Connection system and method for tube assembly and valve body

Abstract

Connection system (1) for tube assembly (A) and valve body (V), comprising a connecting body (2) mounted or mountable on at least one valve body (V) and a press-in locking element (3). The connecting body (2) has a plurality of slots (4) and defines an annular channel with the tube assembly (A). The locking element (3) has an annular body (5) and a plurality of lugs (6). The annular body (5) is configured to axially slide along an external surface of the tube assembly (A) and to abut a bottom wall of the annular channel. The lugs (6) are configured to deform during the sliding of the annular body (5) so as to fit within the slots (4) of the connecting body (2).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] CONNECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TUBE ASSEMBLY AND VALVE BODY

[0003] The present invention relates to a connection system and method for a tube assembly and valve body.

[0004] To date, the connection devices, used to lock the valve body with the so- called “tube assembly”, provide for a radial positioning with respect to the valve body.

[0005] For example, it is known from US 2018 / 356016 a tube hydraulic connector for a vehicle comprising: a connector body including a first through hole, into which a tube is inserted with a protrusion extending outward from the tube, a hole for the sealing o-ring on one side of the first through hole, a sealing o-ring coupled to the hole of the sealing o-ring and into which the tube is inserted, a cap coupled to the connector body to prevent the sealing o-ring from being separated from the hole of the sealing o-ring and which includes a cap groove with an open side to allow insertion of the tube through the cap groove.

[0006] Also known from US 2018 / 299051 is a connector composed of a connector body, which has at least one sleeve-type outer casing section which, seen in section, surrounds a central longitudinal axis of the connector. At least two slots are present in the outer section of the casing, which are intended to receive an end section of a locking element. The locking element is designed to lock the connector relative to a coupling connector, and a retaining element for fixing the locking element is arranged in at least one of the slots. The fixing element is designed as a shaped metal sheet and a separate fixing element is provided for each slot.

[0007] It is further known from US 2018 / 180206 A1 a tube hydraulic connector for a vehicle which may include a connector body comprising a first through hole into which a tube with an outward protrusion of the tube and a sealing o-ring groove formed on one side of the first through hole is inserted. This connector further comprises a sealing o-ring configured to be coupled to the groove of the sealing o-ring as well as a release sleeve coupled to the connector body to prevent separation of the sealing o-ring from the groove of the sealing o-ring.

[0008] Finally, it is known from EP 2535626 A1 a solenoid device in which a male threading present on an outer periphery of a guide tube is screwed into a threaded hole present in a body for fixing the guide tube to the body, and a coil-side assembled unit, formed by preliminarily assembling a spool, a coil, a magnetic frame and a cover part, is fixed to the guide tube by pressfitting the guide tube or a fixed core connected to the guide tube into the magnetic frame. In this way, the assembly of a spool, a coil, a cover portion with a coupler part and a magnetic frame on a guide tube can be performed with greater ease of work thanks to a structure with fewer components and reduced cost, and the position of the coupler part in the peripheral direction of the guide tube can be set easily and freely.

[0009] Disadvantageously, assembly technique typical of the known art is difficult to automate.

[0010] In addition, the fixing device, in order to ensure a solid fixing of the parts, needs to interact with special seats obtained in the valve body itself.

[0011] Disadvantageously, obtaining special seats in the valve body involves both an increase in costs in the production of the valve itself, which must undergo further specific processing, and the increase in costs for the manufacture of the connection devices, which must have multiple shapes and sizes depending on the type of valve used.

[0012] Alternatively, there are currently several types of closure on the market, which use a threaded closure: the threaded closure essentially comprises the use of a plurality of screws that lock the tube assembly to the valve body.

[0013] Disadvantageously, also this solution does not comprise automated mounting lines.

[0014] To date, there are also, alternatively, systems for the production of solenoid valves that provide for the automatic assembly of screws.

