Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism

Abstract

Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, comprising: - a "container" box, - a plurality of one-way ball valves, - a plurality of connectors, - a plurality of pressure, flow, temperature sensors, - a liquid cooling system, - an antibacterial and anticorrosive internal coating, - an intelligent diagnostic module, - an analysis algorithm, - a digital display, - an acoustic and / or visual alarm system, - a wireless interface, - a mobile application.

Description

[0001] “Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism”

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention falls within the field of hydraulic systems for operating machine heads, with particular attention to oil flow control devices and protection from hydraulic overloads. The hydraulic head interchange system uses one-way ball valves to regulate progressive decelerations and protect against sudden interruptions in flow, essential for the safety of industrial machinery.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] The invention which is the subject of the present document relates to a universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, and is aimed at solving the intrinsic problem in the hydraulic systems of operating machines consisting in the need to ensure controlled deceleration and graduality in the hydraulic response, especially in the event of sudden interruption of the oil flow, a critical aspect for the safety of operations and the mechanical integrity of the machinery, with a universal device which may be adapted to any cylinder head. The proposed innovation overcomes the limitations inherent in conventional technological solutions that traditionally rely on simpler and less efficient mechanisms to manage rapid closures of the hydraulic circuit, causing backpressures which may compromise stability and create stresses and damage to rotating motors and other components of the system. The paradigm to which this invention relates is therefore constituted by the need for a universal system which is reliable, efficient and which may be easily integrated into a variety of operational scenarios. Existing solutions in the field of hydraulic interchange tend to show certain weaknesses, such as physical difficulty in adaptation, complexity in maintenance, limited resistance to extreme conditions, insufficient resilience to corrosion and exposure to malfunctions following hydraulic overloads, as well as an intrinsic difficulty in adapting to different types of hydraulic heads. In the field of industrial property rights, the evaluation of the prior art plays a fundamental role in analyzing the innovative contribution of a new invention compared to previous technologies. The present review is intended to highlight the gaps in the known patents, in relation to the problem that emerged in the first part of the introduction to the patent document, and to establish the basis for the detailed exposition of the inventive concept in the subsequent sections.

[0007] Patent CN213117511U describes a hydraulically actuated valve mechanism with split butterfly valves. Although said patent introduces an effective mechanism for ensuring valve closure through the use of independently operated valve plates and a sealing cooperation with the valve body, its structure does not include a controlled deceleration system nor does it integrate gaskets resistant to extreme conditions or materials capable of withstanding high pressures and corrosion. Rather, this patent focuses on improving the sealing effect and actuation force of the valves. This approach does not meet the need for a universal and easily integrable hydraulic interchange system that the present invention is designed to revolutionize. In the field of hydraulic valve boxes, patent CN209278246U proposes a split valve box designed to optimize the flow of hydraulic oils. While providing an innovative arrangement of the valve blocks, the patent does not address today's deceleration issues, but rather focuses on balancing the mass between the valve boxes through a system involving electromagnetic valves and the infusion pump, to reduce interference during pressure compensation. While these features may be advantageous, they do not imply a holistic solution to the problem of hydraulic system gradient response nor the need for low maintenance and universality in application in multiple operating contexts, fundamental aspects as addressed by the present invention.

[0008] Therefore, it is evident from the analyses of previous patents that existing solutions do not address the needs identified in the introduction. There is a clear absence in known patents of an approach that includes a universal hydraulic mechanism with features for controlled deceleration, protection from overloads due to back pressure surges, resistance to extreme conditions, and the inclusion of sensors and actuators that increase operational efficiency and predictive maintenance. This invention, with its spring-assisted one-way ball valve system, real-time monitoring devices, and intelligent diagnostic modules, is designed to fill this technology gap, offering significant advances in functionality and reliability. The detailed description of the inventive concept that follows will further illustrate how this invention proposes a pioneering solution, satisfying the stringent demands of the construction machinery market and setting a new standard in the field of hydraulic interchange.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] With the present patent application for an industrial invention, it is intended to describe and claim a universal hydraulic system provided with at least one new and alternative solution to the solutions known so far and / or to satisfy one or more needs perceived in the field of operating machines and in particular deduced from what has been reported above. To achieve this goal, the inventor developed a universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration of the rotary motors that uses an innovative one-way ball valve mechanism.

