Pipe coupling and corresponding applications

Abstract

A pipeline coupling is disclosed which is configured for detachably connecting a pipeline, in particular a flexible hose, to a water delivery system. The pipeline coupling comprises a hose fitting which is connected to or configured on the pipeline and a connection member which is arranged for detachably connecting the pipeline to a mating coupling of the water delivery system. The connection member is detachably connected to the hose fitting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pipeline connector for detachably connecting pipelines, particularly flexible hoses, to water supply systems. The invention also relates to related applications. Background Technology

[0002] Such pipe connectors are known, for example, from EP3169853B1. Their construction allows for the detachable connection of a pipe (e.g., a shower head hose) to another water supply system (e.g., a shower head). For this purpose, the water supply system needs to have a mating connector compatible with the pipe connector, allowing for a sealed pipe connection. If the pipe connector and the mating connector are incompatible, an adapter must be used to connect the water supply system to the pipe. This requires two pipe connections, increasing assembly and material costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to at least mitigate these disadvantages.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, a pipeline connector is provided. This pipeline connector is configured to detachably connect a pipeline, particularly a flexible hose, to a water supply system. The pipeline connector includes: a hose fitting connected to or constructed on the pipeline; and a connecting member disposed for detachably connecting the pipeline to a mating fitting in the water supply system. The connecting member is detachably connected to the hose fitting.

[0005] For example, the pipeline can be a pipeline constructed for transporting fluids, such as water. Detachable connections make it easier to replace connection components, for example, to connect different water supply systems. Therefore, the pipeline connector can be adapted to a greater number of different water supply systems to be connected. Replacing the entire pipeline connector or the entire pipeline can be avoided. A modular system can be created where several different types of pipelines (e.g., pipelines of different lengths) can be connected to a greater number of different types of connection components. The types of connection components can be specifically designed for connection to different mating connections of the water supply systems. For example, multiple shower heads can be connected to a single hose. This further avoids the need for additional adapters, thus saving at least one seal. The connection component can be constructed as a one-piece or multi-piece unit.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the connecting component has an intermediate section capable of detachably connecting to a hose fitting. The intermediate section can be constructed, for example, as a pipe fitting that can be connected to both the hose fitting of the pipeline and the mating connection of the water supply system using a seal. According to this embodiment, the connecting component also has a connecting pipe through which the intermediate section can be preferably sealed to the water supply system. The connecting pipe can be constructed, for example, as a clamp that secures the connection between the mating connection and the intermediate section. Different water supply systems can be compatible using pairs consisting of the intermediate section and the connecting pipe. Therefore, it is not necessary to replace the intermediate section or the connecting pipe when changing the water supply system. This increases the flexibility of the pipeline connection. The connecting pipe and / or the intermediate section can be manufactured, in particular, by turning.

[0007] In another embodiment, the intermediate component has a stop for the connecting fitting. The connecting fitting can thus be constructed such that it presses the intermediate component against the water supply system using a seal connected to the intermediate component. The seal, such as an O-ring or flat washer, can thus be compressed and form a sealed connection. To replace the connecting fitting, the intermediate component can be removed, the connecting fitting replaced, and then the intermediate component reassembled. Both the connecting fitting and the intermediate component are also replaceable.

[0008] In another embodiment, the intermediate component is rotatably connected to the hose fitting in the connected state. Thus, a water delivery system that can be rigidly connected to the connecting parts can still be rotatably connected to the hose. This increases operational flexibility.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the pipeline connector further includes a connecting device for detachably connecting the connecting component to the hose fitting. This device may include, for example, a clamping sleeve or a spiral clamp. In the assembled state, the clamping sleeve can be held in place, for example by force locking or form locking, while simultaneously providing a latch for form-locking the hose fitting to the connecting component. This form locking, and not just force locking, prevents the hose fitting and the intermediate component from separating due to axial forces along the pipeline. These axial forces act on the pipeline under tension and are typically significantly greater in operation than the forces acting only on the device used for detachable connection.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the connecting device includes a pluggable clip. This facilitates assembly of the connecting device. In particular, the pluggable clip can be configured to be assembled simply by plugging it in without tools. The clip can elastically deform during insertion, thus retaining its shape-locking position after insertion. This makes disassembly and reassembly easier when replacing intermediate or connecting parts, or in case of accidental misassembly. Disassembly can be performed without tools or using standard tools (e.g., a screwdriver).

