Quick-fit connection components

Abstract

The invention relates to a quick-fit connection assembly which is immune to accidental rotation during installation due to the presence of an innovative connection element (1) which has one or more slide rails (3) in a threaded outer area which are suitable for engaging with a joint (91) of a corresponding washer (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the mechanical field, in particular to the hydraulic field, and to a quick-fit connection assembly equipped with anti-rotation means.

[0002] The assembly is configured for easy mounting on both flat and curved walls. Background Art

[0003] In the hydraulic field, it is often necessary to connect two chambers separated by a wall in order to allow the passage of a fluid tight through the wall itself. This occurs, for example, when it is desired to connect the internal compartment of a tank with an external pipeline.

[0004] The above hydraulic communication is established by obtaining a special seat in the wall and installing a connection assembly at the seat. The connection assemblies conventionally used include external threads and tubular connection elements.

[0005] The assembly further comprises two ring nuts to block the connecting element from opposite sides of the wall. This locking provides the insertion of a cup-shaped packing between each ring nut and the wall.

[0006] In order to install such a connection assembly, it is first necessary to insert the threaded connection element through the connection seat. For this purpose, the latter has a passage opening whose transverse dimensions are equal to or slightly larger than those of the connection element, but smaller than those of the two ring nuts. Each ring nut is then screwed onto the connection element until the associated cup-shaped packing is tightened on the corresponding face of the wall.

[0007] The prior art connection assembly described above has some important disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the use of friction between the seal and the outer wall to be led out for tightening. Unfortunately, this operation is only effective when using flat walls and very soft cup-shaped packings, which limits the application of the connection system to low-pressure applications.

[0008] Another inconvenience that arises during the installation of the connection lies in the fact that, from the outside, the operator has no visual reference to assess whether the installation has been correctly carried out. Therefore, an incorrect installation of a connection is only apparent from the outside during the testing of the system, resulting in significant intervention costs to reinstall the incorrectly arranged component, but without any guarantee that this intervention will have the desired effect.

[0009] Currently, it is not possible to block a threaded connection element and continue tightening it manually or by screwing, because the portion of the external thread that remains protruding relative to the wall of the pipe or tank into which the connection element is inserted is usually reduced to a few millimeters, and the rest is completely engaged with or covered by other components - for example in Fig.25 , which shows a connection assembly according to the invention, mounted on a pipe.

[0010] This configuration is usually adopted because the smaller the extension of the external thread, the more the rigidity of the connection element is increased and the greater the chances of avoiding accidental breakage. In fact, the more the external thread area extends, the greater the bending that the connection element can withstand. Therefore, an accidental impact could cause it to break and thus lead to obstruction of the implant.

[0011] In order to use high-pressure connections or connections for flat or curved walls, some solutions have been proposed in which the connection assembly includes a seal with a weakened groove. However, such a solution is not suitable for ensuring that the connection is correctly fastened to the wall despite the friction between the contact surfaces. In addition, under high pressure, it is necessary to use a seal with a higher hardness than the seal for low pressure, which leads to a significant increase in the tightening torque required to deform the seal to position it in the sealing position. The result of this phenomenon is that the connection cannot be mounted on the wall. Summary of the invention

[0012] The technical problem underlying the present invention is that of providing a connection assembly which allows improved performance to be obtained with respect to the known art, in order to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0013] This object is achieved by a connecting element, a washer and a connecting assembly comprising a connecting element and a washer according to the invention.

[0014] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a connection assembly which is not prone to accidental rotation during installation due to the presence of an innovative tubular connection element, which has one or more sliding parts or tracks in the area of ​​the external thread, which sliding parts or tracks are suitable for engaging with protruding elements carried by corresponding washers, which are also part of the present invention.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the sliding portion can be shaped like a groove, or a more extended and substantially flat area, which is obtained by removing material from the outer tubular profile of the connecting element. In any case, the sliding portion is shaped to be coupled to the joint of the corresponding innovative gasket which is also the subject of this patent application.

[0016] The cooperation between the gasket, in particular its joint, and the connection element allows blocking the connection element when it is inserted into the wall of the tank or the pipe to be connected, in order to avoid undesired mutual movements (for example rotations).

[0017] According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the innovative gasket has an external "pin" carrying a terminal portion provided with a joint, the pin being configured to present an operational configuration associated with the aforementioned connecting element, wherein the joint engages in abutment on the sliding portion of the connecting element. After being coupled to the connecting element, the gasket can again be blocked by an additional external body applicable thereto, thereby completely avoiding a rotation of the connecting element relative to the pipe or wall applied thereto, and therefore avoiding a rotation of the entire connecting assembly relative to the pipe or wall applied thereto. Thus, it can be ensured that the derivation of the fluid from the affected pipe or wall will occur correctly, without the chance of error.

[0018] Another advantage achieved by the presence of a gasket with a joint in the connection assembly of the invention is that it is possible to assemble a connection already mounted on a pipe or a tank wall with other parts to be screwed thereon, without having to use a wrench socket and thus without weakening the structure of the threaded body.

