Socket for a coupling device for fluid transfer
The socket for a coupling device addresses the challenge of maintaining sealing properties during high fluid flow rates by incorporating a fastening mechanism and a carrier system, ensuring the socket remains securely attached and maintains sealing integrity.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE112006003318
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2006-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2026-12-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing coupling devices for fluid transfer face challenges in maintaining sealing properties, especially when dealing with high fluid flow rates, due to exposure to strong power moments that can compromise the sealing integrity.
The socket for a coupling device incorporates a fastening mechanism for secure attachment to a bracket board, along with a carrier system that provides additional support, ensuring the socket remains firmly in place even at high fluid flow rates. This design includes a bellows, a cast ring, and a shower ring with a line valve mechanism to maintain sealing properties.
The solution effectively supports the socket during high fluid flow rates, maintaining the sealing properties for a long time by providing both a fastening mechanism and a carrier system, thus preventing the reduction in sealing efficiency.
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Abstract
Description
Technical area
[0001] The present invention relates to a bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer, or for a fluid transfer coupling device, which is used to transfer a fluid from a storage tank in a production facility to a container on a conveyor track or vehicle (carrier track). The fluid to be transferred can be a liquid (for example, highly pure chemicals, such as an etching fluid used in the manufacture of semiconductors), a gas, or other fluids. State of the art
[0002] Japanese patent JP 2 921 654 B2 discloses a coupling device used for the aforementioned application. Such a coupling device comprises a socket (fixed female coupler) and a connector (movable male coupler). Wires are connected to the socket and the connector, respectively.
[0003] The socket is equipped with a circumferential side flange. Attaching the side flange to a mounting panel secures the socket while it is connected to the line. When the connector, which is connected to the other line, is inserted into the socket, the connector and socket are arranged in series or linearly. When an internal device previously installed in the socket is operated, the corresponding lines of the socket and connector are connected, allowing fluid to be transferred.
[0004] Generally, the side flange is positioned close to the receptacle to minimize the portion of the socket protruding from the mounting plate. As a result, the portion of the socket located on the back of the mounting plate is relatively elongated.
[0005] Furthermore, the bushing at its distal end, far from the mounting plate, is subjected to a relatively strong torque while the pipe is connected to the bushing as described above. Consequently, there is a possibility that the sealing properties will be reduced due to the torque, as the load on the connection between the mounting plate and the side flange increases.
[0006] If the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the coupling device is relatively high, the possibility of reducing the sealing properties is further increased because the force applied to the mounting plate is increased to change the center point of the coupling device due to the influence of the moment.
[0007] Document DE 101 52 409 A1 discloses a plug for a liquid pipe connection device which is able to support a heavy liquid pipe on it in order to securely connect the liquid pipe to another liquid pipe, a storage tank, a processing unit or the like.The plug comprises a plug section, the rear section of which is fixed and from the front section of which a liquid flows, a fixed plate section, which is formed in the circumferential direction by enlarging the end section of a liquid tube outwards in the form of a flange design, a fastening section for sandwich-like arrangement of the fixed plate section between the fastening section and an end section of the plug section in order to secure and support the fixed plate section, a cylindrical support section, which is integrally provided on the fastening section for gently supporting the liquid tube, and a fastening nut for covering and securing the plug section and the fastening section.
[0008] This invention was developed in view of the above situation, and one object of it is to provide a bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer which can be firmly supported or mounted on the mounting plate, particularly when the flow rate of fluid is relatively high, and which can maintain the sealing or sealing property for a long time. Disclosure of the invention
[0009] To solve the aforementioned problem, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer is provided, which connects the bushing and a port, thereby connecting corresponding flow paths in the bushing and the port, comprising: a mounting for the mounting plate, arranged on the mounting plate and on one end of the bushing, in which a receptacle of the bushing is formed that allows the port to be inserted therein, and a support that carries the bushing, wherein the support has a carrier plate that is attached to another end of the bushing, and a support plate that connects the carrier plate to the mounting plate that is arranged on the mounting for the mounting plate, wherein the bushing further comprises a bellows, a bellows holder for carrying the bellows, and a shower ring that is attached to the bellows.wherein these are arranged in a housing so that they are displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the housing, wherein the bellows has a line valve mechanism / line valve mechanism arranged in the shower ring, wherein the shower ring, which includes an annular cleaning chamber in cross-section, provides an inlet for a head region of the connection to be connected to the socket, wherein the connection has a line valve mechanism / line valve mechanism corresponding to the line valve mechanism / line valve mechanism arranged in the shower ring, wherein the shower ring has a sealing part arranged in the center of the cleaning chamber and a nozzle opening formed in a side wall of the cleaning chamber to extend tangentially thereto, wherein the housing has a shower nozzle arranged to supply the nozzle opening with wash water,and a drainage hole designed to divert the water.
[0010] In other words, in the first embodiment it is possible to allow the mounting plate to stably support the bushing, especially when the fluid flow rate is relatively high, and it is also possible to maintain the sealing property for a long time, since the bushing is not only equipped with the fastening for the mounting plate, for example a side flange, but also with the support for carrying or supporting the bushing.