[0015] Disadvantageously, also these solenoid valve production systems require complex automation due to the management of multiple elements, such as screws and locking plates.

[0016] Moreover, such solutions, disadvantageously have defects that may occur randomly in the process.

[0017] The defects may be due to imperfections in the screws that may in turn affect the correct installation of the latter in their seats present on the valve body made of plastic material.

[0018] Furthermore, in such production systems it is not possible to verify the correct presence of the screws inserted in the valve body.

[0019] In other words, it is possible that component losses may occur during the process, resulting in assembly slowdowns.

[0020] Finally, it has been found that the solenoid valve production systems that provide for the automatic assembly of screws have complex mechanisms for setting the machinery used for automation and the latter present difficulties in correctly maintaining the closing forces of the screws.

[0021] Specifically, it has been observed that the threaded parts of the screws, in some cases, undergo wear.

[0022] In other cases, again due to small variations in the force parameters used for the automatic assembly of the screws, defects and / or breakages of the seats obtained on the valve body were found.

[0023] The technical task of the present invention is therefore to make available a connection system and method for tube assembly and valve body which are able to overcome the prior-art drawbacks which have emerged.

[0024] The object of the present invention is therefore to make available a connection system and method for a tube assembly and valve body that provides an automated assembly line.

[0025] A further object of the present invention is therefore to make available a connection system and method for the tube assembly and valve body that allows an extremely compact valve to be obtained. A further object of the present invention is therefore to provide a connection system and method for a tube assembly and valve body that envisages low production costs.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is therefore to make available a connection system and method for the tube assembly and valve body that is irreversible and that can therefore make it impossible for third parties to tamper with the valve.

[0027] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and thus non-limiting, description of an embodiment of a connection system and method for a tube assembly and valve body.

[0028] Such description will be set forth herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for merely indicative and therefore nonlimiting purposes, wherein:

[0029] - figures 1 -5 are schematic representations of front sections of a possible embodiment of the connection system for a tube assembly and valve body V, during the various assembly steps.

[0030] With reference to the attached figures, the connection system for tube assembly A and valve body V has been indicated as a whole as connection system 1 .

[0031] The connection system 1 comprises a connecting body 2 mounted or mountable on at least one valve body V.

[0032] According to a possible embodiment, the connecting body 2 is integrated with the valve body V.

[0033] In other words, the connecting body 2 is itself obtained from the valve body V.

[0034] The connecting body 2 has a plurality of slots 4 and defines, in a use configuration, an annular channel with the tube assembly A.

[0035] The slots 4 can have different sizes and shapes depending on the need and use of the valve body V.

[0036] The slots 4 are preferably evenly distributed along the circumferential development of the connecting body 2 or of the upper face of the valve body V itself if the two are made as one piece.

[0037] The number of slots 4 present also depends on the need to ensure a secure locking between the valve body V and the tube assembly A.

[0038] The annular channel that is created between the connecting body 2 and the tube assembly A defines a seat for the insertion of a locking element.

[0039] The connection system 1 in fact also comprises a press-in locking element 3.

[0040] The locking element 3 has an annular body 5 configured to axially slide along an external surface of the tube assembly A and to abut a bottom wall of the annular channel of the connecting body 2.

[0041] The locking element 3 also has a plurality of lugs 6, radially arranged along the annular body 5, configured to deform during the sliding of the annular body 5 so as to fit within the slots 4 of the connecting body 2.

[0042] Advantageously, the locking element 3 is particularly compact with the valve body V and the tube assembly A, reducing its overall spatial footprint.

[0043] As for the slots 4, the lugs 6 can have different sizes and shapes depending on the need and use of the valve body V.

[0044] The number of the lugs 6 present on the annular body 5 of the locking element 3 mainly depends on the number of slots 4 present on the connecting body 2. In the attached figures a locking element 3 is shown having an embodiment with four lugs 6.

[0045] Preferably, the lugs 6 are equally spaced from each other along the annular body 5 of the locking element 3.

