Adapters and methods for connecting

Abstract

An adapter and a method of connecting a pump having two connectors to a machine using the adapter are disclosed. The adapter includes a body including a first cylindrical opening for a first element and a second cylindrical opening for a second element. The first element includes a first element portion fitted in the first cylindrical opening, a first connecting portion of the first element for use with one of the two connectors, and a second connecting portion of the first element for use with a coaxial coupler or joint. The second element includes a second element portion fitted in the second cylindrical opening, and a first connecting portion of the second element for use with the other of the two connectors. The first element and the second element are slidably and rotatably arranged in the body, a central axis of the first connecting portion of the first element is eccentric to a central axis of the cylindrical first element portion, and a central axis of the first connecting portion of the second element is eccentric to a central axis of the cylindrical second element portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an adapter and method for connection. More particularly, this disclosure relates to an adapter adapted between: separate connectors and separate fittings, such as screws for connecting the connectors and fittings; and coaxial connectors or fittings, such as coaxial quick-connect connectors or fittings. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a method for connecting a pump having at least one separate connector and at least one separate fitting to a machine using an adapter. This adapter and method can be used for hydraulic fluids. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic tools typically require hydraulic fluid from a pump. The hydraulic fluid is pumped to the hydraulic tool, which uses the fluid to move. The fluid is then returned from the tool to the pump. This cyclical connection between the pump and the tool powers the tool. Many hydraulically driven tools therefore require hydraulic hoses and connectors. The pump has a connector (convex portion) and a connector (concave portion). The hose reaching the connector is the one connected to the hydraulic tool, and the hose reaching the connector is another hose connected to the tool. In this way, hydraulic power can be supplied to the tool. However, using two adjacent hoses from the pump to the tool is problematic because the hoses can become tangled and twisted as the tool moves. Since the pump is stationary but the tool is moved by the operator, the hoses are prone to tangling and twisting. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid this situation.

[0003] Another problem is that pumps have connectors and couplings in fixed positions. Therefore, anything connected to the pump must be adapted to the fixed positions of the connectors and couplings. Different pumps have different relative positions between their connectors and couplings, and different pumps have different connectors and couplings. A pump can have several connectors and couplings positioned and arranged in a specific pattern on a block. This makes it difficult to connect different types of hoses to the pump, because the number of connectors and couplings is limited by the block and its specific pattern and configuration. People are reluctant to make structural changes to the pump.

[0004] Another technical problem is that the connectors used in hydraulic tools do not allow the hydraulic supply hoses much movement or freedom. When the hose is connected to the hydraulic tool, it may prevent the tool from reaching or operating in the necessary position. Further problems arise when the hose is subjected to the pressure of the hydraulic fluid and cannot move easily or at all. An arrangement between the pump and the hydraulic tool is desired that allows for the free selection of one or more hoses to be used and how those hoses can move between the pump and the hydraulic tool.