[0011] It is not claimed that, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one part of the bushing is designed in the form of a pin-like element and a bushing- or socket-like element. In this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to assist the centering of the components forming the bushing during the assembly of the bushing, thereby reducing the manufacturing time of the bushing.
[0012] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the bushing further comprises at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the bellows holder, wherein the position sensor is arranged in a position in which pressure is constant when the bellows holder slides. In this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the position sensor from falling off due to pressure when the bellows holder slides, and to reduce the sensitivity of the position sensor by pressure or similar means.
[0013] It is not claimed that, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, a bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer is provided, which connects the bushing and a connection, thereby connecting corresponding flow paths in the bushing and the connection, wherein at least a part of the bushing is designed in the form of a pin-like element and a bushing-like element.
[0014] It is not claimed that, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, a bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer is provided, comprising a bellows holder for supporting or carrying a bellows and a cast ring attached to the bellows holder, both being arranged in a housing to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the housing, the bellows having a valve mechanism of the line arranged in the cast ring at the front end of the bellows, the cast ring comprising an annular-shaped cleaning chamber that provides an inlet of a head region from a port to be connected to the bushing, the port having a valve mechanism of the line corresponding to the valve mechanism of the bellows line at the front end of the port, and the cast ring comprising sealing means, such as an O-ring,which are arranged in the center of the cleaning chamber, and has a nozzle opening formed in a side wall of the cleaning chamber to extend in the tangential direction thereto, and wherein the housing has a cast nozzle arranged to supply the nozzle opening with wash water, and a drainage hole designed to discharge the water, wherein at least a part of the bushing is designed in the form of a pin-like element and a bushing-like element.
[0015] In the last two embodiments mentioned above of the present invention, it is possible to support the centering of components forming the bushing during the assembly of the bushing, thus saving manufacturing time for the bushing.
[0016] It is not claimed that, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the bushing for the coupling device for fluid transfer further comprises a mounting for the support plate arranged near a receptacle of the bushing, which allows the connector to be inserted therein and the bushing to be attached to a support plate, and a support arranged in a different position from the receptacle, which carries the bushing. In this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to allow the support plate to stably carry or support the bushing, particularly when the fluid flow rate is relatively high, and it is also possible to maintain the sealing property for a long time, since the bushing is equipped not only with the mounting for the support plate, for example a side flange, but also with the support for carrying or supporting the bushing.
[0017] It is not claimed that, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the bushing for the coupling device for fluid transfer further comprises a position sensor for detecting or sensing the position of the bellows holder, wherein the position sensor is arranged in a position in which pressure is unchanging when the bellows holder slides. In this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the position sensor from falling off due to pressure when the bellows holder slides, and to reduce the sensitivity of the position sensor by pressure or the like.
[0018] It is not claimed that, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, a bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer is provided, comprising a bellows holder for supporting or carrying a bellows and a cast ring attached to the bellows holder, both being arranged in a housing to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the housing, the bellows having a valve mechanism of the line arranged in the cast ring at the front end of the bellows, the bushing comprising: a position sensor for detecting or sensing the position of the bellows holder, the position sensor being arranged in a position in which a pressure is unchangeable when the bellows holder slides.In this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the position sensor from falling due to pressure when the bellows holder slides, and to prevent the sensitivity of the position sensor from being reduced by pressure or similar means.
[0019] It is not claimed that, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the bushing for the coupling device for fluid transfer further comprises a mounting for the support plate arranged near a receptacle of the bushing, which allows the connector to be inserted therein and the bushing to be attached to a support plate, and a support arranged in a different position from the receptacle, which carries the bushing. In this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to allow the support plate to stably carry or support the bushing, particularly when the fluid flow rate is relatively high, and it is also possible to maintain the sealing property for a long time, since the bushing is equipped not only with the mounting for the support plate, for example a side flange, but also with the support for carrying or supporting the bushing.
[0020] It is not claimed that, according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the bushing is manufactured or designed in a ratio between a pin-like element and a bushing-like element. In this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to assist the centering of components forming the bushing during assembly of the bushing, thereby saving manufacturing time for the bushing.
[0021] It is not claimed that, according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the cast ring includes a cleaning chamber with an annular cross-section, which allows an inlet of a head region from a connection to be connected to the bushing, wherein the connection has a valve mechanism of the line corresponding to the valve mechanism of the line of the bellows at the front end of the connection, and wherein the cast ring has sealing means, such as an O-ring, arranged in the center of the cleaning chamber, and a nozzle opening formed in a side wall of the cleaning chamber to extend in the tangential direction thereto, and wherein the housing has a cast nozzle arranged to supply the nozzle opening with wash water, and a drainage hole formed to discharge the water.In this embodiment of the present invention, after the head region of the connector has been inserted into the center of the cleaning chamber, the cleaning water ejected from the casting nozzle flows in a spiral pattern along the inner wall of the annular cleaning chamber to clean the outer circumferential surface of the head region of the connector. Therefore, it is possible to clean the head region of the connector thoroughly and reliably.
