阅读说明：本技术 用于与至少一根管道不可拆卸地连接的带有锁定环的配件 (Fitting with locking ring for non-detachable connection to at least one pipe ) 是由 法比安·杜波塔尔 斯特凡·洛克斯洛 安德列亚斯·施奈德 德特勒夫·施米特 苏迪·西诺普卢 于 2020-03-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于与至少一个管道不可拆卸地连接的配件,其中该配件具有：基体(2)；保持元件(4),所述保持元件具有用于与待连接的管的对应卡合元件(42)锁合的卡合元件(6)；以及密封元件(8)；和锁定环(20),其中该锁定环(20)在第一轴向位置中允许保持元件(4)在径向方向上的运动,并且该锁定环(20)在第二轴向位置中阻止保持元件(4)径向向外的运动。该配件解决了提供适用于管道不可拆卸连接的配件的技术问题。(The invention relates to a fitting for non-detachably connecting to at least one pipe, wherein the fitting has: a base body (2); a holding element (4) having a snap-in element (6) for latching with a corresponding snap-in element (42) of a pipe to be connected; and a sealing element (8); and a locking ring (20), wherein the locking ring (20) allows a movement of the retaining element (4) in a radial direction in a first axial position and the locking ring (20) prevents a radially outward movement of the retaining element (4) in a second axial position. The fitting solves the technical problem of providing a fitting suitable for non-detachable connection of pipes.)

1. Fitting for connection to at least one pipe, said fitting

-having a base body (2),

-having a holding element (4), wherein the holding element (4) has a snap-in element (6) for latching with a corresponding snap-in element (42) of a pipe to be connected,

-having a sealing element (8),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

-the fitting has a locking ring (20),

-the locking ring (20) allows movement of the retaining element (4) in a radial direction in a first axial position, and

-the locking ring (20) prevents a radially outward movement of the retaining element (4) in the second axial position.

2. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein the fitting is a single piece,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the locking ring (20) is connected to the base body (2) by means of a thread (24).

3. The fitting according to claim 2, wherein the fitting is a single piece,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the axial displacement of the locking ring (20) from the first axial position to the second axial position is achieved by twisting the locking ring (20) along the thread (24), wherein the twisting takes place at an angle of less than 360 °, in particular less than 180 °, preferably less than 90 °.

4. The fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the holding element (4) and the base body (2) are formed in one piece.

5. The fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the axial movement of the locking ring (20) from the first axial position to the second axial position is irreversible.

6. The fitting according to claim 5, wherein the fitting is a single piece,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the locking ring (20) has at least one locking device (22) for locking with a corresponding locking device (12) on the base body (2).

7. The fitting according to claim 6, wherein the fitting is a single piece,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the locking device (22) generates an acoustic signal when it is locked with a corresponding locking device (12) on the base body (2).

8. The fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the base body (2) has a stop (10) for the locking ring (20) on the side of the thread (24) facing away from the pipe insertion,

-the opposite end faces (11', 11 ", 27', 27") of the stop (10) and of the locking ring (20) are formed wave-shaped, and

-the undulation of said end surface (11', 11 ", 27', 27") corresponds to the pitch of the thread (24).

9. The fitting according to claim 8, wherein the fitting is a single piece,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

-in a first axial position, the troughs of the end face (11') of the stop (10) are opposite the crests of the end face (27 ") of the locking ring (20), and

-in the second axial position, the wave trough of the end face (11') of the stop (10) is opposite to the wave trough of the end face (27') of the locking ring (20).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a fitting for non-detachably connecting to at least one pipe, wherein the fitting has: a substrate; a holding element, wherein the holding element has a snap-in element for latching with a corresponding snap-in element of a pipe to be connected; and has a sealing element.

Background

The technical field relevant to the present invention is the field installation of pipe systems, where pipe systems consisting of pipe sections and fittings are usually installed for conducting and conducting fluids. Fittings are understood to be essentially pipe couplings, most often for joining two or more pipe sections. The most common fittings include straight joints, diverters in the form of elbows, reducer pipes, tee or cross branches, etc. However, fittings are also understood to be pipe connections for accessories or other components. For example, a thermometer or pressure gauge as an accessory has only one pipe section connection.

The above-described pipe systems are used in particular for transporting drinking water or hot water, gases for operating heating systems or industrial gases.

Common pipe materials used in drinking water and sprinkler applications are hard plastics such as atactic polypropylene (PP-R) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) is also used for this application. The invention also relates to the connection of metal pipes.