[0005] Another technical challenge is that any fluid hoses, connectors, and components must be compatible with and work with existing pumps, connectors, and components. Any solution must be compatible with existing pumps, tools, and fluid hoses. The desired outcome is that any solution is simple, inexpensive to manufacture, and reliable. Another technical challenge is avoiding cumbersome or space-consuming layouts that are expensive to manufacture or assemble. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide an adapter and method for connecting to a pump. This objective can be achieved through the features defined in this application.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adapter is disclosed that adapts between: two connectors; and a coaxial connector or coaxial joint 30. The two connectors are any combination of independent connectors 10 and independent joints 20. The adapter includes: a body 100, the body including a first cylindrical opening 120 for a first element 200 and a second cylindrical opening 130 for a second element 300. The first element 200 includes: a first element portion 250, the first element portion being cylindrical in shape for fitting into the first cylindrical opening 120; a first connecting portion 210 of the first element 200 for use by one of the two connectors; and a second connecting portion 220 of the first element 200 for use by the coaxial connector or joint 30. The second element 300 includes: a second element portion 350, the second element portion being cylindrical in shape for fitting into the second cylindrical opening 130; and a first connecting portion 310 of the second element 300 for use by the other of the two connectors. The first element 200 is slidably and rotatably arranged in the body 100, and the central axis 214 of the first connecting portion 210 of the first element 200 is eccentric to the central axis 212 of the cylindrical first element portion 250. The second element 300 is slidably and rotatably arranged in the body 100, and the central axis 314 of the first connecting portion 310 of the second element 300 is eccentric to the central axis 312 of the cylindrical second element portion 350. According to one embodiment of the present invention, only the central axis 214 of the first connecting portion 210 of the first element 200 is eccentric to the central axis 212 of the cylindrical first element portion 250, or only the central axis 314 of the first connecting portion 310 of the second element 300 is eccentric to the central axis 312 of the cylindrical second element portion 350.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for connecting a pump 400 to a machine 500 using an adapter according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein is disclosed. The pump 400 has two connectors, and the two connectors of the pump are any two of a separate connector and a separate fitting. The method includes: sliding and rotating 610 one or both of a first element 200 and a second element 300 to adjust the distance between: a first connecting portion 210 of the first element 200 for use by one of the two connectors; and a first connecting portion 310 of the second element 300 for use by the other connector; connecting an adapter 620 to the two connectors 410, 420 of the pump 400; and connecting a hose 450 to a coaxial connector and fitting 630 between the adapter and the machine 500.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the method, when any one or both of the body 100, the first element 200, and the second element 300 includes a safety valve 360 ​​configured to open at a preset pressure, the method further includes: when the safety valve 360 ​​releases fluid, changing the connection between one of the two connectors of the pump 400 and the other of the two connectors of the pump 400 by 640.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment, a coaxial fluid hose can be used and connected to the pump even when the connectors and couplings are located differently on the pump. Different pumps can be used with the same coaxial fluid hose and hydraulic tools. Embodiments of the adapter and method work with existing pumps, hydraulic tools, couplings, and hose assemblies. The adapter is not expensive to manufacture. At least one embodiment avoids the costly and cumbersome layout required for manufacturing. According to at least one embodiment, users can make specific on-site modifications to use the coaxial fluid hose equipment. This saves on rebuilding and delivery time. The adapter reduces storage space and handling because only one adapter is needed.

[0011] At least one of the above embodiments provides one or more solutions to the problems and shortcomings of the prior art. Other technical advantages of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. The various embodiments of this application achieve only a subset of the listed advantages. No single advantage is essential to any embodiment. Any claimed embodiment can technically be combined with one or more other claimed embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings currently illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are used to explain the principles of the disclosure by way of example.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 The adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cutting point indicated in the diagram;

[0016] Figure 4 The adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cutting point indicated in the diagram;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a pump, hose, tool, and adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the adapter is shown. Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of the adapter is shown from the side, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 It shows along Figure 2 The preferred embodiment of the adapter is cut at the cut point indicated in the diagram. Figure 5 An adapter is shown that connects the pump 400 to a connector and coupling 420, 410 using a coaxial hose 450 or a double hose 450 for fluid between the adapter and tool 500. Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the method. The connector is a convex portion, while the coupling is a concave portion. Preferably, the connector and coupling described herein are quick-connect connectors and quick-connect couplings, or screws for connecting the connector and coupling.

[0020] First, a brief turn. Figure 5 The pump 400 may have an array of connectors and fittings 410, 420, to which the hydraulic tool 500 can be connected. The hydraulic tool 500 may be, for example, a torque wrench. Regarding the aforementioned problem, from... Figure 5 This clearly demonstrates the problem of two or more hoses easily getting tangled and twisted. From... Figure 5The diagram also visually illustrates another problem with the fixed-position joints and connectors of the pump, which vary on different pumps, and the relative positions between the joints and connectors also differ. A solution to at least some of the problems mentioned in this paper is to use an adapter that can accommodate different connectors and joints and their varying positions, allowing the use of coaxial fluid hoses between pump 400 and tool 500.

