Working connecting device

Abstract

FIELD: liquid transportation.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to working connecting devices (1) of systems for connecting and distributing a fluid medium (900). A working connecting device (1) is proposed, located along the axis (XX) and including: i) a rigid channel element (2) located along the axis (XX), with a square cross-section including four longitudinal surfaces (25) comprising working holes (250) that can be connected with working tools (500); ii) at least one fastening element (3) that can engage with the rigid channel element (2) for fixing it on the supporting wall. Said fastening element (3) comprises a main part (4) connected to the supporting wall, and a gripping part (5) which comprises two ends of the part 54', 54'', fixed on the base (4), and the area of the housing (52), located along the axis (XX), in which the rigid channel element (2) is located. The gripping part (5) has such a shape that the area of the housing (52) has a shape repeating the contours of the square section of the rigid channel element (2), so that the two longitudinal surfaces (25) are facing the supporting wall, and the two longitudinal surfaces (25) are facing outward.EFFECT: improved performance.10 cl, 9 dwg

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to working connecting devices for a fluid connection and distribution system.

[0002] Fluid connection and distribution systems are typically used in production settings, such as at workstations on an assembly line. These fluid connection and distribution systems are used to power pneumatic tools, such as screwdrivers and / or assembly tools. These fluid connection and distribution systems are used to power workstations or specific parts of workstations that are considered pneumatic tools.

[0003] Known systems for connecting and distributing fluids comprise one or more rigid conduits, such as a line or circuit, through which compressed air is supplied. The term "air" refers to any type of gas or technical fluid, such as nitrogen, argon, CO2 mixtures, or similar gases, as well as industrial oils and their emulsions. The term "compressed air" refers to both positive pressure and negative pressure (i.e., reduced pressure / vacuum).

[0004] Similar fluid connection and distribution systems are intended to supply pneumatic energy to the specified pneumatic tools.

[0005] In addition, it is known that the said rigid channels are located at a certain height in such a way as not to clutter the workspace.

[0006] The prior art involves connecting pneumatic tools to the ducts via special connectors hanging vertically from above. Such connecting elements are known as "pendants" in Italian professional parlance.

[0007] A typical problem with these connector groups is their complex and inconvenient connection methods to work tools. Specifically, this problem is primarily present in the terminal portion of these connector groups.

[0008] Sometimes there are two sets of connectors combined, one of which supplies compressed air, while the other is a source of negative pressure air.

[0009] Sometimes a group of connectors for supplying compressed air and a group of connectors for supplying a cooling water-oil emulsion to a cutting tool, for example, to power a machine tool or a work station, are combined.

[00010] The object of the present invention is to provide a working connection device that will meet the requirements of a particular industrial sector while solving the above-mentioned problems.

[00011] This object is achieved by the working connection device described in claim 1. The claims dependent thereon describe preferred embodiments that provide additional advantageous characteristics.

[00012] The subject matter of the present invention is described in detail below with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00013] - In Fig.1 is a perspective view of a portion of a fluid connection and distribution system including a working connector according to the present invention;

[00014] - Fig. 2' and 2" are two mutually perpendicular views, a side view and a front view, respectively, of the fluid connection and distribution system in Fig. 1;

[00015] - Fig. 3 and 3a are a perspective view and a perspective view of individual portions, respectively, of a working connector according to the present invention according to a preferred embodiment;

[00016] - Fig. 4 and 4a are a perspective view and a perspective view of individual portions, respectively, of a working connector according to the present invention according to another preferred embodiment;

[00017] - Fig. 5 is a perspective view of individual portions of a fastening element of a working connector according to a preferred embodiment;

[00018] - Fig.6 is a perspective view of individual portions of a fastening element of a working connection device according to another preferred embodiment;

[00019] In the figures above, the serial number 1 denotes the working connection device 1 as a whole according to the present invention.

[00020] The working connection device 1 may be part of a system for connecting and distributing a fluid 900.

[00021] Said system for connecting and distributing a fluid 900 comprises one or more rigid channels 950.

[00022] Preferably, said connecting and distributing system also comprises separate connecting elements 960 capable of connecting to two consecutive elements of the rigid channels.

[00023] Preferably, said connecting means 960 also comprise valve elements and levers or control handles.

[00024] Preferably, the types, sizes and characteristics of the connecting means do not limit the present invention.

[00025] According to a preferred embodiment, the system for connecting and distributing fluid 900 can be realized in the form of a ring structure or combined into a process line.

[00026] According to the present invention, the working connecting device 1 is located along the axis XX.

[00027] According to the present invention, said axis XX runs substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the medium of the working connecting device 1. In other words, it runs along the supporting wall to which it is fixed. It is preferable that a "suspension" is formed in this way. It is preferable that the working connecting device 1 is the end part of the "suspension".

[00028] It is preferable that the term "supporting wall" refers to a surface that is located substantially vertically and can support the working connecting device 1. It is preferable that the supporting wall is a masonry wall in the working room.It is preferable that the supporting wall is a machine surface or a structure surface or a structural profile surface.

[00029] According to the present invention, the working connecting device 1 comprises a rigid channel element 2 and at least one fastening element 3.