In plastic pipes, the pipes or fittings are connected, for example, by welding in the case of PP-R and by gluing in the case of CPVC. The main disadvantage here is the very time-consuming processing. Both the PP-R welded connection and the CPVC bonded fitting require extensive preparation of the joint. Another disadvantage is that the cooling (PP-R) time or venting (CPVC) time until the system can be supplied with water or other fluid is long. In addition, PP-R processing requires expensive welders, and there is uncertainty in the subsequent operation of both the welding and bonding processes.

In addition to the adhesive and soldered connections described, plug connectors are also known from the prior art, in which a pre-assembly and alignment of the system prior to pressing is not possible. Furthermore, the fitting described is sealed after insertion into the pipe. Furthermore, half-shell fittings for grooved CPVC pipe are known, but this type of fitting requires expensive tools to introduce the grooves and has a multi-piece construction. For the connection, the half-shells, which are hinged to one another, are placed around the pipe and connected to one another by means of a clamp-type locking device.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is therefore based on the technical problem of providing a fitting which is suitable for the non-detachable connection of pipes and with which the disadvantages indicated can be at least partially eliminated.

According to the invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a fitting for the non-detachable connection to at least one pipe, wherein the fitting has a locking ring which is connected to a base body by means of a thread, wherein the locking ring allows a movement of the retaining element in the radial direction in a first axial position and prevents a radially outward movement of the retaining element in a second axial position.

By means of the fitting according to the invention, a reliable pipe connection can be established in a short time without the need for additional special tools. Furthermore, the installation of the pipe system is greatly simplified, so that even untrained personnel or persons not in the field of the art can make the pipe connections.

Due to the snap-in element of the retaining element, which may be part of the base body, the pipes to be connected are preferably positively locked when inserted into the fitting and can no longer be separated. In this way no additional hooking elements are required. The corresponding snap-in elements of the pipe are for example one or more grooves introduced in the outer circumference of the pipe. The snap elements of the retention element engage in one or more grooves or otherwise designed features of the pipe. A simple and reliable insertion depth control is provided by the interaction of the tube features with the snap-in elements of the retaining element, which can otherwise be confirmed, for example, by an audible indication ("click").

The non-detachable connection between the fitting and the pipe is already established by the engagement of the snap-on elements with one another, since the fitting can only be detached by damaging or destroying the locking element. Thus, a non-detachable connection means a connection that can only be released by breaking a part of the fitting. However, it has been recognized that in the event of excessive force being applied, destructive breakage of the connection can be largely prevented by providing a locking ring.

The sealing effect is achieved with the sealing element of the fitting, for example by bearing the outside of the preferably chamfered, inserted pipe against the sealing element and plastically deforming the sealing element. By chamfering the pipe, it is possible to prevent damage to the sealing member when the pipe is inserted. The sealing element may be an O-ring, a rubber lip, or other sealing means known to those skilled in the art. A circumferential groove for the sealing means may be provided in the base body of the fitting.

When the pipe is inserted, the locking ring is in a first axial position, allowing the retaining element to move radially. In this way, when a pipe is inserted, the catch elements of the retaining element can be pushed radially outwards, so that the pipe can be inserted. After the pipe has been pushed into the fitting to such an extent that the corresponding catch elements of the pipe are locked with the catch elements of the retaining element, wherein the catch elements of the retaining element perform a movement in a radially inward direction, moving the locking ring from the first axial position to the second axial position. The catch elements of the retaining element are prevented from moving radially outward again by the locking ring in the second axial position. The locking ring thus prevents the snap-on elements of the retaining element, which snap-on elements interlock with corresponding snap-on elements of the pipe, from disengaging due to, for example, movements of the pipe system, high pipe internal pressure or other influences. The burst pressure of the pipe connection can be increased in particular by means of the locking ring.

The base body, the retaining element and the locking ring of the fitting are preferably made of plastic, but other materials, such as metal or material combinations, can also be used for individual or all parts of the fitting.

In a preferred embodiment, the axial displacement of the locking ring from the first axial position into the second axial position is achieved by twisting the locking ring along the thread, wherein the twisting takes place at an angle of less than 360 °, in particular less than 180 °, preferably less than 90 °.

This allows the locking ring to be easily and efficiently moved from the first to the second axial position. The twisting can preferably be performed manually. The locking ring may also have an outer shape provided with a profile for attaching a tool, in particular a hexagonal or octagonal profile. Thus, if manual actuation alone is not possible, the fitting can be manually actuated with common tools.

The locking ring is twisted from the first axial position into the second axial position, wherein the twisting takes place at an angle of less than 360 °, in particular less than 180 °, preferably less than 90 °, avoiding unnecessarily frequent grasping during manual twisting or unnecessarily frequent repositioning of the tool when twisting is performed by means of the tool. This property is achieved by the respective pitch of the threads.