[0021] Turning Figures 1 to 4 The adapter adapts to either: two connectors 10, 20; or a coaxial connector or coaxial fitting 30. The two connectors are any combination of independent connectors 10 and independent fittings 20. The two connectors 10, 20 can be a first connector 10 and a second connector 20. The independent connector 10 can be a screw for connecting the connector 10, and the independent fitting 20 can be a screw for connecting the fitting 20. The independent connector 10 can be a quick-connect connector 10, and the independent fitting 20 can be a quick-connect fitting 20. The independent connectors and fittings 10, 20 are not coaxial connectors or fittings. The independent connectors and fittings 10, 20 will be connected to any combination of fittings and connectors 420, 410, such as those for pump 400. The independent connectors 10 and independent fittings 20 are independent because they are separate from the adapter; that is, the independent connectors and independent fittings are interchangeable, allowing the adapter to have the correct independent connectors and fittings 10, 20 for any type of pump 400. The coaxial connector 30 can be a coaxial quick-connect connector 30 or a coaxial quick-connect fitting 30. By allowing free replacement of the individual connectors 10 and fittings 20, as well as the coaxial connectors or fittings 30, on the adapter, the adapter can use a coaxial hydraulic fluid hose 450 or a dual-fluid hose to connect and provide hydraulic fluid connection between any pump 400 and any tool 500, overcoming at least some of the problems mentioned above.

[0022] The adapter includes a body 100, which includes a first cylindrical opening 120 for a first element 200 and a second cylindrical opening 130 for a second element 300. The body 100, the first element 200, and the second element 300 can each be separate. Two connectors, such as, for example, a separate connector 10 and a separate connector 20, can be connected to the first element 200 and the second element 300 respectively, for example, by a screw connection.

[0023] The first element 200 includes a first element portion 250, which is cylindrical, for fitting into a first cylindrical opening 120. The first element 200 also includes a first connecting portion 210 for use with one of two connectors 10, such as a separate connector 10 or a separate connector 20, i.e., the first connector 10. The first element 200 also includes a second connecting portion 220 for use with a coaxial connector or connector 30. The first connecting portion 210 and the second connecting portion 220 of the first element 200 may be located at opposite ends of the first element 200, with the first element portion 250 located between the two connecting portions within the first cylindrical opening 120 of the body 100. The first element portion 250 may be a component of the first element and may also be arranged within the first cylindrical opening 120 of the body 100. The two connectors, such as separate connectors 10 or separate connectors 20, may be connected to the first connecting portion 210 of the first element 200, for example, by a screw connection. The coaxial connector or coaxial joint 30 can be connected to the second connection portion 220 of the first element 200, for example, by means of a screw connection. The first connection portion 210 and the second connection portion 220 can be threaded screw connections.

[0024] The second element 300 includes a second element portion 350, which is cylindrical and fits into the second cylindrical opening 130. The second element 300 also includes a first connecting portion 310 for use by the other connector 20 of the two connectors, such as a separate connector 10 or a separate connector 20, i.e., the second connector 20. The other connector, such as the separate connector 10 or the separate connector 20, can be connected to the first connecting portion 310 of the second element 300, for example, by a screw connection. The second element portion 350 may be a component of the second element 300 and may also be arranged within the second cylindrical opening 130 of the body 100. The first connecting portion 310 may be located at one end of the second element 300, such that the second element portion 350 is located within the second cylindrical opening 130 of the body 100. The first connecting portion 310 may be a threaded helical connection.