[0019] Other advantages, characteristics and methods of use of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments, which are presented by way of non-limiting examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention;

[0022] - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention;

[0023] - FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a gasket according to the invention;

[0024] - Figure 3A shows a detail of Figure 3;

[0025] - Figure 4 shows a plan view of the washer of Figure 3 with the pin in a rest configuration;

[0026] - Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 A perspective view of the washer with the pin in an operating configuration;

[0027] - Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 an enlarged inverted perspective view of the pin of the washer in an operating configuration;

[0028] - Figure 7 shows a side view of the washer of Figure 3 with the pin in a rest configuration;

[0029] - Figure 8 shows an enlarged detail of Figure 7;

[0030] - Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a washer according to the invention, with the pin in a rest configuration;

[0031] - Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 A perspective view of the washer with the pin in an operating configuration;

[0032] - Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 Bottom-up perspective view;

[0033] - Fig.12 shows a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a washer according to the invention, with the pin in a rest configuration;

[0034] - Fig.13 shows a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a washer according to the invention, with the pin in a rest configuration;

[0035] - Fig.14 shows a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a washer according to the present invention, with the pin in an operative configuration;

[0036] - Fig.15 Shows Fig.14 A perspective view of the gasket in a rest configuration;

[0037] - Fig.16 and 17 show a side view and a plan view, respectively, of an embodiment of a connection assembly according to the present invention, wherein the gasket is in an operating configuration;

[0038] - Figure 18 shows a detail of Figure 17;

[0039] - Fig.19 and 20 show a side view and a plan view, respectively, of a variant of a connection assembly according to the invention, with the gasket in an operative configuration;

[0040] - Figure 21 shows a detail of Figure 20;

[0041] - Figures 22 to 24 Perspective views respectively showing the installation sequence of the connection assembly according to the present invention;

[0042] - Fig.25 The cross-section diagram shows the Fig.24 Components;

[0043] - Figures 26 to 28 A perspective view, a side view and a front cross-sectional view respectively show another embodiment of a gasket according to the present invention;

[0044] - Fig.29The cross-sectional view shows Fig.26 Details of the gasket;

[0045] - Fig.30 and 31 respectively show a partial perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of a washer according to the invention, in which the pin is in a rest position;

[0046] - Fig.32 A cup-shaped filler for a connection assembly compatible with the connection assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0047] - Fig.33 and 34 A perspective view and a cross-sectional perspective view, respectively, show a variant of a connection assembly according to the invention;

[0048] - Fig.35 36 show a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of another embodiment of a gasket according to the present invention;

[0049] - Figure 37 shows a detail of Figure 36;

[0050] - Fig.38 yes Fig.35 Another perspective view of the washer of FIG. 1 with the pin in the operating position;

[0051] - Fig.39 and 41 A plan view and a perspective view respectively show a preferred embodiment of a fastening nut according to the present invention;

[0052] - Fig.40 and 42 They are shown respectively with Fig.35 Gasket connection Fig.39 A side view and a perspective view of a fastening nut;

[0053] - Fig.43 shows a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention;

[0054] - Figure 44 to 4 6 shows another preferred embodiment of the gasket according to the present invention;

[0055] - Fig.47 Shows Fig.43 The connecting elements and Figure 44-4 6. The connection between the washers; and

[0056] - Figures 48 to 50 Two perspective views and a side view respectively show another preferred embodiment of a pin according to the invention;

[0057] - Fig.51 A perspective view showing a further preferred embodiment of a pin according to the present invention, comprising Figures 48-50 The pins shown in ; and

[0058] - Fig.52 A perspective view showing yet another variant embodiment of a gasket according to the present invention;

[0059] - Fig.53 A perspective view showing another preferred embodiment of a connecting element according to the present invention;

[0060] - Fig.54 Shows Fig.53 A side view of a connecting element; Fig.55 Shows Fig.53 A top view of a connecting element;

[0061] - Fig.56 , 57 and 58 are applied to pipelines Fig.53 Cross-sectional view of the application of the connecting element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] First reference Figure 1 , a first embodiment of a connecting element according to the present invention is generally indicated by 1.

[0063] For example, Fig.24 As shown in the figure, the connecting element 1 is easy to use as part of the connecting assembly 100 according to the invention. The connecting assembly 100 of the invention allows a fluid-tight passage through the wall of, for example, a pipe or a tank. In particular, the connecting assembly 100 of the invention is configured to be installed in a stable, quick and correct manner even under high pressure conditions of the fluid to be discharged.

[0064] The connection element 1 is configured to mechanically couple with the innovative washer included in the connection assembly 100 of the present invention, thereby cooperating with the washer to achieve a high stability connection, and this facilitates a quick and correct installation of the connection assembly 100 .

[0065] The connecting element 1 comprises a body 2 having an overall tubular configuration, preferably with a circular cross section, suitable for allowing the passage of a fluid. The body 2 extends according to a main direction L of longitudinal extension and has a first terminal portion 4 and a second terminal portion 5 opposite to each other along the aforementioned main direction L of longitudinal extension.

[0066] Such a first terminal part 4 and a second terminal part 5 respectively comprise, when in use, an inlet section and an outlet section of a fluid to be discharged through the connection assembly 100 of the present invention.

