Perfected pipe fitting assembly, particularly for pneumatic systems.

The present invention relates to a perfected pipe fitting assembly, particularly for pneumatic systems.

On machines fitted with pneumatic systems, the control panel presents a compartment in which the pneumatic system circuit components are connected by means of fittings. Said compartment houses an assembly panel with a number of compressed air inlets, each connected to a main fitting in turn connected to a branch fitting from which originate one or more pipes, depending on the number of ways provided, for supplying respective pneumatic actuators. Pipes supplying a number of actuators are sometimes fitted with a multiway fitting from which the single actuator pipes originate. The main fitting presents a threaded connection for assembly to the air inlet, and an outlet designed to press on to the inlet of the branch fitting.

Fittings of the aforementioned type present a number of drawbacks. In particular, the size of the branch fittings depends on the diameter of the pipe supplying the actuator, and in turn determines selection of the main fitting. In the absence of predetermined pipe diameters, therefore, the main fitting cannot be preassembled on to the assembly panel before fitting this on to the control panel. Moreover, the limited space available on the control panel poses serious tooling difficulties for connecting the various circuit components, bearing in mind that these are always connected along the axis of the main fitting. Assembly is even more complex when using a single air intake for a number of users, in which case, a series of branch fittings with connecting pipes must be installed, each provided with means whereby to support it to the assembly panel. The above connections are obviously impossible anyway in the case of systems featuring different diameter pipes requiring main fittings of different sizes. In other words, using the fittings currently available on the market: connection of the circuit components is made difficult on account of the limited amount of space available on the control panel; a series of branch fittings of different sizes cannot be installed; unless a large high-cost stock of fittings of all types is kept on hand, component dimensions must be determined well in advance for enabling purchasing; and, finally, serious problems are encountered in rerouting the pneumatic circuit.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a pipe fitting assembly designed to overcome the above drawbacks, i.e. which presents means enabling fast-fit connection to the main fitting, which may be preassembled by virtue of all the branch fittings, even those of different diameter pipes, presenting the same fastening means, and by virtue of the main fitting being the same for all types of branch fittings.

Further aims and advantages of the present invention will be shown in the following description.

With this aim in view, according to the present invention, there is provided a perfected pipe fitting assembly, particularly for pneumatic systems, characterised by the fact that it presents: a main fitting, preferably supported on a fixed body; a branch fitting comprising a fitting body having a first portion in which is formed a first axial hole coaxial with said main fitting, and at least a second portion extending from said first portion and having a second axial hole communicating with said first hole; first connecting means between said main fitting and said first portion, said means being defined at said first hole and comprising a first pin carried on said first portion and a central portion of which engages tangentially part of an annular groove formed along the top portion of said main fitting; and an elastic member having an element designed to engage a second part of said groove, thus securing said main fitting to said branch fitting.

Two preferred non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li>Fig.1 shows a view in perspective of a first embodiment of the fitting assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>Fig.2 shows a section of the Fig.1 fitting during assembly;</li><li>Fig.3 shows a section of the Fig.1 fitting featuring additional fitting bodies;</li><li>Fig.4 shows a section of a component on the Fig.1 fitting;</li><li>Fig.5 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the fitting according to the present invention;</li><li>Fig.6 shows a section of the Fig.5 fitting featuring a number of fitting bodies;</li><li>Fig.7 shows a section along line III-III in Fig.5.</li></ul>

With reference to Fig.s 1 and 2, the fitting assembly according to the present invention comprises a branch fitting 1 for connecting parts of a pneumatic system, said fitting 1 comprising a fitting body 2 in which are defined means 3 for connection to a main fitting 4 installed on a fixed body 5, generally an assembly panel, means 6 for connection to a pipe 7, and means 8 for connection to a second fitting 1.

