Variable pipe diameter butt joint sampling tube connecting structure and a grain sampler

By using a sampling tube connection with a variable diameter docking structure, the problems of poor sampler diameter adaptability and inconvenient disassembly and assembly are solved, achieving efficient and convenient tube diameter switching and good airtight sampling results.

CN224315663UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-02FOSHAN GRAIN & OIL RESERVE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
FOSHAN GRAIN & OIL RESERVE CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-14
Publication Date
2026-06-02

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Abstract

This invention proposes a variable-diameter sampling tube connection structure. The sampling tube includes a main pipe and branch pipes. The main connector at the end of the main pipe is equipped with a variable-diameter connection assembly and connects with the branch pipes. Specifically, the variable-diameter connection assembly includes a positioning head, a gripping head, a clamping head, and a clamping washer. The positioning head is connected to the main connector. The gripping head is located inside the positioning head and has at least two evenly distributed slits on its front side wall, forming claws between adjacent slits. The clamping head is movably connected to the positioning head and covers the claws. The clamping washer is located inside the clamping head and has a tapered hole. The branch pipe passes through the clamping head, clamping washer, and gripping head in sequence and is coaxially aligned with the main pipe. Moving the clamping head towards the positioning head causes the claws to tighten and grip the branch pipe. A grain sampler is also proposed, which adopts the above-mentioned sampling tube connection structure. This invention can connect branch pipes of different diameters, and has the characteristics of strong versatility, good airtightness, and quick on-site assembly and disassembly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of grain sampling equipment technology, and in particular to a sampling tube connection structure with variable diameter docking and a grain sampler using the structure. Background Technology

[0002] When grain is stored or removed from storage, it is usually necessary to use a sampler for stratified sampling and testing. Most existing samplers use fixed-diameter connectors for their sampling tubes, meaning the main sampler is connected to a matching main sampling tube, which is typically a flexible hose with a fixed-diameter connector at its end. In use, the main sampling tube is connected to the branch sampling tubes via this fixed-diameter connector. Multiple branch sampling tubes are then connected end-to-end and buried within the grain pile, as illustrated in Chinese Patent Application No. 2009202243996, which discloses a multi-functional sampler. Currently, sampling manifolds are typically available in various specifications with different diameters. This is especially problematic for large-scale sampling of stored grains, which often requires multiple specifications and diameters of sampling manifolds. This presents several technical challenges: First, when changing to a different diameter sampling manifold to accommodate different grain varieties, flow rates, or depths, the entire connector must be disassembled or even the entire pipe replaced, resulting in cumbersome and time-consuming operations that hinder efficient and rapid sampling. Second, if the diameter of the sampling manifold does not match the connector of the main sampling pipe, it can lead to poor airtightness, reduced airflow pressure, and a significant decrease in sampling efficiency. This is particularly evident when sampling deep grain piles with poor dispersion. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a versatile, airtight, and quickly assembled / disassembled variable diameter connection structure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to propose a sampling tube connection structure with variable pipe diameter and a grain sampler using the sampling tube connection structure, so as to solve the technical problems of poor pipe diameter adaptability, insufficient air tightness and inconvenient disassembly and assembly in the prior art, and meet the needs of switching between different sampling tube diameters when sampling large-scale stored grain.

[0004] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0005] A variable-diameter sampling tube connection structure, wherein the sampling tube includes a main tube and branch tubes, the end of the main tube having a main connector, the main connector being provided with a variable-diameter docking assembly and communicating with the branch tubes, characterized in that: the variable-diameter docking assembly includes a positioning head, a gripping head, a clamping head, and a clamping washer; the positioning head is a cylindrical structure, its rear end being fixedly connected to the end of the main connector; the gripping head is a cylindrical structure, its rear end being fixedly disposed within the positioning head, and its front sidewall having at least two evenly distributed cuts. The openings form claws between adjacent openings; the clamping head is a cylindrical structure that is movably connected to the positioning head and covers the claws of the gripping head; the clamping washer is located inside the clamping head, and the middle of the clamping washer has a tapered hole that gradually narrows from the rear end to the front end; moving the clamping head toward the positioning head allows the clamping washer to be fitted onto the claws of the gripping head, thereby tightening the claws; moving the clamping head away from the positioning head allows the clamping washer to leave the claws of the gripping head, thereby causing the claws to expand and reset.

