A quick-fit union joint

Abstract

The application discloses a quick-mounting live joint, which comprises a first joint and a second joint fixedly connected through a clamp device, and first clamping flanges and second clamping flanges are arranged on the outer side walls of the first joint and the second joint respectively, annular steam channels are arranged between the first clamping flanges, the second clamping flanges and the clamp device, the clamp device comprises a left clamp piece, a right clamp piece, a hinge and a locking mechanism, and first steam interfaces and second steam interfaces, which are in communication with the annular steam channels, are arranged on the side walls of the left clamp piece and the right clamp piece respectively. The joint is designed in consideration of compatibility with an existing pipeline system, and can be easily adapted to various pipeline sizes and types through standardized clamping flanges and the clamp device, so that the difficulty and cost of reforming the existing system are reduced. In addition, the annular steam channel design in the scheme allows steam to flow in the joint, which is helpful to maintain the sterile state of the pipeline system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of pipe connection, and in particular to a quick-connect fitting. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese patent CN220228239U discloses a sterile quick-connect fitting and a sterile connecting pipe. The sterile quick-connect fitting includes a first fitting and a second fitting coaxially connected. The first fitting has a first channel, and the second fitting has a second channel communicating with the first channel. A steam chamber is formed within the sidewall of the first fitting. A first steam port is provided on one axial end face of the first fitting, and a second steam port is provided on the sidewall of the first fitting. Both the first and second steam ports communicate with the steam chamber. One axial end face of the second fitting is adapted to mate with one axial end face of the first fitting and is sealed by a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. The first sealing ring is located on the inner circumference of the first steam port, and the second sealing ring is located on the outer circumference of the first steam port. This sterile quick-connect fitting of the present invention adopts a double-layer sealing design, which strengthens the sealing performance, ensures that the product in the channel will not leak, and also prevents the product in the channel from communicating with the steam in the steam chamber.

[0003] The drawbacks of the aforementioned existing technology are that while adding extra sealing rings and special joint steam pipeline structure designs improves sealing and sterility, it may also increase the complexity of the joints and manufacturing costs. This leads to higher production costs and more complex installation requirements. The design may require specific pipes and fittings for compatibility, which may limit its compatibility with existing piping systems, resulting in high installation costs and thus limiting its application scope. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the problems existing in the prior art by providing a quick-installation union that has good compatibility with existing piping systems, low installation cost, and expands its application range.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: a quick-connect fitting includes a first joint and a second joint fixedly connected by a clamping device. The first joint and the second joint are sealed by a sealing ring. The outer walls of the first joint and the second joint are respectively provided with a first snap-fit ​​flange and a second snap-fit ​​flange. After the first joint and the second joint are mated, the clamping device is adapted to snap-fit ​​onto the first snap-fit ​​flange and the second snap-fit ​​flange. An annular steam channel is provided between the first snap-fit ​​flange, the second snap-fit ​​flange and the clamping device. The clamping device includes a left clamp, a right clamp, a hinge and a locking mechanism. The bottoms of the left clamp and the right clamp are hinged by the hinge and a lower joint sealing strip is provided between them. The tops of the left clamp and the right clamp are detachably fixedly connected by the locking mechanism and an upper joint sealing strip is provided between them. The side walls of the left clamp and the right clamp are respectively provided with a first steam interface and a second steam interface that communicate with the annular steam channel.

[0006] In a further improvement, the locking mechanism includes a first fixed seat and a second fixed seat respectively fixedly installed on the first connector and the second connector. A rotating block is hinged on the first fixed seat, a swing rod is provided on the rotating block, a claw block is slidably connected on the swing rod, a sector gear is rotatably installed on the rotating block, the sector gear meshes with a rack, the rack is fixedly connected to the claw block, a handle rod is fixedly connected to the sector gear, a tension spring is provided between the end of the handle rod and the swing rod, and a connecting rod that cooperates with the claw block is fixedly installed on the second fixed seat.

[0007] To further improve the design, the rotating block is provided with a countersunk hole, in which the swing rod is slidably installed, and the swing rod is threadedly connected to the claw block.