[0025] The first element 200 is slidably and rotatably arranged in the body 100. The first element portion 250 can slide, move, axially and rotate within the first cylindrical opening 120. The central axis 214 of the first connecting portion 210 of the first element 200 is eccentric to the central axis 212 of the cylindrical first element portion 250. The first element portion 250 can be held and positioned within the body 100 and rotated about and slid along its own axis to adjust the position of the connecting portion 210 of the first element 200, thereby connecting one of the two connectors, such as a separate connector 10 or a separate connector 20. Only the first element portion 250 can be slidably and rotatably adapted and arranged in the first cylindrical opening 120; therefore, the second element 300 cannot be slidably and rotatably adapted and arranged in the first cylindrical opening 120 such that the first element 200 is slidably and rotatably arranged in the body 100.

[0026] The second element 300 is slidably and rotatably arranged in the body 100. The second element portion 350 can slide, move, axially and rotate within the second cylindrical opening 130. The central axis 314 of the first connecting portion 310 of the second element 300 is eccentric to the central axis 312 of the cylindrical second element portion 350. The second element portion 350 can be held and positioned within the body 100, and can rotate about and slide along its own axis to adjust the position of the connecting portion 310 of the second element 300, thereby connecting the other connector of the two connectors, such as a separate connector 10 or a separate connector 20. Only the second element portion 350 can be slidably and rotatably adapted and arranged in the second cylindrical opening 130; therefore, the first element portion 250 cannot be slidably and rotatably adapted and arranged in the second cylindrical opening 130, so that the second element 300 is slidably and rotatably arranged in the body 100.

[0027] An adapter with a first element 200 and a second element 300 arranged in a sliding and rotating manner allows adjustment of the distance between the two connectors 10, 20, such as the distance between the individual connector 10 and the individual joint 20, as well as the axial position of the two connectors relative to the adapter body 100. In this way, the adapter can position the two connectors 10, 20 of the adapter in the correct positions of the joints and connectors 420, 410 of the pump 400. Since the central axis 214 of the first connection portion 210 of the first element 200 and the central axis 314 of the first connection portion 310 of the second element 300 are respectively eccentric to the first cylindrical opening 120 and the second cylindrical opening 130, and are not concentric with the first cylindrical opening and the second cylindrical opening, their relative distance can be adjusted to fit the array of connectors and joints 410, 420 of the pump 400.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the central axis 214 of the first connecting portion 210, the central axis 212 of the cylindrical first element portion 250, the central axis 314 of the first connecting portion 310, and the central axis 312 of the cylindrical second element portion 350 can all be arranged parallel to each other. The first element 200 and the second element 300 can be parallel to each other and also parallel to these four axes. The body 100 of the adapter can be located in a plane, and the first element 200 and the second element 300 can be arranged perpendicular to and through the plane.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first connecting portion 210 of the first element 200 and the first connecting portion 310 of the second element 300 may face one direction, while the second connecting portion 220 of the first element 200 may face opposite directions. The two connectors 10, 20—any combination of independent connectors 10 and independent joints 20—can therefore face the same direction, while coaxial joints or connectors may face opposite directions.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the adapter may include a safety valve 360. Each, or any two, or all three, of the body 100, the first element 200, and the second element 300 may include the safety valve 360. The safety valve 360 ​​may be configured to open at a preset pressure, such as 20 MPa (200 bar). This allows detection of incorrect adapter connection and pressure buildup within the adapter. If the pressure increases to the point that the safety valve 360 ​​opens, the user can detect fluid escaping through the safety valve and then take appropriate measures, such as properly connecting the adapter, pump, and tools.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first cylindrical opening 120 for the first element 200 may include a first circumferential fluid groove 240; the second cylindrical opening 130 for the second element 300 may include a second circumferential fluid groove 340; and the first circumferential fluid groove 240 and the second circumferential fluid groove 340 may be connected to the fluid connection channel 110. The first circumferential fluid groove 240, the second circumferential fluid groove 340, and the fluid connection channel 110 may all be located within the body 100 of the adapter.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first element 200 may include a first fluid channel 230 that connects a first circumferential groove 240 to an external channel 234 of a second connection portion 220 of the first element 200 for use with a coaxial connector or joint 30. According to one embodiment, the first element 200 may include a second fluid channel 232 that connects a first connection portion 210 of the first element 200 for use with one of two connectors, such as a separate connector 10 or a separate joint 20, to an internal channel 236 of the second connection portion 220 of the first element 200 for use with a coaxial connector or joint 30. The first connection portion 210 of the first element 200 may have an internally threaded opening to which one of the two connectors, such as a separate connector 10 or a separate joint 20, may be connected.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the second element 300 may include a third fluid channel 330 that connects a first connection portion 310 of the second element 300, used by another of the two connectors, such as a separate connector 10 or a separate connector 20, to a fourth fluid channel 332. According to one embodiment, the fourth fluid channel 332 may extend diagonally along the second element 300 and connect to a second circumferential fluid groove 340. The fourth fluid channel 332 may have openings on both sides of the second element 300. The fourth fluid channel 332, having two openings leading to the second circumferential fluid groove 340, enables a more uniform and efficient fluid flow through the adapter.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first circumferential fluid channel 240 and the second circumferential fluid channel 340 may extend in the axial direction of the first cylindrical opening 120 and the second cylindrical opening 130 to allow fluid flow when the first element 200 and the second element 300 move in the axial direction. The extension in the axial direction may be equal to the degree to which the first element 200 and the second element 300 can move in the axial direction. That is, the width of the first circumferential fluid channel 240 and the second circumferential fluid channel 340 is equal to the degree to which the first element 200 and the second element 300 can move in the axial direction.