[0011] The universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and ball check valve mechanism comprises at least one box, configured as the main housing, which houses ball check valves arranged in a particular sequence. Each valve is equipped with regulating balls placed within specifically designed seats, so as to allow a unidirectional flow of fluid. Essential for regulating the opening and closing of the valves is the presence of retaining springs, which are calibrated to react dynamically to changes in internal pressure in the system. This calibration allows for controlled closing and therefore progressive deceleration of the rotary motor in the event of a sudden interruption in the oil flow. The presence of specific gaskets ensures the tightness and reliability of the mechanism in the presence of thermal and pressure variations, thus helping to safeguard the integrity of the device. Input and output connectors are provided for connecting the box to the hydraulic motors of the rotating heads and the rest of the operating circuit, also allowing the alternative of using drainage for the motors of the heads that contemplate it. The choice of materials for the construction of the box and valves is aimed at ensuring resistance and durability, considering the mechanical and chemical stresses to which the system is subject. As such, the system provides protection against hydraulic overloads, focusing on the simplicity and effectiveness of the inventive concept, while ensuring easy adaptability to different applications.

[0012] In a variant of the present invention, the materials from which the one-way ball valves are made may be selected to withstand high mechanical and thermal stresses, as well as corrosive environments. Materials such as austenitic stainless steels, nickel-, chromium-, and molybdenum-based alloys, and other corrosion-resistant compounds may be preferred in the fabrication of valve bodies, control balls, and seats. This choice ensures that the valves maintain their mechanical properties unchanged even in aggressive working environments and at high temperatures, such as those typical of industrial operating machines or in external conditions. To meet the need to withstand high operating pressures, materials must have features of high tensile strength, hardness and toughness. Among the most common choices are chromium-molybdenum steels which, together with specific heat treatments, acquire ideal mechanical properties to contain the fluid pressure without structural failure. At the same time, surface treatments such as nitriding and passivation may be applied to further increase corrosion and wear resistance. Valve balls play a fundamental role: they must guarantee perfect one-way closure and at the same time resist abrasion caused by contact with the fluid and by the particular configurations of the seats. For this purpose, ceramic materials, such as silicon carbide or boron nitride, or metals with hard coatings, such as hard chromium or tungsten carbide, are preferred to produce balls of extreme hardness and low wear. Valve ball seat materials must also be resistant to pressure and abrasion, ensuring a perfect seal with the balls during system operation. High-performance polymer materials, such as reinforced PTFE or PEEK, may be chosen for these seats as they offer excellent chemical and physical resistance. These materials also have very low friction coefficients, an important feature for reducing mechanical wear of the components and ensuring smooth movement of the valve balls during their operation. Thanks to this feature, the ball check valve mechanism may maintain optimal performance over time, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and increasing the operating life of the system. The selected anti-friction materials influence the opening and closing dynamics of the valves, facilitating the fluid transition and preventing the accumulation of energy that may cause vibrations or small mechanical oscillations. Another important aspect is that anti-friction materials preferably have a low surface porosity, which avoids the phenomenon of encrustation, thus contributing to the cleaning and maintenance of the hydraulic performance over time.

[0013] Retaining springs are another fundamental element for the functional balance of the valves. These springs are responsible for regulating the response of the one-way ball valves to pressure changes inside the box, establishing accurate and predictable control over the deceleration of the rotating motors once the oil flow is interrupted. In their most convenient version, they are made of materials characterized by their ability to maintain a constant elastic force over time, despite repeated mechanical stresses and thermal changes. To achieve the best performance and durability, materials such as alloy steels or stainless steels are preferable, whose features are their high resistance to load, corrosion and fatigue. Furthermore, surface or heat treatments may further improve mechanical qualities and resilience over time. Another important element of the valve is the gasket, which is designed to provide sealing and durability to the valve, despite the significant thermal variations to which it may be subjected, caused by the variety of operating environments in which the box may be used as well as by the stress generated by prolonged operation of the hydraulic system. Maintaining elasticity and structural integrity over time ensures that there are no fluid leaks, mechanical failures or accelerated deterioration that would compromise the functionality of the device. This result is also possible thanks to the choice of materials with superior thermal resistance, such as, but not limited to, silicone compounds or fluorinated rubbers such as Viton®, which offer exceptional resistance features at high temperatures.