[0008] Further improvements include the following: the inner walls of the left and right hoops are respectively provided with a first spray pipe and a second spray pipe. The interior of the first spray pipe is directly connected to the first steam interface, and the outer wall of the second spray pipe is connected to the second steam interface. Both the first and second spray pipes are provided with slit-type spray grooves facing the annular steam channel, and the two ends of the first and second spray pipes are connected.

[0009] To further improve the design, an electrically adjustable safety valve and a pressure and temperature monitor are provided on the side wall of the left or right clamp, and the electrically adjustable safety valve is electrically connected to the pressure and temperature monitor.

[0010] Further improvements include an electrically adjustable safety valve comprising a valve body, a valve disc, a spring, and a threaded sleeve. The lower end of the valve body is provided with a threaded joint, and a valve seat is provided inside the valve body. The valve disc is mounted on the valve seat and connected to a valve stem. The valve stem is slidably connected to the center hole on the threaded sleeve. A spring is provided between the valve disc and the threaded sleeve. The threaded sleeve is threadedly connected to the upper end of the valve body. A driven gear is fixedly mounted on the threaded sleeve. The driven gear meshes with and connects to a driving gear. The driving gear is fixedly connected to a motor. A pressure relief hole is provided on the side wall of the valve body, located on the upper side of the valve seat.

[0011] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: First, by employing a quick-connect fitting design, this invention enables rapid installation and disassembly of pipe connections, significantly improving the efficiency of pipe system maintenance and replacement. Second, the fitting design considers compatibility with existing pipe systems. Through standardized snap-fit ​​flanges and clamps, it can easily adapt to various pipe sizes and types, thereby reducing the difficulty and cost of retrofitting existing systems. Furthermore, the annular steam channel design allows steam to flow within the fitting, helping to maintain the sterility of the pipe system, which is particularly important for industries with extremely high hygiene requirements, such as food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Finally, due to its simple and easy-to-operate design, this fitting reduces labor costs and the possibility of installation errors, further lowering the overall installation cost and expanding its application range in various pipe systems. This technical solution, through its innovative design, effectively solves the problems of compatibility, cost, and application range in existing pipe connections. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view at point AA;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrically adjustable safety valve;

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Clamping device; 11. Left clamp; 12. Right clamp; 13. Hinge; 14. Locking mechanism; 141. First fixed seat; 142. Second fixed seat; 143. Rotating block; 144. Swing rod; 145. Claw block; 146. Sector gear; 147. Handle rod; 148. Tension spring; 149. Rack; 15. Lower joint sealing strip; 16. Upper joint sealing strip; 17. First steam interface; 18. Second... 1. Steam interface; 2. First connector; 21. First snap-fit ​​flange; 3. Second connector; 32. Second snap-fit ​​flange; 4. Sealing ring; 5. Annular steam passage; 51. First spray pipe; 52. Second spray pipe; 53. Slotted spray trough; 6. Electric adjustable safety valve; 61. Valve body; 62. Valve disc; 63. Spring; 64. Screw sleeve; 65. Valve stem; 66. Driven gear; 67. Driven gear; 68. Motor; 69. Pressure relief hole. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0017] See attached document Figure 1-2 This embodiment of a quick-connect fitting includes a first connector 2 and a second connector 3 fixedly connected by a clamping device 1. The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are sealed by a sealing ring 4. The outer walls of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are respectively provided with a first snap-fit ​​flange 21 and a second snap-fit ​​flange 32. After the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mated, the clamping device 1 is adapted to snap-fit ​​onto the first snap-fit ​​flange 21 and the second snap-fit ​​flange 32, and a space is provided between the first snap-fit ​​flange 21, the second snap-fit ​​flange 32 and the clamping device 1. The device includes an annular steam channel 5. The clamping device 1 includes a left clamp 11, a right clamp 12, a hinge 13, and a locking mechanism 14. The bottoms of the left clamp 11 and the right clamp 12 are hinged together by the hinge 13, and a lower joint sealing strip 15 is provided between them. The tops of the left clamp 11 and the right clamp 12 are detachably fixed together by the locking mechanism 14, and an upper joint sealing strip 16 is provided between them. The side walls of the left clamp 11 and the right clamp 12 are respectively provided with a first steam interface 17 and a second steam interface 18 that communicate with the annular steam channel 5.