[0067] At the first terminal portion 4, the main body 2 may include a flange element 41, which is intended to be connected to a cup-shaped filler inserted on the connecting element 1 to achieve sealing of the connecting assembly 100 itself when the connecting assembly 100 is inserted into the wall of a pipe from which the fluid is to be discharged or the wall of a reservoir from which the fluid is to be discharged.

[0068] The body 2 comprises a lateral outer surface 20 having a curved development, depending on the tubular shape of the body 2 itself, and at least partially threaded. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surface 20 is fully threaded, i.e. it is threaded from the first terminal portion 4 all the way to the second terminal portion 5. Alternatively, the threading may stop before the second terminal portion 5, achieving a terminal portion of the outer surface without threading, preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0069] According to a first advantageous aspect of the invention, the outer surface 20 comprises a first region 3 without threads therein. In particular, the first region 3 is confined within the first outer surface 20. Preferably, a portion of the outer surface 20 adjacent to the first region 3, more precisely a portion of the outer surface 20 surrounding the first region 3, has threads.

[0070] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the first region 3 is shaped so as to realize a guide rail or a slide rail and therefore comprises one or more flat walls, which is realizable by removing one or more threaded portions or by molding.

[0071] The first region 3 has an at least partially flat extension according to a main direction L of longitudinal extension, in other words preferably parallel to the aforementioned direction L.

[0072] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the first area 3 may be shaped as a groove, or a slot, which preferably extends according to a main direction of longitudinal extension L. More preferably, the first area 3 extends from the first terminal portion 4 up to about half, or ¾, of the longitudinal extension of the outer surface 20. The remainder of the outer surface at the second terminal portion 5 may be fully threaded to ensure greater resistance of the connection element 1 and greater sealing and resistance to the threads of any additional components that may be screwed onto the connection element 1 in use. In other words, the first area 3 does not extend along the entire length of the outer surface 20.

[0073] Thus, the terminal end of the connector may be coupled to a further mating connector connected to the pipe.

[0074] Furthermore, the threads affect the entire terminal portion of the outer surface 20, allowing the use of Teflon tape and avoiding leaks on the threads, since the operator can always use the same Teflon reel even when working on connections of different sizes. Basically, there are no restrictions on the diameter of the coupling flat washers between the various parts.

[0075] Alternatively, the first region 3 may extend from the first terminal portion 4 all the way to the second terminal portion 5 , ie along the longitudinal direction L the entire length of the outer region 20 .

[0076] Furthermore, in comparison with the typically very small width of a groove, the first region 3 can have a greater width, in particular in the form of a substantially flat wall of the outer region 20 .

[0077] In particular, the first region 3 is configured as a coupling seat for producing a coupling with a corresponding joint of the inventive gasket, which is also part of the invention.

[0078] For this purpose, the gasket comprises a through hole defined by an inner surface configured to engage with the aforementioned outer surface 20 of the connecting element 1 , as will be described in more detail below.

[0079] Figure 2 The variant of the connecting element 1 ′ shown in , comprises in particular a first region 3 ′ which extends in the longitudinal direction L along the entire length of the outer region 20 ′ and is shaped like a flat wall.

[0080] Typically, the connecting element 1 , 1 ' may comprise a further region of the outer surface 20, 20' which is free of threads and has a preferably reduced extension relative to the first region 3, 3'.

[0081] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the outer surface 20, 20' may have at least one second region 30, 30' in which there is no thread, the at least one second region 30, 30' having a flat extension according to a main direction L of longitudinal development.

[0082] In particular, the first region 3, 3' and / or any additional region without recesses 30, 30' may be obtained by eliminating or removing material from the body 2, 2'.

[0083] Preferably, the first areas 3, 3' and / or any additional areas without grooves 30, 30' are set back relative to the remaining outer part of the surface 20, 20'. In other words, considering an embodiment in which the body 2 has a substantially symmetrical overall configuration relative to the longitudinal extension axis L, these first areas 3, 3' and / or further areas 30, 30' will cause the remaining external threaded surface 20, 20' to be radially further set back (innermost) relative to the L axis and therefore closer to the L axis.

[0084] In other words, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the connecting element, in particular the threaded body, has a longitudinal groove which serves as a sliding guide and anti-rotation wall for the connecting element itself. The threaded body can be made by molding or by chip removal, depending on the material it is intended to be made of.

[0085] The function of the sliding guide is to receive a corresponding joint element included on a pin carried by the innovative washer according to the invention, thereby preventing rotation of the connection element and therefore of the entire connection assembly 100, even when subjected to the tightening torque used for installation. This solution ensures the correct installation of the connection assembly 100, the connection assembly 100 uses a hard cup-shaped packing, resistant to high pressure, or the connection assembly 100 is installed on a curved wall, regardless of the hardness of the cup-shaped packing used.

[0086] Figure 53-55 Another variant of the connecting element 1, 1' is shown, and Figures 56 to 58 Shows Fig.53 , 55 The application of connecting elements in pipelines.

[0087] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the flange of the element 41 which is easy to hold inside the pipe has a double curved development and also does not have an external contour with a circular plan view, but has an external contour with an elliptical plan view. The double curvature has a concavity towards the second terminal portion 5. For reasons of clarity, the contour of the flange 14 is elliptical when viewed according to a plane orthogonal to the main direction L of longitudinal development. The long side of the ellipse must be arranged longitudinally to the pipe and the short side transversely to the pipe (see respectively Fig.57 and 58 ).

