Pipe connection system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pipe connection system (100), comprising: a sleeve (1) for receiving a pipe; a sealing assembly (2) for clamping and axially sealing the pipe; and a pressurizing device (5) cooperating with the sleeve (1) for locking the sealing assembly (2) onto the pipe; the sealing assembly (2) comprising a sealing ring (3) and an annular closed self-locking structure formed by a plurality of identical self-locking units (4) connected in succession, wherein the self-locking unit (4) comprises a self-locking body (41) and a clamping piece (42) independent of the self-locking body and assembled in the self-locking body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipe expansion joint sealing, and is applied to pipe connections and installations in various engineering construction industries such as building, road, and bridge construction. More specifically, this invention relates to pipe connection systems. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most existing technologies for connecting pipelines employ methods such as flange connections, grooved connections, and welding. Flange and grooved connections require flanges and grooves, making them relatively bulky and cumbersome. Welding requires welding machines and cannot provide a fast, safe, and convenient pipeline connection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One objective of this invention is to achieve simple and quick pipe connection, solving the problem that pipes cannot be connected when there are no connecting structures such as flanges or grooves.

[0004] Another objective of this invention is to achieve simple and quick pipe connection, solving the problem of using welding machines during pipe welding and the safety issues during engineering installation. It can directly connect pipes to achieve the purpose of sealing and connecting pipes without the need for open flames, making it safe and efficient.

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a pipe connection system, comprising:

[0006] A sleeve used to receive pipes;

[0007] Sealing assemblies for clamping and axially sealing pipes; and

[0008] A pressurizing device, which works in conjunction with a sleeve, for securing the sealing assembly to the pipe;

[0009] The sealing assembly includes a sealing ring and a ring-shaped closed self-locking structure formed by a series of identical self-locking units connected sequentially. Each self-locking unit includes a self-locking body and a clamping piece that is independent of and assembled within the self-locking body.

[0010] When the pressurizing device applies an axial force, the wedge-shaped contact between the pressurizing device and the sleeve and the sealing assembly in the axial direction causes a radial force to act on the sealing assembly, causing the clamping plate to clamp and lock the pipe and the sealing ring to provide an axial seal for the pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping piece is made of a different material than the self-locking body.

[0012] Preferably, the clamping piece is made of metal, and the self-locking body is made of plastic.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing ring is made of an elastomeric material.

[0014] Preferably, the self-locking body includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the pipe. The first side of the self-locking body is provided with at least one mounting groove, and the second side of the self-locking body is provided with at least one sliding tongue. The at least one sliding tongue protrudes outward from the second side for insertion and locking in at least one mounting groove.

[0015] Preferably, the end of the sliding tongue away from the second side is provided with a pair of radial flanges, and the end of the mounting groove near the first side is provided with a pair of mating lips. When the sliding tongue of one self-locking unit is inserted into the mounting groove of another adjacent self-locking unit, the flange of the sliding tongue elastically unfolds and at least partially coincides with the lip of the mounting groove in the radial direction of the pipe, so as to prevent the sliding tongue of the self-locking unit from being pulled out of the mounting groove of the adjacent self-locking unit, while allowing the sliding tongue of the self-locking unit to slide circumferentially in the mounting groove of the adjacent self-locking unit in order to adjust the inner diameter of the annular closed self-locking structure.

[0016] Preferably, the self-locking body is provided with a weight-reducing groove and a buffer hole.

[0017] Preferably, the clamping piece includes a first surface facing the pipe and an opposite second surface, the first surface being provided with protrusions to increase friction with the pipe.

[0018] Preferably, the first surface is parallel to the central axis of the pipe, and an angle greater than 0° and less than 15° is formed between the second surface and the first surface, thereby forming a wedge-shaped clamping piece.

[0019] Preferably, the angle is 5°.

[0020] Preferably, the sealing ring includes an annular body defining a first inclined contact surface, a collar portion extending axially inward from the radially inner periphery of the annular body and defining the first circumferential contact surface, and a flange portion extending radially outward from the axially inner end of the collar portion.

[0021] The self-locking body includes a second inclined contact surface that contacts a first inclined contact surface of the sealing ring, a second circumferential contact surface that contacts a first circumferential contact surface of the sealing ring, and a groove for receiving a flange portion of the sealing ring.