[0046] Advantageously, the equally spaced lugs 6 make it possible to distribute the pressure force, necessary for the connection system 1 to lock the valve body V to the tube assembly A, evenly over the circumference of the connecting body 2.

[0047] According to a possible embodiment, the locking element 3 has a substantially conical profile. Advantageously, the conical profile determined by the inclined portion connecting the annular body 5 to the plurality of lugs 6, favours the rapid fitting of the locking element 3 within the connecting body 2.

[0048] Preferably, the locking element 3 is made by means of a deep drawing technique.

[0049] Alternatively, the locking element 3 can be made through a “shear and bend” mould means, simplifying the obtaining of the locking element 3 through shearing and cold plastic deformation.

[0050] Thanks to these techniques it is possible to lower the production costs of the connection system 1 for the valve body V and tube assembly A.

[0051] The locking element 3 is made of a material and / or shape more flexible than the tube assembly A.

[0052] Advantageously, the tube assembly A is non-deformable with respect to the valve body V or the connection system 1 .

[0053] Preferably, the locking element 3 is made at least partially of plastic material, more precisely of technopolymer.

[0054] According to a possible preferred embodiment, the connecting body 2 has a groove 8 defined in the bottom wall of the annular channel and comprising an o-ring 7.

[0055] The o-ring 7 is placed, in use, in the groove 8 so that it is interposed between the connecting body 2 and the tube assembly A.

[0056] The o-ring 7 is configured to deform, by pressure during the abutment of the annular body 5 against the valve body V, to create a recovery of play adapted to allow the plurality of lugs 6 of the locking element 3 to fit in the slots 4 of the valve body V.

[0057] The present invention also makes available a method of assembling the connection system 1 for tube assembly A and valve body V, made according to one or more of the above technical characteristics.

[0058] The method involves four main steps shown in five different sequences from figures 1 -5.

[0059] The first step consists of bringing the tube assembly A closer to the valve body V so as to achieve a contact and a geometric correspondence between the tube assembly A and a connecting body 2 mounted or mountable on the valve body V.

[0060] The second step involves inserting, by axially sliding, the locking element 3 along an external surface of the tube assembly A so as to abut the annular channel of the connecting body 2 of the valve body V.

[0061] The third step consists in exerting an axial pressure of the locking element 3 such as to deform the plurality of lugs 6.

[0062] Preferably, the bending of the lugs 6 is carried out towards the inside of the valve body V by means of a special tool.

[0063] Finally, the fourth step involves fitting the plurality of lugs 6 in the slots 4 of the valve body V and the consequent plastic expansion of the lugs 6.

[0064] In other words, as the pressure increases, the lug is progressively pressed into the annular channel between the two planes of the connecting body 2 and the tube assembly A.

[0065] The plane of the tube assembly A is the constraint that prevents the lugs 6 from bending back inwards and nullifying the connection between the valve body V and the tube assembly A.

[0066] Advantageously, the method of assembling the connection system 1 for tube assembly A and valve body V is easy to reproduce and immediately implement.

[0067] Through the use of pressure alone, the valve is immediately locked using the locking element 3.

[0068] Advantageously, the method provides for an automatic mounting through several stations of an automatic line.

[0069] The automatic line preferably comprises at least one press used to exert the appropriate pressure on the connection system 1 .

[0070] The mounting is accelerated and consequently the assembly of the valve is economically advantageous.

[0071] Preferably, the method also provides for a step of placing a deformable o- ring 7 between the tube assembly A and the valve body V in a groove 8 of the connecting body 2.

[0072] The pressure exerted on the o-ring 7 during the insertion of the locking element 3 results in the play necessary for the correct placing of the lugs 6 within the slots 4 of the valve body V.

[0073] The subsequent expansion of the o-ring 7 constrains the lug of the locking element 3 between the plane of the slot and that of the tube assembly A, cancelling the axial play to ensure a solid locking of the tube assembly A in a perpendicular position.

