Connecting fitting, and dispensing system and connecting device comprising connecting fitting

Abstract

A connection fitting (1), and a dispensing system and a connection device comprising said connection fitting are provided. The connection fitting is adapted to connect a source of compressed air (S) to an air distributor assembly (200) of a device (100) for pneumatically connecting yarns or threads, and comprises a single inlet tube (2) provided at one end with a single inlet interface (20) configured to connect to the source of compressed air, branching at opposite ends into a pair of distribution tubes (3, 4) independent of each other, each distribution tube terminates in a respective outlet opening (30, 40), the outlet openings of the pair of distribution tubes being formed in a common attachment flange (5) configured to be coupled to an air distributor assembly (200) and at least partially overlapping a respective inlet opening (201, 202) of the air distributor assembly. The installation and management cost of the pneumatic connecting device is reduced, the use flexibility is improved, the structure and the construction are simple, and the cost effectiveness is high.

Description

Connection accessories, as well as distribution systems and connection devices including connection accessories. Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connecting accessory and a dispensing system and connecting device including said connecting accessory.

[0002] In particular, this disclosure relates to a connecting fitting suitable for connecting a compressed air source to a compressed air distributor assembly of a device for knotless pneumatic connection of yarns or threads.

[0003] This disclosure also relates to a compressed air distribution system for a device for knotless pneumatic connection of yarns or filaments, and a device for knotless pneumatic connection of yarns or filaments including the distribution system. Background Technology

[0004] Devices for knotless pneumatic connection of yarns or threads have been known for some time. This disclosure specifically derives from a connection device, such as that described and shown in Italian Patent No. 1412651 owned by the same applicant.

[0005] This known type of connection device is equipped with a compressed air distribution valve, which includes two inlet openings and two outlet openings. This distribution valve allows air at different pressures to be supplied to the preparation device and the mixing chamber respectively. In practice, the two inlet openings of this distribution valve are configured to connect two independent compressed air supply lines.

[0006] For this purpose, it is known to use a fitting having two independent and different inlet pipes, each inlet pipe having a corresponding inlet interface for connection to a corresponding compressed air supply line and a corresponding outlet opening for connection to one of the two inlet openings of a distribution valve.

[0007] It has been found in use that using two air supply lines at different pressures is limited to a narrow range of yarn / thread types; therefore, maintaining such a dual supply leads to an undue increase in the installation and management costs of the connecting device and the winding equipment on which it is installed.

[0008] Currently, in order to make the use of such connection devices suitable for a single compressed air supply line, some technicians have adopted a solution that reduces the two inlet openings of the distribution valve to a single inlet opening by using multiple (at least five) commercially available connectors and fittings.

[0009] However, these known solutions not only require a large number of connection and accessory components, leading to increased procurement and installation costs, but also increase the possibility of leaks, resulting in imperceptible air loss and negatively impacting the quality of available connections. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome these problems in the prior art.

[0011] One object of this disclosure is to provide a connecting fitting adapted to connect a compressed air source to a compressed air distributor assembly for a device for knotless pneumatic bonding of yarns or filaments, which allows for a reduction in the installation and management costs of the pneumatic bonding device and thus the winding equipment on which these bonding devices are installed.

[0012] One object of this disclosure is to provide a connecting accessory that can also be used in known types of connecting devices, and in particular, it allows for the expansion of the range of accessories that can be equipped with pneumatic connecting devices having known types of distributor assemblies with two inlet openings, thereby increasing their flexibility of use according to different operational requirements.

[0013] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connecting fitting that is simple in structure and construction and cost-effective.

