Operation connection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operational connection device (1) of a connection and fluid distribution system (900). The operational connection device (1) extends along an axis (XX). The operational connection device (1) comprises i) a rigid flow path element (2) having a rectangular portion with four longitudinal sides (25) having operational holes (250) engageable by an operating means (500), and ii) at least one bracket element (3) suitable for engaging with the rigid flow path element (2) to fix the rigid flow path element (2) to a support wall. The bracket element (3) comprises a base member (4) engageable with the support wall, and a gripping member (5), the gripping member (5) having two member ends (54', 54") engaged with the base (4) and a housing region (52) extending around an axis (XX) in which the rigid flow path element (2) is housed. The gripping member (5) is formed such that the housing region (52) has a shape substantially complementary to the rectangular portion of the rigid flow path element (2), with the two long sides (25) arranged facing the support wall and the two long sides (25) arranged facing the environment.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating connection device for a connection and fluidic distribution system. [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, connection and fluid distribution systems are used within a work environment, such as a workstation on an assembly line. Such connection and fluid distribution systems are used to service pneumatically operated equipment, such as screwdrivers, inserters, etc. Such connection and fluid distribution systems may also be used to service the same workstation or specific parts of a workstation, which workstations may also be considered pneumatically operated equipment.

[0003] Known connection and fluid distribution systems comprise one or more rigid flow passages, e.g., straight or ring-shaped, through which pressurized air flows. The term "air" refers to any kind of gas or industrial fluid, such as a mixture of nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or industrial oils and their emulsions. The term "pressurized air" refers to both positive and negative pressure (i.e. reduced pressure / vacuum).

[0004] Such a connection and distribution system is intended to supply air pressure to the above-mentioned pneumatically operated devices.

[0005] It is also known that the rigid flow passages are positioned within the raised areas in such a manner as to limit disturbance within the operational working area.

[0006] In the prior art, to connect the flow passages to the pneumatically operated equipment, specific connections are used which run vertically from above, said connection elements also called "droppers" in Italian jargon. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A typical problem with the above-mentioned connection groups is that the connection mode of the working means is complicated and especially inconvenient, especially this problem is mainly observed at the end parts of the connection groups.

[0008] In some cases, the two connection groups are arranged such that one of the two connection groups supplies pressurized air and the other supplies air under negative pressure.

[0009] In some cases, both a connection group for supplying compressed air and a connection group for supplying a water-oil emulsion for cooling the cutting tool are arranged, for example, on a machine or a workstation.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention aims to provide an operational connection device adapted to meet the requirements of a particular field, thereby solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0011] This object is achieved by an operating connection device according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe variants of the preferred embodiment which contain further advantageous aspects.

[0012] The object of the invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a connection and fluid distribution system including an operational connection device according to the present invention; [Figure 2-1] FIG. 2' is a side view of two orthogonal views of the connection and fluid distribution system of FIG. [Figure 2-2] FIG. 2″ is a front view of two orthogonal views of the connection and fluid distribution system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of an operational connection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3a] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the operational connection device of FIG. 3 with the parts separated. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operational connection device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4a] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the operational connection device of FIG. 4 with the parts separated. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a bracket element of the operational connection device according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a bracket element of an operational connection device according to another preferred embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] In the above figures, reference number 1 indicates as a whole an operating connection device 1 according to the present invention.

[0015] The operational connection device 1 is configured to be part of a connection and fluid distribution system 900 .

[0016] The connection and fluid distribution system 900 includes one or more rigid channels 950 .

[0017] Preferably, the above connection and fluid distribution system further comprises a specific connection element 960 configured to connect two consecutive rigid flow path elements.

[0018] Preferably, said connection means 960 also comprises a valve member and a control lever or handle.

[0019] Preferably, the invention is not limited by the type, size and characteristics of the connection means.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection and fluid distribution system 900 is suitable for implementation in a ring configuration or an in-line configuration.

[0021] According to the invention, the operational connection device 1 extends along the axis XX.

[0022] According to the invention, said axis XX extends substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the environment in which the operational connection device 1 is placed. In other words, the axis XX extends along the support wall to which the operational connection device 1 is attached. Preferably, in this way a "dropper" is obtained. Preferably, the operational connection device 1 is the end of a "dropper".

[0023] Preferably, the term "support wall" refers to a surface that extends substantially vertically and is suitable for supporting the operational connection device 1. Preferably, the support wall is a stone wall of the environment. Preferably, the support wall is a surface of a machine, or a surface of a structure, or a surface of the contour of a structure.

[0024] According to the invention, the operational connection device 1 comprises a rigid flow path element 2 and at least one bracket element 3 .

[0025] According to the invention, the rigid flow path element 2 extends along an axis XX.

[0026] The rigid flowpath element 2 extends between a connecting end 21 and a working end 22 .