In a further embodiment, the holding element and the base body are integral, i.e. formed in one piece.

This enables time and cost efficient production of the parts, typically by an injection molding process. Furthermore, the construction of the integral design eliminates the need for preassembly of the retaining element and the base. Furthermore, the overall design may mean that the component has a higher strength, since the connection points always contain possible weaknesses.

However, non-integral constructions are also possible, in which the base body is screwed, glued, hooked or otherwise connected, for example, to the holding element. In this case, the base body and the holding element can be assembled at the factory or shortly before the fitting is mounted.

In another embodiment, the axial displacement of the locking ring from the first axial position into the second axial position is irreversible.

This prevents the pipe connection from opening again. Experience has shown that repeated closing and opening of pipe connections in a job site environment can compromise the quality of the pipe connections. Furthermore, once the piping system is shut down, it can make unauthorized interference more difficult.

The irreversibility is achieved, for example, by a locking element ("twist and lock") acting between the locking ring and the base body in the second axial position of the locking ring and being non-releasable. In this way, the locking ring is prevented from being moved back from the second axial position into the first axial position. This locking can also generate an acoustic signal as an indication during locking, which signals that the locking ring and the holding element are locked in the second axial position. The locking described previously results in an increase in the non-detachability of the connection, since the locking ring can only be rotated back by partly breaking the locking element.

Further, a colored marker may be provided to indicate the movement status of the locking ring. For example, a green region of the base body can be seen in the second axial position of the locking ring, which region is covered by the locking ring in the first axial position. Furthermore, a geometry may be provided to indicate movement of the locking ring, e.g. two ribs which align after movement.

In a further preferred variant of the aforementioned embodiment, the locking ring has at least one locking means for locking with a corresponding locking means on the base body. The locking ring can thereby be locked and thus fixed with the base body by the locking means.

Thereby achieving the previously described irreversibility of the movement of the locking ring from the first axial position to the second axial position. The locking means of the locking ring are preferably designed such that movement of the locking ring from the first axial position to the second axial position is not hindered. In contrast, the locking means of the locking ring are automatically activated and lock the locking ring and the base body once the second axial position is reached.

The locking device can be, for example, a catch device on the locking ring, which in the second axial position of the locking ring snaps into a corresponding catch element of the base body or the retaining element and is not releasable.

In a further embodiment, the base body has a stop for the locking ring on the side of the thread facing away from the pipe insert, wherein the stop and the opposite end face of the locking ring are formed in a wave shape and the wave shape of the end face corresponds to the pitch of the thread.

Because the end surface wave shape of the stop piece and the locking ring is matched with the thread pitch, when the locking ring rotates, the force which takes the same effect is transmitted through the wave shape of the end surface in addition to the force transmitted through the thread. In other words, the load on the thread is additionally relieved by the wave shape of the end faces. This may provide better functionality and stability, especially in case of very steep spirals, such as where the locking ring needs to be moved from the first to the second axial position with a rotation of less than 90 °.

In another embodiment, in the first axial position, the troughs of the end face of the stop are opposite the crests of the end face of the locking ring, and in the second axial position, the troughs of the end face of the stop are opposite the troughs of the end face of the locking ring.

A visual indication of the state of movement of the locking ring and thus of the locking state of the pipe connection is thereby achieved. For example, a green region of the base body is visible in the second axial position of the locking ring, which is covered by the locking ring in the first axial position, since in the first axial position the troughs of the end face of the stop lie opposite the crests of the end face of the locking ring and are therefore flush closed with one another. In this example, the visibility of the green area or the area with geometry will indicate that the locking ring is in the second axial position and that the pipe connection is thus locked.

Furthermore, the matching undulations of the stop and the end face of the locking ring and the positioning of the valleys and crests in the respective axial positions of the locking ring ensure that the fitting remains in the delivery state, i.e. the locking ring is in the first axial position, until the locking ring is intentionally moved to the second axial position. In other words, the matching undulations prevent an unintentional displacement of the locking ring from the first axial position to the second axial position, for example during transport, which would render the fitting unusable in the case of the above-described irreversible embodiment.