[0035] According to at least one of the above embodiments or a combination of the above embodiments, and as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, fluid flow can be realized from the internal fluid channel of one of the connectors 10, such as the first connector 10, the independent connector 10 to the coaxial connector 30, and from the external fluid channel of the other connector 20 of the two connectors, such as the second connector 20, the independent connector 20 to the coaxial connector 30, while allowing the first element 200 and the second element 300 to move in the axial direction and rotate about their own axes, respectively.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first element 200 and the second element 300 may each include axial stops 270, 370 that restrict their slidable movement within the body 100. The stops 270, 370 restrict axial movement of the first element 200 and the second element 300. Each element may have one or more stops. For example, a stop may be a slit ring 270 such that the ring can be extended and clamped in a groove surrounding the first element 200 or the second element 300. The stops 270, 370, i.e., the axial stops, may be integrally formed with the first element 200 or the second element 300, for example, by molding. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second element 300 can be T-shaped, wherein the top of the T-shape prevents axial movement. The T-shape also offers other technical advantages, as shown below.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first element 200 or the second element 300 may have flanges 280, 380, which extend perpendicularly to the axis of the first element 200 or the second element 300 to allow for greater eccentricity. For example, the first element 200 may have a flange 270 that prevents movement in the axial direction but also allows a larger coaxial connector 30 to be connected to the first element 200 of the adapter. For example, the second element 300 may have a flange 380 that is, for example, T-shaped as described above. The T-shape then also acts as a stop for axial movement of the second element 300, but also allows the first connection portion 310 of the second element 300 to be more eccentric to the central axis 312 of the cylindrical second element portion 350. This allows the separate connectors 10 and the separate joints 20 to be positioned further apart on the adapter.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the adapter may include a coaxial connector 30 or a coaxial coupling 30. The coaxial connector or coupling 30 may be a rotatable coaxial connector or coupling 30, thereby allowing the coaxial connector or coupling to rotate relative to the adapter. Rotation may occur about the axis of the coaxial connector or coupling 30. According to one embodiment, the first element 200 may include one of two connectors, a connector 10 and a coaxial coupling or coaxial connector 30, such as a first connector 10, a separate coupling 10, or a separate connector 20, and the second element 300 may include the other of the two connectors, such as a second connector 20, a separate connector 20, or a separate coupling 10. The adapter may include a coaxial quick-connect coupling or a coaxial quick-connect connector 30. The adapter may include separate couplings 10 and separate connectors 20 respectively disposed in a first connection portion 210 of the first element 200 and a first connection portion 310 of the second element 300.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the adapter may further include a sealing device 150, such as an O-ring, between the first cylindrical opening 120 and the first element 200 and between the second cylindrical opening 130 and the second element 300. The sealing device 150 may be located between the first cylindrical opening 120 and the first element portion 250, and between the second cylindrical opening 130 and the second element portion 350.