[0027] According to the present invention, the coupling end 21 is engagable with the rigid channel 950. Preferably, the coupling end 21 is engagable with the rigid channel 950 by a connecting element 960.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the working end 22 is engageable with one or more working means, such as pneumatically operated devices.

[0029] Furthermore, the rigid flowpath element 2 has a square section with four longitudinal surfaces 25 .

[0030] Said longitudinal surface 25 comprises an operation hole 250 which can be engaged by an operating means 500. Preferably, the term "operating means" refers to, but is not limited to, a pressure measuring device or a device operated by air pressure. For example, the term "operating means 500" refers to a specific part of a machine. For example, the term "operating means 500" refers to a connection part which can be engaged by a specific device.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the operating hole 250 is a screw hole.

[0032] The type, position, and size of the operation hole 250 do not limit the present invention.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the rigid flowpath element 2 comprises a body 20 made of metallic material, preferably obtained by extrusion.

[0034] Preferably, the body 20 has the same shape as the rigid channel 950 provided in the connection and fluid distribution system 900 .

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the rigid flow path element 2 comprises end caps 201, 202 provided at the connecting end 21 and the working end 22. Preferably, the end caps 201, 202 are in close engagement with the body 20.

[0036] Preferably, the body 20 and the end caps 201, 202 define an interior chamber 200. Said interior chamber 200 contains pressurized air.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, said end caps are fluidly connectable with other components, such as for example the connecting element 960, or the working means 500, or a pneumatically operated device.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the rigid flowpath element 2 is provided with a groove 26 in each of the corner regions provided between the two longitudinal faces 25 .

[0039] Preferably, said groove 26 is available for attachment of a working implement 500 as described above.

[0040] Preferably, each groove 26 is dovetail-shaped.

[0041] Again, preferably, the body 20 described above has the same shape as the rigid flow passage 900 provided within the connection and fluid distribution system 900, including the presence of the grooves 26.

[0042] According to the invention, at least one bracket element 3 is configured to engage with the rigid flowpath element 2 for fixing the rigid flowpath element 2 to a support wall. In other words, the bracket element 3 is configured to provide a fixed support for the rigid flowpath element 2, a support that can be mounted on a support wall.

[0043] According to the present invention, the bracket block 3 comprises a base member 4 engageable with a support wall and a gripping member 5 engaging with the base member 4, the gripping member 5 being configured to surround a rigid flow path element 2, preferably a main body 20.

[0044] The gripping member 5 has two member ends 54 ′, 54 ″ engageable with the base 4 and a housing region 52 extending around the axis XX, the rigid flow path element 2 being housed in the housing region 52 .

[0045] Furthermore, the gripping member 5 is formed such that the housing region 52 has a shape that is substantially complementary to the rectangular portion of the rigid flowpath element 2 .

[0046] In other words, the grip member 5 is formed such that the housing region 52 is shaped to extend around the axis XX of the peripheral portion of the main body 20 .

[0047] In other words, the gripping member 5 is formed such that the housing region 52 has a substantially annular shape.

[0048] In addition, to provide equal accessibility, the gripping member 5 is formed such that two long sides 25 are arranged facing the support wall, while two long sides 25 are arranged facing the environment.

[0049] In other words, the gripping member 5 is formed such that one corner of the two elongated faces 25 is proximal to the support wall, while another corner of the two elongated faces 25 is distal from the support wall, and the other two edges are at an intermediate distance from the support wall relative to the aforementioned edge.

[0050] Preferably, the bracket element 3 is shaped to maintain the rigid flowpath element 2 at a predetermined distance from the support wall. Preferably, the longitudinal surface 25 facing the support wall is engageable by an operating tool 500.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the operational connection device 1 comprises at least two bracket elements 3 axially spaced apart from one another along the axis XX.

[0052] Preferably, one of the bracket elements 3 is located proximal to the connecting end 21 while the other of the bracket elements 3 is located proximal to the working end 22 .

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the base member 4 comprises two engagement portions 44', 44" extending in the height direction. The two engagement portions 44', 44" are engageable by member ends 54', 54", respectively.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the base member 4 comprises a planar base configured to engage with a support wall. Preferably, two engagement portions 44', 44'' extend from said planar base.

[0055] Preferably, the two engagement portions 44 ′, 44 ″ are laterally opposite one another and are mutually clampable together with the member ends 54 ′, 54 ″ by the clamping means 6 .

[0056] Preferably, said fastening means 6 comprise screw / bolt elements.

[0057] Preferably, tightening of the tightening means 6 results in a mutual clamping in the lateral direction between the two engagement portions 44', 44" and thus between the two member ends 54', 54".

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the clamp provides a clamping action against the rigid flowpath element 2 and also against the longitudinal surface 25 .