[0022] The sealing ring has a first inclined contact surface that mates with the second inclined contact surface of the self-locking body, and the sealing ring has a first circumferential contact surface that mates with the second circumferential contact surface of the self-locking body, thereby forming a sealing assembly.

[0023] Preferably, the sealing ring further includes an axial flange extending axially inward from the radially outer periphery of the annular body and defining a third circumferential contact surface, the radially outer side of the self-locking body defining a fourth circumferential contact surface, and the third circumferential contact surface of the sealing ring contacting the fourth circumferential contact surface of the self-locking body.

[0024] Preferably, the inner periphery of the collar portion of the sealing ring is provided with a threaded portion to increase the sealing effect.

[0025] Preferably, the sealing assembly further includes an elastic ball configured to deform axially under the action of a force along the axial direction of the pipe, so that the clamping piece can move axially relative to the self-locking body, thereby increasing the clamping force and accommodating pipe movement when pressurized.

[0026] According to the present invention, when the pressurizing device applies an axial force, the wedge-shaped contact between the pressurizing device and the sleeve and the sealing assembly in the axial direction causes a radial force to act on the sealing assembly, so that the clamping plate clamps and locks the pipe and the sealing ring provides an axial seal for the pipe, thereby realizing the rapid connection of the pipe.

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention provides the following technical effects:

[0028] The mounting slots and sliding tongues on the self-locking unit make product assembly convenient and efficient.

[0029] The sliding tongue design of the self-locking unit is relatively large, making the product more robust and less prone to damage.

[0030] The weight-reducing groove and buffer hole design reduces the product weight, which can not only buffer the product when it is pressurized by the pressurizing device, but also save costs.

[0031] During injection molding, the clamping plates are installed inside the self-locking body, making the product more secure and less prone to damage.

[0032] By adding elastic balls, the elasticity of the balls allows the clamping plates to move on the self-locking body, increasing the clamping force and adapting to pipeline movement when pressurized.

[0033] The wedge-shaped clamping plate design prevents the pipe from automatically falling off when the pressurizing device is released.

[0034] Other exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples disclose exemplary embodiments of the present invention, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0035] At least one embodiment will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic assembly diagram of a pipe connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a top view of a pipe connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the pipe connection system taken by line AA.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a pressurization device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a self-locking unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7B This is a perspective view of the self-locking unit of an embodiment of the present invention from another angle.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a sealing ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a sealing ring according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a self-locking unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the clamping plate of the self-locking unit shown.

[0048] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A three-dimensional view of the elastic ball of the self-locking unit shown.

[0049] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the accompanying drawings, the following description, and the appended claims. It should be understood that these drawings illustrate only a few embodiments according to this disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure, which will be described with additional features and details using the drawings. Any dimensions disclosed in the drawings or elsewhere herein are for illustrative purposes only. Detailed Implementation

[0050] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take different and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the disclosure in various ways. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the drawings may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations.

[0051] Certain terms used in the following description may be for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to orientations in the referenced figures. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” and “side” describe the orientation and / or position of portions of a part or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, as will become clear from the context of the description of the part or element under discussion and the relevant figures. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used to describe individual parts. Such terms may include words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic assembly diagram of a pipe connection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a top view of a pipe connection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe connection system 100 taken from line AA. (Reference) Figure 1 One embodiment of the present invention provides a pipe connection system 100, which includes a sleeve 1 for receiving a pipe; a sealing assembly 2 for clamping and axially sealing the pipe; and a pressurizing device 5, which cooperates with the sleeve 1 to lock the sealing assembly 2 onto the pipe.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a sleeve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sleeve 1 is shown as a tubular body with two axially opposed ends including lips defining a fourth inclined contact surface 11. In the context of the present invention, inclined means extending obliquely relative to a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the pipe or sleeve.