[0074] Advantageously, the expansion of the o-ring 7 ensures sealing by pressure.

[0075] The connection system 1 , preferably, is mounted on valves that do not provide for a subsequent disconnection of the parts.

[0076] Some examples of valves on which it is preferable to use the present invention are disposable valves.

[0077] In other words, the connection system 1 once mounted between the valve body V and the tube assembly A is definitive and irreversible.

[0078] The customer will not be able to open the valve without damaging the connection system 1 or the valve itself.

[0079] Advantageously, this connection system 1 also performs a guarantee function, assuring the owner that there has been no tampering after mounting the valve.

[0080] According to a possible embodiment, the method provides for a step of orienting and aligning, through a special compass, the plurality of lugs 6 of the locking element 3 at the slots 4 of the connecting body 2.

[0081] Advantageously, the orientation and centring of the lugs 6 allow to distribute the pressure on equal and opposite sections, avoiding possible damage to the components of the connection system 1 .

[0082] Advantageously, the present invention makes available a connection system 1 and method for tube assembly A and valve body V that are able to overcome the drawbacks arising from the prior art.

[0083] Advantageously, the present invention speeds up the mounting of the valve by providing the opportunity to insert the connection system 1 into an automated assembly line.

[0084] Advantageously, the present invention allows to obtain an extremely compact valve.

[0085] Advantageously, the present invention provides for low production costs. Advantageously, the present invention makes tampering with the valve by third parties impossible.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Connection system (1 ) between a tube assembly (A) and a valve body (V), comprising:- a connecting body (2) integrated to said valve body (V), said connecting body (2) having a plurality of slots (4) and defining, in a use configuration, an annular channel with said tube assembly (A); and- a press-in locking element (3) having:- an annular body (5) configured to axially slide along an external surface of said tube assembly (A) and to abut a bottom wall of said annular channel of said connecting body (2); and- a plurality of lugs (6), radially arranged along said annular body (5), configured to deform during said sliding of the annular body (5) so as to fit within said slots (4) of the connecting body (2).Characterized in that:- said connecting body (2) has a groove (8) defined in said end wall of the annular channel; and- said system (1 ) also comprises an o-ring (7) placed, in use, in said groove (8) so that said o-ring (7) is interposed between said connecting body (2) and said tube assembly (A), said o-ring (7) being deformable, by pressure during the abutment of said annular body (5) against said valve body (V) to create a play suitable to allow the fitting of said plurality of lugs (6) of the locking element (3) in said slots (4) of said valve body (V).

2. System (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said locking element (3) has a substantially conical profile.

3. System (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said lugs (6) are equally spaced from each other along said annular body (5) of the locking element (3).

4. System (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, whereinsaid locking element (3) is made by means of a deep drawing technique.

5. System (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said locking element (3) is made of a material and / or in a shape more flexible than a material constituting said tube assembly (A).

6. System (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said locking element (3) is made at least partially of plastic material.

7. Method of assembling said connection system (1 ) for tube assembly (A) and valve body (V), according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:- bringing said tube assembly (A) closer to said valve body (V) so as to achieve a contact and a geometric correspondence between said tube assembly (A) and a connecting body (2) mounted or mountable on said valve body (V);- inserting, by axially sliding, said locking element (3) along an external surface of said tube assembly (A) so as to abut said annular channel of said connecting body (2) of the valve body (V);- exerting an axial pressure on said locking element (3) such as to deform said plurality of lugs (6);- fitting said plurality of lugs (6) in said slots (4) of the valve body (V); and- placing a deformable o-ring (7) between said tube assembly (A) and said valve body (V) in a groove (8) of said connecting body (2).

8. Method according to claim 7, comprising the step of orienting and aligning, through a special compass, said plurality of lugs (6) of the locking element (3) at said slots (4) of the connecting body (2).

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