[0018] During use, the snap-fit ​​flanges on the outer walls of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are first aligned, so that the first snap-fit ​​flange 21 and the second snap-fit ​​flange 32 are compatible. Then, the clamping device 1 is fitted onto the snap-fit ​​flanges of the two connectors, and the bottoms of the left clamp 11 and the right clamp 12 are hinged by the hinge 13, while the lower joint sealing strip 15 ensures a seal at the bottom of the two connectors. The tops of the left clamp 11 and the right clamp 12 are detachably fixed together by the locking mechanism 14, and the upper joint sealing strip 16 ensures a seal at the top. The first steam inlet 17 and the second steam inlet 18 are respectively located on the side walls of the left clamp 11 and the right clamp 12, and are connected to the annular steam channel 5 to facilitate steam flow within the connectors, suitable for applications requiring steam sterilization or heating.

[0019] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the locking mechanism 14 includes a first fixed seat 141 and a second fixed seat 142 respectively fixedly installed on the first connector 2 and the second connector 3. A rotating block 143 is hinged on the first fixed seat 141. A swing rod 144 is provided on the rotating block 143. A claw block 145 is slidably connected to the swing rod 144. A sector gear 146 is rotatably installed on the rotating block. The sector gear 146 meshes with a rack. The rack is fixedly connected to the claw block 145. A handle rod 147 is fixedly connected to the sector gear 146. A tension spring 148 is provided between the handle rod 147 and the end of the swing rod 144. A connecting rod that cooperates with the claw block 145 is fixedly installed on the second fixed seat 142.

[0020] The locking mechanism 14 is designed to achieve a quick and stable connection between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3. This mechanism includes a first fixed seat 141 and a second fixed seat 142, which are respectively mounted on the corresponding connectors to ensure the stability of the mechanism. A rotating block 143 is hinged to the first fixed seat 141, allowing it to swing within a certain angle. The rotating block 143 is equipped with a swing rod 144, on which a claw block 145 is slidably connected. This design allows the claw block to move along the swing rod, thereby adjusting the connector connection.

[0021] A sector gear 146 is mounted on a rotating block and meshes with a rack, which is fixedly connected to a claw block 145. When the sector gear 146 is driven by the handle 147, it will drive the claw block 145 to move along the swing rod 144 via the meshing rack, thereby tightening or loosening the connection of the joint. A tension spring 148 is provided between the ends of the handle 147 and the swing rod 144. This tension spring provides a locking force to the system, fixing the position of the handle, swing rod, and claw block, facilitating quick operation.

[0022] The second fixed seat 142 is equipped with a connecting rod that mates with the claw block 145. When the claw block moves to the appropriate position, the connecting rod and the claw block cooperate to ensure a firm and reliable connection between the joints. This design makes the connection and disassembly of the joints simple and quick, greatly improving the efficiency and ease of operation of pipe connections. It also ensures the stability and sealing of the connection, making it suitable for pipe systems that require frequent connection and disconnection, thus improving overall work efficiency and safety.

[0023] Furthermore, the rotating block 143 is provided with a countersunk hole, within which the swing rod 144 is slidably mounted. This design allows the swing rod 144 to slide within the countersunk hole of the rotating block 143, thus providing a stable guide and movement path. The swing rod 144 is threadedly connected to the claw block 145. This means that the locking movement of the claw block 145 can be achieved by rotating the swing rod 144, and the threaded connection provides precise position control and a secure fixing capability.

[0024] When locking the connector is required, the operator can drive the sector gear 146 by rotating the handle 147. The sector gear 146 meshes with the rack on the claw block 145, so the rotation of the sector gear causes the rack—that is, the claw block 145—to move linearly, achieving rapid locking. Since the swing rod 144 is threadedly connected to the claw block 145, it will drive the swing rod to move linearly. Rotation of the swing rod 144 can further achieve secondary locking of the claw block 145.

[0025] The lower joint sealing strip 15 and the upper joint sealing strip 16 are U-shaped sealing sheets. The U-shaped sealing sheet design can effectively fill the gaps between the clamps, providing a tighter seal. Due to its U-shaped structure, the sealing sheet can better conform to the surface of the clamp under pressure, thereby reducing potential leakage points. The joint sealing strips are bonded to the clamps or threadedly fixed.