[0006] The end of the branch pipe passes through the clamping head, clamping washer and gripping head in sequence and is aligned coaxially with the main pipe. The clamping head is moved towards the positioning head, thereby causing the claw to tighten and grip the end of the branch pipe.

[0007] In the optimized design of this invention, the front end of the gripping head is a tapered structure that gradually narrows.

[0008] In the optimized design of this utility model, the outer surface of the gripper of the gripping head has a boss, and the pressing head can be moved to press against the boss by pressing against the wall of the tapered hole of the pressing washer.

[0009] In the optimized solution of this utility model, the variable pipe diameter docking assembly further includes a telescopic spring. The telescopic spring is located inside the pressing head and coaxially outside the gripping head. The rear end of the telescopic spring is connected to the positioning head, and the front end abuts against or approaches the pressing washer. The pressing washer can move with the pressing head to compress and store force in the telescopic spring.

[0010] Furthermore, the positioning head has an annular post portion corresponding to the inner ring of the telescopic spring, and the rear end of the telescopic spring is sleeved on the annular post portion and then connected to the positioning head.

[0011] In the optimized solution of this utility model, the variable pipe diameter docking assembly further includes a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket is placed between the positioning head and the gripping head and has a gasket through hole in its middle. After the end of the branch pipe passes through the variable pipe diameter docking assembly, its end pipe opening is attached to the sealing gasket.

[0012] In this optimized design, the outer wall of the positioning head has threads, and the inner wall of the pressing head also has threads and is threadedly connected to the positioning head.

[0013] In the optimized design of this utility model, the rear end of the inner wall of the positioning head also has an annular protrusion. The inner ring of the annular protrusion is integrally connected with the outer wall of the end of the main connector, thereby forming a positioning groove inside the positioning head. The gripping head is placed in the positioning groove and blocked by the annular protrusion.

[0014] In the optimized design of this utility model, the inner wall of the pressing head is further provided with an annular baffle at the front end, and the pressing washer is provided near the front part of the pressing head and has an annular protruding head that passes through the annular baffle.

[0015] A grain sampler includes a sampling main unit and a sampling tube connected to the sampling main unit. The sampling tube includes a main pipe and branch pipes, and the end of the main pipe has a main connector. The main connector is characterized in that: the main connector is connected to branch pipes of different diameters through the above-mentioned variable diameter sampling tube connection structure.

[0016] This utility model has the following substantial features and advancements:

[0017] 1. This utility model uses a clamping washer in conjunction with a gripping head. As the clamping head moves to lock, the tapered hole of the clamping washer gradually tightens the gripping head's claws, thereby achieving stepless tightening to clamp pipes of different outer diameters, making it highly versatile.

[0018] 2. This utility model enables connection with branch pipes of different outer diameters via a variable pipe diameter docking assembly on the main pipe, eliminating the need for additional components on the branch pipes and further ensuring the versatility of the connection. Furthermore, locking and releasing the branch pipes is achieved simply by tightening or loosening the clamping head of the variable pipe diameter docking assembly, making it easy to operate and highly efficient.

[0019] 3. This utility model further utilizes the tapered structure at the front end of the gripping head, combined with the tapered hole structure of the clamping washer, to ensure that the clamping washer moves coaxially to the front end of the gripping head, thereby tightening the claw; and further, a boss is provided on the claw, and the clamping washer is pressed against the boss to enable the claw to tighten more, thereby achieving a gripping docking with finer pipes.

[0020] 4. When the present invention is locked and connected with the branch pipe, a certain tightening effect is further applied to the pressure washer by the telescopic spring. The telescopic spring provides a continuous tightening force to prevent the pressure washer from loosening and to enhance the locking effect on the branch pipe.

[0021] 5. This utility model further forms an end-face seal by fitting a sealing gasket with the end face of the connecting branch pipe, thereby reducing the leakage of gas during the sampling process and ensuring the effectiveness of the grain sampling. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the grain sampler in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the variable diameter pipe docking assembly of Example 1.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly state of the variable pipe diameter docking assembly in Example 1.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one usage state of the variable pipe diameter docking assembly of Example 1.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another usage state of the variable pipe diameter docking assembly of Example 1.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of one usage state of the variable pipe diameter docking assembly of Example 2.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another usage state of the variable pipe diameter docking assembly of Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] refer to Figures 1 to 5 A grain sampler includes a sampling host 93 and a sampling tube connected to the sampling host 93. The sampling tube includes a main pipe 91 and branch pipes 92. The end of the main pipe 91 has a main connector 9, which is connected to the branch pipes 92 of different diameters through a variable diameter sampling tube connection structure.