[0022] According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the bushing for the coupling device for fluid transfer further comprises a leakage sensor for detecting or recording a leakage of a fluid that is to be transferred or transmitted by the coupling device for fluid transfer into a lifting chamber which enables the bellows holder to slide in it. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer according to the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows an end view of the bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer according to the present invention; Fig. Figure 3a shows a partially enlarged view, revealing a proximal end of an enlarged housing; Fig. Figure 3b presents a detailed view showing details of a sealing structure; Fig. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connection for a coupling device for fluid transfer according to the present invention. Fig. 5 shows a partially enlarged view, showing a larger portion of the connection; Fig. Figure 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling device for fluid transfer, showing a state in which the connection is connected to the socket; Fig. Figure 7 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling device for fluid transfer, showing a state in which fluid can flow; Fig. Figure 8 represents a flowchart in which the coupling device of the present invention is arranged; Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the bushing according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 shows a rear view of the in Fig. 9 shown in the box; and Fig. 11 shows an end view of the in Fig. 9 shown in the socket. The best way to implement the invention
[0023] The embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Similar elements are indicated by similar reference numerals in the following drawings. The drawings have been appropriately scaled down for clarity.
[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer according to the present invention, while Fig. Figure 2 shows an end view of the bushing for a coupling device for fluid transfer according to the present invention. The housing of the bushing 10 mainly comprises housing components 12, 13, 14, and 15, which are integrally arranged one another. As shown in the figures, housing component 12 has one end attached to a front cover 11, and housing component 15 has one end attached to a rear cover 16. In the present invention, the housing of the bushing 10 is formed by the front cover 11, the housing components 12 to 15, and the rear cover 16. Preferably, these housing components are made of a resinous material with chemical resistance, for example, a fluorocarbon resin.
[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a side flange 17 is arranged between the housing component 12 and the housing component 13. The side flange 17 serves to attach the socket 10 to a mounting plate 18. Furthermore, a connector 70, mentioned later, is inserted into a receptacle 19 formed by the housing component 12 and the front cover 11, etc.
[0026] Several holes are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the outer circumferential surfaces of the corresponding end surfaces of the housing components 12 to 15 and the inner circumferential surfaces of the end surfaces of the side flange 17. During the assembly of the housing of the bushing 10, the connecting rods 33 are inserted into the holes of the housing components 14 and 15, while the corresponding pin-and-socket or bushing parts of the housing components 14 and 15 are aligned. Then, the bolts 34 are inserted into the holes of the side flange 17 and the housing component 13 and screwed into the corresponding (first) ends of the connecting rods 33. Finally, the bolts 31 are inserted into the holes of the rear cover 16 and the housing component 15 and screwed into the other ends of the connecting rods 33.Finally, the bolts 32 are inserted into the holes of the housing component 12 and screwed into the side flange 17. In this way, the housing of the bushing 10 is arranged or assembled.
[0027] Preferably, the connecting rods are made of metal. This increases the overall stiffness of the bushing 10. Therefore, there is no possibility of the side flange 17 rotating, even if a relatively large load is applied to it by the operator when using the bushing 10. Furthermore, this also prevents reduced sealing performance or rattling within the bushing housing.
[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a bellows holder 21 is slidably arranged along corresponding inner circumferential surfaces of the housing components 14, 15. A bellows 23 is arranged within the bellows holder 21. The bellows 23 has an end that is integrally formed with a proximal end adapter 22, which engages with the rear cover 16. As shown in the figure, the proximal end adapter 22 has a wide area 22a that engages in a concave portion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rear cover 16. Since the wide area 22a also adjoins a stepped portion 24 of the housing component 15, the proximal end adapter 22 is securely arranged in the socket 10.
[0029] At the forward end of the bellows holder 21, a piston 26 in the form of a flange is integrally formed with the outer circumferential surface of the bellows holder 21. As shown in the figure, a stroke chamber or cylinder 27 is defined between a forward end 15b of the housing component 15 and a stepped section 14a of the housing component 14, such that the piston 26, which is integrated with the bellows holder 21, slides in the stroke chamber 27. The stepped section 14a and the forward end 15b serve as stop elements for the piston 26. Consequently, a distance obtained by subtracting a thickness of the piston 26 from an interval between the stepped section 14a and the forward end 15b is equivalent to a path of the piston 26.
[0030] The other end of the bellows 23 is connected to a shower ring 25. The shower ring 25, made of fluorocarbon resin or polyvinyl chloride, etc., is secured to the bellows holder 21. When the piston 26 slides, the shower ring 25 slides along the inner circumferential surfaces of the housing components 13, 14. As the piston 26 slides, the bellows holder 21 also slides along the inner circumferential surface of the housing component 15. A drain 42 is also provided in the vicinity of the stage part 24 to discharge fluid stored in a stroke chamber 21' of the bellows holder 21.
