and the fixed part 10, where it can be noted how the rear profile 21b of the movable plate 21 pushes the cover 18 into the fully open position.

[0066] At this time, the operator can act on the lever 13' to make the connection. The rotation of the lever group 13 causes the displacement of the connecting rods 14a, 14b, which in turn causes the tie rods 12a, 12b to translate downward. Thus, as Figure 14 shown, the movable part 20 is connected to the fixed part 10.

[0067] The lock 17 locks the lever group 13 in the "closed" position, and as Figure 14 shown, locks the two connected plates 11, 21, where it can be noted that the cover 18 rests on the preferably inclined rear surface 21b of the movable plate 21.

[0068] The washer 18c also rests on the surface of the movable plate 21, in such a way that the movable plate 21 is protected from any external factors connected to the device.

[0069] Regarding the disconnection operation, first the lock 17 needs to be unlocked, then the pipeline needs to be disconnected by guiding the lever group 13 to the "open" position, and subsequently it is removed by pulling the movable plate 21 out of the C-shaped groove of the tie rod.

[0070] Then, the lever 13 can be rotated to return it to the "closed" position.

[0071] This sequence is the reverse of the shown connection sequence.

[0072] Advantageously, when the fixed plate is disconnected, with the help of the action of the helical spring 18b, the cylindrical plugs 23a and 23b assembled in the tie rod and facing the inside of the multi-connection device push the cover 18, keeping it in the closed position and pressing the gasket 18c, thus ensuring the Figure 2 dust-proof seal as shown.

[0073] Thus, it has been shown how the compact front connection plate device for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic pipelines and / or electrical connectors according to the invention achieves the intended tasks and purposes.

[0074] In particular, it has been shown how the compact front connection plate device for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic pipelines and / or electrical connectors according to the invention has a more compact size than known types of multi-plate connection devices, especially due to the plate movement system including connecting rods and tie rods through kinematics.

[0075] In addition, it has been shown how a compact front connection plate device for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic lines and / or electrical connectors according to the present invention allows the cover and the protective cap of the fixing plate to be directly integrated into the fixed part of the device and to open automatically.

[0076] The present invention has been described by way of non-limiting illustrative examples of preferred embodiments according to the present invention. However, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make changes and / or modifications without departing from the relative scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A front connection plate device (100) for simultaneously connecting multiple hydraulic pipelines and / or electrical connectors, comprising a fixed part (10) and a movable part (20), characterized in that, The fixed part (10) includes: a fixing plate (11), in which a female quick connector (11') and / or a female electrical connector are received; a connecting lever group (13); and at least a pair of vertical tie rods (12a, 12b), the tie rods (12a, 12b) being associated with the fixing plate (11) in a vertically slidable manner and being moved by the lever group (13) through connecting rods (14a, 14b) linked thereto, wherein the tie rods (12a, 12b) respectively include C-shaped portions (12a', 12b') above the fixing plate (11), and a movable plate (21) of the movable part (20) can be slidably inserted into the C-shaped portions (12a', 12b') to support a male quick connector (21') and / or a male electrical connector, wherein the movement of the lever group (13) between an "open" position and a "closed" position causes the tie rods (12a, 12b) to move in the vertical direction through the connecting rods (14a, 14b), and the movement of the tie rods (12a, 12b) in the vertical direction causes the movable plate (21) to be clamped onto the fixing plate (11) and the quick connectors (11', 21') and / or the electrical connectors to change from a disconnected state corresponding to the open position of the lever group (13) to a connected state corresponding to the closed position of the lever group (13).

2. The front connection plate device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The lever group (13) further includes a handle (13') adapted to be grasped by an operator to move the lever group (13), and a pair of shaped plates (13c, 13d) which are hinged to opposite sides of the fixing plate (11) at a pair of first coaxial pins (13a, 13b).

3. The front connecting plate device (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each of the connecting rods (14a, 14b) is pivotally connected to one of the vertical tie rods (12a, 12b) at a second hinge pin (15a, 15b) and is pivotally connected to one of the shaped plates (13c, 13d) at a third hinge pin (16a, 16b), such that the movement of the lever group (13) towards the "open" position causes the tie rods (12a, 12b) to be pushed upwards in translation by the connecting rods (14a, 14b).

4. The front connection plate device (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each of the tie rods (12a, 12b) includes a C-shaped portion (12a', 12b') formed by a lower arm (12a", 12b"), an upper arm (12a"', 12b"') and a substantially vertical connecting element (12a"", 12b""), the connecting element (12a"", 12b"") being adapted to serve as a travel end for the insertion movement of the movable plate (21) within the C-shaped portion (12a', 12b'), wherein the C-shaped portions (12a', 12b') of the tie rods (12a, 12b) are located above the fixing plate (11).

5. The front connecting plate device (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The movable plate (21) includes a pair of laterally protruding protrusions (22), each protrusion (22) being configured to fit into a corresponding one of the C-shaped portions (12a', 12b') of the tie rods (12a, 12b).

6. The front connection plate device (100) according to the previous claim, characterized in that, During the forward insertion movement of the movable plate (21) within the seats of the tie rods (12a, 12b), when the movable plate (21) is inserted into the C-shaped portions (12a', 12b') of the tie rods (12a, 12b), the lower surface of the protrusion (22) slides against the upper edge of the lower arms (12a'', 12b'') of the C-shaped portions (12a', 12b'), while the upper surface of the protrusion (22) contacts the lower part of the upper arms (12a''', 12b'''). The insertion movement stops by the abutment between the protrusion (22) and the substantially vertical surface of the connecting elements (12a''' ', 12b''' '), which connect the lower arms (12a'', 12b'') to the upper arms (12a''', 12b''').

7. The front connection plate device (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It further includes a closing cover (18) adapted to cover the upper surface of the fixed plate (11) in which the recessed joint (11') is formed to protect it from dirt and dust, and it also includes at least a pair of plugs (19a, 19b), preferably cylindrical, which project from the tie rods (12a, 12b) towards the interior of the multi-connection device and are adapted to cause an automatic opening movement of the closing cover (18) when the lever group (13) is guided to the "open" position. On the other hand, when the lever group (13) is guided to the "closed" position during the non-connection period of the device (100), it is held in the closed position by the cylindrical plugs (19a, 19b).

8. The front connection plate device (100) according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The closing cover (18) includes at least one shaped seat (18d) formed at least at the side surface of the cover (18) and configured to receive the corresponding plugs (19a, 19b) protruding from the tie rods (12a, 12b).

9. The front connecting plate device (100) according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The closing cover (18) is hinged to the fixed plate (11) by a pin (18a), and a torsion spring (18b) is advantageously provided corresponding to the pin (18a), which is adapted to hold the cover (18) in the closed position.

10. The front connection plate device (100) according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The closing cover (18) further includes a gasket (18c) adapted to ensure sealing and protect the upper surface of the fixed plate (11).

11. The front connecting plate device (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The movable plate (21) includes a properly shaped rear surface (21b) configured to contact the leading edge (18') of the closing cover (18), such that the translational movement of the movable plate (21) towards the bottom of the C-shaped grooves (12a', 12b') of the tie rods causes the complete opening of the cover (18).

12. The front connection plate device (100) according to one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that, It also includes at least a pair of spherical push rods (24) on the upper surface of the movable plate (21) and corresponding holes (12c) on the lower surface of the upper arms (12a''', 12b''') of the C-shaped portions (12a', 12b') of the tie rods (12a, 12b).

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