[0032] Specifically, the main connector 9 is equipped with a variable pipe diameter docking assembly and is connected to the branch pipe 92. The variable pipe diameter docking assembly includes a positioning head 1, a gripping head 2, a clamping head 3, and a clamping washer 4. The positioning head 1 is a cylindrical structure with its rear end fixedly connected to the end of the main connector 9. The gripping head 2 is a cylindrical structure with its rear end fixedly disposed inside the positioning head 1, and has at least two evenly distributed cuts 21 on its front side wall, with claws 22 formed between adjacent cuts 21. Specifically, 2 to 6 claws 22 are provided. The clamping head 3 is a cylindrical structure that is movably connected to the positioning head 1 and covers the claws 22 of the gripping head 2. The clamping washer 4 is disposed inside the clamping head 3, and the middle of the clamping washer 4 has a tapered hole that gradually narrows from the rear end to the front end. The compression washer 4 is made of elastic rubber material. After being placed inside the compression head 3, it uses its own elasticity to allow its outer wall to naturally adhere to the inner wall of the compression head 3, thus achieving positioning and installation inside the compression head 3.

[0033] Moving the clamping head 3 toward the positioning head 1 allows the clamping washer 4 to fit onto the claw 22 of the gripping head 2, thereby tightening the claw 22; moving the clamping head 3 away from the positioning head 1 allows the clamping washer 4 to leave the claw 22 of the gripping head 2, thereby expanding and resetting the claw 22.

[0034] The end of the branch pipe 92 passes through the pressing head 3, the pressing washer 4 and the gripping head 2 in sequence and is aligned coaxially with the main pipe 91. The pressing head 3 is moved toward the positioning head 1, thereby causing the claw 22 to tighten and grip the end of the branch pipe 92.

[0035] For details regarding the above structure, please refer to... Figure 3 The positioning head 1 is integrated with the main connector 9 via threads or welding. The gripping head 2 is axially confined within the positioning head 1. The gripping head 2 can be made of relatively hard plastic or metal material, which has both elasticity and hardness. Combined with the slit 21 at its front end, it effectively achieves the elastic deformation of the jaw 22, causing the jaw 22 to open in a "petal" shape. The clamping head 3 is in the "released position" at this time, and the large end of the tapered hole of the clamping washer 4 faces the jaw 22, but has not yet been inserted. In addition, the front end of the gripping head 2 and the small end diameter of the tapered hole of the clamping washer 4 are slightly larger than the outer diameter of the largest specification branch pipe 92, so that the largest specification branch pipe 92 can also be easily inserted into the variable pipe diameter docking assembly.

[0036] In use, the end of the branch pipe 92 is sequentially passed through the clamping head 3, clamping washer 4, and gripping head 2 of the variable diameter docking assembly until it abuts against the rear end of the main connector 9. At this time, the claw 22 is in an elastically open state, which basically does not hinder the insertion force of the branch pipe 92, thereby realizing the "zero resistance" quick insertion of the branch pipe 92.

[0037] Next, move the clamping head 3 towards the positioning head 1, as detailed in the following reference. Figure 4 The clamping washer 4 moves with the clamping head 3, causing the tapered hole of the clamping washer 4 to gradually slide onto the outside of the jaw 22. As the tapered hole moves, the jaw 22 narrows inward synchronously until the inner surface of the jaw 22 presses against the branch pipe 92. (See details...) Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 This forms a 360° encircling clamp, thereby connecting the main pipe 91 with the branch pipe 92.

[0038] After the sampling is completed, the clamping head 3 is moved in the opposite direction, the conical hole of the clamping washer 4 is disengaged from the gripping head 2, the radial force on the gripping head 2 disappears, the pawl 22 opens up by its own elasticity, thereby releasing the clamp on the branch tube 92, and the branch tube 92 can be pulled out immediately, realizing "one-click quick release".

[0039] For further details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The front end of the gripping head 2 is a tapered structure that gradually narrows. It then engages with the tapered hole of the clamping washer 4 to ensure that the clamping washer moves coaxially to the front end of the gripping head, thereby efficiently tightening the claw 22.