[0011] According to another embodiment, the connecting device is laterally insertable or laterally push-in. For this purpose, the hose fitting and / or connecting component may include, for example, a recess or hole into which the connecting device can be pushed. For assembly, the connecting component can first be positioned relative to the hose fitting in the assembly position, and then a clamp can be inserted into the recess or hole. In the assembly position, the clamp acts as a retaining element to form-lock the hose fitting and connecting component and, in particular, to receive axial tensile forces. If the recess is designed to be particularly deep compared to the lateral extension of the connecting component and hose fitting, a connecting device with a large lateral extension can be provided. This allows the axial force to be distributed over a larger cross-section, resulting in low stress in the material, and the risk of deformation of the pipeline connection and therefore undesirable disassembly and / or connection failure only occurs when the tensile force is unacceptably strong for the application.

[0012] If the recess is designed to be shallower, higher mechanical stress is possible, but a more space-saving structural form is also possible.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the connector has a sleeve-shaped locking nut or threaded sleeve. The locking nut may have internal threads that can connect with external threads on the mating connection of the water supply system. The threaded sleeve may also have external threads that can connect with internal threads on the mating connection.

[0014] According to another embodiment, at least in the connected state, the connecting fitting covers at least a portion of the intermediate component, particularly the portion extending from the pipeline, and / or covers the connecting device. Therefore, the intermediate component is disposed within the connecting fitting, for example, within a threaded sleeve. The connecting fitting may have an inner side that contacts the outer side of the connecting device in the connected state. The inner side can receive lateral or radial forces. If the connecting fitting covers the connecting device, the connecting fitting must first be separated from the water supply system and moved to establish or disengage the connection between the connecting component and the hose fitting. This prevents accidental opening of the connection.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the hose fitting is connected to the pipeline via a crimped connection. The crimped connection is specifically created by inserting the hose fitting into the pipeline and engaging the pipeline and hose fitting together. This forms a shape-locking, permanent connection. Therefore, the connection will not be accidentally broken when the connecting parts are later removed.

[0016] In another embodiment, the lock nut covers the hose fitting in the connected state. The hose fitting, which is inserted into the pipeline (locally reducing the pipeline's bendability), is thus embedded in the lock nut. Therefore, the pipeline can be bent directly from the nut.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the pipeline connector also has a hose fitting sealing element configured to form a sealed connection between the connecting component and the hose fitting. The first sealing element may have an O-ring.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the hose fitting and / or connecting component also has an annular groove, which is configured to retain the hose fitting sealing element.

[0019] In another embodiment, the pipeline is a flexible hose. Flexible hoses can be manufactured with minimal cost and are suitable for crimped connections.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the pipeline connector also includes a connecting component sealing element. The connecting component sealing element is configured to create a sealed connection between the connecting component and the water supply system. The connecting component sealing element can be spatially separate from the hose fitting sealing element. Therefore, the hose fitting and the mating connector can have different shapes and sizes.

