Pipe connector

Abstract

A pipe connector has a body (2) for receiving a pipe T. The retaining ring (13) grips the tube. An O-ring (10) seals on the tube. The body has at least one window (9) at a location where the fully inserted tube will reach. A see-through insert (6) receives the tube and spans the window, and is sealed to the inner surface of the body to seal a path to the window. The fully inserted tube T is visible from outside the connector through the window (9) and the insert (6). Alternatively, the insert (60) may be not see-through, but positioned such that the fully inserted tube T is visible through the window (9). The connector may be formed by modifying an existing connector body (2) to provide one or more windows (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pipe connector for receiving and fixing a pipe. The connector is mainly designed as a plumbing connector, but can also be used in any situation where a pipe needs to be held, such as an air / gas or cable connector. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates particularly to the concept of incorporating a tube insertion indicator into a connector. The tube insertion indicator allows a user to verify that the tube has been correctly inserted into the connector.

[0003] This is particularly difficult with outside diameter (OD) connectors, which are characterized by their ability to seal against the outermost wall of a tube, as compared to inside diameter (ID) connectors, which seal against the innermost wall of a tube.

[0004] As described below, the present disclosure is applicable to both types of connectors.

[0005] An example of a tube insertion indicator for an outer diameter connector is disclosed in WO2021 / 183911. This example uses an actuating ring that moves to an extended position toward the open end of the connector when the tube is inserted into the connector, thereby pushing the annular body in the same direction. The annular body is provided with an indicating member that is pushed to align with a window in the housing so that the indicating member is visible within the window. The presence of the indicating member in the window provides a visual indication to the user that the tube has been fully inserted. JP2008 / 190587 discloses a similar insert in the form of an anti-scratch sleeve. Although the sleeve is presented as optional, it does not describe an example without the sleeve.

[0006] Another outer diameter connector is shown in WO 2020 / 001029. The main part of the body in the central area of ​​the connector is transparent. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a tube connector is provided for receiving and fixing a tube, the connector comprising: a body having a channel having an open proximal end for receiving the tube; a retaining ring for gripping the tube inserted into the connector during use; a primary O-ring seal within the channel for sealing on the tube inserted into the connector during use; the body having at least one window at an axial position, wherein a fully inserted tube will reach the window during use; a see-through insert, which is retained within the body for receiving the tube inserted into the body during use, the see-through insert spanning the at least one window and being sealed to the inner surface of the body to seal a path from the channel to the window; wherein the at least one window and the insert are positioned so that, during use, the fully inserted tube can be seen from the outside of the connector through the at least one window and the insert.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a see-through insert that spans a window in the body. When a tube is inserted, the tube can be seen through the window and the insert. This provides many benefits over the ring of WO2021 / 183911 and the sleeve of JP2008 / 190587. The tube insertion indicator does not rely on any movable parts within the connector. This allows the connector to have a simplified structure because no additional movable parts need to be accommodated. This allows for reduced costs and a more compact design.

[0009] The design is also fail-safe because the tube can be directly observed when it is in the correct position. For designs that rely on auxiliary components, there is the possibility of a false negative if the tube is correctly inserted but the component has not moved to the correct position. This may occur if one of the components is faulty or assembled incorrectly. On the other hand, a false positive may be indicated if the component has moved to a position indicating the presence of a tube when, in fact, the tube has not been correctly inserted. This may occur, for example, if the indicating member is pushed to the correct position, but the tube then moves back.

[0010] This also provides a level of confidence to the user because if they can see the tube, they know for sure that the tube has been correctly inserted. This also avoids the possibility of confusion because the user does not have to remember which visual indicator indicates the presence of the tube and which visual indicator indicates the absence of the tube. They just need to look for the tube.

[0011] The versatility of the present disclosure is that it can be applied to a variety of forms of connectors. In addition, it can use multiple components from existing connectors, as all that is required is to provide a see-through insert (usually replacing an existing insert) and form one or more windows in the body. This forms a third aspect of the present disclosure as described below.