[0040] This document discloses a method for connecting a pump 400 having two connectors 410, 420 to a machine 500. The two connectors of the pump can be any combination of independent couplers and / or independent fittings. The method for connecting the pump 400 to the machine 500 uses an adapter according to any embodiment of the embodiments described herein. Method steps 610 to 670 can be performed in any order, as long as it is technically meaningful. The method using at least one embodiment described herein solves at least some of the problems mentioned herein.

[0041] This method is used to connect a pump 400 having two connectors 410, 420 to a machine 500, such as a hydraulic tool. The two connectors can be at least two connectors, and any combination of couplers and fittings. Connectors 410, 420 can be located in block 430 on the pump 400. The connection method uses an adapter according to any of the embodiments described above. The method includes the following.

[0042] One or both of the first element 200 and the second element 300 are slid and rotated by 610 to adjust the distance between: a first connecting portion 210 of the first element 200 for use by one of the two connectors 10; and a first connecting portion 310 of the second element 300 for use by the other of the two connectors 20. In this way, the position between the two connectors 10, 20 of the adapter is adjusted such that the position between the two connectors corresponds to the position of the two connectors 410, 420 of the pump 400. This allows for proper connection between the two pairs of connectors, such as between two pairs of fittings and couplings.

[0043] Connect the adapter 620 to the two connectors 410 and 420 of the pump 400. Connector 10 and connector 20 of the adapter are connected to connector 420 and connector 410 of the pump 400, respectively. Thus, the adapter is connected to the pump 400.

[0044] A hose 450 is connected to a coaxial connector and fitting 630 between the adapter and the machine 500. The hose 450 may be, for example, a dual-fluid hose. Preferably, the hose 450 is a coaxial hose connected to the coaxial connector or fitting 30 of the adapter and to the coaxial connector or fitting 30 of the machine 500. The machine 500 may be a hydraulic tool, such as a hydraulic torque wrench.

[0045] According to one embodiment, a step that can be taken before all other steps, or at least before connection step 620, may be selecting a set of two connectors 10, 20 as described above and attaching the set of two connectors to the adapter. The selection depends on the type of connector used by pump 400. For example, separate connectors 10 and separate connectors 20 that can be connected to the connector 420 and connector 410 of pump 400 can be selected for the adapter.

[0046] According to one embodiment, and when any one or both of the body 100, the first element 200, and the second element 300 includes a safety valve 360 ​​configured to open at a preset pressure, the method may further include the following.