[0031] Furthermore, inlet and outlet channels 28a, 29a are formed to extend from both ends of the stroke chamber 27 to the outer circumferential surface of the housing component 14, and they are each also connected to inlet and outlet nozzles 28, 29. As shown from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the piston 26 is located in the stroke chamber 27 between the inlet and outlet channels 28a, 29a. When the stroke chamber 27 is filled with compressed air through the inlet and outlet channels 28 in a state of Fig. When air is supplied to the piston 26, it is consequently pushed by the air and slid until it reaches the stage part 14a. At this point, air is discharged from the inlet and outlet channels 29 into the stroke chamber 27. When this pneumatic ratio of inlet and outlet is switched between the inlet and outlet channels 28 and 29, the piston 26 and the bellows holder 21 are moved towards the proximal end of the bushing 10 until they reach the forward end 15b and the stage part 24, respectively.
[0032] In the vicinity of the center of the cast ring 25, a first valve seat 41 is designed to project inwards. A first valve body 39 is forced towards the first valve seat 41 by a spring 38 arranged between the first valve body 39 and the bellows 23. In the normal state, the first valve body 39 closes an opening of the first valve seat 41. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the valve body 39 is designed with a connecting hole 40. When the first valve body 39 is pressed against the force of the spring 38, the connecting hole 40 and the opening of the first valve seat 41 are opened simultaneously.
[0033] The cast ring 25 has a cleaning chamber 25a with an annular section at its forward end. An inner surface of the cleaning chamber 25a has a nozzle opening 46 that opens tangentially to the cleaning chamber 25a. This nozzle opening 46 is connected to a casting nozzle 43, which is attached to the outer circumference of the cast ring 25. The cleaning chamber 25a is also provided with a sealing element 47, for example, an O-ring, on its inner circumferential surface. The cleaning chamber 25a is designed to widen into a conical shape extending from the sealing element 47 to the forward end. A drain 50 is formed in the housing component 13, extending from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface.During operation, cleaning fluid ejected from the nozzle opening 46 is drained or diverted through the drain hole 50.
[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, two reference markings 55 are formed on the outer circumferential area of the bellows holder 21 in opposite positions to each other. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the reference markings 55 are recesses. However, reference markings 55 other than recesses can be used as long as they do not interfere with the sliding action of the bellows holder 21.
[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, position sensors 51, 52 for detecting or recording the position of the bellows holder 21 are mounted in opposite positions on the housing of the socket 10. Specifically, the position sensors 51, 52 are provided within the housing component 15 such that the corresponding tips of the position sensors 51, 52 extend towards the inner circumferential surface of the lifting chamber 21' of the bellows holder 21, or just short of or very close to the inner circumferential surface. Consequently, there is no possibility that the circumferential surface of the bellows holder 21 comes into contact with the position sensors 51, 52, even when the bellows holder 21 is sliding.
[0036] In this embodiment, the position sensors 51, 52 are optical sensors for detecting the reference markings 55 provided in the bellows holder 21. As mentioned above, the position of the piston 26 can be detected by detecting the position of the bellows holder 21 via the reference markings 55, since the bellows holder 21 is integrated into the piston 26.
[0037] In the prior art not shown, a position sensor for the piston 26 is arranged in the stroke chamber 27, in which the piston 26 slides or is displaced. However, if the position sensor is located in the stroke chamber 27, there is a risk that the position sensor could fall out of the chamber if the stroke chamber 27 is pressurized by the inlet and outlet channels 28, 29. Even if the position sensor does not fall out, air may escape from the stroke chamber 27 through the mounting port of the position sensor, making it more difficult to precisely control the pressure in the stroke chamber 27. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the position sensor may be reduced if it is directly affected by pressure regulation in the stroke chamber 27.
[0038] In contrast, according to the present invention, the tips of the position sensors 51, 52 are arranged in an area that is free from the influence of pressure in the stroke chamber 27, i.e., in the stroke chamber 21' for the bellows holder 21. Furthermore, there is no change in the pressure of the stroke chamber for the bellows holder 21 during the sliding of the piston, since the drain 42 is formed in the stroke chamber 21' of the stroke chamber for the bellows holder 21. Consequently, in the present invention, the pressure in the stroke chamber 27 is not applied to the position sensors 51, 52, even when the piston 26 is sliding. Thus, neither the position sensors falling out nor their sensitivity being reduced is affected. According to the present invention, it is also possible to precisely control the pressure in the stroke chamber 27 without leakage through the mounting points of the position sensors 51, 52 during the sliding of the piston 26. As described in [reference missing], Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the position sensors 51, 52 are arranged on the opposite side of a carrier plate 35, viewed from an inner passage 20. If the aforementioned bushing 10 is used, then the position sensors 51, 52 are positioned on the upper side of the bushing 10. Consequently, the reference markings 55, arranged on the outer circumference of the bellows holder 21, are also positioned on the upper side of the bushing 10. In such a case, it is unlikely that lubricating grease moving downwards into the stroke chamber 21' will penetrate into the reference markings 55 (recesses), and it is unlikely that the position sensors 51, 52 will fail or malfunction due to the penetrating grease.
[0039] As from Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the support plate 35 is additionally fastened to the proximal end of the rear cover 16 by two bolts 37. The support plate 35 is designed with two oval openings 36. As described below, a support shaft 39c can be attached to the support plate 35 by inserting the other bolts 39b into the openings 36. For this purpose, it is preferred that the support plate 35 be made of a material with relatively high stiffness.