[0012] It is possible to make the connector body see through. However, this is expensive and the see through material does not generally have the best structural properties. The use of a see through insert provides a low cost solution to the problem of viewing the tube. Particularly in outer diameter connectors, the insert can be small, which helps to keep costs low. This provides an advantage over WO2020 / 001029 in which a large portion of the body is formed of a transparent material. In this case, there is no potential flow path between the body and the transparent part, so there is no need to provide a seal between the two components.

[0013] As mentioned above, the present disclosure also applies to inner diameter connectors. One such connector is disclosed in WO2015 / 089583. WO2015 / 089583 discloses the concept of a colored ring being pushed into a position visible through a slot in a collet. The above-mentioned issues regarding the use of an auxiliary indicator component to indicate the presence of a tube apply to this reference.

[0014] There are some inside diameter connectors where a portion of the housing itself is made of see-through material. When the tube is inserted, the colored ring or the end of the tube is pushed into the see-through area of ​​the connector.

[0015] The transparent materials in the prior art must provide the toughness and structural integrity required of the housing. This places potentially conflicting demands on the material of the body. This can be addressed by using higher grade materials, but at an increased expense. In the present disclosure, the housing can be made of conventional materials so that the full integrity of the housing is provided in a generally conventional manner. Since the insert remains within the housing, it does not need to contribute to the structural integrity of the housing.

[0016] The transparent part in the prior art needs to be compatible with other materials forming the rest of the shell. In the present disclosure, the insert only needs to be sealed in the shell, and therefore does not need to be attached to the shell as in the prior art, in which several parts including the transparent part must be connected together to form the shell.

[0017] Examples of such inner diameter connectors are shown in JP2016 / 075308, EP1995506, JP2012 / 219894, CN213871602, EP3608576, EP2246607 and US2009 / 0295152. JP2010 / 007820 discloses a connector with a fully transparent body. In such an inner diameter connector, a seal is formed between the body of the connector and the inner diameter of the tube, so that no seal is required between the insert and the body.

[0018] The requirement for a see-through insert is best understood in terms of functionality. Thus, any insert made of a material having sufficient transparency to allow viewing of the tube through the insert is a suitable insert. The material may be dyed, or have a relatively small degree of light distorting properties (such as a low level of internal turbidity, or surface distortions such as frosting). Such inserts fall within the scope of the claims so long as the user can see the tube through the insert sufficiently well to verify its presence. In practice, the insert should have the highest degree of transparency that is achievable in a material that meets the other requirements of the insert (such as cost and structural integrity, etc.).

[0019] Suitable transparent materials include polysulfone [PSU], polyphenylsulfone [PPSU] and some polyamides [PA6 / PA66] and modified polyamides [eg EMS Grivory].

[0020] At least one window in the body may be filled with a similar or different see-through material. More simply, at least one window is a through hole. There may be a single window, or any number of windows may be provided. One possibility is to provide a pair of windows diametrically opposite each other. These may be formed by drilling through the connector body. This provides a way of using an existing mould to form the body, as the existing body may simply be modified by drilling to provide two diametrically opposite windows. One or more pairs of additional windows may be provided.

[0021] A seal between the insert and the body may be provided for sealing only the path from the passage to the window. Alternatively, the insert may be sealed to the inner surface of the body on both sides of at least one window. The seal(s) between the insert and the inner surface of the body may be provided, for example, by bonding or welding the insert to the body. However, more simply, an insert O-ring seal is provided on one or both sides of at least one window to seal the insert to the inner surface of the body.

[0022] The or each respective O-ring seal which seals between the insert and the inner surface of the body is optionally housed in a groove in the insert. By having an O-ring groove on the insert, the bore in the housing can have a single diameter in the region of the insert, making the body easier to manufacture as it can be easily moulded and fewer steps will be required if the body is machined.

[0023] The maximum thickness of the wall of the insert is optionally at least 70%, optionally at least 80%, and optionally at least 90% of the diameter of the cross section of the main O-ring seal in the uncompressed state. In this way, the insert extends radially over a large portion of the thickness of the O-ring seal so that the O-ring seal is well supported and well protected from falling out when inserted into the tube.