[0021] The sealing element for the connecting component may include a flat washer, an O-ring, and / or a centering ring. An O-ring facilitates positioning and allows the connecting component to rotate more easily against the mating joint during assembly. A centering ring holds the resilient sealing material, particularly the O-ring, in place during assembly. Alternatively, the sealing element may be held in place by an annular groove mounted on or constructed within the connecting component.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the connecting component is configured to radially press the hose fitting sealing element and / or the connecting component sealing element in the connected state. Therefore, the corresponding sealing element can be pressed radially against the connecting component and / or another member, such as a hose fitting, a mating coupling in a water supply system, or a centering ring, and additionally against the stop or annular groove of the connecting component in the axial direction. The corresponding sealing element is thus pressed onto a large area. Furthermore, the corresponding sealing element is less prone to slippage during assembly or disassembly.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the connecting component preferably has a mating stop on the side opposite to the pipeline for mating with the fitting. In the connected state, the hose fitting extends axially up to this mating stop. Therefore, the hose fitting does not protrude beyond the plane of the mating stop and thus does not extend into the mating fitting of the water supply system. This allows the dimensions of the mating fitting of the water supply system to be determined radially independently of the size of the hose fitting. For example, the inner diameter of the mating fitting and / or the water supply system can be smaller than the outer diameter of the hose fitting, starting directly from the plane of the mating stop. The hose fitting is not pushed into the mating fitting during assembly, therefore, it is not necessary to determine the dimensions to match the water supply system. Therefore, a correspondingly designed connecting component can accommodate the hose fitting and the mating fitting, and thus any size and structural form of pipeline and water supply system.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the hose fitting has a smaller or the same radial extension distance and / or at most the same minimum material thickness in the region of the hose fitting sealing element, particularly at the bottom of the annular groove, compared to the region of the connecting device. The recess into which the connecting device can be inserted is therefore not as deep as the annular groove. Thus, the hose fitting sealing element can be dimensionally smaller in the transverse direction than the connecting device. If the hose fitting sealing element is constructed as an O-ring, it can have a smaller diameter than a clamp that is at least partially annular or semi-annular. Excessive deformation and therefore mechanical stress on the hose fitting sealing element are avoided if the connecting parts and the hose fitting are first positioned relative to each other during assembly.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, an application for securing a connecting component to a hose fitting, particularly according to a first aspect of the invention, is disclosed in a detachable connection on a pipeline connector. The detachable connection allows for replacement of the connecting component, for example, adapting the connection to other water supply systems. The application may include, as a first step, positioning the connecting component in an assembly position on the hose fitting, and as a second step, positioning the connecting device, particularly a clamp.

[0026] In one embodiment, the detachable connection is formed after the hose fitting is connected to the pipeline. The connection between the hose fitting and the pipeline can be made, in particular, by crimping. All features and effects of the first aspect of the invention can be transferred to the second aspect of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 An exploded view of the pipeline connectors and pipelines according to the design scheme of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 2a Show Figure 1 The diagram shows views of the pipe fittings and pipes, with the pipes and crimp sleeves on the pipes shown in a side view, while other components are shown in a longitudinal sectional view.

[0030] Figure 2b Showing the pipeline connection in Figure 2a Detailed longitudinal section view of the marked area;

[0031] Figure 3a A side view of the intermediate component according to the design scheme of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 3b A first perspective view of the intermediate component according to the design scheme of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 3c A second perspective view of the intermediate component according to the design scheme of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 A view showing a clip according to a design according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5a A side view showing a second design of the pipeline connectors and pipelines;

[0036] Figure 5b Show Figure 5a The longitudinal sectional view of the pipeline connector shown;

[0037] Figure 6a A side view showing a third design scheme for pipeline connectors and pipelines;

[0038] Figure 6b Show Figure 6a The longitudinal sectional view of the pipeline connector shown;

[0039] Figure 7a A side view of the fourth design scheme for the pipeline connectors and pipelines is shown;

[0040] Figure 7b Show Figure 7a The longitudinal sectional view of the pipeline connector shown; and