[0047] If safety valve 360 ​​releases fluid, then the connection of one of the two connectors of pump 400 and the other of the two connectors of pump 400 are swapped 640, thereby exchanging the positions of the two connectors 10, 20 on the adapter. Safety valve 360 ​​allows fluid to escape through it when the pressure inside the adapter exceeds a preset pressure, for example, 20 MPa (200 bar). This allows detection of incorrect adapter connection and pressure buildup within the adapter. If the pressure increases, causing safety valve 360 ​​to open, the user can detect fluid escaping through the safety valve and then take appropriate measures, such as correctly connecting the adapter, pump, and tools. For example, a leak may indicate that the supply and return, forward and backward, or fluid supply may have mixed and must be interchanged. This can be achieved, for example, by swapping the individual connectors 10 and 20 on the adapter. Therefore, if safety valve 360 ​​releases fluid, the user can swap the positions of the two connectors 10, 20 on the adapter 640.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the method may further include replacing one or more of the two connectors 10, 20 of the adapter and the coaxial connector 30 or coaxial fitting 650. According to one embodiment, in addition to the foregoing embodiments, or alternatively, the method may further include using an extension 390 660 between either of the following: a first connecting portion 210 of a first element 200 for use by one of the two connectors 10, or a first connecting portion 310 of a second element 300 for use by the other of the two connectors 20; either of the two connectors 10, 20. This allows for the correct setting of the connectors 10 and fittings 20 connected to the pump 400, and the correct setting of the coaxial connector 30 or fitting connected to the tool 500. This also allows for an extension of the distance between the adapter and either of the two connectors 10, 20—e.g., a separate connector 10 or a separate fitting 20.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the method may further include connecting a rotatable coaxial connector 30 or joint 670 to an adapter. The coaxial connector 30 or joint 30 can rotate about its own axis, allowing it to rotate relative to the adapter. This prevents the coaxial hose between the pump 400 and the tool 500 from tangling or twisting.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the adapter is configured for use with high-pressure hydraulic fluid. The high-pressure hydraulic fluid may have a pressure of 70 bar (7 MPa) or higher, or 100 bar (10 MPa) or higher, or up to 200 bar (20 MPa).

[0051] This written specification discloses the invention, including the best mode, using examples, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using the adapter and performing the method. The patentable scope of the invention may include other examples as conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of this application if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the wording of this application, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially indistinguishable from the wording of this application.

[0052] Component list

[0053] 10. The first connector of two connectors, for example, a separate connector.

[0054] 20. The second connector in a pair of connectors, for example, a separate connector.

[0055] 30 Coaxial connector or coaxial joint

[0056] 100 body

[0057] 110 fluid connection channel

[0058] 120 First cylindrical opening

[0059] 130 Second cylindrical opening

[0060] 150 O-ring

[0061] 200 First Component

[0062] 210 First connection part of the first element

[0063] 212 The central axis of the first component section

[0064] 214 The central axis of the first connecting part of the first element

[0065] 220 Second connection part of the first element

[0066] 230 First Fluid Channel

[0067] 232 Second Fluid Channel

[0068] 234 external channels

[0069] 236 Internal Passage

[0070] 240 First Circumferential Fluid Tank

[0071] 250 First Component Section

[0072] 270 Axial Stop

[0073] 280 flange

[0074] 300 Second Component

[0075] 310 First connecting part of the second element

[0076] 312 The central axis of the second element section

[0077] 314 The central axis of the first connecting part of the second element

[0078] 340 Second cycle to fluid tank

[0079] 330 Third Fluid Channel

[0080] 332 Fourth Fluid Channel

[0081] 350 Second Component Section

[0082] 360 safety valve

[0083] 370 axial stop

[0084] 380 flange

[0085] 400 pumps

[0086] 410 connectors, such as pump connectors.

[0087] 420 connectors, such as pump fittings

[0088] Block 430

[0089] 450 hose

[0090] 500 machines

[0091] Methods and steps 610 to 670.

Claims

1. An adapter adapted between: two connectors; and a coaxial connector or coaxial connector (30); said two connectors being any combination of independent connectors (10) and independent connectors (20); said adapter comprising: The body (100) includes a first cylindrical opening (120) for a first element (200) and a second cylindrical opening (130) for a second element (300). The first element (200) includes: a first element portion (250) which is cylindrical in shape for fitting into the first cylindrical opening (120); a first connecting portion of the first element (200) for use by one of the two connectors; and a second connecting portion (220) of the first element (200) for use by the coaxial connector or coaxial joint (30). The second element (300) includes: a second element portion (350) which is cylindrical in shape for fitting into the second cylindrical opening (130); and a first connecting portion of the second element (300) for use by the other of the two connectors; The first element (200) is slidably and rotatably arranged in the body (100), and the central axis of the first connecting portion of the first element (200) is offset from the central axis of the cylindrical first element portion (250); and The second element (300) is arranged in the body (100) in a slidable and rotatable manner, and the central axis of the first connecting portion of the second element (300) is eccentric to the central axis of the cylindrical second element portion (350).