[0059] In other words, the clamping action by the clamping means 6 involves a clamping action of the gripping area 52 against the rigid flow path element 2 , preferably against the longitudinal surfaces 25 , preferably against all four longitudinal surfaces 25 .

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the bracket element 3, in particular the base member 4 and the gripping member 5, are made of metal, preferably of a material selected from metal alloys, for example aluminium.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping member 5 is obtained using a specially shaped or processed metal, for example obtained from a sheet of metal material or a strip of metal material.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping member 5 is obtained using a specially extruded metal.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping member 5 is preferably formed such that the gripping area 52 comprises at least one protrusion 56 configured to be received in each of the dovetail grooves 26 .

[0064] Preferably, the gripping member 5 is formed such that the housing region 52 comprises at least three projections 56 adapted to be received in the grooves 26 respectively.

[0065] Preferably, the clamping action is adapted to bring about an action in the groove 26 as well.

[0066] Innovatively, the operational connection device is adapted to solve the problems of the prior art while still meeting the requirements of the technical field of the present application.

[0067] Advantageously, in fact, the operational connection device positions the rigid flow path element relative to the support wall in a position that allows easy and safe access to the operational hole.

[0068] Advantageously, the two long faces are completely facing the environment.

[0069] Advantageously, the two long sides have similar accessibility.

[0070] Advantageously, the flow path element has multiple easily accessible areas where pneumatically actuated instruments may be mounted, with the working end and two long sides all being easily and fully accessible.

[0071] Advantageously, two surfaces facing the support wall are available.

[0072] Advantageously, the positioning of the rigid flowpath element is such that it is securely engaged with the support wall.

[0073] Advantageously, the bracket provides a clamping action against the rigid flowpath element and a locking action against the longitudinal surface, possibly within the groove.

[0074] Those skilled in the art may make modifications to the embodiments of the connection system that are the subject of the present invention or substitute functionally equivalent elements to meet their specific requirements, which modifications are also within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

[0075] Additionally, each modification described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of other modifications.

[0076] It is obvious that a person skilled in the art may make modifications to the present invention to meet unforeseen requirements, and all such modifications shall fall within the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An operational connection device (1) for a connection and fluid distribution system (900) comprising one or more rigid flow paths through which air flows, the one or more rigid flow paths being fluidly connected to one another; The operating connection device (1) extends along an axis (X-X) and i) a rigid flow path element (2) extending along the axis (X-X) between a connecting end (21) engageable with the rigid flow path (950) and a working end (22), the rigid flow path element (2) having a rectangular section with four long sides (25), the four long sides (25) being provided with operation holes (250) engageable by an operating means (500); ii) at least one bracket element (3) configured to engage with said rigid flowpath element (2) to secure said rigid flowpath element (2) to a support wall; The bracket element (3) a base member (4) engageable with said support wall; a gripping member (5) having two member ends (54', 54") that are engaged with said base member (4) and a housing area (52) that extends around said axis (A-A) and in which said rigid flow path element (2) is housed, the gripping member (5) is formed so that the housing region (52) has a shape substantially complementary to the rectangular portion of the rigid flow path element (2) and so that two of the four long sides (25) are arranged facing the support wall and the remaining two are arranged facing the environment. Operation connection device (1).

2. At least two of said bracket elements (3) are axially spaced apart from each other along said axis (X-X), An operating connection device (1) according to claim 1.

3. The base member (4) has two engagement portions (44', 44") extending in the height direction, and the two engagement portions (44', 44") are engageable with the two member ends (54', 54"), respectively. An operating connection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The two engaging portions (44', 44") are laterally opposed to each other and are fastened together with the member ends (54', 54") by fastening means (6), preferably comprising screw / bolt elements, to be laterally integrated. An operating connection device (1) according to claim 3.

5. the clamping action by the clamping means (6) involves a clamping action of the housing region (52) against the rigid flowpath element (2), preferably against the longitudinal surface (25) thereof; An operating connection device (1) according to claim 4.

6. the bracket element (3), in particular the base member (4) and the gripping member (5), are made of metal, preferably of a material selected from metal alloys; An operating connection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The rigid flow path element (2) comprises a body (20) made of a metal material, preferably a metal material obtained by extrusion molding, and end caps (201, 202) provided at the connecting end (21) and the working end (22), The body (20) and the end caps (201, 202) define an internal chamber (200). An operating connection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the rigid flow path element (2) is provided, in each edge region between two longitudinal faces (25), with a groove (26) which can be used to fasten the working means (500), An operating connection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The groove (26) is dovetail-shaped. An operating connection device (1) according to claim 8.

10. The gripping member (5) preferably has a housing area (52) comprising at least one protrusion (56), preferably at least three protrusions (56), adapted to be received in each of the grooves (26). An operating connection device (1) according to claim 8.

Images