[0088] Proper centering and orientation of the threaded body will be adjusted by cup packing and / or double-bend formed washers, which will be described below.

[0089] Since the cross section of the body has the same size as or slightly smaller than the through hole, the oval double curved flange 41 can pass through the through hole realized in the pipe, while the longer longitudinal section relative to the through hole utilizes the space X' to be inserted.

[0090] The size of the oval will depend on the project requirements.

[0091] The oval double curved flange 41 increases the seal under high pressure by further achieving a rigid mechanical anchor. In addition, it alleviates the deformation of the pipe near the bypass through hole caused by overpressure.

[0092] If the hydraulic seal is no longer reliable, for example due to pressures much higher than the operating pressure declared by the supplier, or due to seal degradation caused by temperatures above the operating temperature, or for other reasons, the mechanical anchor prevents the connection from being ejected from the pipe and limits fluid leakage, thereby increasing user safety in the system.

[0093] With reference to FIGS. 3 to 8 , a first embodiment of an anti-rotation washer according to the invention, generally indicated at 9 , will now be described.

[0094] According to a first advantageous aspect, when used in the connection assembly 100 of the invention, the washer prevents the rotation of the connection element 1 , 1 ′ coupled to it, thereby preventing the entire connection assembly 100 from rotating.

[0095] The gasket 9 comprises a body 90 having an overall annular structure and comprising a through hole 92 extending according to a longitudinal direction L which may be an axis of symmetry for the body 90. According to a first embodiment of the gasket 9, the gasket 9 has a circular plan view wherein the body is shaped like a circular crown.

[0096] Basically, the body 90 can be shaped as a flat ring, preferably with a circular geometry, so as to act as a bearing between a cup-shaped packing and an external fastening nut, preferably also part of the connection assembly 100 of the present invention, avoiding friction between the two bodies to prevent the connection element from advancing towards the outside of the pipe or tank wall to be led out, thereby positioning itself in a sealing configuration.

[0097] The body 90 may be reinforced by the presence of internal ribs, which preferably have a radial extension (e.g. Fig.26 in the embodiment shown).

[0098] refer to Fig.38 (Although the following is considered applicable to any embodiment of the gasket according to the invention), at the outer surface of the body that is not engaged during the installation of the connection assembly 100 and will remain visible in use, there must be at least one direction indicator 299, for example in the shape of an arrow, to indicate whether the positioning of the connection assembly 100 is correctly performed (usually, the connection assembly 100 must be positioned along the generatrix of the pipe to be connected). Usually, there are placement lines on the outer surface of the pipe. By aligning the indicator or direction indicator with the line on the outer surface of the pipe to be connected, the positioning will be visually correct.

[0099] With further reference to FIGS. 3 to 8 , preferably, the proportions of the gasket 9 are such that the thickness of the gasket 9 measured along the L direction is the smallest dimension relative to the length and width of the gasket 9 measured on a plane orthogonal to the L direction.

[0100] The through hole 92 is defined by an inner side 93 of the body 90 which, according to what has already been described, is suitably configured to engage with the outer surface 20 , 20 ′ of the connecting element 1 , 1 ′.

[0101] The gasket 9 according to the invention comprises interference means 94 which is configured to have: a rest position in which the interference means 94 is at or rather extends to a maximum distance from the body 90 ; and an operating position in which the interference means 94 at least partially interferes with the through hole 92 .

[0102] Furthermore, the interference means 94 is configured to engage with the outer first region 3, 3' of the connecting element 1, 1', while the inner side 93 of the through hole 92 of the washer 9 is configured to engage with the outer surface 20, 20' of the connecting element 1, 1', in particular by means of a thread.

[0103] In particular, the interference means may comprise an interference element, which may be identified by the same reference numeral 94, having a preferably elongated configuration, preferably protruding relative to the body 90 and even more preferably having a main direction of extension orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. In particular, this main direction of extension coincides with or is parallel to the direction of extension of the width or length of the body 90, wherein the aforementioned length and width are measured in a plane orthogonal to the direction L.

[0104] The interference element 94 has a central region 98 which is connected or connectable at its first end to the body 90 , in particular to the outer side of the body 90 , while the central region 98 carries the joint element 91 at its second end.

[0105] The joint 91 is configured to engage with the first region 3, 3' outside the connection element 1, 1'. The joint element 91 is preferably provided with a free end intended to engage with the first region 3, 3', which has a chamfered or preferably rounded edge to prevent sliding jamming on the bottom of the first region 3, 3' and to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.

[0106] Preferably, the protruding element 94 has a substantially rectilinear development. Even further preferably, the protruding element 94 extends substantially in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L when the joint 91 is in the rest configuration and / or in the operating configuration.

[0107] According to a preferred variant, the central zone 98 has a portion that facilitates folding so that it can be folded to carry the joint 91 from a rest position, in which it is at a maximum distance from the body 90, to an operating position, in which it at least partially interferes with the through hole 92.