[00030] According to the present invention, the rigid channel element 2 is located along the axis XX.

[00031] The rigid channel element 2 is located between the connecting end 21 and the working end 22.

[00032] According to the present invention, the connecting end 21 can be fixed on the rigid channel 950. It is preferable that the connecting end 21 can be fixed on the rigid channel 950 by means of the connecting element 960.

[00033] According to a preferred embodiment, the working end 22 can be fixed on one or more working tools, for example on a pneumatic tool.

[00034] Furthermore, the rigid channel element 2 has a square cross-section consisting of four longitudinal surfaces 25.

[00035] Said longitudinal surfaces 25 contain working openings 250 connected to working tools 500. It is preferable that the working tools include pressure measuring tools or pneumatic tools without any specific limitations. For example, the term "working tool" 500 also refers to individual components of the machine. For example, the term "working tool" 500 refers to connecting components to which specific tools can be connected.

[00036] According to a preferred embodiment, said working openings 250 are threaded openings.

[00037] The type, location and dimensions of the working openings 250 do not limit the present invention.

[00038] According to a preferred embodiment, the rigid channel element 2 comprises a housing 20 made of a metallic material, preferably by pressing.

[00039] It is preferable that said housing 20 has the same shape as the rigid channels 950 contained in the system for connecting and distributing the fluid 900.

[00040] According to a preferred embodiment, the rigid channel element 2 comprises end caps 201, 202 at the connecting end 21 and at the working end 22. It is preferable that the end caps 201, 202 ensure the sealing of the housing 20.

[00041] It is preferable that the housing 20 and the end caps 201, 202 form an internal chamber 200. Said internal chamber 200 contains compressed air.

[00042] According to a preferred embodiment, said end caps can be connected via a fluid medium to other components, such as connecting elements 960 or working tools 500 or to pneumatic tools.

[00043] According to a preferred embodiment, the rigid channel element 2 in the region of each corner formed by the two longitudinal surfaces 25 comprises a groove 26.

[00044] Preferably, said groove 26 can be used to connect the working tools 500 in accordance with what has been described above.

[00045] Preferably, each groove 26 is joined in a dovetail shape.

[00046] Again, it is emphasized that it is preferable that said housing 20 has the same shape, including the presence of grooves 26, as the rigid channels 950 contained in the system for connecting and distributing the fluid 900.

[00047] According to the present invention, at least one fastening element 3 can engage with the rigid channel element 2 for fastening it to the supporting wall. In other words, the fastening element 3 can provide a fastening of the rigid channel element 2 that can be mounted to the supporting wall.

[00048] According to the present invention, the fastening element 3 comprises a main part 4 that is fastened to the supporting wall, and a gripping part 5 that grips the main part 4 and can grip the rigid channel element 2, preferably its body 20.

[00049] The gripping part 5 contains two ends of the part 54', 54", which can be connected to the main part 4 and to the area of ​​the housing 52 located along the axis XX, in which the element of the rigid channel 2 is located.

[00050] In addition, the gripping part 5 has such a shape that the area of ​​the housing 52 has a shape repeating the contours of the square section of the element of the rigid channel 2.

[00051] In other words, the gripping portion 5 has such a shape that the region of the housing 52, due to its shape, is located on the axis XX in the part of the perimeter of the housing 20.

[00052] Again, in other words, the gripping portion 5 has such a shape that the region of the housing 52 has a substantially annular shape.

[00053] The gripping portion 5 also has such a shape that the two longitudinal surfaces 25 face the supporting wall, while the two longitudinal surfaces 25 face outward for their equal accessibility.

[00054] In other words, the gripping portion 5 has such a shape that the angle formed between the two longitudinal surfaces 25 is located closer to the supporting wall, while the other angle formed by the two longitudinal surfaces 25 is located at a distance from the supporting wall; the other two edges are at an intermediate distance from the supporting wall in relation to the above-mentioned angles.

[00055] It is preferable that the fastening element 3 has such a shape that the element of the rigid channel 2 is held at a given distance from the supporting wall. It is preferable that the longitudinal surfaces 25 facing the supporting wall can also be fixed on the working tools 500.

[00056] According to a preferred embodiment, the working connecting device 1 comprises at least two fastening elements 3 located at a distance from each other along the axis XX.

[00057] It is preferable that one fastening element 3 is located near the connecting end 21, while the other fastening element 3 is located near the working end 22.

[00058] According to a preferred embodiment, the main part 4 comprises two engaging parts 44', 44", protruding in height, with which the ends of the part 54', 54", respectively, are connected.

[00059] According to a preferred embodiment, the main part 4 comprises a flat base that can be fixed to a supporting wall. It is preferable that the two engaging portions 44', 44" protrude from said flat base.

[00060] It is preferable that the two engaging portions 44', 44" are transversely facing each other and can be mutually tightened at the ends of the portion 54', 54" by means of a tightening mechanism 6.

[00061] It is preferable that said tightening mechanism 6 comprises screw / bolt elements.