[0014] These and other objectives of this disclosure are achieved by manufacturing a connecting fitting according to this disclosure, the connecting fitting being adapted to connect a compressed air source to an air distributor assembly of a device for pneumatically connecting yarns or threads, the connecting fitting comprising:

[0015] - A single inlet pipe, wherein the single inlet pipe has a single inlet interface at one end configured to connect to a compressed air source, and branches at the opposite end into a pair of independent distribution pipes, each of the pair of distribution pipes terminating at a corresponding outlet opening, wherein the outlet opening of the pair of distribution pipes is formed in a common attachment flange configured to connect to the distributor assembly and arranged and constructed to at least partially overlap with the corresponding inlet opening of the air distributor assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the pair of distribution pipes have equal internal volumes.

[0017] Preferably, the inlet pipe and the pair of distribution pipes are arranged in a Y-shaped configuration.

[0018] Preferably, the inlet pipe has a straight longitudinal axis, and each of the pair of distribution pipes includes a corresponding main section having a straight longitudinal axis, defining a corresponding outlet opening at one end of the main section, wherein the longitudinal axes of the main sections are coplanar but not parallel to each other.

[0019] Preferably, the longitudinal axes of the main segments form an acute angle α between each other, which is between 28° and 36°.

[0020] Preferably, the longitudinal axes of the main segments form an acute angle α of 32° with respect to each other.

[0021] Preferably, each of the pair of distribution pipes includes a corresponding connecting segment located between the inlet pipe and the main section, wherein each connecting segment has a straight longitudinal axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inlet pipe, and wherein the longitudinal axes of the connecting segments are parallel to each other and coplanar.

[0022] Preferably, the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the connecting segment intersects with the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the main segment.

[0023] Preferably, the angle β between the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the connecting segment and the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the main segment is between 126° and 138°.

[0024] Preferably, the angle β between the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the connecting segment and the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the main segment is equal to 132°.

[0025] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the inlet pipe is parallel to the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the connecting section and is spaced apart by a distance H.

[0026] Preferably, each of the main segments has a circular cross-section.

[0027] Preferably, each of the connecting segments has a cross-section in the shape of a circular portion, and these circular portions share a common chord.

[0028] Preferably, the inlet pipe has a circular cross-section.

[0029] Preferably, the attachment flange has a planar surface that rests on a corresponding surface of the air distributor assembly, wherein the planar surface extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inlet pipe.

[0030] Preferably, the planar surface is located at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis of the inlet pipe.

[0031] Preferably, the attachment flange has at least two through holes for passing fastening screws, wherein the at least two through holes are alternately distributed with the outlet opening.

[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a distribution system is provided for distributing compressed air to a device for pneumatically connecting yarns or threads, the distribution system comprising:

[0033] - An air distributor assembly comprising at least two compressed air inlet openings and at least two compressed air outlet openings, the at least two compressed air outlet openings being configured to communicate directly or indirectly with a preparation device for pneumatically preparing the yarn / filament to be connected and with a mixing chamber for pneumatically connecting the prepared yarn / filament; and

[0034] - Connecting fittings as described in this disclosure.

[0035] Preferably, the air distributor assembly includes a slide valve and / or a distribution body, in which compressed air distribution channels are formed. The compressed air distribution channels are a first air distribution channel and a second air distribution channel. The first air distribution channel is configured to communicate with a preparation device for pneumatically preparing the yarn / filament to be connected, and the second air distribution channel is configured to communicate with a mixing chamber for pneumatically connecting the prepared yarn / filament.

[0036] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a connecting device for pneumatically connecting yarns or threads is provided, the connecting device comprising:

[0037] -shell;

[0038] - The allocation system as described in this disclosure;

[0039] - A pair of preparation devices for pneumatically preparing the yarn / thread to be connected, the pair of preparation devices being in fluid communication with at least one of the compressed air outlet openings of the air distributor assembly; and

[0040] - A mixing chamber for pneumatically connecting the prepared yarn / thread, the mixing chamber being in fluid communication with at least one of the compressed air outlet openings of the air distributor assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The features and advantages of the connecting fittings according to this disclosure, suitable for connecting a compressed air source to an air distributor assembly for a knotless pneumatic connection of yarns or filaments, will become more apparent from the following exemplary and non-limiting description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 are isometric views of one possible embodiment of the connecting fitting according to the present disclosure;

[0043] Figures 3 to 8 are orthogonal views of the connecting fittings in Figures 1 and 2;

[0044] Figure 9 is a partially transparent side view of the connecting fittings in Figures 1 and 2, without the cartridge or connector to the supply line.