[0026] The inner walls of the left clamp 11 and the right clamp 12 are respectively provided with a first spray pipe 51 and a second spray pipe 52. The interior of the first spray pipe 51 is directly connected to the first steam interface 17, and the outer wall of the second spray pipe 52 is connected to the second steam interface 18. This design allows steam to enter the spray pipes through the first steam interface 17 and the second steam interface 18, forming a continuous steam flow inside the pipes. This ensures the continuity and stability of the steam supply.

[0027] Both the first spray pipe 51 and the second spray pipe 52 are equipped with slit-type spray channels 53 facing the annular steam channel 5, and the two ends of the first spray pipe 51 and the second spray pipe 52 are connected. The slit-type spray channels 53 on the spray pipes face the annular steam channel 5, allowing steam to be sprayed evenly into the annular steam channel 5, achieving effective heat exchange and disinfection. Through the design of the spray pipes and slit-type spray channels, steam can be evenly distributed and directly contact the internal surface of the joint, improving the efficiency of disinfection and cleaning.

[0028] Furthermore, the two ends of the first spray pipe 51 and the second spray pipe 52 are connected to form a closed-loop system, ensuring that steam can circulate within the joint, thus improving thermal efficiency and disinfection effect. The circulation of steam in the annular steam channel 5 helps achieve more uniform heat exchange, avoiding problems such as localized overheating or uneven cooling. This technical solution, through ingenious design of the spray pipes and steam interfaces, achieves efficient heat exchange and disinfection while ensuring system safety and ease of maintenance, making it suitable for industrial applications requiring strict hygiene standards.

[0029] An electrically adjustable safety valve 6 and a pressure and temperature monitor are installed on the side wall of the left clamp 11 or the right clamp 12. The electrically adjustable safety valve 6 is electrically connected to the pressure and temperature monitor. These two components work together through this electrical connection. The electrically adjustable safety valve 6 automatically adjusts its opening degree according to changes in system pressure and temperature to maintain the fluid pressure and temperature within the pipeline system within a preset safety range. The pressure and temperature monitor monitors the pressure and temperature within the pipeline system in real time and transmits this data to the electrically adjustable safety valve 6 as the basis for its adjustment. This technical solution, by integrating the electrically adjustable safety valve 6 and the pressure and temperature monitor, achieves precise control and monitoring of the pipeline system's pressure and temperature. This design enables the pipeline system to automatically respond to various changes in operating conditions, improving system safety, self-control capabilities, and operational efficiency, ensuring the safe operation of the system.

[0030] As attached Figure 3 As shown, the electrically adjustable safety valve 6 includes a valve body 61, a valve disc 62, a spring 63, and a threaded sleeve 64. The lower end of the valve body 61 is provided with a threaded joint, and a valve seat is provided inside the valve body 61. The valve disc 62 is provided on the valve seat, and the valve disc 62 is connected to the valve stem 65. The valve stem 65 is slidably connected to the center hole on the threaded sleeve 64. A spring 63 is provided between the valve disc 62 and the threaded sleeve 64. The threaded sleeve 64 is threadedly connected to the upper end of the valve body 61. A driven gear 66 is fixedly installed on the threaded sleeve 64. The driven gear meshes with the driving gear 67. The driving gear 67 is fixedly connected to the motor 68. A pressure relief hole 69 is provided on the side wall of the valve body 61, located on the upper side of the valve seat.

[0031] The electrically adjustable safety valve 6 in the above technical solution achieves precise control and safety protection by integrating mechanical and electrical components. The rotation of the motor adjusts the pressure required for the valve disc to open and close. When the pressure exceeds the safety threshold, the valve disc automatically opens, and the pressure relief hole 69 on the side wall of the valve body 61 discharges gas to relieve pressure, preventing risks caused by excessive system pressure.

