Method for joining a fluid duct and a connection cube
Patent Information
- Application Number
- BR112022013671
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-15
Smart Images
Figure 00000022_0000 
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Abstract
Description
1 / 16 METHOD FOR JOINING A FLUID CONDUIT AND A CONNECTION HUB FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a method for joining a fluid conduit and a connecting hub. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for welding a fluid conduit and a connecting hub together. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Beverage dispensing devices, for example, in beer dispensing devices, typically comprise a fluid conduit to guide the beverage from a beverage container to a dispensing outlet of the device. The dispensing device may be operated by a dispenser, for example, a tap, which regulates a flow of beverage from the container through the dispensing outlet, to dispense the beverage into a suitable receptacle. The beverage container is usually detachably attached to the fluid conduit to allow for the exchange of beverage containers, for example, to exchange an empty beverage container for a full one.
[0003] In addition, the fluid conduit can be removablely connected to the distributor at an end portion of the fluid conduit. For this purpose, the fluid conduit is provided with a connection hub, wherein an interaction between the connection hub and the distributor provides a secure connection between the fluid conduit and the distributor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Petition 870220060526, dated 08 / 07 / 2022, page 23 / 47 2 / 16
[0004] To prevent leakage, it is crucial that the fluid conduit and the connection hub are coupled in a fluid-tight manner. Consequently, it is an objective to provide a fluid-tight coupling between the fluid conduit and the connection hub. Furthermore, it is an objective to provide an efficient and economical method for coupling the fluid conduit and the connection hub, particularly suitable for mass production.
[0005] Therefore, a method is provided for joining a fluid conduit and a connecting hub, wherein a fluid conduit is provided with an end section that is at least partially transparent. A connecting hub is also provided comprising a hub cavity with a shape complementary to a shape of the end section of the fluid conduit. The end section of the fluid conduit is at least partially introduced into the hub cavity through an opening in the hub, wherein a contact interface between at least a portion of the side wall of the fluid conduit end section and a wall of the hub cavity is established. The method includes heating a target zone at the contact interface, to join the fluid conduit and the connecting hub at the target zone, by directing a beam of light through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit from a side of the fluid conduit that is opposite a side of the target zone.Consequently, the light beam is transmitted through the at least partially transparent end section in a direction substantially transverse to a central conduit axis of the section. Petition 870220060526, dated 07 / 08 / 2022, p. 24 / 47 3 / 16 end, to reach the target zone. For example, the light beam is directed at an angle to the central conduit axis of the fluid conduit, to be transmitted through the at least partially transparent end section. The fluid conduit end section, for example, comprises a substantially tubular side wall extending circumferentially around the central conduit axis, where the central conduit axis may align with a general direction of the fluid conduit flow path. The light from the light beam is converted into heat in the target zone to induce a temporary and local melting of the end section side wall material and / or the wall of the connecting hub cavity at the contact interface. In this way, a weld is created that joins the connecting hub and the fluid conduit end section.
[0006] The fluid conduit end section can be press-fitted into the connecting hub cavity to at least contribute to a fluid seal between the end section and the hub.
[0007] The light beam can be guided by means of an optical waveguide from a proximal end of the optical waveguide near a light source to a distal end of the optical waveguide near the side of the fluid conduit that is opposite one side of the target zone. The optical waveguide allows the light source to be positioned at a distance from the target zone where it is convenient to maintain or replace it. The optical waveguide can be substantially flexible, for example, the waveguide Petition 870220060526, dated 07 / 08 / 2022, p. 25 / 47 4 / 16 optical can comprise an optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers.
[0008] The distal end of the optical waveguide can be rotated around the central axis of the conduit, to provide a circumferential link between the end section of the fluid conduit.
[0009] The cavity of the connecting hub may include or be formed by a cavity wall of a light-absorbing material. For example, at the contact interface, the hub may comprise an opaque material, such as an opaque thermoplastic material. The end section of the fluid conduit may comprise a thermoplastic material that is at least partially transparent. The light from the light beam may be absorbed by the connecting hub material in the target zone at the contact interface. The light from the light beam passing through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit may be absorbed and converted into heat by the connecting hub material.
[00010] The light beam can be a coherent light beam, such as a laser beam.