[0108] Preferably, the gasket 9 can be realized in a single body comprising the main body 90 and the interference element 94 , so as to avoid managing several elements during storage and assembly phases, and to save production costs by realizing a single mold for realizing the part.

[0109] The realization with a single body further has the advantage of allowing a quick coupling of the connection assembly 100, because the interference element 94, which is already in a static position, is correctly connected to the body. In addition, this configuration allows the automatic assembly of the connection assembly 100, which is simpler and therefore cheaper.

[0110] According to a preferred variant of the gasket 9, the interference element 94 may alternatively be movably connectable to the body 90, for example it may be realized as an element separate from the body 90, selectively connectable to the body 90, for example by interlocking. According to this variant, the body 90 has a seat shaped to couple with a first end of the interference element 94. Preferably, the seat is realized as a through opening completely interrupting the annular extension of the body 90, as shown in the detail of FIG3A , in which the configuration of the body 90 is open-loop.

[0111] Furthermore, a variant of the body 90 may provide a connecting wall between the two free ends of the body 90, at the seat for coupling with the interference element 94. The wall realized according to what has been described is Figure 4 Indicated by 999, this wall thus makes the configuration of the body of the gasket a closed ring, while corresponding to an annular portion of minimum thickness relative to the rest of the body.

[0112] Further alternatively, it is possible to obtain a seat for the joint on the body 90 without interrupting the continuity of its annular shape (for example Figure 9-11 ). For example, the seat can be formed as a groove realized in the top or bottom surface of the body. Preferably, the seat has chamfered edges 21, 22, as shown in Figure 3A.

[0113] In particular, with reference to Fig. 3, the interference element 94 may include a first portion 96 and a second portion 97, between which a portion 98 for facilitating folding is interposed. This configuration allows the second portion 97 to be folded onto the first portion 96 when the first portion 96 is connected to the body 90, preferably until the second portion 97 abuts against the first portion 96, to carry the connector 91 in the operating position. In other words, the central region 98 may include a first portion 96 connected to the connector 91 at a free terminal end, and a second portion 97 connected or connectable to the body 90, wherein such first portion 96 and second portion 97 are connected to each other at the portion 98 for facilitating folding, so that the first portion 96 can be flipped onto the second portion 97, to carry the connector 91 in the operating position.

[0114] In particular, if Figure 6As shown, the second portion 97 may have two side walls or flaps 998 that project and oppose relative to the central surface of the portion 97 itself, extending parallel to each other along the periphery of the portion 97. The flaps 998 are arranged so that when the interference element is in the operating configuration and the second portion 97 is folded over the first portion 96, the first portion 96 is inserted or interposed between these flaps.

[0115] Furthermore, the flap 998 preferably has the necessary internal bevels to avoid jamming with the second portion 96 during the assembly phase.

[0116] For example, Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the operating position of the connector 91 allows the connector 91 to be inserted into the same seat of the body 90 into which the first part 96 is inserted, and the connector 91 protrudes relative to the same seat to interfere in the through hole 92 so as to be able to engage with the connecting elements 1, 1' when the connecting elements 1, 1' are inserted into the inside of the gasket 9.

[0117] 7 and 8, in order to facilitate the operation of the operator, the gasket 9 may include an operating means 95 at the second portion 97. The operating means 95 may be shaped like a button or eyelet, in other words, it may include a through hole 99 in which the operator can place his finger. Preferably, when the joint 91 is in the operating position, the through hole 99 extends according to a direction S orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0118] In particular, the operating means 95 may comprise a portion in which the eyelet is obtained, which portion has a reduced thickness relative to the maximum thickness of the interference element 94, wherein this thickness is intended to be measured along the direction S, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0119] Advantageously, the presence of the operating means facilitates the extraction of the connection element from the pipe or wall after maintenance or otherwise. Furthermore, in the case of mounting the connection assembly 100 on a pipe, the same eyelet can be used to be passed from one side to the other by a tightening band which is wrapped around the pipe and tightened to the pipe. In such a case, the gasket will resist the tightening torque by the clamp fixed to the pipe without further measures being required.

[0120] Preferably, all edges of the operating means 95 are appropriately chamfered or rounded in order to avoid hurting the operator's hands so that they can be effectively used to manually resist the tightening torque.

[0121] A further variant embodiment of the pin and the corresponding washer according to the invention is Figures 48 to 51A further embodiment of the gasket is indicated in its entirety by 119 and has operating means 195 which have an increased thickness relative to the variants described above. In particular, the thickness of the operating means 195 is equal to the thickness of the entire portion of the interference element 194 in which the operating means 195 is arranged, so as to increase the resistance of the component itself.

[0122] With reference to FIG8 , it can be seen how the portion facilitating folding comprises or preferably consists of a hinge 198, which facilitates the mutual rotation of the portions 96 and 97. The hinge 198 is realized by a thin layer of deformable material, wherein in particular the thickness of the hinge portion 198 is at least one tenth of the thickness of the adjacent portions 96 and 97, in practice to allow their deformability. Despite the thinness of the portion facilitating folding 198, the continuity of the material between the two portions 96 and 97 is ensured according to the embodiment shown.

[0123] In particular, the angled notch 199 can be seen where material is absent in order to create the aforementioned reduced thickness hinge 198 .