[0045] Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views according to the XX plane and XI-XI plane of Figure 9, respectively;

[0046] Figures 12 and 13 are partially transparent front and bottom views of the connecting fittings in Figures 1 and 2, respectively, without box-type components or connecting joints to the supply line.

[0047] Figure 14 is a side view of one possible embodiment of the connection device according to the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view along the XV-XV plane in Figure 14;

[0049] Figure 16 is a plan view of the connecting device in Figure 14;

[0050] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view along the XVII-XVII plane in Figure 16;

[0051] Figure 18 is an isometric view of the connecting device in Figure 14, with one side removed. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a connecting fitting 1 (fitting 1) is shown, which is adapted to connect a compressed air source S (shown schematically only in FIG. 15) to an air distributor assembly 200 of a pneumatic connecting device 100 for knotless pneumatic connecting yarns or threads.

[0053] Accessory 1 includes:

[0054] A single inlet pipe 2 has a single inlet interface 20 at one end configured to connect to a compressed air source S and branches into a pair of independent distribution pipes 3, 4 at the opposite end, each distribution pipe terminating in a corresponding outlet opening 30, 40, wherein the outlet openings 30, 40 of the two distribution pipes 3, 4 are formed in a common attachment flange 5 configured to connect with the distributor assembly 200, and are arranged and constructed to at least partially overlap with the corresponding inlet openings 201, 202 of the distributor assembly 200.

[0055] Preferably, accessory 1 is composed of a one-piece body. Even more preferably, accessory 1 is composed of a one-piece body obtained by molding a polymer material (e.g., by injection molding polyamide (PA66)), which is also reinforced with glass fiber and minerals.

[0056] Advantageously, the two distribution pipes 3 and 4 have the same internal usable volume.

[0057] As shown in the attached diagram, the inlet pipe 2 and the two distribution pipes 3 and 4 are arranged in a generally Y-shaped configuration. Preferably, the longitudinal axes BB and CC of the two branches of the Y-shape (defined by the axes of the corresponding sections of the distribution pipes 3 and 4, respectively) lie on a plane different from the plane containing the longitudinal axis AA of the Y-shaped main trunk (defined by the longitudinal axis of the inlet pipe 2).

[0058] Preferably, the inlet pipe 2 has a straight longitudinal axis AA and advantageously has a circular cross-section.

[0059] Preferably, accessory 1 includes a seat 21 upstream of and coaxial with the inlet interface 20, the seat 21 being configured to accommodate a "cassette assembly" or connector 23 for connection to one end of the connecting pipe leading to the source S and its sealing gasket 22 (FIG. 15).

[0060] Distribution pipes 3 and 4 each include corresponding main sections 31 and 41, which have straight longitudinal axes BB and CC, and define corresponding outlet openings 30 and 40 at one end.

[0061] Preferably, the longitudinal axes BB and CC of the main segments 31 and 41 are coplanar but not parallel to each other (Figures 10 and 13). Specifically, the longitudinal axes BB and CC of the main segments 31 and 41 form an acute angle α between 28° and 36°, preferably an acute angle α equal to 32°.

[0062] Each of the two distribution pipes 3 and 4 also includes a corresponding connecting section 32 or 42 between the inlet pipe 2 and the corresponding main section 31 or 41.

[0063] Each of the two connecting segments 32 and 42 has a straight longitudinal axis DD and EE, which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the inlet pipe 2. The longitudinal axes DD and EE of the two connecting segments 32 and 42 are parallel to each other and coplanar.