[0040] According to the present invention, at least part of the components forming the housing of the socket 10 are arranged in a pin-and-socket manner. Fig. Figure 3a shows a partially enlarged view, highlighting the proximal end of the housing. Fig. 3a A ring-shaped projection 16a is formed in advance in the circumferential part of the rear cover 16. On the other hand, the housing component 15 is formed with a ring-shaped recess 15a adjacent to the rear cover 16 in order to engage with the ring-shaped projection 16a.
[0041] During assembly, the housing component 15 is attached to the rear cover 16 such that the annular recess 15a engages with the annular projection 16a. This facilitates easy centering of the housing. Similar annular projections and recesses are also formed in the other components, for example, the housing components 13 and 14. The ease of centering these components by connecting them 12 to 16 with the bolts 31 and 32 improves the sealing properties of the bushing 10 and reduces the manufacturing time of the housing.
[0042] Furthermore, the sliding part in the bushing 10, for example the cast ring 25 and the piston 26, are also arranged together. Naturally, all stationary components in the bushing 10 can be arranged in a pin-and-socket configuration.
[0043] It is evident that sealing parts, for example O-rings for airtightness and liquid tightness, are expediently arranged between the housing of the bushing 10 and the sliding part, i.e. the piston 26 and the cast ring 25 or the like, and also in the receptacle 19, although these sealing parts are not described in detail.
[0044] Furthermore, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a line 2, which has a flange 3, connected to the proximal end of the bushing 10. The connection between the bushing 10 and the line 2 is effected by a bolt 83 and a nut 89. In the present invention, the bolt 83 is provided with a flared or crimped head region. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, a flange 3 is connected to the proximal end of the bushing 10. Fig. 3b shown as a detailed view, before the bolts 83 are inserted into a hole 16b of the rear cover 16 and afterwards the head area 83a is flattened under pressure in the hole 16b.
[0045] If such a structure is not adopted, then the flange 3 and the rear cover 16 would be separated from each other by a gap equivalent to a bolt head, since the head is positioned between the flange 3 and the rear cover 16. In contrast, according to the present invention, the head region 83a of the bolt 83 is positioned in the rear cover 16 and further crimped under pressure. As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to minimize the distance between the flange 3 and the rear cover 16 as much as possible, which allows the entire bushing 10 with the integrated line 2 to be of a small size. Due to the aforementioned design, it is possible to reduce the torque applied to a distal end of the bushing 10.
[0046] Fig. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connection for a coupling device for fluid transfer according to the present invention. The connection 70 of the invention comprises a resinous inner spacer 74 having an internal passage 78 formed therein and a metal connecting collar 73 covering the outer circumferential area of the inner spacer 74. As shown in Figure 4, the connection 70 comprises a resinous inner spacer 74 having an internal passage 78 formed therein and a metal connecting collar 73 covering the outer circumferential area of the inner spacer 74. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the inner spacer 74 has a flange 74a, which is formed separately from a proximal end 74b of the inner spacer 74 at a specific distance. The connecting collar 73 is also provided at a proximal end of the inner spacer 74 with a flange 73a at the proximal end. The connection 70 is also provided with a metal connecting flange 75. The connecting flange 75 has a stepped portion 75a, which is formed around an opening at the center of the flange 75 to fit with corresponding profiles of the flange 74a and the proximal end 74b of the inner spacer 74.
[0047] Accordingly, the flange 74a of the inner spacer 74 abuts the proximal end of the flange 73a of the connecting collar 73 and comes to a standstill when the inner spacer 74 is inserted into the connecting collar 73. The forward-facing end of the inner spacer 74 then projects partially beyond the forward-facing end of the connecting collar 73. Subsequently, the connecting flange 75 is attached to the connecting collar 73 from its proximal end, and the connecting collar 73 and the connecting flange 75 are then connected to each other by bolts 76. As a result, the flange 74a of the inner spacer 74 is clamped firmly between the proximal end of flange 73a of the connecting collar 73 and the stepped portion 75a of the connecting flange 75.Then a forward-facing connecting part 71 is inserted into the forward-facing end of the inner spacer 74, and subsequently the part 71 and the inner spacer 74 are fastened together by double nuts 72a, 72b.
[0048] In the prior art, which is not shown, the connection flange is composed of two crescent-shaped elements. In contrast, according to the present invention, the connection flange 75 can be formed by a single component due to the aforementioned design. In other words, according to the present invention, there is no need to provide the connection flange 75 composed of two separate parts, thus saving on the manufacturing costs of the connection 70. Furthermore, if the connection flange 75 is damaged, the aforementioned design allows it to be easily replaced with another flange, and it is also possible to exchange it for a different connection flange 75' of a different standard (diameter), for example, JIS-ANSI-DIN.
[0049] In the present invention, the outer circumferential region of the connection 70 is reinforced by the metal connection collar 73 and the connection flange 75, in particular by the connection collar 73. Consequently, the stiffness of the connection 70 of the invention is increased or improved compared to a complete resin connection (not shown) of the prior art. Even when a large quantity of fluid is transferred under the condition that the connection 70 is inserted into the bushing 10 as described below, the connection 70 is therefore stably supported in the bushing 10, and breakage of the connection 70 is prevented.