[0124] Preferably, in order to more effectively prevent the gasket and the connection assembly 100 from rotating unexpectedly after installation, the gasket needs to be held in place by a force equal to and opposite to the tightening torque. The outer wall of the operating means provides a specific point of application of this force. The wall must be held in place by a specially made wrench or simply by grasping the wall with the fingers. It should be understood that the length of the first part 96 of the interference element 94 and therefore the length of the second part 97 is also large when the tightening torque applied is large (it is well known that, with the same force applied, by increasing the distance between the two parts, the torque resisting rotation in this case increases).

[0125] refer to Figures 9 to 11 , 14, 15 and 35 to 38, show other embodiments of the gasket of the invention, which differ from the previously described embodiments in that they have a cross-section with an overall polygonal (in particular octagonal) geometry in a plane, i.e. in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L of the extension of the through hole, with respect to the external contour of the body. Preferably, the external contour of the gasket is octagonal according to the view on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L of the extension of the through hole. With respect to the through hole, the latter has a circular geometry since, as expected, it is intended to accommodate the connecting elements 1, 1'. Alternatively, the through hole can have a square or polygonal geometry that is easy to insert into a corresponding part, which is also polygonal and has no thread or is partially threaded at the top.

[0126] Special References Fig.14 and 15, shows a preferred embodiment of a gasket 144, comprising an interference element 145, having a cross-shaped configuration, preferably with two dovetail arms, when viewed in plan, wherein the cross has a main central element and two side flaps. Thus, a dovetail joint is achieved, the part of which is further restrained under the action of the tightening torque. The joint 147 is achieved by the terminal part of the main central element of the cross. According to this variant, the interference element 145 is completely removable relative to the body 146 of the gasket and its outer surface is arranged to continue the extension of the outer surface of the body of the gasket when the interference element 145 is inserted in the seat obtained on the body of the gasket, that is, when the interference element 145 is in the operating position, so as to achieve a closed annular shape. In this configuration, the only exception or discontinuity in the extension of the surface of the body 146 occurs at the joint 147 of the interference element, which results in a protrusion relative to the inner side of the body 146, occupying a part of the through hole in the gasket.

[0127] refer to Fig.35 36, a variant of a washer 900 with an octagonal plan view is shown. The washer 900 has a track 39 obtained at the outer side of the body, in the form of a groove, a slot or a molded groove. The aforementioned track is included in an upper surface 995 and a lower surface 994 of the body of the washer, these two surfaces are opposite to each other and are preferably parallel and extend according to a direction orthogonal to the axis of the through hole in the body. Such a track 39 realizes a wrench grip for a special tool (not shown).

[0128] Compared to the specific configuration of the joint element 901, the washer 900 comprises interference means according to what has already been described. The joint 901 is shaped so that once inserted inside the corresponding seat, a portion thereof projects relative to the body of the washer itself, in order to practically realize a wedge or pin 40. In particular, the wedge 40 can have a through hole 141 extending according to a longitudinal direction K of the interference means 901, which is orthogonal to the axis of the through hole contained in the washer itself (see Fig.35 ).

[0129] When the interference means 901 is realized as a body separate from the main body of the gasket, the through hole 141 allows the interference means 901 to be removed by a dedicated tool for maintenance or other interventions.

[0130] In particular, the wedge 40 has a variable thickness configuration, preferably a flat profile extending in an oblique or inclined direction relative to the upper or lower surface of the main body of the gasket, wherein the portion of the wedge 40 protruding relative to the main body is the portion corresponding to the maximum thickness.

[0131] The wedge 40 is constructed so as to prevent Figures 39 to 42The rotation of the fastening nut shown in FIG. 1 may be favored by vibrations present in the machine in which the coupling is installed or by water hammer in the pipe. Unintentional rotation of the fastening nut may lead to a reduction in the tightening torque and thus to abnormal operation of the installed component.

[0132] Figures 39 to 42 A preferred embodiment of a clamping nut shown in FIG. 1 is generally indicated at 300 .

[0133] The fastening nut 300 has a body shaped like a conventional nut, provided with a threaded through opening for engagement with a corresponding connecting element. The nut 300 also has a flange portion connected thereto at an upper or lower surface of the body, the flange portion extending mainly in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the through hole F in the body of the fastening nut 300. According to the embodiment shown, the flange has several teeth 44 at its outer annular surface 301 facing in the opposite direction relative to the body of the nut, so as to form a preferably completely serrated surface. The teeth 44 are parallel to each other according to a plane displaced a predetermined distance relative to the axis of the through hole F.

[0134] According to the preferred embodiment shown, each tooth is arranged with an inclination, preferably constant, relative to the perfect radial direction R. In particular, the profile of the tooth is parallel to a plane passing through the axis F and is "displaced" relative to this plane, i.e. displaced by a fixed value "δ" (offset value "δ") relative to this plane. Furthermore, the tooth has a flat but inclined outer surface, in particular complementary to the inclined surface of the wedge 40.

[0135] The number of teeth, the inclination of the teeth (corresponding to the inclination of the wedge and the protrusion of the wedge itself relative to the body of the washer) and the number of teeth in the clamped state are factors that depend on the torques involved and are therefore sized by a person skilled in the art according to the torques involved.