[0040] For further details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The gripper head 2 has a boss 23 on the outer surface of its claw 22. The clamping head 3 can move to press against the boss 23 against the wall of the tapered hole of the clamping washer 4. In the above structure, the boss 23 enables the clamping washer 4 to clamp the claw 22, allowing the claw 22 to narrow more towards the center, thus achieving a reliable clamping connection with the smaller outer diameter branch pipe 92.

[0041] It should be noted that during the sampling process, both the branch pipe 92 and the main connector 9 are arranged vertically, with the main connector 9 located at the top of the branch pipe 92. It is sufficient to ensure that the main connector 9 does not easily move upwards and detach from the top of the branch pipe 92. Therefore, the gripping force generated by the jaws 22 in conjunction with the clamping washer 4 is sufficient to ensure the connection between the main pipe 91 and the branch pipe 92 during the grain sampling process. Even when connecting a small-diameter branch pipe 92, the jaws 22 and the clamping washer 4 can provide sufficient gripping force to ensure the connection between the main pipe 91 and the branch pipe 92.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the variable pipe diameter docking assembly also includes a sealing gasket 6. The sealing gasket 6 is placed between the positioning head 1 and the gripping head 2, and has a gasket through hole 61 in its middle. After the end of the branch pipe 92 passes through the variable pipe diameter docking assembly, its end port abuts against the sealing gasket 6.

[0043] In the above structure, when connecting the branch pipe 92, the end of the branch pipe 92 is directly inserted into the variable diameter connecting assembly until the end of the branch pipe 92 is in contact with the sealing gasket 6. The sealing gasket 6 then seals the end of the branch pipe 92, thereby reducing the leakage of the grain suction gas during the sampling process and ensuring the effectiveness of grain suction sampling.

[0044] In this embodiment, the clamping head 3 is specifically threadedly connected to the positioning head 1. Specifically, the positioning head 1 has threads on its outer wall, and the clamping head 3 also has threads on its inner wall, which are threadedly connected to the positioning head 1. Through this threaded connection, the clamping head 3 can be screwed on to lock or release relative to the positioning head 1. Simultaneously, the clamping head 3 moves along the positioning head 1, and the clamping washer 4 moves with the clamping head 3, thereby tightening or pushing out the gripping head 2.

[0045] In this embodiment, the rear end of the inner wall of the positioning head 1 also has an annular protrusion 12. The inner ring of the annular protrusion 12 is integrally connected to the outer wall of the end of the main connector 9, thereby forming a positioning groove 13 inside the positioning head 1. The sealing gasket 6 and the gripping head 2 are placed in the positioning groove 13 and blocked by the annular protrusion 12. In the above structure, the front end of the positioning groove 13 is blocked by the pressing head 3 and the pressing washer 4, and with the blocking of the annular protrusion 12, the sealing gasket 6 and the gripping head 2 are positioned and installed in the positioning groove 13.

[0046] In this embodiment, the inner wall front end of the pressing head 3 is also provided with an annular baffle 31. The pressing washer 4 is provided near the front part of the pressing head 3 and has an annular protruding head 41 that passes through the annular baffle 31. Thus, the pressing washer 4 is confined within the pressing head 3 by the cooperation of the annular baffle 31 and the annular protruding head 41, and the annular protruding head 41 provides a strengthening support for the pressing washer 4, thereby strengthening the strength of the pressing washer 4 and preventing excessive deformation of the pressing washer 4 when tightening the gripping head 2.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the variable diameter docking sampling tube connection structure of this embodiment, the variable diameter docking assembly also includes a telescopic spring 5. The telescopic spring 5 is located inside the pressing head 3 and coaxially outside the gripping head 2. The rear end of the telescopic spring 5 is connected to the positioning head 1, and the front end abuts against or approaches the pressing washer 4. The pressing washer 4 can move with the pressing head 3 to compress and store force in the telescopic spring 5.

[0049] When the variable diameter pipe fitting assembly locks the branch pipe 92, the telescopic spring 5 compresses and stores force, providing a certain tightening effect to the clamping washer 4. This ensures that the clamping washer 4 remains close to the front part inside the clamping head 3, and the telescopic spring 5 provides continuous tightening force to prevent the clamping washer 4 from loosening, thus enhancing the locking effect on the branch pipe 92. It should be noted that the function of the telescopic spring 5 is to keep the clamping washer 4 close to the front part inside the clamping head 3. The required spring compression and compression force are relatively small. During the process of the clamping washer 4 contacting the telescopic spring 5 and continuing to move, there will be no significant torsion of the telescopic spring 5. Therefore, it will not affect the elastic extension and contraction capability of the telescopic spring 5, nor will it hinder the movement of the clamping head 3 and the clamping washer 4 towards the positioning head 1 during the locking operation.