[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the tip of the forward-facing connecting part 71 is in the form of an inwardly projecting second valve seat 77. A second valve body 59 is forced toward the second valve seat 77 by a spring 58 located between the second valve body 59 and the forward-facing end of the inner spacer 74. In the normal state, the second valve body 59 closes an opening of the second valve seat 77. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the second valve 59 is designed with a connecting hole 60. When the second valve 59 is pressed against the force of the spring 58, the connecting hole 60 and the opening of the second valve seat 77 are opened simultaneously.
[0051] It is noted that a line 1 having a flange 4 is connected to the proximal end of the connection 70. The connection between the connection 70 and the line 1 is effected by bolts 84 and nuts 88. Corresponding head regions of the bolts 84 are arranged in the holes 75b of the connection flange 75 and are also connected in a similar manner to that shown in the reference to Fig. The structure mentioned in 3b is crimped. As a result, the present invention provides the possibility that the head regions of the bolts 84 are prevented from projecting from the surface of the connecting flange 75 towards the forward-facing end of the connection 70, which facilitates the operator's grasping of the connection 70.
[0052] Fig. Figure 5 shows a partially enlarged view, showing a magnified portion of the connection. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the inner spacer 74 has an annular recess 85 on its outer circumferential surface, in which a sealing element 86, for example an O-ring, is arranged. As shown in the figure, the sealing element 86 serves to prevent a fluid from leaking or flowing out through a gap or clearance between the forward-facing connecting part 71 and the inner spacer 74.
[0053] At the proximal end 71a of the forward-facing connecting part 71, an annular projection 81 is formed, projecting axially in the circumferential direction of the part 71. A portion of the inner spacer 74, corresponding to the annular projection 81, may be formed with an annular recess 82 for receiving the annular projection 81. In this case, as shown in the figure, the annular projection 81 and the annular recess 82 together extend radially outside the sealing part 86. Consequently, even if the fluid leaks out over the sealing part 86, the annular projection 81 and the annular recess 82 prevent the fluid from leaking out.
[0054] The operation of the coupling device for fluid transfer according to the present invention is described below. Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows longitudinal sectional views of the coupling device for fluid transfer, showing one state to connect the port to the socket and another state that allows fluid circulation.
[0055] First, the side flange 17 of the bushing 10 is attached to the mounting plate 18 and further secured to it by the bolts / nuts 18a. Then, the support plate 35 of the rear cover 16 is attached to one end of a support shaft 39c by a bolt / nut 39c. The support shaft 39c is formed by an substantially L-shaped element, the other end of which is attached to the mounting plate 18 by a bolt / nut 39a. The other end of the support shaft 39c can be attached to an external element (not shown). Alternatively, the support shaft 39c can be configured in the other way.
[0056] Then the terminal 70 connected to the line 1 is inserted into the receptacle 19 of the socket 10. Consequently, as shown in the figure, the forward-facing end of the double nut 72a of the terminal 70 abuts the end face of the housing component 13, so that the forward-facing terminal part 71 of the terminal 70 projects into the housing component 13 and the cast ring 25.
[0057] When the connector is inserted into the socket 10 as shown in the figure, a gap is created between the front cover 11 of the socket 10 and the connection flange 75 of the connector 70. This gap is large enough to accommodate a human finger. Consequently, the present invention allows the operator to easily insert / unplug the connector 70, as this design facilitates the operator's grasping of the connector.
[0058] When air is then directed from the inlet / outlet channel 28 into the piston chamber 27, the piston 26, together with the bellows holder 21 and the cast ring 25, both integrated with the piston 26, slides towards the forward end of the chamber 27. Once the outer circumferential surface of the forward-facing connecting part 71 abuts the sealing part 47, the first valve body 39 and the second valve body 59 press against each other against the springs 38, 58. Consequently, the first valve seat 41 and the second valve seat 77 abut each other, so that both the connecting hole 40 and the connecting hole 60 are opened simultaneously. As a result, the fluid supplied through line 1 is transferred through the inner passage 20 in the proximal end adapter 20 to line 2.
[0059] As previously mentioned, according to the present invention, the side flange 17 is attached to the mounting plate 18, and the bushing 10 is supported by the mounting plate 18 through the use of the support plate 35 and the support shaft 39c. Consequently, even if the fluid flow rate is relatively high during fluid transfer, the bushing 10 is stably supported by the mounting plate 18. Therefore, due to the load applied between the side flange 17 and the mounting plate 18, it is possible for these elements to maintain their sealing properties for a long time.
[0060] After the desired quantity of fluid has been transferred, air is supplied from the inlet / outlet channel 29 to the piston chamber 27, causing all components—the piston 26, the bellows holder 21, and the cast ring 25—to slide toward the proximal end of the bushing 10 into their respective starting positions. As a result, the first valve body 39 and the second valve body 59 separate and are supported by the respective pressure exerted by the springs 38 and 58 on the first valve seat 41 and the second valve seat 77, respectively. Consequently, the connecting holes 40 and 60 close together to terminate the fluid transfer.