[0054] Figure 5This is a perspective view of a pressurizing device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to one example of the invention, the pressurizing device 5 includes a first cover 57 and a second cover 58, which define a third inclined contact surface 56. Correspondingly, the two axially opposite ends of the sleeve 1 include lips defining a fourth inclined contact surface 11. The third inclined contact surface 56 of the pressurizing device 5, together with the fourth inclined contact surface 11 of the sleeve 1, defines a wedge shape that cooperates with the wedge shape of the self-locking body 41 to convert the axial force of the pressurizing device 5 into a radial force of the sealing assembly 2 for clamping and sealing the conduit.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressurizing device 5 further includes a plurality of first flange portions 51 extending outward from the outer periphery of the first cover portion 57 and the second cover portion 58, and each corresponding end of the sleeve 1 includes a corresponding plurality of second flange portions 14, each first flange portion 51 defining a first hole 53 and each second flange portion 14 defining a second hole 15.

[0056] According to one example of the invention, the pressurizing device 5 further includes a plurality of corresponding fasteners, including, for example, screws 52 and nuts 55, with the screws 52 passing through the first hole 53 and the second hole 15. It should be understood that the fasteners can take any other suitable form, such as studs and two nuts, without departing from the scope of the invention. Although the drawings show that each of the first cover portion 57 and the second cover portion 58 includes three first flange portions 51, and each corresponding end of the sleeve 1 includes three second flange portions 14, it should be understood that the invention can employ any other suitable number of first flange portions 51 and second flange portions 14, such as four, five, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a sealing assembly 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sealing assembly 2 includes a sealing ring 3 and an annular closed self-locking structure formed by a plurality of identical self-locking units 4 connected in succession. Each self-locking unit 4 includes a self-locking body 41 and a clamping piece 42, which is independent of and assembled within the self-locking body 41. By forming the clamping piece 42 independently from the self-locking body 41, the sealing assembly 2 can be manufactured at a lower cost while providing convenient and quick assembly.

[0058] According to one example of the invention, the clamping piece 42 is made of a different material than the self-locking body 41. According to another example of the invention, the clamping piece 42 is made of metal, and the self-locking body 41 is made of plastic. It should be understood that the clamping piece 42 and the self-locking body 41 can be formed of any other suitable material without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0059] When the pressurizing device 5 applies an axial force, the wedge-shaped contact between the pressurizing device 5 and the sleeve 1 and the sealing assembly 2 causes a radial force to act on the sealing assembly 2, causing the clamping piece 42 to clamp and lock the pipe and the sealing ring to provide an axial seal for the pipe.

[0060] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of the self-locking unit 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7B This is a perspective view of the self-locking unit 4 of an embodiment of the present invention from another angle.

[0061] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a sealing ring 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to one example of the present invention, the sealing ring 3 includes an annular body defining a first inclined contact surface 31, a collar portion 32 extending axially inward from the radially inner periphery of the annular body and defining a first circumferential contact surface, and a flange portion 33 extending radially outward from the axially inner end of the collar portion 32. According to one example of the present invention, the sealing ring 3 is made of an elastomeric material.

[0062] In this invention, due to the structure of the sealing ring 3, the sealing ring 3 can reliably provide axial sealing for the pipeline. Furthermore, the annular body, collar portion 32, and flange portion 33 of the sealing ring 3 can temporarily fix the annular closed self-locking structure after the self-locking unit 4 is assembled into an annular closed self-locking structure, which further provides convenience for assembly.

[0063] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the sealing ring 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, the sealing ring 3 also includes an axial flange 34 extending axially inward from the radial outer periphery of the annular body and defining a third circumferential contact surface, and the radial outer side of the self-locking body 41 defines a fourth circumferential contact surface, and the third circumferential contact surface of the sealing ring 3 contacts the fourth circumferential contact surface of the self-locking body 41.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner periphery of the collar portion 32 of the sealing ring 3 is provided with a threaded portion 35 to increase the sealing effect. The threaded portion 35 may extend along a portion of the inner periphery of the collar portion 32 or extend along the entire inner periphery of the collar portion 32.