[0041] Figure 7c Show Figure 7a The top view of the pipeline connector shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figure 1An exploded view of the pipeline connector 1 and pipeline 2 according to the design scheme of the present invention is shown. Pipeline 2 is configured as a hose. The hose connector 5 is shown in the assembled position. The hose connector has been pushed into pipeline 2 and crimped to pipeline 2 by means of a crimping sleeve 4. The hose connector sealing element 8 is designed as an O-ring and located in an annular groove constructed on the hose connector 5. The hose connector also has a hose connector recess 6, which is designed as an annular groove. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting components have two parts, namely, a connecting member 3 and an intermediate member 9. The connecting member 3 is configured as a tapered threaded sleeve and may have internal threads that can connect with a mating connector (not shown). As shown, the connecting member 3 is inserted into pipeline 2 and pushed far enough from the end of the hose with the hose connector 5 to expose the hose connector. The minimum inner diameter of the connecting member 3 is greater than the maximum diameter of pipeline 2, crimping sleeve 4, hose connector 5, and sealing ring 8. Therefore, the intermediate member 9 can be removed or replaced from the hose as soon as it is separated from the hose connector 5. The intermediate component 9 has at least one connecting member recess 12, which is designed as a through groove. For assembly, the intermediate component 9 can be pushed onto the hose connector in a first step until the connecting member recess 12 is at the same axial height as the hose connector recess 6. In a second assembly step, the connecting device 11 (designed as an insertable clamp) can be pushed onto the hose connector recess 6 via the connecting member recess 12. The clamp 11 is sized such that its legs initially spring slightly apart upon being pushed up, and then move back together. Thus, the clamp 11 is held in place in the assembled state and itself holds the intermediate component 9 onto the hose connector 5. In a third assembly step, the connecting member sealing element 10, designed here for example as a flat washer, can be positioned on the intermediate component 9, and the connecting pipe 3 is pushed through the hose connector 5, the intermediate component 9, and the sealing elements 8 and 10 to connect the connecting pipe to a mating coupling (not shown) of the water supply system.

[0043] Figure 2a Show Figure 1 The diagram shows views of the pipe connector 1 and the pipe 2. The pipe and the crimp sleeve 4 on the pipe are shown in a side view, while the other components are shown in a longitudinal sectional view. Figure 2b The pipeline connector 1 is shown in Figure 2aDetailed longitudinal sectional view of the area marked in the figure. Pipeline connector 1 is shown in the assembled position, but without the mating connectors of the water supply system. Intermediate member 9 (cross-shaded line) is located on hose connector 5. The legs of clamp 11 are shown perpendicular to the plane of the figure and are in the assembled position within the hose connector recess 6, designed as an annular groove, and inserted through the connecting member recess 12, designed as a through groove in the intermediate member. Hose connector sealing element 8 is drawn as an O-ring with interference fit and is compressed radially in this position. This hose connector sealing element is located in the annular groove 7 of the hose connector and seals the intermediate member 9 and hose connector 5. In this exemplary embodiment, the annular groove 7 for the sealing ring 8 is deeper than the hose connector recess 6 in the hose connector 5. Therefore, the hose connector sealing element 8 is only compressed during assembly when the intermediate member 9 is in the assembled position. This avoids the hose connector sealing element being pushed or scratched in the first assembly step. Connector 3 is shown in the assembled position and pressed against stop 13 on the intermediate member 9. The intermediate member 9 is thus compressed in the direction of the mating stop, and the connecting component sealing element 10 is compressed. The connecting component sealing element 10 is located on the side of the intermediate member 9 opposite to the hose. In the assembled position, the hose connector 5 is inserted into the intermediate member 9 and extends all the way to the sealing ring 10. However, the hose connector 5 does not extend further through the connecting component sealing element 10. Therefore, the illustrated embodiment can be connected, for example, to a conduit with external threads and a mating stop, which has a smaller inner diameter than the hose connector. The connecting pipe 3 completely covers the intermediate member 9 and the crimp sleeve 4, thereby preventing accidental disassembly of the connection.

[0044] Figure 3a A side view of the intermediate component 9 according to the design scheme of the present invention is shown. Figure 3b and 3c Perspective views are shown separately. The intermediate member 9 is part of the connecting component and has two connecting component recesses 12. Each connecting component recess 12 is through and is respectively configured to receive a leg for the clamp.

[0045] Figure 4 A view of a clip 11 according to a design according to the present invention is shown. Clip 11 is a design of a connecting device and has two legs that can be inserted into a hose connector recess via a connecting member recess to connect the connecting member to the hose connector. The shape of the legs is chosen such that the clip 11 bends apart slightly elastically during assembly and disassembly. Therefore, the clip 11 is held in place in the assembled state.