[0136] The aforementioned configuration makes the flat and inclined walls of the profiles of the teeth of the clamping nut 300 and the wedge 40 complement each other to achieve a stable connection between the two components. This, together with the tightening torque applied in forming the washer-clamping nut-connecting element connection, prevents undesired loosening of the assembly.

[0137] Preferably, the coupling between the wedge 40 and the teeth of the tightening nut 300 is achieved by a contact between the two parts that is established along the entire length of the teeth and not just at one point.

[0138] Fig.12 and 13A third preferred embodiment of a gasket of the invention is shown, having a body of variable thickness in the longitudinal direction L. In particular, the body 90 comprises an upper and / or lower annular surface 24 having a concave double curved extension, preferably in the form of a saddle. Such a configuration is preferably such that the thickness of the body decreases with decreasing distance from the axis T of the longitudinal extension of the interference element, which axis is preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the through hole in the body. In other words, the thickness of the body is smaller at the portion of the body that carries the seat for coupling to the interference element and at the portion of the body diametrically opposite to the seat.

[0139] Preferably, the first part 96 and the second part 97 may have respective through holes 25. The through holes may be arranged so that after the two parts have been flipped one on top of the other to transform into the operating configuration, the through holes overlap to achieve a single hole. A self-tapping screw may be inserted into the single through hole, the self-tapping screw being designed to be fixed on the pipe or wall to be led out to further prevent the rotation of the connection assembly 100.

[0140] This device can be used to join walls made of plastic (self-tapping screws) or concrete (screw anchors) with a thickness of several centimeters.

[0141] refer to Figures 26 to 34 , shows another embodiment of a gasket 335 according to the present invention, wherein the main body 135 includes a belt connection element 36, which is shaped to the profile and size of the pipe on which the connection assembly 100 is implanted, so as to further stabilize the connection. The connection element 36 is constructed to achieve a mechanical connection, in particular to limit, "encircle" or "wrap" the pipe on which the connection assembly 100 is installed. For this purpose, the belt connection element 36 has a first terminal portion connected to the main body of the gasket and a free second terminal portion. Alternatively, the terminal portion can be free and limited by a notch or other means in the same way. In both cases, whether the pipe is made of a deformable material, the winding action is necessary to strengthen the pipe. The main body 135 of the gasket 335 is also provided with a corresponding locking means, such as a buckle, to lock the free terminal portion of the belt connection element 36 in a position where the belt connection element 36 is firmly wrapped around the pipe to be connected. In particular, the terminal portion 33 with the connecting means 36 may have a serrated surface to facilitate coupling with a corresponding lock catch carried by the washer 335 and also carrying a corresponding notch, so as to improve the stability of the locking.

[0142] Furthermore, the body 135 of the gasket may include three ribs 35 to enhance its rigidity.

[0143] Fig.30 and 31Other variants of the above-described washers are shown, in which the body is shaped with a more or less high thickness at the central opening.

[0144] The present invention also provides a connection assembly 100, which includes a gasket and a connection element, as already described. An example of this assembly is shown in Figure 16 to 2 1 and 33, 34 are shown by way of example, which further allows understanding the gap that arises between the connecting element and the corresponding gasket once the mutual coupling has been established.

[0145] In particular, Fig.32 A cup-shaped filler is shown, which is also preferably included in the connection assembly 100 of the present invention, is easily coupled with a connection element and is arranged in use at an open section of a pipe or tank where the connection assembly 100 is installed.

[0146] For the sake of clarity, Figures 22 to 25 , a preferred embodiment of the connection assembly 100 according to the present invention is further illustrated according to the installation sequence on the pipeline.

[0147] Basically, all components of the connection assembly 100 of the present invention, including the connection elements and washers, are sized based on the tightening torque and the resistance to rotation they will resist.

[0148] In this context, provision may be made for the anti-rotation washer according to the invention to comprise more than one interference element and, in this case, the respective connecting elements will carry respective seats for their engagement.

[0149] exist Fig.52 In the Fig. 9 A variant of a gasket of 127, with an octagonal plan view, is indicated overall by reference numeral 127. Gasket 127 has a body comprising an upper and / or lower annular surface 130 having a double curved concave development, preferably in the form of a saddle. The thickness of the body is thus variable and in particular it will be possible to identify two pairs of portions of the body, for example each pair comprising portions of the body diametrically opposed with respect to the longitudinal axis L' and the transverse axis T', wherein each pair of portions preferably has the same thickness and the thickness of one pair is greater than the thickness of the other pair.

[0150] Fig.52 The embodiment of the gasket 127 in Figure 220 . In the process of achieving this connection, the resistance to rotation is achieved by the engagement of two flat and opposite surfaces 134, 135 with the flat wall 3' of the threaded body 1', which partially define the through hole 133 inside the gasket itself. In this case, the connection configuration is such that the gasket / threaded body clearance is minimized, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 20 . The four grooves obtained on the inner wall of the through hole 133 (for example, one of the four grooves is in Fig.52 The grooves 136 are optional but preferred features of the embodiments described here, since they allow to avoid the washer from getting stuck with the threaded side of the corresponding threaded body due to the effect of the tightening torque. Preferably, the grooves are arranged between the consecutive walls delimiting the opening 133 and have a chamfered profile. In particular, the presence of four walls delimiting the through hole 133 corresponds to the presence of four grooves 136 arranged at the intersection between a wall and the immediately adjacent wall, two of the four walls being opposite walls, as already described, being flat.