[0065] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a self-locking unit 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The self-locking unit 4 includes a self-locking body 41 and a clamping piece 42 that is independent of and assembled within the self-locking body 41. By forming the clamping piece 42 independently from the self-locking body 41, the sealing assembly 2 can be manufactured at a lower cost, while providing convenience and speed in assembly.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the self-locking body 41 includes a second inclined contact surface 415 that contacts a first inclined contact surface 31 of the sealing ring 3, a second circumferential contact surface 416 that contacts a first circumferential contact surface of the sealing ring 3, and a groove 417 for receiving a flange portion 33 of the sealing ring 3. The first inclined contact surface 31 of the sealing ring 3 engages with the second inclined contact surface 415 of the self-locking body 41, and the first circumferential contact surface of the sealing ring 3 engages with the second circumferential contact surface 416 of the self-locking body 41, thereby forming the sealing assembly 2.

[0067] According to one example of the present invention, the self-locking body 41 includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the pipe. The first side of the self-locking body 41 is provided with at least one mounting groove 411, and the second side of the self-locking body 41 is provided with at least one sliding tongue 412. The at least one sliding tongue 412 protrudes outward from the second side for insertion and locking in the at least one mounting groove 411.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end of the sliding tongue 412 furthest from the second side is provided with a pair of radial flanges 413, and the end of the mounting groove 411 near the first side is provided with a pair of mating lips 414. When the sliding tongue 412 of one self-locking unit 4 is inserted into the mounting groove 411 of another adjacent self-locking unit 4, the flanges 413 of the sliding tongue 412 elastically unfold and at least partially coincide with the lips 414 of the mounting groove 411 in the radial direction of the pipe, preventing the sliding tongue 412 of the self-locking unit 4 from being pulled out of the mounting groove 411 of the adjacent self-locking unit 4, while allowing the sliding tongue 412 of the self-locking unit 4 to slide circumferentially in the mounting groove 411 of the adjacent self-locking unit 4, so as to adjust the inner diameter of the annular closed self-locking structure. The mounting groove 411 and the sliding tongue 412 on the self-locking unit 4 make product assembly convenient and efficient. The sliding tongue 412 of the self-locking unit 4 is designed to be relatively large, making the product more robust and less prone to damage.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the self-locking body is provided with a weight-reducing groove 419 and a buffer hole 418. The design of the weight-reducing groove 419 and the buffer hole 418 reduces the weight of the product, which can both provide a buffering effect when the pressurizing device 5 applies pressure and save costs.

[0070] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The diagram shows a perspective view of the clamping piece 42 of the self-locking unit 4. The clamping piece 42 includes a first surface 423 facing the pipe and an opposing second surface 422. The first surface 423 is provided with protrusions 421 to increase friction with the pipe. According to an example of the invention, the protrusions 421 may include serrations, such as... Figure 11 As shown. It should be understood that protrusion 421 may also include any other suitable form, such as Figure 7A and 7B The array of protrusions shown is without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first surface 423 is parallel to the central axis 200 of the pipe, and an angle greater than 0° and less than 15° is formed between the second surface 422 and the first surface 423, thereby forming a wedge-shaped clamping piece. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the angle is 5°. The wedge-shaped clamping piece 42 is designed to prevent the pipe from automatically detaching when the pressurizing device 5 is released. It should be understood that any other suitable angle can be formed between the second surface 422 and the first surface 423 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0072] According to one example of the invention, the self-locking unit 4 further includes an elastic ball 43. Figure 12 yes Figure 10 The diagram shows a perspective view of the elastic ball 43 of the self-locking unit 4. The elastic ball 43 is configured to deform axially under the action of a force along the axial direction of the pipe, so that the clamping piece 42 can move axially relative to the self-locking body 41, thereby increasing the clamping force and accommodating pipe movement during pressurization.

[0073] Certain preferred embodiments and variations thereof have been described in this invention. Other variations and modifications will arise in those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the invention, and the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pipe connection system (100), comprising: Sleeve (1) for receiving pipes; (2) A sealing assembly for clamping and axially sealing pipes; as well as A pressurizing device (5) cooperates with a sleeve (1) to lock the sealing assembly (2) onto the pipe; The sealing assembly (2) includes a sealing ring (3) and a ring-shaped closed self-locking structure formed by a series of identical self-locking units (4). The self-locking unit (4) includes a self-locking body (41) and a clamping piece (42) that is independent of the self-locking body and assembled in the self-locking body. When the pressurizing device applies an axial force, the wedge-shaped contact between the pressurizing device and the sleeve axially and the sealing assembly (2) causes a radial force to act on the sealing assembly (2), causing the clamping piece (42) to clamp and lock the pipe and the sealing ring to provide an axial seal for the pipe. The self-locking body (41) includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the pipe. The first side of the self-locking body (41) is provided with at least one mounting groove (411), and the second side of the self-locking body (41) is provided with at least one sliding tongue (412). The at least one sliding tongue (412) protrudes outward from the second side for insertion and locking in at least one mounting groove (411).