[0050] Furthermore, the positioning head 1 has an annular column portion 11 corresponding to the inner ring of the telescopic spring 5. The rear end of the telescopic spring 5 is sleeved on the annular column portion 11 and then connected to the positioning head 1, thereby achieving the positioning and installation of the telescopic spring 5 through the annular column portion 11.

Claims

1. A sampling tube connection structure with variable diameter docking, the sampling tube comprising a main tube (91) and branch tubes (92), the end of the main tube (91) having a main connector (9), the main connector (9) being provided with a variable diameter docking assembly and docking with the branch tubes (92), characterized in that: The variable diameter pipe docking assembly includes a positioning head (1), a gripping head (2), a clamping head (3), and a clamping washer (4); the positioning head (1) is a cylindrical structure, and its rear end is fixedly connected to the end of the main connector (9); the gripping head (2) is a cylindrical structure, and its rear end is fixedly located inside the positioning head (1), with at least two evenly distributed cuts (21) on the front side wall, and a claw (22) is formed between adjacent cuts (21); the clamping head (3) is a cylindrical structure, which is movably connected to the positioning head (1) and clamps the main connector (9). The clamping head (2) is covered by the claw (22); the clamping washer (4) is located inside the clamping head (3), and the clamping washer (4) has a tapered hole that gradually narrows from the rear end to the front end in the middle; moving the clamping head (3) towards the positioning head (1) allows the clamping washer (4) to be fitted onto the claw (22) of the gripping head (2), thereby tightening the claw (22); moving the clamping head (3) away from the positioning head (1) allows the clamping washer (4) to leave the claw (22) of the gripping head (2), thereby causing the claw (22) to expand and reset; The end of the branch tube (92) passes through the pressing head (3), the pressing washer (4) and the gripping head (2) in sequence and is aligned coaxially with the main tube (91). The pressing head (3) is moved toward the positioning head (1), thereby causing the claw (22) to tighten and grip the end of the branch tube (92).

2. The variable diameter sampling tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the grip head (2) is a tapered structure that gradually narrows.

3. The variable diameter sampling tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gripper (2) has a boss (23) on the outer side of the claw (22), and the clamping head (3) can be moved to press against the boss (23) on the wall of the tapered hole of the clamping washer (4).

4. The variable diameter sampling tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable pipe diameter docking assembly also includes a telescopic spring (5), which is located inside the pressing head (3) and coaxially outside the gripping head (2). The rear end of the telescopic spring (5) is connected to the positioning head (1), and the front end abuts against or approaches the pressing washer (4). The pressing washer (4) can move with the pressing head (3) to compress and store force on the telescopic spring (5).

5. The variable diameter sampling tube connection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The positioning head (1) has an annular column (11) corresponding to the inner ring of the telescopic spring (5), and the rear end of the telescopic spring (5) is fitted onto the annular column (11) and then connected to the positioning head (1).

6. The variable diameter sampling tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable diameter docking assembly also includes a sealing gasket (6), which is placed between the positioning head (1) and the gripping head (2) and has a gasket through hole (61) in its middle. After the end of the branch pipe (92) passes through the variable diameter docking assembly, its end port is attached to the sealing gasket (6).

7. The variable diameter sampling tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the positioning head (1) has threads, and the inner wall of the pressing head (3) also has threads and is threadedly connected to the positioning head (1).

8. The variable diameter sampling tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner rear end of the positioning head (1) also has an annular protrusion (12). The inner ring of the annular protrusion (12) is integrally connected with the outer wall of the end of the main connector (9), thereby forming a positioning placement groove (13) in the positioning head (1). The gripping head (2) is placed in the positioning placement groove (13) and blocked by the annular protrusion (12).

9. The variable diameter sampling tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the pressing head (3) also has an annular baffle (31) at the front end, and the pressing washer (4) is located near the front of the pressing head (3) and has an annular protruding head (41) that passes through the annular baffle (31).

10. A grain sampler, comprising a sampling host (93) and a sampling tube communicating with the sampling host (93), the sampling tube comprising a main pipe (91) and branch pipes (92), the end of the main pipe (91) having a main connector (9), characterized in that: The main connector (9) is connected to branch pipes (92) of different diameters via the variable diameter docking sampling pipe connection structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.