[0024] The retaining ring may be a collet or a grab ring. Any type of retaining ring may be employed with the present disclosure and will operate to selectively retain the tube within the connector. The tube connector may be a single-use connector. However, the connector is intended to be used as a multi-use connector and additionally includes a release mechanism to release the tube from the retaining ring, thereby allowing the tube to be withdrawn from the connector.

[0025] If the tube connector is used as an outside diameter connector, the primary O-ring seal is positioned to seal on the outside diameter of a tube inserted into the connector in use. The insert may be provided with an outer wall that seals to the inner surface of the body and an inner wall that is spaced from the outer wall to define an annular gap to receive the tube in use. The inner wall is configured to fit within and support the inner wall of the tube.

[0026] The inner wall may be provided with an inner diameter O-ring seal on the outer surface to seal with the inner diameter of the tube in use. If the connector is an inner diameter only connector, then the inner diameter O-ring seal provides the primary O-ring seal described above. Alternatively, if the connector is configured to seal on both the inner diameter and outer diameter of the tube, then the primary O-ring seal is positioned to seal on the outer diameter of the tube, and the inner diameter O-ring seal provides a secondary seal to seal with the inner diameter of the tube.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a tube connector is provided for receiving and fixing a tube, the connector comprising: an opaque outer body having a channel having an open proximal end for receiving the tube; a retaining ring in the channel for gripping the tube inserted into the connector during use; a main O-ring seal in the channel for sealing on the tube inserted into the connector during use; the body having at least one window in the side wall at an axial position, wherein the fully inserted tube will reach the window during use; an insert, the insert being used to receive the tube during use and being sealed to the inner surface of the body to seal the path from the channel to the window; wherein the at least one window is positioned so that, during use, the fully inserted tube can be seen from the outside of the connector through the side wall of the body and through the at least one window.

[0028] Compared to WO2021 / 183911, this connector allows direct observation of the tube rather than of auxiliary components. This provides the advantages mentioned above.

[0029] For example, other connectors such as those disclosed in WO2022 / 018412 and WO2022 / 018413 allow direct viewing of the tube in the fully inserted position. However, the tube is viewed through an opening in the end of the collet rather than through the side wall of the outer body. As such, it is difficult to view a fully inserted tube in a locked connector because it can only be viewed from a limited angle in the locked position.

[0030] The insert may receive the tube internally and / or externally.

[0031] At least one of the windows may be a through hole.There may be a pair of windows diametrically opposed to each other.

[0032] The insert may be the see-through insert described above, and all of the above features may be provided in the second aspect of the present disclosure. The insert may remain within the body. Alternatively, the insert may be inserted with the tube. In this case, the insert may have an O-ring to seal with the inner diameter of the tube.

[0033] When the tube is fully inserted into the connector, any portion of the insert that is not within the tube may be distal to the at least one window. If the insert is not see-through, this allows viewing of the tube through the window when the tube is fully inserted. This configuration is optionally used if the insert is see-through.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of modifying an existing connector body to form a pipe connector according to the first or second aspect, the method comprising forming at least one hole in the existing connector body to form a window, and inserting an insert into the connector body so that the insert seals a potential flow path between the channel and the hole.

[0035] This allows the connector to be implemented on a variety of existing connectors without requiring expensive new tooling for multiple new parts such as bodies, caps, collets, or grab rings.

[0036] If the body is molded, the holes can be formed by altering the existing mold body to produce the holes as part of the molding process, which process requires some changes to the mold, or by forming the holes in a subsequent step after the body has been molded, which will allow the existing mold to be used, but requires a separate step, such as drilling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Examples of connectors according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a plan view of the first connector and the two tubes before connection;

[0039] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 A view in which the tubes are connected together;

[0040] Figure 3 is in Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the first connector and tube in the configuration shown and including the first insert;

[0041] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 A view in which the tubes are connected together;

[0042] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is similar to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , showing a first connector with a second insert;