2. The pipe connection system (100) according to claim 1, wherein The clamping piece (42) is made of a different material than the self-locking body (41).

3. The pipe connection system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The clamping piece (42) is made of metal, and the self-locking body (41) is made of plastic.

4. The pipe coupling system (100) of claim 1, wherein, The sealing ring (3) is made of an elastomeric material.

5. The pipe coupling system (100) of claim 1, wherein, The sliding tongue (412) is provided with a pair of radial flanges (413) at the end away from the second side, and the mounting groove (411) is provided with a pair of mating lips (414) at the end near the first side.

6. The pipe connection system (100) according to claim 5, wherein When the sliding tongue (412) of one self-locking unit (4) is inserted into the mounting slot (411) of another adjacent self-locking unit (4), the flange (413) of the sliding tongue (412) elastically unfolds and at least partially coincides with the lip (414) of the mounting slot (411) in the radial direction of the pipe to prevent the sliding tongue (412) of the self-locking unit (4) from being pulled out of the mounting slot (411) of the adjacent self-locking unit (4), while allowing the sliding tongue (412) of the self-locking unit (4) to slide circumferentially in the mounting slot (411) of the adjacent self-locking unit (4) in order to adjust the inner diameter of the annular closed self-locking structure.

7. The pipe coupling system (100) of claim 1, wherein, The self-locking body is provided with a weight reduction groove (419) and a buffer hole (418).

8. The pipe coupling system (100) of claim 1, wherein, The clamping piece (42) includes a first surface (423) facing the pipe and a second surface (422) opposite to it. The first surface (423) is provided with protrusions (421) to increase friction with the pipe.

9. The pipe connection system (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The first surface (423) is parallel to the central axis (200) of the pipe, and an angle greater than 0° and less than 15° is formed between the second surface (422) and the first surface (423), thereby forming a wedge-shaped clamping piece.

10. The pipe coupling system (100) of claim 9, wherein, The angle is 5°.

11. The pipe coupling system (100) of claim 1, wherein, The sealing ring (3) includes an annular body defining a first inclined contact surface (31), a collar portion (32) extending axially inward from the radial inner periphery of the annular body and defining a first circumferential contact surface, and a flange portion (33) extending radially outward from the axial inner end of the collar portion (32). The self-locking body (41) includes a second inclined contact surface (415) that contacts the first inclined contact surface (31) of the sealing ring (3), a second circumferential contact surface (416) that contacts the first circumferential contact surface of the sealing ring (3), and a groove (417) for receiving the flange (33) of the sealing ring (3). The first inclined contact surface (31) of the sealing ring (3) engages with the second inclined contact surface (415) of the self-locking body (41), and the first circumferential contact surface of the sealing ring (3) engages with the second circumferential contact surface (416) of the self-locking body (41), thereby forming a sealing assembly (2).

12. The pipe coupling system (100) of claim 11, wherein, The sealing ring (3) also includes an axial flange (34) extending axially inward from the radial outer periphery of the annular body and defining a third circumferential contact surface, the radial outer side of the self-locking body (41) defining a fourth circumferential contact surface, and the third circumferential contact surface of the sealing ring (3) contacting the fourth circumferential contact surface of the self-locking body (41).

13. The pipe coupling system (100) of claim 11, wherein, The inner periphery of the collar portion (32) of the sealing ring (3) is provided with a threaded portion (35) to increase the sealing effect.

14. The pipe coupling system (100) of claim 1, wherein, The sealing assembly also includes an elastic ball (43) configured to deform axially under the action of a force along the axial direction of the pipe, so that the clamping piece (42) can move axially relative to the self-locking body (41), thereby increasing the clamping force and accommodating pipe movement when pressurized.

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