Main fitting 4 is cylindrical in shape, and comprises an externally threaded bottom portion 11; a central portion 12 larger in diameter than portion 11, so as define, between the same, a contact surface in which is formed an annular seat 13 for an annular seal 14; and a top portion 15 smaller in diameter than portion 12 and the outer surface of which presents an annular groove 16. Fixed body 5 presents a threaded hole 17 defining a compressed air inlet and connected at the bottom to a compressed air source. Main fitting 4 presents an axial through hole 18 faced at portion 15 for receiving a tool whereby to screw portion 11 inside hole 17.

With reference to Fig.s 1 and 2, body 2 of fitting 1 presents a first portion 21 which, when assembled, is coaxial with main fitting 4. Said first portion 21 presents an axial through hole 22 inside the top and bottom ends of which said connecting means 3 and 8 are formed. Body 2 presents a second substantially cylindrical portion 23 extending from and perpendicular to the central portion of portion 21. Said portion 23 presents an axial through hole 24, one end of which communicates with the central portion of hole 22, and the opposite end of which presents means 6 for connection to pipe 7. Body 2 is preferably molded from plastic material.

With reference to Fig.2, at the bottom end of hole 22 in portion 21, there is defined a seat 25 housing top portion 15 of fitting 4. Connecting means 3 comprise a pin 26 supported at each end on tabs 27 extending downwards from portion 21 at seat 25, in particular, from the face of portion 21 from which portion 23 extends. The longitudinal axis of pin 26 is perpendicular to that of hole 22 and, consequently, fitting 4. In actual use, the central portion of pin 26 is housed inside annular groove 16 on portion 15. Connecting means 3 also comprise a flexible blade 28 defined along a plane parallel to the axis of hole 22 and force-fitted inside a slot 32 formed in portion 21 on the side diametrically opposite that from which portion 23 originates. At the top of blade 28 there is cut a flexible tongue 33 extending obliquely downwards. In actual use, blade 28 is force-fitted inside slot 32, which presents a projection 34 which, during insertion, flexes tongue 33 back into its seat and, after insertion, acts as a contact surface for the bottom end of tongue 33 for preventing withdrawal of blade 28. At the bottom of blade 28, there is cut a second flexible tongue 35 extending obliquely upwards. In use, for connecting fitting 1 to main fitting 4, portion 21 of fitting 1 is arranged obliquely in relation to main fitting 4, so that a portion of groove 16 is engaged tangentially by the central portion of pin 26. With fitting 1 so positioned, tongue 35 rests on the top edge of portion 15. When fitting 1 is rotated in the direction enabling axial alignment of portion 21 and main fitting 4, blade 28 flexes outwards of portion 21 and about projection 34 until tongue 35 engages groove 16. Flexing of blade 28 is permitted by an enlargement formed in slot 32.

With reference to Fig.1, blade 28 comprises two opposed tabs 36 extending from its lateral edges, where tongue 35 is defined, and outwards of portion 21. From the bottom end of blade 28, a further tab 37 with a through slot 38 extends perpendicular to blade 28 and outwards of portion 21. In actual use, fitting 1 is release from main fitting 4 by simply acting on tabs 36 or tab 37, using a pointed tool such as a screwdriver, so as to flex blade 28 and so release tongue 35 from groove 16, and by turning fitting 1 in the opposite direction to that in which it is connected.

With reference to Fig.2, the bottom end of hole 22 presents an annular groove 41 for an annular seal 42 which, in use, rests on the top edge of fitting 4. Connecting means 8 consist simply of a hollow cylinder 43 of the same external design as top portion 15 of main fitting 4, and which extends upwards, coaxially and in communication with hole 22, from the top face of portion 21. Cylinder 43 also presents an annular groove 16 engageable by the connecting means 3 of a second fitting 1 as shown in Fig.3, thus enabling the formation of a fitting assembly comprising a number of fittings 1 connected together with no need for a connecting pipe as in the case of known fittings. It should be pointed out that portions 21 of all the fittings 1 may communicate pneumatically, or communication may be cut off so that cylinder 43 provides solely for mechanical support in the same way as main fitting 4. Pneumatic communication may be cut off by simply replacing seal 42 with an annular seal 45 (Fig.4) comprising a metal disk 46 for shutting off the air passage. Seal 45 may obviously also be installed on fitting 1 connected to main fitting 4, in which case, main fitting 4 provides solely for mechanical support and the compressed air source is connected by pipe 7. It should be pointed out that means 3 enable respective fitting 1 to be turned about the axis of main fitting 4, thus simplifying series assembly of fittings 1 by enabling connection of the same with no interference from portion 23 of bottom fitting 1, after which portions 23 of fittings 1 may be positioned as required.