Drawings

The invention is explained below by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings

Fig. 1a-b show two views of a fitting with pipes to be connected according to the invention, to illustrate the position of the locking ring,

figure 2 shows a perspective view of the base body of the fitting of figure 1,

figure 3 shows a perspective view of the locking ring of the fitting of figure 1,

figure 4 shows a cross-section of the fitting of figure 1 without the tubing along the line IV-IV in figure 1a,

figures 5a-c show three illustrations of cross-sectional views of the fitting of figure 1 with pipes to be connected along the line V-V in figure 1a,

figures 6a-b show two illustrations of side views of a fitting according to the invention with pipes to be connected,

fig. 7a-b show two illustrations of a cross-section of the fitting according to fig. 6a-b along the line VIIA-VIIA in fig. 6a and VIIB-VIIB in fig. 6b, respectively.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1a-b each show a perspective view of a fitting 1 according to the invention for non-detachably connecting to at least one pipe 40', 40 ″, wherein the fitting 1 has: a base body 2; a holding element 4 having a snap-in element 6 for latching with a corresponding snap-in element 42 of the pipe 40', 40 ″ to be connected; a sealing element 8; and a locking ring 20, wherein the locking ring 20 is connected to the base body 2 by means of a thread 24, the locking ring 20 allowing a movement of the retaining element 4 in a radial direction in a first axial position and the locking ring 20 preventing a radially outward movement of the retaining element 4 in a second axial position.

In this embodiment, the tubes 40', 40 ″ have recesses as counter latching elements 42 for latching with the latching elements 6 of the holding element 4. Furthermore, in fig. 1a-b, the locking means 22 of the locking ring 20 for locking with the corresponding locking means 12 on the base body 2 are visible (shown in detail in fig. 7 a-b).

The base body 2 has a stop 10 for the locking ring 20 on the side of the thread 24 facing away from the tube insertion, wherein the opposing end faces 11', 11 ", 27', 27" of the stop 10 and the locking ring 20 are formed in an undulating manner, and the undulations of the end faces 11', 11 ", 27', 27" correspond to the pitch of the thread 24.

Figure 1a shows the fitting 1 with the locking ring 20 positioned in a first axial position. In this position, the conduits 40', 40 ″ are inserted, wherein the snap-in elements 6 of the holding element 4 are pressed outward in the radial direction. The end faces 11', 11 ", 27', 27" of the stopper 10 and the locking ring 20 are arranged in such a way that the crests 27 "of the locking ring 20 are opposite the troughs 11 'of the stopper 10 and the troughs 27' of the locking ring 20 are opposite the crests 11" of the stopper 10.

Fig. 1b shows the fitting 1 after the snap elements 6 of the holding element 4 have been latched with the corresponding snap elements 42 of the pipes 40', 40 ". During this closure, it can be provided that the catch element 6 of the holding element 4 causes an acoustic signal, which indicates that the catch element 6 of the holding element 4 is fully closed with the corresponding catch element 42 of the conduit 40', 40 ″.

Furthermore, in fig. 1b, the locking ring 20 is moved along the thread 24 from a first axial position to a second axial position by rotating the locking ring 20 through an angle of 90 °. In this position, the catch elements 6 of the retaining element 4 are prevented from moving outward in the radial direction by the locking ring 20. The end faces 11', 11 ", 27', 27" of the stopper 10 and the locking ring 20 are arranged in such a way that the crests 27 "of the locking ring 20 are opposite the crests 11" of the stopper 10 and the troughs 27 'of the locking ring 20 are opposite the troughs 11' of the stopper 10. Between the stop 10 and the corresponding wave trough 11', 27' of the locking ring 20, the surface of the base body 2 becomes visible, which may have a coloured marking as an indication of the state of movement of the locking ring 20.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the base body 2. In this illustration, the locking means 12' on the base body 2 for locking with the locking means 22 of the locking ring 20 are visible. The corresponding locking means 12 "on the base body 2 are rectangular grooves 12', 12" into which the locking means 22 of the locking ring 20 engage in the second axial position of the locking ring 20.

Furthermore, the stop 10 of the base body 2 for the locking ring 20 is shown, including the already described wave troughs 11' and wave crests 11 ″ of the end face of the stop 10.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the locking ring 20. The thread 24 can be seen and the locking ring 20 is connected to the base body 2 by means of the thread 24. Furthermore, the locking means 22 of the locking ring 20 are visible. The locking means 22 of the locking ring 20 are formed by two locking lugs 26 with ramps 28 which, in the second axial position of the locking ring 20, engage with corresponding locking means 12 on the base body 2.

Figure 3 also shows the troughs 27' and crests 27 "of the end faces of the locking ring 20 as previously described.

Fig. 4 shows a section of the fitting 1 of fig. 1 without the conduits 40', 40 "along the line IV-IV in fig. 1 a. The angular shape of the catch elements 6 of the holding element 4 is shown, which enables a stable connection when latching with the corresponding catch elements 42 of the conduits 40', 40 ″.