[0043] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is similar to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , showing a first connector with a third insert;

[0044] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector, wherein 9A to 9C Alternative exploded perspective views of the first insert to the third insert are provided respectively;

[0045] Fig.10 is similar to Figure 1 , showing a plan view of the second connector and the two tubes;

[0046] Fig.11 is similar to Fig.10 , wherein the tube is inserted into the second connector in an unlocked configuration;

[0047] Fig.12 is similar to Fig.11 A view of the connector being locked;

[0048] Fig.13 is in Fig.10 a cross-sectional view of the second connector and the tube in the configuration shown and including the first insert;

[0049] Fig.14 is similar to Fig.13 ' view with the tube fully inserted;

[0050] Fig.15 is similar to Fig.14 A view of the connector being locked;

[0051] Fig.16 The second connector is similar to Fig. 9 An exploded perspective view of FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C Alternative exploded perspective views of the first insert to the third insert are provided respectively;

[0052] Fig.17 is similar to Figure 1 , showing a third connector and two tubes;

[0053] Fig.18 is similar to Fig.17, wherein the tube is inserted into the third connector in an unlocked configuration;

[0054] Fig.19 is similar to Fig.18 A view of the connector being locked;

[0055] Fig. 20 is in Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a third connector and tube in the configuration shown and including a third insert;

[0056] Fig.21 is similar to Fig. 20 The view of Fig.18 Insert it fully as in

[0057] Fig. 22 is similar to Fig.21 A view of the connector Fig.19 locked in like that;

[0058] Fig.23 Is the third connector similar to Fig. 9 An exploded perspective view of FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C Alternative exploded perspective views of the first insert to the third insert are provided respectively;

[0059] Fig.24 and Fig.25 Shows that there is Figure 7 and Figure 8 a first connector of a variation of a third insert;

[0060] Fig.26 is a cross-section of an example of the second aspect of the present disclosure, comprising a first connector before connection and two tubes with a fourth insert;

[0061] Fig. 27 is similar to Fig.26 A view in which the tubes are connected together;

[0062] Fig.28 is a cross-section of an example of the second aspect of the present disclosure, including a second connector before connection and two tubes with a fourth insert;

[0063] Fig.29 is similar to Fig.28 A view in which the tubes are connected together;

[0064] Fig.30 is similar to Fig.29 A view of the connector being locked;

[0065] Fig.31is a cross-section of an example of the second aspect of the present disclosure, including two tubes of a third connector before connection and a variation with a fourth insert;

[0066] Fig.32 is similar to Fig.31 a view of the tubes connected together; and

[0067] Fig.33 is similar to Fig.32 A view of the connector where it is locked. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The specification refers to proximal and distal ends and directions. The proximal end is the open end of the connector, and the distal end is the end farthest from the open end. In the case of a double-ended connector shown in the drawings, the distal end is the center of the double-ended configuration. The proximal direction is the direction from the distal end toward the proximal end, i.e., in the direction out of the connector. The distal direction is the direction from the proximal end toward the distal end, i.e., in the direction into the connector.

[0069] The accompanying drawings show a double-ended connector. One end of the connector is described below. The other end is the same as the one described and will not be described separately.

[0070] All the figures show a double ended connector with a straight configuration. In the broadest sense, only one end may be provided with the connector, the opposite end may have a different arrangement. As an alternative to a straight connector, the connector may include an elbow, a tee, an end stop or a manifold with branches or any other suitable shape of fitting configuration. Alternatively, the connector may be part of a larger component or other plumbing facility or equipment and provide a means of connecting the larger component or other plumbing facility or equipment to the pipe.

[0071] Now refer to Figures 1 to 9 A first connector is described. The first connector is provided with three optional inserts which are described below. The basic form of the connector is based on our Sharkbite (RTM) connector.

[0072] The first connector 1 comprises a body 2 having an axial passage hole 3. In the connector on which this design is based, the body is brass and can be used in this example. As an alternative, the body can be made of plastic material. The two halves of the connector are separated by an annular flange 4 to support the end of the tube T.