In the Fig.2 and 3 embodiment, connecting means 6 consist simply of a threaded portion 51 formed towards the inner end of hole 24 and in which is screwed an externally threaded coupling 52 in which one end of pipe 7 is fitted. In other embodiments, means 6 may be defined by a threaded portion formed on the outer surface of portion 23, in which case, coupling 52 will be a fit-on type with a lock nut. In yet a further embodiment, means 6 may be defined by a serrated outer surface of portion 23. The end of portion 23 may, of course, present the same external shape as cylinder 43 for enabling connection of a further fitting 1 to portion 23.

With reference to Fig.3, it should be noted that, whereas pipes 7 present different diameters, both fittings 1 present the same external design and differ solely as to the diameter of respective portion 51. Consequently, using one main fitting 4, a fitting assembly may be formed featuring a number of fittings 1 stacked one on top of the other but connected to pipes 7 of different diameters. Similarly, main fittings 4 may be used having portions 11 and 12 of different diameters and portion 15 of the same size.

With reference to Fig.3, the last of a stack of fittings 1 presents a plug 54 for plugging the top end of hole 22. Said plug 54 presents a cylindrical top portion 55, and a bottom portion 56 having a central portion larger in diameter than said portion 55, and two opposed truncated-cone top and bottom portions, the top portion blending with portion 55. In actual use, portion 55 is housed inside cylinder 43 which is sealed by means of an annular seal 57, whereas portion 56 is housed in the top portion 58 of hole 22. Portion 58 is defined at the top by a shoulder 59 at the top end of hole 22, and, at the bottom, by a number of teeth 61 formed along hole 22. The axial length of portion 58 is greater than that of portion 56 to enable portion 56 to travel along portion 58. In actual use, plug 54 is forced upwards through the passage defined by teeth 61. Once portion 56 is inserted inside portion 58, it is prevented from being withdrawn downwards by the bottom portion of portion 56 contacting teeth 61. In the presence of compressed air inside hole 22, plug 54 is thrust upwards so that the top portion of portion 56 contacts shoulder 59. Plug 54 is used to indicate the presence of compressed air inside hole 22. If, when pressed downwards, plug 54 moves the short distance allowed by teeth 61, this obviously indicates the absence of compressed air inside hole 22. If, on the other hand, plug 54 remains stationary or can only be moved by applying considerable pressure, this indicates the presence of compressed air inside hole 22. Plug 54 is removed by simply applying sufficient downward pressure to enable portion 56 to overcome the resistance of teeth 61.

Fig.s 5 to 7 illustrate a second embodiment of the fitting assembly according to the present invention featuring the same elements as in the Fig.1 to 4 embodiment, which elements and component parts are therefore indicated using the same numbering system. What has already been said in connection with assembly and operation of the Fig.1 to 4 fitting assembly obviously also applies to that of Fig.s 5 to 7. The only difference between the two assemblies is in the design of connecting means 3 defined on fitting 1, which means 3 substantially comprise a pair of preferably metal pins 26 and 66 parallel to each other and lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis of hole 22. Pins 26 and 66 are located symmetrically in relation to said axis, and are designed to tangentially engage groove 16 on opposite sides.