[0032] The sealing ring 4 is composed of an outer ring, an inner ring, and a flat washer integrated between them. This design provides a stable and efficient seal. The outer and inner rings are fitted with the sealing ring mounting grooves on the end faces of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, forming a robust fixing structure. The flat washer, located between them, serves to fill and seal. During connector mating and clamping with the clamping device 1, the flat washer evenly distributes pressure, ensuring full contact of the sealing surfaces and preventing fluid leakage. This integrated sealing ring design simplifies the installation process, reduces the number of required components, lowers maintenance costs and potential leakage risks, and improves the overall performance and reliability of the connector. Through this structure, the sealing ring 4 can not only adapt to different working environments and pressure changes but also maintain its sealing performance during long-term use, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the pipeline system.

[0033] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail are possible within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A quick-connect fitting, comprising a first connector (2) and a second connector (3) fixedly connected by a clamping device (1), wherein the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) are sealed by a sealing ring (4), and a first snap-fit ​​flange (21) and a second snap-fit ​​flange (32) are respectively provided on the outer side walls of the first connector (2) and the second connector (3), wherein after the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) are joined, the clamping device (1) is adapted to snap-fit ​​onto the first snap-fit ​​flange (21) and the second snap-fit ​​flange (32), and an annular steam passage (5) is provided between the first snap-fit ​​flange (21), the second snap-fit ​​flange (32) and the clamping device (1), characterized in that: The clamp device (1) includes a left clamp (11), a right clamp (12), a hinge (13), and a locking mechanism (14). The bottoms of the left clamp (11) and the right clamp (12) are hinged together by the hinge (13), and a lower joint sealing strip (15) is provided between them. The tops of the left clamp (11) and the right clamp (12) are detachably fixed together by the locking mechanism (14), and an upper joint sealing strip (16) is provided between them. The side walls of the left clamp (11) and the right clamp (12) are respectively provided with a first steam interface (17) and a second steam interface (18) that communicate with the annular steam channel (5). The inner wall of the left clamp (11) and the inner wall of the right clamp (12) are respectively provided with a first spray pipe (51) and a second spray pipe (52). The inside of the first spray pipe (51) is directly connected to the first steam interface (17), and the outer wall of the second spray pipe (52) is connected to the second steam interface (18). Both the first spray pipe (51) and the second spray pipe (52) are provided with slit spray grooves (53) facing the annular steam channel (5), and the two ends of the first spray pipe (51) and the second spray pipe (52) are connected. The sealing ring (4) is composed of an outer ring, an inner ring and a flat washer between the two integrally connected.

2. The quick-connect coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (14) includes a first fixed seat (141) and a second fixed seat (142) respectively fixedly installed on the first connector (2) and the second connector (3). A rotating block (143) is hinged on the first fixed seat (141). A swing rod (144) is provided on the rotating block (143). A claw block (145) is slidably connected on the swing rod (144). A sector gear (146) is rotatably installed on the rotating block. The sector gear (146) meshes with a rack. The rack is fixedly connected to the claw block (145). A handle rod (147) is fixedly connected on the sector gear (146). A tension spring (148) is provided between the handle rod (147) and the swing rod (144). A connecting rod that cooperates with the claw block (145) is fixedly installed on the second fixed seat (142).

3. A quick-connect fitting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating block (143) is provided with a countersunk hole, and the swing rod (144) is slidably installed in the countersunk hole. The swing rod (144) is threadedly connected to the claw block (145).

4. The quick-connect coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left hoop (11) or right hoop (12) is provided with an electrically adjustable safety valve (6) and a pressure and temperature monitor on its side wall. The electrically adjustable safety valve (6) is electrically connected to the pressure and temperature monitor.

5. A quick-connect coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electrically adjustable safety valve (6) includes a valve body (61), a valve disc (62), a spring (63), and a threaded sleeve (64). The lower end of the valve body (61) is provided with a threaded joint. The valve body (61) is provided with a valve seat. The valve disc (62) is provided on the valve seat. The valve disc (62) is connected to the valve stem (65). The valve stem (65) is slidably connected to the center hole on the threaded sleeve (64). The spring (63) is provided between the valve disc (62) and the threaded sleeve (64). The threaded sleeve (64) is threadedly connected to the upper end of the valve body (61). A driven gear (66) is fixedly installed on the threaded sleeve (64). The driven gear meshes with the driving gear (67). The driving gear (67) is fixedly connected to the motor (68). The side wall of the valve body (61) is provided with a pressure relief hole (69) located on the upper side of the valve seat.

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