[00011] A plurality of light beams can be directed through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones. Each light beam of the plurality of light beams can be directed to an associated target zone and can be directed through the end section on one side of the fluid conduit that is opposite to one side of the associated target zone. In this way, the Petition 870220060526, dated 07 / 08 / 2022, p. 26 / 47 The 5 / 16 fluid conduit and the connecting hub can be efficiently joined at the target zones circumferentially around the end section of the fluid conduit, with a uniformly distributed and secure connection. The plurality of waveguides can guide light from a single light source or, alternatively, can guide light from a, for example, respective number of light sources. For example, 2 to 40 light beams, such as 16, 20, or 24 light beams, can be directed through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones.
[00012] The plurality of target zones may overlap at least partially so that the union of the plurality of target zones forms an extended target zone.
[00013] Overlapping target zones can form an extended ring-shaped target zone that extends circumferentially around the end section of the fluid conduit. Thus, the plurality of light beams directed at the extended target zone extends in a biconical plane.
[00014] In addition, a device is provided for joining a fluid conduit and a connecting hub, for example, according to a method as described above. The device comprises a chamber for receiving the connecting hub and / or an at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit. In use of the device, the end section of the fluid conduit is at least partially positioned in a hub cavity of the connecting hub. The device further comprises a Petition 870220060526, dated 08 / 07 / 2022, page 27 / 47 6 / 16 light source arranged to transmit a beam of light. The device is arranged to, in use, direct the beam of light through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit from one side of the fluid conduit that is opposite one side of the target zone to join the fluid conduit and the connecting hub in the target zone.
[00015] The device may comprise an optical waveguide to guide the light beam from the light source to the side of the fluid conduit that is opposite the side of the target zone. The waveguide may, for example, comprise an optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers.
[00016] The device can be arranged to, in use, direct a plurality of light beams through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones. Each light beam of the plurality of light beams can be directed to an associated target zone and can be directed through the end section on one side of the fluid conduit that is opposite to one side of the associated target zone.
[00017] The device may comprise a plurality of optical waveguides, each optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides being arranged to guide a beam of light from the light source to the side of the fluid conduit that is opposite to a side of the associated target zone. For example, 2 to 40 optical waveguides may be provided, as well as 16, 20, or 24 optical waveguides, each Petition 870220060526, dated 07 / 08 / 2022, p. 28 / 47 7 / 16 one being arranged to guide a respective beam of light from a light source to the side of the fluid conduit that is opposite to one side of the associated target zone.
[00018] The plurality of optical waveguides can be positioned circumferentially around the chamber, for example, at regular intervals and arranged to direct the plurality of light beams in a radial direction towards the chamber. Thus, the plurality of light beams extends in a biconical plane. The plurality of optical waveguides extend in a conical plane.
[00019] The device may comprise fastening means for securing the connecting hub to the chamber, for example, in the chamber.
[00020] The device may comprise a flange with a central opening to allow insertion of the end section of the fluid conduit. The central opening may provide access to the device chamber. Around the central opening, the flange may comprise a molded reflective surface to reflect light towards the target zone. The flange may, for example, comprise two or more flange parts that can be separated from each other to facilitate insertion into the chamber and / or removal from the chamber of the connecting hub and / or fluid conduit.
[00021] It will be appreciated that all features and options mentioned in view of the method apply equally to the device and vice versa. It will also be clear that any one or more of the above aspects, features and options can be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Petition 870220060526, dated 08 / 07 / 2022, page 29 / 47 8 / 16
[00022] The various aspects and modalities will be elaborated upon in conjunction with the figures. In the figures,
[00023] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid conduit and a cube being joined by a joining device;
[00024] Fig. 2 shows a close-up schematic view of a fluid conduit and a cube being joined by a joining device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00025] Fig. 1 shows a fluid conduit 2 having at least a partially transparent end section 1. The fluid conduit 2 has a tubular conduit wall 3. The tubular conduit wall 3 extends around a central axis 5. The fluid conduit 1 forms a fluid flow path for a fluid, for example, a beverage such as a beer drink, from a beverage container, for example, a beer keg, to a dispenser. For connection to the dispenser, the end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2 is coupled to a connecting hub 7. In particular, the fluid conduit 1 and the connecting hub 7 are joined in a fluid-tight manner to prevent leaks. The connecting hub 7 comprises a cavity 9, herein formed by a tubular connecting hub body 11, wherein the cavity 9 opens at a first end 13 and a second opposite end 15 to allow fluid to flow through the connecting hub 7.The connection cube 7 can cooperate with the dispenser to dispense a controlled quantity of beverage into a receptacle. Petition 870220060526, dated 08 / 07 / 2022, page 30 / 47 9 / 16 example, a cup or glass. Alternatively, the connecting hub 7 can cooperate with a barrel connector to establish a fluid flow path between an internal volume of the container and the distributor.