Pin 66 is supported on elastic means designed to enable displacement of pin 66 substantially in the plane common to both pins 26 and 66. Said elastic means consist of two arms 69 and 70, each extending from a respective portion 71 a given distance from the plane of pins 26 and 66. In the case of a fitting 1 also featuring connecting means 8, said distance may advantageously be more or less half the total length of portion 21. Said two portions 71 are included in two respective flat parallel portions 72, each having a slot 73 substantially lying in a plane parallel to the diametrical plane of portion 21. Along slot 73, each portion 72 is defined by a rib 74 which is thus in the form of an upside down U.

Commencing from the end of slot 73, each arm 69 and 70 is substantially flared, with a partially cylindrical inner surface 75 detached from the outer surface of portion 21. Each tab 27 in turn extends into a tab 67 extending as far as slot 73 and having a partially cylindrical inner surface 68 slightly larger in diameter than groove 41. The outer surface of each arm 69 and 70 comprises a flat portion 76 projecting slightly from surface 72 and located at the end of pin 66 when engaged. As such, the smaller section of arm 69 or 70 is sufficiently flexible both in terms of width and thickness.

Finally, arms 69 and 70 are connected by a crosspiece 77 lying substantially in the plane of pins 26 and 66 and separated outwards from pin 66. To connect a fitting 1 to portion 15 of main fitting 4 or to cylinder 43 of another fitting 1, pin 26 is placed inside groove 16, after first inserting seal 42 inside groove 41, and fitting 1 turned about pin 26. The top edge of portion 15 forces pin 66 outwards, thus flexing arms 69 and 70, until pin 66 also engages groove 16. To release fitting 1, a tool is inserted in the gap between crosspiece 77 and the wall of portion 21, with which to force arms 69 and 70 outwards and so release pin 66 from groove 16. Fitting 1 may also be released by applying a tool, e.g. a screwdriver, on the edge of flat portion 76 of slot 73 projecting in relation to tab 67. At crosspiece 77, an appendix 81 extends downwards from portion 21 for limiting radial travel of pin 66, i.e. defining the maximum clearance between pins 26 and 66 or, rather, the maximum diameter of the bottom portion of portion 21, thus preventing undue mechanical strain being exerted on arms 69 and 70 when said tool is applied for releasing fitting 1.

The advantages of the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, it provides for fitting assembly enabling fast, troublefree connection (with no tools required) of the branch and main fittings, using snap-on connecting means enabling rotation of fitting 1 about the axis of main fitting 4 for positioning the branch fitting outlet as required. Moreover, fitting 1 is so designed as to enable connection of a further fitting 1 using the same connecting means, thus enabling the formation of a cascade fitting assembly requiring no connecting pipes as on currently available fittings. In the case of a cascade formation of fittings 1, provision may obviously be made for a compressed air inlet on one of fittings 1, and for separating (seal 45) a first and second series of fittings 1, thus enabling the formation of a fitting assembly catering to various circuits even at different pressures. By virtue of the design of fittings 1, said assembly may even be determined at the setup stage with main fitting 4 already preassembled, and modified subsequently as required using the same or a different number of components, thus allowing maximum freedom in the design of the system. Moreover, the diameter of portion 51 may differ from one fitting 1 to another. By virtue of body 2 being molded from plastic material, fittings 1 with portions 51 of different diameters may be produced using the same mold, by simply modifying the part of the mold defining portion 51. A further advantage of the present invention is that it enables the fitting assembly to be formed with no need for tools and in confined spaces. Finally, substantially radial displacement of connecting means 3 safeguards against accidental release caused by impact or lateral external pressure on the fitting, or fluctuations in the pressure of the compressed air inside the fitting.

To those skilled in the art it will be clear that changes may be made to the fitting assemblies described and illustrated herein without, however, departing from the scope of the present invention.

In particular, the means for connection to pipe 7 may differ from those illustrated herein; a number of portions 23 may originate from portion 21; and body 2 may be fitted inside with a valve, e.g. a regulating valve, for converting fitting 1 into a pressure regulator.