[0064] Preferably, as shown in FIG9, the plane containing the longitudinal axes DD, EE of the two connecting segments 32, 42 intersects with the plane containing the longitudinal axes BB, CC of the corresponding main segments 31, 41, wherein the angle β defined between the two planes is preferably between 126° and 138°, more preferably equal to 132°.

[0065] Preferably, the longitudinal axis AA of the inlet pipe 2 is parallel to the plane containing the longitudinal axes DD and EE of the two connecting sections 32 and 42, and is spaced apart from the plane by a distance H, which can be between 0 mm and 2 mm, for example, equal to 0.5 mm.

[0066] Preferably, the main segments 31 and 41 both have circular cross-sections (Figure 9-13).

[0067] Conversely, advantageously, the connecting segments 32 and 42 each have a partially circular cross-section (Figs. 9-13), wherein these partially circular sections have a common chord stretched thereon.

[0068] This shape of accessory 1 allows accessory 1 to be applied to the dispenser assembly 200 of a known type of connecting device 100 without interfering with the parts or components of the device (e.g., operating levers, sides, etc.).

[0069] Furthermore, the shape of accessory 1 allows for a smooth and controlled airflow from the two outlet openings 30 and 40.

[0070] The attachment flange 5 preferably has a flat surface 50 that rests on a corresponding flat surface of the distributor assembly 200. This flat surface 50 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the inlet pipe 2 and is preferably located at a non-zero distance from this axis. For example, this distance can be between 10 mm and 20 mm, such as 15 mm or 16 mm.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the attachment flange 5 has at least two, preferably three, through holes 51 for passing fastening screws 52 to connect to the distributor assembly 200. These through holes 51 may be distributed alternately with the outlet openings 30, 40, and advantageously arranged in a straight line with them.

[0072] Another object of this disclosure is a compressed air distribution system adapted to distribute incoming compressed air to a device 100 for knotless pneumatic connection of yarns or threads, the system comprising:

[0073] - Compressed air distributor assembly 200, which has at least two compressed air inlet openings 201, 202 and at least two compressed air outlet openings 203, 204, and is configured to communicate directly or indirectly (through appropriate channels) with a pneumatic preparation device 101 for pneumatically preparing the yarn / filament to be connected, and with a mixing chamber 102 for pneumatically connecting the prepared yarn / filament.

[0074] -The above-mentioned connecting accessory 1.

[0075] Accessory 1 is mounted on distributor assembly 200 by overlapping the outlet openings 30, 40 of the two distribution tubes 3, 4 with the inlet openings 201, 202 of the distributor assembly (with a known gasket inserted in between).

[0076] Referring to the embodiment shown, accessory 1 is removably secured to dispenser assembly 200 by screws 52, which pass through a through hole 51 formed in flange 5 and engage at a corresponding hole formed in dispenser assembly 200.

[0077] Advantageously, the number, location, and size of the through holes 51 match the corresponding holes already present in the known distributor assembly 200, which makes fitting 1 particularly interchangeable with fittings having two known types of independent inlet pipes.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser assembly 200 includes a slide valve-type dispenser valve, such as that described in Italian Patent No. 1412651.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the distributor assembly 200 may include a distributor body 300 in which compressed air distribution channels are formed, namely:

[0080] - A first air distribution channel 301, configured to communicate with a preparation device 101 for pneumatically preparing the yarn / thread to be joined; and

[0081] - A second air distribution channel 302 is configured to communicate with a mixing chamber 102 for pneumatic connection of prepared yarn / thread.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the distributor assembly 200 includes both a distributor body 300 and a distribution valve connected thereto, such that the compressed air outlet openings 203 and 204 of the distribution valve are respectively arranged to communicate with the inlet ends of the first distribution channel 301 (through which air is supplied to the preparation unit 101) and the second distribution channel 302 (through which air is supplied to the connecting chamber 102).