[00026] Fig. 2 shows an approximate schematic view of part of Fig. 1
[00027] The cavity 9 at the first end 13 has a shape that is complementary to a shape of the end section of the fluid conduit 1. The connecting hub 7 comprises coupling means 17 which, in this example, are arranged to cooperate with complementary coupling means of the distributor, to securely couple the hub 7 and the distributor.
[00028] A portion of the end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2 is introduced into the cavity 9 of the connecting hub 7, so that the wall of the tubular conduit 3 and the body of the connecting hub 11 establish a contact interface 20 between them, i.e., a surface of the wall of the conduit 3 and a surface of the body of the hub 11 touch. Here, the fluid conduit 1 and the connecting hub 7 are dimensioned so as to establish an interference fit between the wall of the conduit 3 and the body of the hub 11. For example, a cross-section of the end portion of the fluid conduit is slightly larger than a cross-section of the cavity 9 of the connecting hub 7. The wall of the fluid conduit 3 may have elastic properties to be pressed into the cavity of the hub 9. In an assembled state of the connecting hub 7 and the fluid conduit Petition 870220060526, dated 08 / 07 / 2022, page 31 / 47 10 / 16 1, both the body of the cube 11 and the wall of the conduit 3 extend around the central axis 5.
[00029] Furthermore, shown in Fig. 1 is a device 21 for joining the end portion 1 of the fluid conduit 2 and the connecting hub 7 together. In this example, the device 21 comprises a flange 23 extending outward from the central axis 5, i.e., in a plane transverse to the central axis. The device 21 further comprises a chamber 25 for receiving the connecting hub 7 and the at least partially transparent end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2. The chamber 25 is partially formed by a through opening in the flange 21 and is here circularly symmetrical about the central axis 5. The chamber 25 may be tapered to allow easy centering and insertion of the at least partially transparent end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2. In use, the connecting hub 7 is fixed relative to the chamber 25 so that the cavity 9 is aligned with the central axis to receive the end portion of the fluid conduit 1.Here, the first end 13 of the cube body 11 rests against the flange 23.
[00030] The device 21 further comprises a light source 33, for example, a laser light source, for example, a laser diode. Here, two light sources 33 are shown. The light sources 33 can, for example, transmit light in the infrared spectrum. The device 21 further comprises one or more optical waveguides 32, such as one or more optical fibers, or one or more bundles of optical fibers, to guide the light from the light source 33 to Petition 870220060526, dated 07 / 08 / 2022, p. 32 / 47 11 / 16 a relative proximity of the contact interface 20. Here, each of the optical waveguides 32 is associated with a respective light source 33. The device may, for example, comprise between 1 and 40 optical waveguides, preferably between 10 and 30 optical waveguides, more preferably between 15 and 25 optical waveguides, such as 18, 20 or 22 optical waveguides. The one or more optical waveguides 32 are arranged to direct one or more respective light beams 29 to a target zone 27 on the contact interface 20, to locally and temporarily heat the target zone 27 so as to join the body of the connecting hub 11 and the conduit wall 3 of the fluid conduit end section 1.
[00031] Each light beam 29 has a corresponding target zone 27 which is defined by a spot size of the light beam 29 at the contact interface 20. The target zone 27 of each light beam 29 is indicated in Fig. 1 as being at the contact interface 20 between the two dashed lines. The target zones 27 of multiple combined light beams, i.e., the union of their spot sizes, can form an extended target zone, for example forming a ring-shaped target zone that extends around the central axis. Thus, the multiple light beams extend in a biconical plane. The biconical plane intersects the body of the connecting cube 11 and the conduit wall 3 in the ring-shaped target zone.
[00032] To reach the target zone at the contact interface 20, a light beam is directed at an angle Θ relative to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 5. Fig. 1 shows two light beams 29, each being directed Petition 870220060526, dated 07 / 08 / 2022, pp. 33 / 47 12 / 16 through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit 1 to a respective target zone 20 on an opposite side of the target zone. In other words, each light beam is transmitted through the at least partially transparent end section 1 in a direction substantially transverse to the central axis 5. The angle Θ may, for example, be between 20 and 60 degrees, preferably between 30 and 50 degrees, more preferably about 40 degrees. Therefore, the biconical plane may have a vertex angle between 60 and 140 degrees, preferably between 80 and 120 degrees, more preferably about 100 degrees.