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The central axis of the first connecting portion of the first element (200), the central axis of the cylindrical first element portion (250), the central axis of the first connecting portion of the second element (300), and the central axis of the cylindrical second element portion (350) are all arranged to be parallel to each other.

3. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first connecting portion of the first element (200) and the first connecting portion of the second element (300) face one direction, while the second connecting portion (220) of the first element (200) faces the opposite direction.

4. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each or any two or all three of the body (100), the first element (200) and the second element (300) include a safety valve (360) configured to open at a preset pressure.

5. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The first cylindrical opening (120) for the first element (200) includes a first circumferential fluid groove (240); the second cylindrical opening (130) for the second element (300) includes a second circumferential fluid groove (340); and the first circumferential fluid groove (240) and the second circumferential fluid groove (340) are connected to the fluid connection channel (110).

6. The adapter according to claim 5, wherein, The first element (200) includes a first fluid channel (230) that connects the first circumferential fluid groove (240) to an external channel (234) of a second connection portion (220) of the first element (200) for use with the coaxial connector or coaxial joint (30); and wherein the first element (200) includes a second fluid channel (232) that connects a first connection portion of the first element (200) for use with one of the two connectors to an internal channel (236) of the second connection portion (220) of the first element (200) for use with the coaxial connector or coaxial joint (30).

7. The adapter according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The second element (300) includes: a third fluid channel (330) that connects a first connection portion of the second element (300) for use by the other of the two connectors to a fourth fluid channel (332); and a fourth fluid channel (332) that extends diagonally along the second element (300) and connects to the second circumferential fluid groove (340).

8. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first element (200) and the second element (300) each include an axial stop that restricts the slidable movement of the first element (200) and the second element (300) within the body (100).

9. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first element (200) or the second element (300) respectively has a flange that extends in a manner perpendicular to the axis of the first element (200) or the axis of the second element (300).

10. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a coaxial connector or coaxial joint (30), the coaxial connector or coaxial joint being a rotatable coaxial connector or coaxial joint allowing the coaxial connector or coaxial joint to rotate relative to the adapter; and / or wherein the first element (200) comprises one of the two connectors and the coaxial connector or coaxial joint (30), and the second element (300) comprises the other of the two connectors.

11. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a sealing device (150) located between the first cylindrical opening (120) and the first element (200) and between the second cylindrical opening (130) and the second element (300).

12. A method for connecting a pump (400) having two connectors to a machine (500) using an adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 11; The two connectors of the pump are any two of independent couplings and independent fittings; the method includes: Slide and rotate one or both of the first element (200) and the second element (300) to adjust the distance between: a first connecting portion of the first element (200) for use by one of the two connectors; and a first connecting portion of the second element (300) for use by the other connector of the two connectors; Connect the adapter to the two connectors of the pump (400); and The hose (450) is connected between the adapter and the machine (500) using a coaxial connector or coaxial fitting.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, When any one, two, or all three of the body (100), the first element (200), and the second element (300) include a safety valve (360) configured to open at a preset pressure, the method further includes: When the safety valve (360) releases fluid, the connection associated with one of the two connectors of the pump (400) is exchanged with the connection associated with the other of the two connectors of the pump (400).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising replacing one or more of the two connectors and coaxial connectors or coaxial joints (30) of the adapter, and / or the method further comprising using an extension (390) between: a first connection portion of the first element (200) for use by one of the two connectors, or a first connection portion of the second element (300) for use by the other of the two connectors; and either of the two connectors.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The method also includes connecting a rotatable coaxial connector or coaxial joint (30) to the adapter.

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