[0046] Figure 5a A side view of a second design of the pipeline connector 15 and the pipeline 2 is shown. Figure 5b Show Figure 5a The longitudinal sectional view of the pipeline connector 15 shown. (As in...) Figure 1As in the design shown in Figure 2, the hose connector 5 is installed on one end of the pipeline 2 via the crimp sleeve 4. However, with Figure 1 Unlike design scheme 2, this design of the pipeline connector 15 features an integrated connecting component 14 instead of the connecting pipe and intermediate component. The integrated connecting component 14 connects to the hose connector 5 via a connecting device designed as a clamp 11. In this embodiment, the connecting device 11 is not covered by the connecting component 14. Therefore, it is easier to disconnect and re-establish the connection.

[0047] Figure 6a A side view of the third design scheme for the pipeline connector 16 and the pipeline 2 is shown. Figure 6b Show Figure 6a The longitudinal sectional view of the pipeline connector 16 shown. (As in...) Figure 1 As in the design shown in Figure 2, the hose connector 5 is mounted on one end of the pipeline 2 via a crimp sleeve 4. The connecting components consist of an intermediate member 9 and a connecting member 3. As described above, the intermediate member 9 is held by a clamp 11 and sealed by a sealing ring 8 guided in an annular groove 7. The connecting member 3 is constructed as a threaded sleeve and extends to the stop 13 of the intermediate member 9. The connecting member 3 has external threads (not shown), which are compatible with the internal threads of connectors (not shown) on the water supply system. If the hose in the illustrated embodiment is to be connected to another water supply system with a connector of a different design, it is sufficient to replace the connecting member 3. To do this, the connection to the water supply system can be disconnected first, the clamp 11 removed, the intermediate member 9 removed, the connecting member 3 removed, another connecting member pushed onto the hose, the intermediate member 9 reassembled and secured with the clamp 11, and then the other connecting member connected to the other water supply system.

[0048] Figure 7a A side view of the pipeline connector 17 and the fourth design scheme of the pipeline is shown. Figure 7b Show Figure 7a The longitudinal sectional view of the pipeline connector 17 shown. Figure 7c Show Figure 7a The diagram shows a top view of the pipe connector 17. As in other illustrated designs, the hose connector 5 is mounted on one end of the pipe 2 via a crimp sleeve 4. The connector has an intermediate member 9 and a connecting member 3. The intermediate member 9 is connected to the hose connector 5 via a clamp 11 and sealed by a sealing ring 8 located in an annular groove 7. The connecting member 3 is designed here as a lock nut. Figure 7c The hexagonal outline drawn in the image shows the shape of the lock nut. Figure 5a and 5b The design shown here differs from the one depicted here; only the connecting fittings need to be replaced to adapt the pipeline to the water supply system. Intermediate component 9 does not need to be replaced.

[0049] The foregoing describes and discloses pipeline connectors configured to detachably connect pipelines, particularly flexible hoses, to a water supply system. Pipeline connectors include hose fittings connected to or constructed on the pipeline, and connecting pipes provided on mating fittings for detachably connecting the pipeline to the water supply system. The connecting components are detachably connected to the hose fittings.