[0061] It is also possible to clean the cleaning chamber 25a of the cast ring 25 when the piston 26, etc., is in its starting position. After the cleaning water is sprayed from the casting nozzle 43, it flows in a spiral vortex along the inner surface of the ring 25 towards the forward end of the cast ring 25, since the nozzle opening 46 is oriented tangentially to the inner surface of the ring 25. Then, after reaching the conical surface, the cleaning water proceeds along the outer circumferential surface of the port 70. In this way, the outer circumferential surface of the port 70 is thoroughly and reliably cleaned by this powerful cleaning water. The cleaning water is then guided along the conical surface to the forward end and subsequently drained from the drainage hole 50.
[0062] It is noted that cleaning chamber 25a, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the piston 26 is located somewhat away from the piston chamber 27 in the longitudinal direction, even when the piston 26 is in its retracted position. When the piston 26 slides to its furthest position (see Figure 1), the piston 26 is located at a distance of some longitudinal distance from the piston chamber 27, even when the piston 26 is in its retracted position. Fig. 7), then the cleaning chamber 25a moves further away from the lifting chamber 27. Consequently, according to the present invention, there is no possibility that lubricant, for example grease, flows from the lifting chamber 27 into the cleaning chamber 25a.
[0063] Although in the aforementioned embodiment the carrier plate 35 and the carrier shaft 39c are formed by different elements, an arrangement in which the carrier plate 35 and the carrier shaft 39c are combined in an integrated element would also be included within the scope of the present invention.
[0064] Fig. Figure 8 represents a flowchart that includes the coupling device of the present invention. Fig. In the 8th section, line 2 extending from socket 10 is connected to a chemical source via a supply valve 2a. Conversely, line 1 extending from port 70 is connected to a carrier tank 99 via a valve. When the coupling device in which port 70 is connected to socket 10 is used, chemicals are consequently supplied to the carrier tank 99 via socket 10 and port 70. Furthermore, inlet / outlet channels 28 and 29 are each connected to an air source via corresponding speed governors, a cylinder that actuates a valve, and a pressure regulator, as shown in the figure.
[0065] A pipeline 90, which includes a pressure sensor 90a, is connected to the casting nozzle 43. As shown in the figure, the pipeline 90 branches into a nitrogen branch line 91 and a clean water branch line 92. Branch line 91 includes a control valve 95 and a stop valve 93, while branch line 92 includes a control valve 96 and a stop valve 94. Furthermore, a pipeline 90' extending from the drainage hole 50 includes a drainage valve 97 and a drainage trap 98 and is connected to the cleaning water drainage system.
[0066] When the cast ring 25 is cleaned in the bushing 10, the stop valve 94 opens, allowing cleaned water to flow through the branch line 92 and the pipe 90. The clean water is then supplied from the casting nozzle 43 to the cleaning chamber 25a of the cast ring 25. In the present invention, there is no possibility of the clean water flowing through the branch line 92 into the upstream side of the branch line 91 via the control valve 95 during cleaning, since the control valves 95 and 96 are each connected between the branch lines 91 and 92, respectively.
[0067] After cleaning the cleaning chamber 25a and the outer circumference of the connection 70, the purified water is supplied through the pipe 90' from the drainage hole 50 to the drainage trap 98. It is noted that after using the bushing 10 to supply specific chemicals, the chemicals may adhere as residue to the inner wall of the cleaning chamber 25a and the outer circumferential surface of the connection 70. According to the present invention, this residue is removed by the purified water, and subsequently, the waste fluid containing the residue is captured by the drainage trap.
[0068] After completion of the cleaning process, the stop valve 94 in branch line 92 is closed and the stop valve 93 in branch line 91 is opened. Nitrogen gas is then supplied through branch line 91 and pipe 90 and is provided in cleaning chamber 25a by the casting nozzle 43. In this situation, the control valve 96 in branch line 92 also serves to prevent nitrogen gas from flowing into the upstream side of branch line 92 via the control valve 96. The purified water remaining in cleaning chamber 25a is removed through the drainage hole 50 due to the supply of nitrogen gas and subsequently collected by the drainage trap 98. Alternatively, the clean cleaning water in cleaning chamber 25a is evaporated. Afterwards, the bushing 10 can be returned to a reusable state by closing the stop valve 93.In this context, it is obvious that the chemicals from the carrier tank 99 of socket 10 and the elements on the side of socket 10 can be supplied in the same way.
[0069] Fig. Figure 9 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the bushing according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a rear view of the Fig. 9 shown socket, while Fig. 11 an end view of the in Fig. The socket shown in Figure 9 represents the socket. In the socket 10a shown in these figures, a leak sensor 142a is arranged in a position corresponding to the one shown in Figure 9. Fig. The leak sensor 142a corresponds to the drain 42 shown in Figure 1. The leak sensor 142a serves to detect the presence of fluid flowing into a part 27a of the stroke chamber 27, which corresponds to a proximal end part 26a of the piston 26. In other words, in this embodiment, the bushing is designed such that the leak sensor 142a detects fluid leaking from the inner passage 20 instead of being drained via the drain 42.