[00033] To minimize light absorption by the conduit wall 3, the end section of the fluid conduit 1 is at least transparent in those locations where light beams 29 need to be transmitted through the end section of the fluid conduit 1 to be subjected to the target zone 27 on the opposite side of the fluid conduit 1. In this example, the entire end section of the fluid conduit 1 is transparent. However, the end section 1 may be locally provided with one or more transparent windows to transmit light locally through it. A transparent annular window may, for example, be provided in the end portion 1 of the fluid conduit 2. The conduit wall 3 of the end section of the fluid conduit 1, or one or more transparent windows, may be made of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic material. The one or more windows may also be at least partially transparent. Petition 870220060526, dated 08 / 07 / 2022, pp. 34 / 47 13 / 16
[00034] In target zone 27, the body of the connecting hub 11 can absorb the light from the light beams 29, so that the contact interface 20 is heated locally and temporarily in target zone 27. In this way, the material of the hub body 11 and / or the end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2 can be locally and temporarily fused to establish a union between the hub body 11 and the end section 1. In this way, the connecting hub 7 and the end section of the fluid conduit 1 are welded together by means of laser welding.
[00035] In this example, the device 21 further comprises a reflective surface 31 shaped to reflect light towards the target zone 27. The reflective surface 31 may be inclined with respect to the central axis 5. In particular, the reflective surface 31 extends in a direction that substantially coincides with a direction in which the light beams 29 are directed. In this way, small discrepancies in the direction of the light beams 29, diffusion of the light beams 29 and / or dispersion of the light beams 29 can be compensated by reflecting the light towards the target zone 27. The reflective surface 31 may be formed by a flange surface 23, which surface may be coated with a reflective coating, for example, a gold-plated surface. The reflective surface may generally have a conical shape.
[00036] Device 21 may further comprise a complementary reflecting surface 34, for example, formed by a complementary body 36, here a conical body. The chamber 25 is here partially formed by the body Petition 870220060526, dated 08 / 07 / 2022, pp. 35 / 47 14 / 16 complementary 36, as a through-hole through the conical complementary body 36. The reflective surface 31 of the flange and the complementary reflective surface 34 of the complementary body 36 can define an interstice 38 between each other, i.e., form a planar waveguide, to guide the light from the light source 33 or from one or more waveguides 32 to the end section of the fluid conduit towards the target zone. The interstice extends around the central axis 5. In this way, the light is uniformly distributed over an annular target zone 27 at the contact interface 20. One or more optical waveguides 32 can be provided through holes in the flange 23 or in the complementary body 26. Alternatively, one or more optical waveguides 32 can be provided, for example, clamped, between the complementary body 36 and the flange 23.The supplementary body 36 may comprise two or more body parts that are separable from each other in order to facilitate insertion into chamber 25 and / or removal of chamber 25 from the fluid conduit. Furthermore, the flange 23 and the supplementary body 36 may be separable from each other to facilitate insertion into chamber 25 and / or removal of chamber 25 from the fluid conduit.
[00037] Here, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and alterations can be made to it without departing from the essence of the invention. For the sake of clarity and a concise description, the features are described in this document as part of the same embodiments or as separate embodiments, in Petition 870220060526, dated 07 / 08 / 2022, pp. 36 / 47 15 / 16 However, alternative embodiments with combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also foreseen.
[00038] In the examples, the cube body material absorbs energy from the light beams, so the cube body is heated locally and temporarily in the target zone. The heat in the cube body can be conducted to the end section of the fluid conduit. Thus, both the cube body and the end section of the fluid conduit can be locally and temporarily fused to establish a union between the cube body and the end section.
[00039] It is also possible that the end section of the fluid conduit includes a material arranged to absorb the energy of the light beams in the target zone. This can, for example, be used when the end section includes one or more, for example, annular windows, at least partially transparent, to allow light beams to pass into the target zone.
[00040] However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples should therefore be considered in an illustrative and not restrictive sense.