[00062] It is preferable that tightening of the tightening mechanism 6 results in mutual engagement in the transverse direction between the two engaging portions 44', 44" and between the ends of the portion 54', 54".

[00063] According to a preferred embodiment, said engagement also results in a tightening action on the element of the rigid channel 2, acting on the longitudinal surfaces 25.

[00064] In other words, the tightening action by means of the tightening mechanism 6 includes an engaging action in the gripping region 52 on the element of the rigid channel 2, preferably on the longitudinal surfaces 25, preferably on all four longitudinal surfaces 25.

[00065] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening element 3, in particular the main part 4 and the gripping element 5, are made of metal, preferably of a metal alloy, for example aluminum.

[00066] According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping part 5 is made of a metal of a special shape or treatment, for example from a sheet or strip of a metallic material.

[00067] According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping part 5 is made using a special pressed metal.

[00068] According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping portion 5, preferably in the region of the gripping portion 52, has a shape that includes at least one projection 56 that can accommodate a corresponding groove of the dovetail 26.

[00069] Preferably, the gripping portion 5, preferably in the region of the housing 52, has a shape that includes at least three projections 56 that could be accommodated in a corresponding groove 26.

[00070] Preferably, the tightening action can also disengage the engagement in said grooves 26.

[00071] The novelty of the working connecting device lies in the fact that it solves the problems of the existing prior art, while continuing to meet the requirements of the field of application.

[00072] Advantageously, the working connecting device arranges the rigid channel element in a position relative to the supporting wall that allows simple and safe access to the working openings.

[00073] The advantage is that the two longitudinal surfaces are completely facing outward.

[00074] The advantage is that the two longitudinal surfaces are equally accessible.

[00075] The advantage is that the channel element has a plurality of easily accessible areas to which pneumatic tools are attached: the working end and the two longitudinal surfaces provide simple and sufficient access.

[00076] The advantage is that the two longitudinal surfaces facing the supporting wall can be used.

[00077] The advantage is that the rigid channel element is rigidly fixed to the supporting wall at its location.

[00078] The advantage is that the fastening performs the fixation of the rigid channel element by fastening on the longitudinal surfaces and, possibly, in grooves.

[00079] With regard to the implementation of the connecting system, which is the subject of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may, in accordance with specific requirements, use various variants or replace elements with functionally equivalent ones. These variants are included within the scope of protection defined by the present claims.

[00080] Moreover, each variant described as a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of the other described variants.

[00081] It is understood that a person skilled in the art can make changes to the invention to ensure compliance with the existing requirements, all of these changes fall within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A working connecting device (1) of a system for connecting and distributing a fluid medium (900), comprising one or more rigid channels (950) mutually connected by means of a fluid medium through which air flows, wherein the working connecting device (1) is located along the axis (XX) and comprises: i) a rigid channel element (2) located along the axis (XX) between the connecting end (21), which can engage with the rigid channel (950), and the working end (22), in which the rigid channel element (2) has a square cross-section including four longitudinal surfaces (25) containing working holes (250), which can be connected with working tools (500); ii) at least one fastening element (3) suitable for engagement with the rigid channel element (2) for securing it to the supporting wall, wherein the fastening element (3) comprises: the main part (4), connected to the supporting wall; a gripping part (5) comprising two ends of the part (54', 54'') connected to the base (4) and a region of the housing (52) located along the axis (XX) in which the rigid channel element (2) is located; wherein the gripping part (5) has such a shape that the region of the body (52) has a shape repeating the contours of the square section of the rigid channel element (2), so that the two longitudinal surfaces (25) are facing the supporting wall, and the two longitudinal surfaces (25) are facing outward.

2. A working connecting device (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least two fastening elements (3) located at a distance from each other along the axis (XX).

3. A working connecting device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the main part (4) comprises two engaging parts (44', 44'') projecting in height, with which the ends of the part (54', 54''), respectively, are connected.

4. The working connecting device (1) according to claim 3, in which two engaging parts (44', 44'') are transversely facing each other and can be mutually tightened at the ends of the part (54', 54'') by means of a tightening mechanism (6), preferably comprising screw / bolt elements, so that they converge transversely.

5. The working connecting device (1) according to claim 4, in which the tightening action of the tightening mechanism (6) includes an engaging action in the gripping area (52) on the rigid channel element (2), preferably on its longitudinal surfaces (25).

6. A working connecting device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the fastening element (3), in particular the main part (4) and the gripping parts (5), are made of metal, preferably of a metal alloy material.

7. A working connecting device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the rigid channel element (2) comprises a body (20) made of a metallic material, preferably by pressing, and end caps (201, 202) at the connecting end (21) and the working end (22), in which the body (20) and the end caps (201, 202) form an internal chamber (200).

8. A working connecting device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the rigid channel element (2) in the region of each edge between the two longitudinal surfaces (25) contains grooves (26), which are preferably used for securing working tools.

9. The working connecting device (1) according to claim 8, in which the grooves (26) have a dovetail shape.

10. A working connecting device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, in which the gripping part (5), preferably in the region of the housing (52), has a shape including at least one projection (56), preferably at least three projections (56), which could be accommodated in the corresponding groove (26).

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