[0070] Furthermore, a through hole 105, as in Fig. Figure 9 shows a through-hole 105 formed in part 27a of the stroke chamber 27 to communicate with the outside of the bushing 10a. During operation, the through-hole 105 serves to prevent air compression in part 27a of the stroke chamber 27 when the proximal end 26a of the piston 26 slides on part 27a of the stroke chamber 27. In other words, the through-hole 105 helps the proximal end 26a to slide within part 27a of the stroke chamber 27.
[0071] Furthermore, the nozzle opening 46 of the casting nozzle 43, as shown in the Fig. 9 to 11, which can be removed, are arranged on the rear side of the bushing 10a. As is known, the bushing 10a is generally arranged such that the inner passage 20 extends horizontally. With this arrangement of the bushing 10a, the nozzle opening 46 of the casting nozzle 43 opens laterally into the cleaning chamber 25a. It should be clear that by adopting the above arrangement, the ingress of foreign materials, such as dust, into the casting nozzle 43 through the nozzle opening 46 can be suppressed compared to an arrangement in which the nozzle opening 46 opens upwards.
[0072] Furthermore, sealing elements 106, 107, as in Fig.Figure 9 shows sealing elements 106 and 107 arranged on the outer surrounding surface of the piston 26 and on the inner surrounding surface of the housing component 15, respectively. These sealing elements serve to prevent air from leaking or escaping during the sliding of the piston 26. Preferably, these sealing elements 106 and 107 are designed with X-shaped areas. In this case, it is possible to prevent air from escaping while maintaining the sliding performance of the piston 26, compared to a case where the sealing elements are O-rings. Description of the terms 10 sockets 11 Front cover 12, 13, 14, 15 Housing component 14a Step section 15a annular depression 15b forward-facing end 16 rear cover 16a ring-shaped projection 16b Hole 17 Side flange (mounting for a bracket plate) 18 Mounting plate 19 recording 20 inner passage 21 Bellows bracket 21' lifting chamber for bellows bracket 22 proximal end adapter 22a Wide area 23 bellows 24-step section 25 cast rings 25a Cleaning chamber 26 pistons 27 lifting chamber 28 Inlet / Outlet Channel 28, 29 Inlet / Outlet nozzles 31, 32 bolts 33 Connecting rod 35 Carrier plate (carrier) 38 spring 39 first valve body (valve mechanism of the line) 39c Carrier shaft (carrier) 40 Connection hole (valve mechanism of the line) 41 First valve seat (valve mechanism of the line) 42 Drainage 43 shower nozzle 46 Nozzle opening 47 Sealing part 50 drainage holes 51, 52 Position sensor 55 Reference marking 58 spring 59 second valve body 60 connection hole 70 connection 71 forward-facing connecting part 71a proximal end 72a, 72b Double nut 73 Connecting collars 73a proximal end flange 74 inner spacer 74a flange 74b proximal end 75 Connection flange (flange) 75a Step section 75b Hole 76 bolts 77 second valve seat 78 inner passage 81 ring-shaped protrusion 82 ring-shaped depressions 105 Through hole 106, 107 Sealing element 142a Leak sensor
Claims
[1] Socket (10) for a coupling device for fluid transfer (5), which connects the socket (10) and a connection (70) to each other, whereby corresponding flow paths in the socket (10) and the connection (70) are connected to each other, comprising: a fastening (17) for a support plate (18), arrangeable on the support plate (18) and on one end of the socket (10), on which a receptacle (19) of the socket (10) is formed, which allows the terminal (70) to be inserted therein; and a support for supporting the bushing (10), the support comprising a support plate (35) fixed to another end of the bushing (10), and a support plate (39c) connecting the support plate (35) to the support plate (18) arranged on the attachment (17) for the support plate (18), wherein the socket (10) further comprises a bellows (23), a bellows holder (21) for supporting the bellows (23), and a shower ring (25) fastened to the bellows (23), these being arranged in a housing (12, 13, 14, 15) so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the housing (12, 13, 14, 15), wherein the bellows (23) has a line valve mechanism arranged in the shower ring (25), wherein the shower ring (25), which contains a cross-sectionally annular cleaning chamber (25a), can admit a head region of the connector (70) to be connected to the socket (10), wherein the connector (70) has a line valve mechanism corresponding to the line valve mechanism arranged in the shower ring (25), wherein the shower ring (25) has a line valve mechanism arranged in the center of the cleaning chamber (25a). arranged sealing part (47) and a nozzle opening (46) formed in a side wall of the cleaning chamber (25a) and extending tangentially thereto, wherein the housing (12,13, 14, 15) comprises a shower nozzle (43) arranged to supply the nozzle opening (46) with washing water, and a drainage hole (50) designed to drain the water away. [2] A bushing (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one position sensor (51, 52) for detecting the position of the bellows holder (21), wherein the position sensor (51, 52) is arranged in a position in which a pressure is unchangeable when the bellows holder (21) slides. [3] Bushing (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a leak sensor (142a) for detecting a leakage of fluid to be transferred through the fluid transfer coupling means (5) into a lifting chamber (27) which allows the bellows holder (21) to slide therein.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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