[0014] The universal hydraulic interchange system includes, in a convenient version, at least one quick locking mechanism designed for the input / output connectors. This mechanism is configured to ensure a safe and reliable connection with the hydraulic motors of the rotating heads and the associated hydraulic circuit, promoting speed and efficiency in assembly and disassembly operations. The primary function of the quick-lock mechanism is to allow quick engagement and disengagement of connectors without compromising the integrity and safety of the hydraulic flow. The technical implementation of this mechanism is based on the mechanical interaction between components designed to fit together precisely and firmly once the connector is inserted into place. This design, compared to normal threaded coupling and tightening methods, ensures that, even in the presence of vibrations or external forces, the connector remains firmly in its seat, preventing any fluid leaks or accidental disconnections. The architecture of the quick-locking mechanism is based on elements such as spring cylinders, levers, cams or bayonet systems, as preferred during construction, to ensure easy and intuitive handling of the whole. These elements are made of materials resistant to mechanical and chemical stresses specific to the application area for which the system is intended. For example, but not limited to, stainless steels or special alloys may be used to ensure high performance even in environments characterized by high corrosion or extreme thermal variations. The quick-locking mechanism configuration is designed to ensure that the engagement and release action may be performed manually, without the need for special tools, whilst still offering a high degree of reliability and resistance to stress during normal operational use. Each component of the mechanism is designed to minimize wear and tear on the material, based on engineering principles that evenly distribute the pressures and forces at play. The quick-locking mechanism is preferably positioned so that it is easily accessible, so as to allow users to perform connection and disconnection operations safely and without excessive effort. The ergonomically advantageous design helps prevent operational errors and optimize response times in critical or emergency situations.

[0015] The system includes a plurality of monitoring sensors, at least pressure, flow and / or temperature values integrated inside the box. The information collected by said sensors is processed by an intelligent diagnostic module, preferably housed in proximity to said box, which, equipped with an analysis algorithm, processes the collected data and can provide feedback to the user via a digital display which returns the values detected by said sensors and the data processed by said diagnostic module using said algorithm. Said display may be accompanied by a visual and / or acoustic alarm system, configured to signal abnormal conditions or the exceeding of predetermined threshold parameters. At the same time, the intelligent diagnostic module may transmit the processed data to a mobile device equipped with a dedicated application via a wireless communication interface. This capability allows operators and maintenance technicians to always have access to vital information regarding the status of the hydraulic system, as well as receive indications for preventive maintenance. Among other features, the universal hydraulic interchange system is equipped with a liquid cooling system that gives the device greater operational efficiency, essential for maintaining an ideal temperature inside the structure during use, designed to preserve the integrity of the materials and the performance features of the hydraulic fluid contained in the system. The composition of such a cooling system includes at least: a coolant conduction circuit integrated into the box, which includes but is not limited to hoses, channels or ducts preferably made of materials resistant to thermal shock and corrosion, such as stainless steel or alloys; a radiator; a pump designed to circulate the coolant through said radiator, maintaining a constant and controlled flow; an electrical power source to power said pump; an expansion tank to handle volume changes due to thermal variations of the coolant;

[0016] - thermal sensors, designed to constantly monitor the system temperature and adjust the pump flow rate and radiator operation accordingly.

[0017] The internal antibacterial and anticorrosive coating, constituting a convenient feature of the invention, is designed to uniformly and completely cover the internal surfaces of the box, including the valve seats. This coating includes at least one active substance capable of preventing the formation of bacteria, acting as a barrier against biocorrosion and microbial contamination, events which may compromise the integrity and efficiency of the hydraulic system. At the same time, the anti-corrosion element of the coating ensures effective protection against chemicals and oxidation, ensuring a long system life even in highly stressed operating environments. The coating, preferably of a polymeric nature, is configured to adhere to the internal surfaces of the system without altering its mechanical properties and maintaining a low friction coefficient.

[0018] - Figures la and lb illustrate the universal interchange system in its entirety. Box 1 may be observed from two different points of view. The five different connectors 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, present on the body of said box 1, are identified.

[0019] - Figure 2 shows the box 1 with a digital display 12 next to it, represented by a small rectangle, which shows the values processed by the diagnostic module 15, also represented schematically as a rectangle and placed next to the box 1. Inside the diagnostic module 15, the algorithm 16 is depicted with the symbol of a processor. The digital display 12 is accompanied by a logo depicting the visual and / or acoustic alarm system 11, which is activated if the predetermined threshold parameters are detected.

[0020] - Figure 3 shows the inside of box 1, using arrows to illustrate the logic of the fluid flow through the one-way valves. A plurality of sensors 10 may also be identified. The parameters detected by said sensors 10 are processed by the diagnostic module 15 and sent, via a wireless interface 17 to a mobile device containing an application 18 with which the user may receive information about the operation and preventive maintenance of the system.