[0050] List of reference numerals

[0051] 1. Pipeline connectors

[0052] 2 pipelines

[0053] 3 connecting parts

[0054] 4 Crimping sleeve

[0055] 5 Hose Connectors

[0056] 6. Hose connector recess

[0057] 7-ring groove

[0058] 8. Hose Connector Sealing Elements

[0059] 9 Middleware

[0060] 10. Sealing elements for connecting components

[0061] 11. Connecting device

[0062] 12 Recessed part of connecting component

[0063] 13 Stop

[0064] 14 connecting parts, one-piece

[0065] Second design scheme for 15 pipeline connectors

[0066] Third design scheme for 16 pipeline connectors

[0067] Fourth design scheme for 17 pipeline connectors

Claims

1. A pipeline connector for detachably connecting a pipeline (2) to a water supply system, the pipeline connector having: Hose connector (5), which is connected to or constructed on the pipeline (2); as well as A connecting component, the connecting component being configured to detachably connect the pipeline (2) to a mating connection of the water supply system; Its features are, The connecting component is detachably connected to the hose connector (5). The connecting component includes: an intermediate part (9) which is detachably connected to a hose connector (5); And the connecting pipe (3), the intermediate component (9) can be connected to the water supply system through the connecting pipe, The connector (3) shall cover the intermediate component (9) at least in the connected state. The pipeline connector also includes a connecting device (11) for detachably connecting the connecting component to the hose connector (5); The connecting device (11) includes an insertable or insertable clip; The connecting device (11) is either laterally inserted or laterally inserted.

2. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate component (9) has a stop (13) for the connecting component (3).

3. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate part (9) is rotatably connected to the hose connector (5).

4. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting pipe (3) has a sleeve-shaped locking nut or bolt sleeve.

5. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting pipe (3) covers, at least in the connected state, the connecting device (11) for detachably connecting the connecting component to the hose connector (5).

6. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, wherein, The hose connector (5) is connected to the pipeline (2) through a crimped connection.

7. The pipeline connector according to claim 6, wherein, The connecting fitting (3) at least covers the portion of the hose connector (5) extending out of the hose and / or covers the crimped connection portion when in the connected state.

8. The pipeline connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The pipeline connector also includes: A hose connector sealing element (8) is configured to form a sealed connection between the connecting component and the hose connector (5).

9. The pipeline connector according to claim 8, wherein, The hose connector (5) and / or the connecting component also have an annular groove (7) configured to retain the hose connector sealing element (8).

10. The pipeline connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The pipeline (2) is a flexible hose.

11. The pipeline connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The pipeline connector also includes a connecting component sealing element (10) configured to form a sealed connection between the connecting component and the water supply system.

12. The pipeline connector according to claim 8, wherein, The connecting component is configured to radially compress the hose connector sealing element (8) in the connected state.

13. The pipeline connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The connecting component has a mating stop for mating with the connecting member, and the hose connector (5) extends axially up to the mating stop in the connected state.

14. The pipeline connector according to claim 8, wherein, The pipeline connector further includes a connecting device (11) for detachably connecting the connecting component to the hose connector (5); and the hose connector (5) has a smaller or the same radial extension distance in the region of the hose connector sealing element (8) compared to the region of the connecting device (11) and / or has a minimum material thickness of at most the same size compared to the region of the connecting device (11).

15. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate component (9) can be connected to the water supply system in a sealed manner through the connecting pipe.

16. The pipeline connector according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting fitting (3) at least covers the portion of the intermediate fitting (9) extending from the pipeline (2) when connected.

17. The pipeline connector according to claim 11, wherein, The sealing element (10) of the connecting component is an O-ring.

18. The pipeline connector according to claim 13, wherein, The connecting component has a mating stop on the side opposite to the pipeline (2) for mating with the connecting member.

19. The pipeline connector according to claim 9, wherein, The pipeline connector further includes a connecting device (11) for detachably connecting the connecting component to the hose connector (5); and the hose connector (5) has a smaller or the same radial extension distance at the bottom of the annular groove (7) in the region of the hose connector sealing element (8) compared to the region of the connecting device (11) and / or has a minimum material thickness of at most the same size compared to the region of the connecting device (11).

20. An application of a pipeline connector for detachably connecting with a mating connector, said pipeline connector being the pipeline connector according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The application according to claim 20, wherein, The detachable connection is formed after the hose connector (5) has been connected to the pipeline (2).

22. The application according to claim 21, wherein, The detachable connection is formed after the hose connector (5) has been inserted into the pipeline.

23. An application for securing a connecting component to a hose fitting (5) via a detachable connection on a pipeline connector, said pipeline connector being the pipeline connector according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

24. The application according to claim 23, wherein, The detachable connection is formed after the hose connector (5) has been connected to the pipeline (2).

25. The application according to claim 24, wherein, The detachable connection is formed after the hose connector (5) has been inserted into the pipeline.

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