[0151] Fig.43 Yet another variant of the connection element is shown, indicated with 1". This variant provides a sliding portion in the form of a groove 48 which continues to the second terminal portion (the end opposite the flange) of the connection element 1". In other words, the groove 48 extends along the entire length of the connection element 1".

[0152] The groove is particularly configured to allow the insertion of the interference means of the corresponding gasket inside it. In particular, the variant of the connecting element 1 "is configured to be coupled with an embodiment of a gasket 57 that carries an integral joint 59 protruding in a through hole 58 of the gasket itself, such as Figure 44-4 6. The connection achieved is as follows Fig.47 shown.

[0153] The washer 57 is made of a single part with the joint 59, the joint 59 performing the function of an anti-rotation pin. The advantage achieved by the embodiment using the washer 57 is that the washer can be made by extrusion and subsequent cutting to the desired thickness, resulting in significant savings in production costs and ease of assembly. Alternatively, the washer can be made by injection molding.

[0154] It should also be noted that all the aforementioned variants are easily combined with each other where applicable, and all the elements described can be made into single parts or modular bodies to be assembled. So far, the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. It should be understood that there may be other embodiments involving the same inventive core, as defined by the scope of protection of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A connection assembly (100), comprising: A connecting element (1; adapted to allow a fluid-tight passage through the wall P 1'), the connecting element (1; 1') comprises a body (2; 2') having a tubular shape and extending according to a longitudinal direction L of main development, The main body (2; 2') has a first terminal portion (4) and a second terminal portion (5) opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction L, and further comprising a lateral outer surface (20; 20') that is curved and at least partially threaded, wherein the outer surface (20; 20') comprises a first region (3; 3’)； Washer (9), including: a second body having an annular shape, comprising a through hole (92) extending according to said longitudinal direction L, wherein said through hole (92) is defined by an inner side (93) of said second body, said inner side being configured to engage with said outer surface (20; 20') of said connecting element (1; 1'), and Interference means (94) configured to present: a rest position in which the interfering means is located at a maximum distance from the second body; and an operating position in which the interference means at least partially interferes with the through hole (92), wherein the interference means (94) comprises an interference element connected to the second body and having a main extension direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L, The interference element: having a central region (98) connected to the second body at a first end thereof and comprising a joint element (91) at a second end thereof, wherein the central area (98) has a portion that facilitates folding, so that it can be folded to carry the connector element (91) from the rest position, in which the connector element (91) is located at a maximum distance from the second body, to the operating position, in which the connector element (91) at least partially interferes with the through hole (92), wherein the joint element (91) is configured to engage with the first region (3; 3') of the connecting element (1; 1'), The gasket (9) is configured so that the interference means (94) is configured to engage with the first area (3; 3') of the connecting element (1; 1'), and when the connecting element (1; 1') is inserted into the through hole (92), the inner side (93) is configured to engage with the outer surface (20; 20') of the connecting element (1; 1'), and The connection element (1; 1') is configured such that the first region (3; 3') is configured as a connection seat for connection with the joint element (91), Therein, the first region (3; 3') has an at least partially flat extension according to the longitudinal direction L.

2. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first region (3; 3') of the connecting element (1; 1') extends from the first terminal portion (4) to approximately half or 3 / 4 of the longitudinal extension of the outer surface (20), while the remainder of the outer surface (20) at the second terminal portion (5) is fully threaded.

3. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The connection element (1; 1') comprises, at the first terminal portion (4), a flange element (41) having an elliptical outer contour and a double curved extension having a concave surface towards the second terminal portion (5).

4. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first region (3; 3') of the connecting element (1; 1') has the shape of a groove.

5. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The interference means (94) of the gasket (9) is movably connected to the second body.

6. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The central region (98) of the gasket (9) is connected at its first end to the outer side of the second body.

7. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The interference element of the gasket (9) has a substantially rectilinear development.

8. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The interference element of the gasket (9) extends substantially in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L when the joint element (91) is in the rest configuration.

9. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The central area (98) of the gasket (9) includes a first part (96) and a second part (97), wherein the first part (96) is connected to the joint element (91) and the second part (97) is connected to the second body, wherein the first part (96) and the second part (97) are connected to each other at the foldable portion so that the first part (96) can be flipped onto the second part (97) to carry the joint element (91) in the operating position.

10. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The gasket (9) comprises an operating means (95) operable by an operator at the first portion (96), the operating means (95) comprising another through hole (99) extending according to a direction (S) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L when the joint element (91) is in the operating position.

11. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The gasket (9) has an outer contour having an octagonal geometry according to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L.

12. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second body of the gasket (9) comprises an upper annular surface and / or a lower annular surface, the annular surfaces having a concave double curved development.

13. The connection assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The concave double bend extends in the form of a saddle.

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