[0021] Detailed description of the invention

[0022] It will be readily apparent that numerous variations and modifications (e.g., in shape, dimensions, arrangements, and functionally equivalent parts) are possible thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Referring to the second figure, the present invention will now be illustrated as a representation of the universal interchange system for hydraulic heads in its essential constituent elements. At the center of the illustration is box 1, designed to withstand stresses resulting from high pressures, thanks to the use of the materials previously described. On the body of this robust housing there are a plurality of connectors, designed for easy and safe connections which, in an advantageous variant of the invention, are made with a quick coupling system. Inside it there are a plurality of one-way ball valves 2a and 2b. The latter are designed to ensure efficient hydraulic flow and minimize any possible resistance to fluid transit but above all to avoid fluid transit in unwanted directions, a possible cause of backpressure blows and damage to the hydraulic motor and the rotating apparatus of the head. The aforementioned box 1 is accompanied by an intelligent diagnostic module 15 equipped with an analysis algorithm 16. There is also a digital display 12 which constitutes the user interface, through which the operator is able to monitor the operating parameters of the system, detected by sensors 10 present inside the box 1, and to receive timely reports of any anomalies via the alarm system 11.

Claims

Claims1. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, suitable for allowing the universal connection of the supplies for a hydraulic motor applied to rotating heads for operating machines equipped with hydraulic distributor or main pump characterized in that it comprises at least a box (1) configured as the main enclosure which houses a plurality of unidirectional ball valves (2a) and (2b), each of which is equipped with:• an adjustment sphere, placed inside a seat, designed to allow a mono-directional flow of the fluid;• a retaining spring calibrated for a dynamic reaction to changes in internal pressure, designed to allow adjustment of the opening and closing of the valves in response to such changes;• a plurality of gaskets designed to provide a reliable seal in the presence of thermal and pressure variations; said box (1) comprising a plurality of connectors for connecting said box (1) to the supply fittings of said hydraulic motors, said connectors comprising:• a first connector (7a) designed to connect to the power supply coming from the distributor or the main pump;• a second connector (7b) designed to connect to the return of the pump or main distributor;• a third connector (7c) designed to connect to the hydraulic motor power supply;• a fourth connector (7d) suitable for connecting to the output of said hydraulic motor; said box (1) including within it a network of channels suitable for connecting said valves with the following operating logic: given a flow of hydraulic fluid coming from a main distributor in the first connector (7a), said fluid will proceed towards said connector (7c) thus powering the hydraulic motor, while said valve (2a) will remain closed; the fluid coming out of the hydraulic motor will be conveyed into said connector (7d) and then, through said connector (7b) towards the return of the distributor or main pump.

2. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said box (1) includes a fifth connector (7e) suitable for allowing the connection of a drainage of the lubrication of the mobile parts of said hydraulic motor, with the following operating logic: simultaneously with the normal operation of said motor, a part of the fluid introduced into said motor via the pipe connected to said connector (7c) will be diverted onto the mobile parts of said motor in order to lubricate them; said portion of fluid will then be recovered via the connector (7e), connected to the drainage pipe of the lubrication circuit of said mobile parts of said hydraulic motor, opening said valve (2b) and recovering the fluid which will proceed via said connector (7b), also towards the return of the distributor or main pump; in the event of a backpressure blow coming from the hose connected to the connector (7b) the valve (2b) will close, safeguarding the hydraulic motor from possible breakages.

3. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, according to the preceding claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said one-way ball valves are made of materials such as, for example, austenitic stainless steels, based on nickel, chromium and molybdenum or other corrosion-resistant compounds and receive nitriding and / or passivation surface treatments.

4. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seats of said balls include a lining made of materials with a low friction coefficient and high chemical resistance and physical such as, for example, reinforced PTFE or PEEK, designed to facilitate the smoothness of the balls, reduce wear and improve the life of the valves.

5. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a quick coupling system between said connectors and the hydraulic fittings.

6. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a liquid cooling system capable of avoiding the increase in the operating temperature of said box (1).

7. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said box (1) has an internal antibacterial and anti-corrosion lining, suitable for preventing contamination of the fluid and corrosion of internal components.

8. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of flow, pressure, temperature and / or other sensors (10), arranged internally to the box (1), designed to monitor the operating conditions of the fluid by communicating the data detected to a device external to said box (1).

9. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a diagnostic module (15) which collects the information provided by said sensors (10), an algorithm (16) of data analysis that processes this information.

10. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, according to the preceding claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises a digital display (12) suitable for showing the user the values detected by saidsensors (10) and the data provided by said diagnostic module (15), and a visual and / or acoustic alarm system (11) capable of signaling to the user the operation of the hydraulic system beyond pre-established threshold parameters.

11. Universal hydraulic interchange system with controlled deceleration and one-way ball valve mechanism, at least according to the preceding claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a wireless interface (17), an application (18) for mobile devices capable of making usable by the user the data processed by said algorithm (16), providing indications for preventive maintenance.

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