[0083] The dispensing body 300 is generally part of the connecting device 100 and is configured such that the mixing chamber 102 and the preparation device 101 are mounted thereon; the shape of the dispensing body 300 may be designed to accommodate other possible components that are equipped with the connecting device 100 in a known manner, which is of a known type to those skilled in the art and will not be described here.

[0084] Therefore, another object of this disclosure is a connecting device 100 for knotless pneumatic connection of yarns or threads, comprising:

[0085] -Outer shell 103;

[0086] - A distribution system, including the aforementioned distributor assembly 200 (distribution valve and / or distributor body 300) and accessory 1;

[0087] - A pair of preparation devices 101 for pneumatically preparing the yarn / thread to be connected, which are in fluid communication with one of the outlet openings 203, 204 of the distributor assembly 200; and

[0088] - A mixing chamber 102 for knotless pneumatic connection of prepared yarn / thread is in fluid communication with another of the two outlet openings 203, 204 of the distributor assembly 200.

[0089] Then, the connecting device 100 is provided with various other components in a known manner (and therefore will not be described here), including, by way of example only, a pair of clips and scissors, a pair of unwinding rods, a possible cap and its associated operating components.

[0090] The purpose of this disclosure is to allow the compressed air distributor assembly to be connected to two independent inlet openings leading to a single compressed air source via a single connection line, thereby reducing the overall cost of the connection device 100 and the winding equipment employing the device.

[0091] Furthermore, this disclosure offers the advantage of reducing the number of connections between the compressed air source S equipped with the winding equipment and each connecting device 100 equipped with the winding equipment to a single connection (i.e., formed by the connection between the cassette assembly or connector 23 and the inlet pipe 2), instead of requiring multiple (at least five) connections as in the prior art. This allows for a reduction in potential air leakage and thus reduces load losses that are difficult to detect and can affect the quality of yarn bonding.

[0092] Furthermore, the shape of the fitting according to this disclosure is advantageously designed to be fully interchangeable with fittings having two known types of independent inlet tubes. This allows even the known type of connecting device 100 to have its configuration and operability changed without modifying its structure, and thus improves the operational flexibility of the winding equipment employing the device according to different requirements and at low cost.

[0093] Advantageously, the shape of the fitting according to this disclosure is optimized for the available space contained in known types of connecting devices to avoid interference with the components and elements of the device (e.g., rods, walls, sides, etc.). While different shapes may exist, the shape described above and shown in the figures allows fitting 1 to be injection molded from thermoplastic material into a one-piece body using a single mold (or even multiple molds), requiring only press-fit box-type components. Different configurations, while still employing the same innovative concept, may require more complex molds and increase manufacturing difficulty. Finally, it is evident that this disclosure, conceived in this way, is prone to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of this disclosure; furthermore, all details can be replaced with technically equivalent elements. In fact, the materials used and the dimensions can be arbitrary, depending on the technical requirements.

Claims

1. A connecting fitting (1) adapted to connect a compressed air source (S) to an air distributor assembly (200) of a device (100) for pneumatically connecting yarns or threads, characterized in that, The connecting fitting (1) includes: - a single inlet pipe (2) having a single inlet interface (20) at one end configured to be connected to a compressed air source (S), and branching at the opposite end into a pair of independent distribution pipes (3, 4), each of the pair of distribution pipes terminating at a corresponding outlet opening (30, 40), wherein the outlet openings (30, 40) of the pair of distribution pipes (3, 4) are formed in a common attachment flange (5) configured to be connected to the air distributor assembly (200) and arranged and constructed to at least partially overlap with the corresponding inlet openings (201, 202) of the air distributor assembly.

2. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of distribution pipes (3, 4) have equal internal volumes.

3. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inlet pipe (2) and the pair of distribution pipes (3, 4) are arranged in a Y-shape.

4. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet pipe (2) has a straight longitudinal axis (AA), and each of the pair of distribution pipes (3, 4) includes a corresponding main section (31, 41) having a straight longitudinal axis (BB, CC) defining a corresponding outlet opening (30, 40) at one end of the main section, wherein the longitudinal axes (BB, CC) of the main sections (31, 41) are coplanar but not parallel to each other.

5. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The longitudinal axes (BB, CC) of the main segments (31, 41) form an acute angle α between each other, which is between 28° and 36°.

6. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The longitudinal axes (BB, CC) of the main segments (31, 41) form an acute angle α of 32° with each other.

7. The connecting fitting (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, Each of the pair of distribution pipes (3, 4) includes a corresponding connecting segment (32, 42) located between the inlet pipe (2) and the main section (31, 41), wherein each connecting segment (32, 42) has a straight longitudinal axis (DD, EE) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (AA) of the inlet pipe (2), and wherein the longitudinal axes (DD, EE) of the connecting segments (32, 42) are parallel to each other and coplanar.

8. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plane containing the longitudinal axis (DD, EE) of the connecting segments (32, 42) intersects the plane containing the longitudinal axis (BB, CC) of the main segments (31, 41).

9. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The angle β between the plane containing the longitudinal axis (DD, EE) of the connecting segments (32, 42) and the plane containing the longitudinal axis (BB, CC) of the main segments (31, 41) is between 126° and 138°.

10. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The angle β between the plane containing the longitudinal axis (DD, EE) of the connecting segments (32, 42) and the plane containing the longitudinal axis (BB, CC) of the main segments (31, 41) is equal to 132°.

11. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis (AA) of the inlet pipe (2) is parallel to the plane containing the longitudinal axis (DD, EE) of the connecting segments (32, 42) and is spaced apart by a distance H.

12. The connecting fitting (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, Each of the main segments (31, 41) has a circular cross-section.

13. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the connecting segments (32, 42) has a cross-section in the shape of a circular portion, and these circular portions share a common chord.

14. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inlet pipe (2) has a circular cross-section.

15. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The attachment flange (5) has a planar surface (50) that rests on the corresponding surface of the air distributor assembly (200), wherein the planar surface (50) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (AA) of the inlet pipe (2).

16. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The planar surface (50) is located at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis (AA) of the inlet pipe (2).

17. The connecting fitting (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The attachment flange (5) has at least two through holes (51) for passing through a fastening screw (52), wherein the at least two through holes (51) are alternately distributed with the outlet openings (30, 40).

18. A distribution system for distributing compressed air to a device for pneumatically connecting yarns or threads, characterized in that, The distribution system includes: - an air distributor assembly (200) including at least two compressed air inlet openings (201, 202) and at least two compressed air outlet openings (203, 204), the at least two compressed air outlet openings being configured to communicate directly or indirectly with a preparation device (101) for pneumatically preparing the yarn / filament to be connected and with a mixing chamber (102) for pneumatically connecting the prepared yarn / filament; and - a connecting fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The distribution system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The air distributor assembly (200) includes a slide valve and / or a distribution body (300) in which compressed air distribution channels are formed, namely a first air distribution channel (301) and a second air distribution channel (302), the first air distribution channel being configured to communicate with a preparation device (101) for pneumatically preparing the yarn / filament to be connected, and the second air distribution channel being configured to communicate with a mixing chamber (102) for pneumatically connecting the prepared yarn / filament.

20. A connecting device (100) for pneumatically connecting yarns or threads, characterized in that, The connecting device includes: - a housing (103); - a distribution system according to claim 18 or 19; - a pair of preparation devices (101) for pneumatically preparing the yarn / thread to be connected, the pair of preparation devices being in fluid communication with at least one of the compressed air outlet openings (203, 204) of the air distributor assembly (200); and - a mixing chamber (102) for pneumatically connecting the prepared yarn / thread, the mixing chamber being in fluid communication with at least one of the compressed air outlet openings (203, 204) of the air distributor assembly (200).

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