In addition to the features already described, a sealing device 8 is shown which is inserted into a recess in the base body 2. In this example, the sealing means 8 corresponds to an O-ring.

Furthermore, hemispherical protrusions 16 of the base body 2 are provided, which engage in corresponding recesses in the locking ring 20 in a first axial position of the locking ring 20. This engagement of the hemispherical protrusions 16 helps to maintain the fitting 1 in the delivery state, i.e. the locking ring 20 in the first axial position, until the locking ring 20 is intentionally moved to the second axial position. In other words, the engagement of the hemispherical protrusions 16 prevents unintentional movement of the locking ring 20 from the first axial position to the second axial position, for example during transport, which would result in the fitting 1 being unusable.

Fig. 5a-c show three illustrations of a cross-section of the fitting shown in fig. 1 with a pipe 40' to be connected along the line V-V in fig. 1 a. Fig. 5a through 5b to 5c show how the process of non-detachably connecting the fitting 1 to the at least one pipe 40' can be carried out.

Fig. 5a shows how a pipe 40 'provided with two grooves as corresponding snap elements 42 of the pipe 40' is positioned relative to the fitting 1. The end face of the pipe 40 'facing the fitting 1 has a chamfer 44 here, so that the sealing element 8 of the fitting 2 in the form of an O-ring is not damaged when the pipe 40' is inserted into the fitting 2. The locking ring 20 is in a first axial position which allows radial movement of the catch elements 6. When the pipe 40' is inserted, the catch elements 6 of the retaining element 4 are pressed radially outwards.

Fig. 5b shows a pipe 40' inserted into the fitting 1. The catch elements 6 of the holding element 4 engage in corresponding catch elements 42 of the pipe 40'. The sealing element 8 is deformed into an oval shape and seals against the outer wall of the inserted pipe 40'. In this state, the pipe joint is already sealed and the connection cannot be released anymore due to the locking of the catch element 6 of the retaining element 4 and the corresponding catch element 42 of the pipe 40'.

Fig. 5c shows the fitting 1 and the inserted pipe 40 'after the connection of the fitting 1 and the pipe 40' has been completely completed. The locking ring 20 is moved to the second axial position by twisting along the threads 24. By moving the locking ring 20 into the second axial position, the catch elements 6 of the retaining element 4 are prevented from moving radially outward again. If the locking ring 20 is not closed, the catch element 6 of the retaining element 4, which engages with the corresponding catch element 42 of the tube 40', can be disengaged, for example, by movements of the line system, high tube internal pressures or other influences.

Fig. 6a-b show two illustrations of side views of a fitting 1 according to the invention with a pipe 40' to be connected. In particular, the function and effect of the end surfaces 11', 11 ", 27', 27" of the stopper 10 and the locking ring 20 illustrated in fig. 1a-b are elucidated. Fig. 6a shows a side view of the known case of fig. 1a, while fig. 6b shows a similar case for fig. 1 b.

Fig. 7a-b show two illustrations of a cross-section of the fitting according to fig. 6a-b along the line VIIA-VIIA in fig. 6a and VIIB-VIIB in fig. 6b, respectively. This embodiment illustrates the irreversibility of the axial displacement of the locking ring 20 from the first to the second axial position due to the locking means 22 of the locking ring 20 for locking with the corresponding locking means 12 on the base body 2. This is a so-called "twist and lock" mechanism.

Fig. 7a shows the fitting 1 in cross-section with the locking ring 20 in a first axial position. In this example, the locking means 22 of the locking ring 20 are formed in the form of locking lugs 26 and the corresponding locking means 12 on the base body 2 are formed in the form of grooves 12', 12 ". The locking lugs 26 of the locking device 22 have ramps 28, which ramps 28 slide out of the groove 12 'via the corresponding ramps 14 of the groove 12' when the locking ring 20 is rotated counter-clockwise. The locking ring 20 may thus be moved from the first axial position to the second axial position by turning the locking ring 20 along the threads 24.

Figure 7b shows the fitting 1 in cross-section with the locking ring 20 in a second axial position. The locking means 22 in the form of locking lugs 26 engage into corresponding locking means 12 in the form of grooves 12 ". It is not possible to rotate in a clockwise direction to the original first axial position of the locking ring 20 because there are no corresponding ramps 14, 28 on the grooves 12', 12 "and the locking lugs 26. Further counterclockwise rotation is not possible because the groove 12 "does not have a bevel 14. The locking ring 20 is thereby irreversibly locked in the second axial position and prevents the catch elements 6 of the retaining element 4 from moving radially outward again, as described above.