[00041] For the sake of clarity and concise description, the features are described in this document as part of the same embodiments or as separate embodiments; however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. Petition 870220060526, dated 07 / 08 / 2022, pp. 37 / 47 16 / 16
[00042] In claims, any reference mark placed in parentheses should not be interpreted as limiting the claim. The word 'including' does not exclude the presence of other features or steps beyond those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'an' should not be interpreted as limited to 'only one', but are used to mean 'at least one' and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Petition 870220060526, dated 08 / 07 / 2022, pp. 38 / 47
Claims
1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Method for joining a fluid conduit and a connecting hub comprising: providing a fluid conduit (2) having an end section (1) at least partially transparent, providing a connecting hub (7) comprising a hub cavity (9) having a shape complementary to a shape of the end section of the fluid conduit, and introducing the end section of the fluid conduit at least partially into the hub cavity through an opening in the hub and establishing a contact interface between at least a part of the side wall of the end section and a wall of the hub cavity, characterized in that the method further comprises heating a target zone (27) at the contact interface (20), to join the fluid conduit and the connecting hub at the target zone, directing a beam of light (29) to a target zone, through a side of the fluid conduit that is opposite a side of the target zone,through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit in the target zone; wherein: a plurality of light beams is directed through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones, each light beam of the plurality of light beams being directed to an associated target zone and being directed through the end section of one side of the fluid conduit that is opposite to one side of the associated target zone; and Petition 870260023227, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, p. 11 / 20 2 / 5 the plurality of light beams extends in a biconical plane.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the light beam (29) is guided by means of an optical waveguide (32) from a light source (33) to the side of the fluid conduit that is opposite to one side of the target zone (27).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light from the light beam (29) is absorbed by the material of the connecting hub (7) in the target zone at the contact interface (20).
4. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of target zones (27) overlap at least partially so that the union of the plurality of target zones forms an extended target zone.
5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the overlapping target zones (27) form an extended ring-shaped target zone that extends circumferentially around the end section (1) of the fluid conduit (2).
6. Device for joining a fluid duct (2) and a connecting hub (7), for example, by a method as defined in any of the preceding claims, the device comprising a chamber (29) for receiving an at least partially transparent end section (1) of the fluid duct and / or the connecting hub, wherein in use of the device, the end section of the fluid duct is at least partially positioned in a hub cavity (9) of the connecting hub, the device comprising Petition 870260023227, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, page 12 / 20 3 / 5 also a light source arranged (33) to transmit a light beam, characterized in that the device is arranged to, in use, direct the light beam to a target zone (27), through a side of the fluid duct that is opposite a side of the target zone,through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit from one side of the fluid conduit that is opposite one side of the target zone to join the fluid conduit and the connecting hub in the target zone; wherein the device is configured to direct a plurality of light beams through the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones, each light beam of the plurality of light beams being directed to an associated target zone and being directed through the end section from one side of the fluid conduit that is opposite one side of the associated target zone; and the plurality of light beams extending in a biconical plane.
7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises an optical waveguide (32) for guiding the light beam (29) from the light source (33) to the side of the fluid conduit (2) that is opposite to one side of the target zone.
8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the device is arranged to, in use, direct a plurality of light beams Petition 870260023227, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, page 13 / 20 4 / 5 (29) through the at least partially transparent end section (1) of the fluid conduit (2) to heat a plurality of respective target zones (27), each light beam of the plurality of light beams being directed to an associated target zone and being directed through the end section of a side of the fluid conduit that is opposite to a side of the associated target zone.
9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the device comprises a plurality of optical waveguides (32), each optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides being arranged to guide a light beam (29) of the plurality of light beams from the light source to the side of the fluid conduit (2) that is opposite to a side of the associated target zone.
10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the plurality of optical waveguides (2) are positioned circumferentially around the chamber (25) at regular intervals.
11. Device, according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it has a first conical reflecting surface (31) and, optionally, a second conical reflecting surface (31), for reflecting light towards target zones (27).
12. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that it comprises fastening means for securing the connecting hub (7) in relation to the chamber (25).
13. Device, according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that Petition 870260023227, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, page 14 / 20 5 / 5 comprises a flange (23) with a central opening to allow insertion of the end section (1) of the fluid conduit (2), the central opening providing access to the chamber of the device, wherein, around the central opening, the flange comprises a reflective surface (31) shaped to reflect light towards the target zone (27). Petition 870260023227, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, page 15 / 20