[0073] The various components are then inserted from the open end 5 of the connector. The see-through insert 6 has a hollow or tubular structure and is provided with a distal insert O-ring 7 and a proximal insert O-ring 8. The insert 6 is dropped onto the flange 4 so that the insert O-rings 7, 8 are positioned on opposite sides of a through hole 9 in the wall of the body 2 and are sealed with the inner wall of the body 2.

[0074] A primary O-ring 10 is supported by the proximal end of the insert 6 .

[0075] The proximal end of the O-ring 10 is supported by a support ring 11. A support sleeve 12 fits on the support ring 11 and supports a grip ring 13. A release sleeve 14 extends from the open end 5 toward the proximal end of the support sleeve 12.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, once assembled, the tube T can be inserted into the connector 1. The tube T is inserted until the tube is stopped by the flange 4. At this point, the tube T is held in place by the grip ring 13. Figure 2 As shown, the presence of the tube T can be seen through the through hole 9 and the insert 6 .

[0077] Liquid flowing through the connector may pass from the end of the tube T between the outer wall of the tube T and the insert 6. It is then sealed by the primary O-ring 10.

[0078] The distal insert O-ring 7 provides a seal between the body 2 and the distal end of the insert 6. The primary O-ring 10 may be configured to seal the distal end of the joint between the body 2 and the insert 6. However, in practice, this seal is optimized to seal with the tube T and will be twisted by the tube. Therefore, a proximal insert O-ring 8 is provided to reliably seal the proximal end of the insert 6 with the housing 2.

[0079] To remove the tube, the release sleeve 14 is depressed inwardly, thereby deflecting the teeth of the grip ring 13 radially outwardly and holding them away from the wall of the tube T, thereby allowing the tube T to be removed. For a single-use connector, the release sleeve 14 may be omitted.

[0080] To adapt to existing connectors, only a through hole 9 has to be formed in the wall of the housing. This can be done by forming the hole in a drilling step. The insert 6 with the O-rings 7, 8 can then replace a conventional non-see-through insert. Thus, the connector can be made predominantly of conventional components and can be sold as part of an existing connector range with a modified version of the tube insertion indicator function.

[0081] Figure 5 and Figure 6 With Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first connector 1 is shown in the same manner as shown in FIG. 1 , the only difference being that the second connector 1 is fitted with a second insert 15. The second insert 15 is also Fig. 9 and Fig. 9B The second insert 15 has all the features of the first insert 6, including the distal insert O-ring 7 and the proximal insert O-ring 8, and fits within the body 2 in the same manner.

[0082] The only difference is that the second insert 15 has a tube support 16 in the form of an annular wall extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the insert and spaced inwardly from the exterior of the insert 15 to form an annular space in which the tube T fits. Figure 6 As shown, this supports the inner wall of the tube T in the connector 1, thereby ensuring that the tube T maintains a well-defined geometry in this area.

[0083] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A first connector 1 is shown with a third insert 17. This is also Fig. 9C The third insert 17 is similar to the second insert 15 in that the third insert 17 also has a tube support 16. However, as Figure 8 As shown, the third insert 17 includes an inner diameter O-ring 18 on its outer surface which will seal against the inner diameter of the tube T. The tube support 16 has the end cap 19 fitted over it and attached thereto so as to provide a groove for the O-ring 18. This is done because the shape of the third insert 17 is difficult to mold as a single piece. However, it can be molded as a single piece using a more complex mold, or it can be molded in the same manner as the second insert 15, and then the groove for the O-ring can be cut out.

[0084] like Figure 8 As shown, the third insert 17 is provided with both an inner diameter seal and an outer diameter seal, wherein the O-ring 10 seals on the outer diameter of the tube T and the inner diameter O-ring 18 seals on the inner diameter of the tube T. Some countries have opacity tests for any parts of the connector that provide a direct light path into an area that may contain liquid. This design meets these requirements by ensuring that water is not present in the area directly behind the window. Alternatively, since the inner diameter O-ring 18 seals the leak path between the tube support 16 and the tube T, in some cases, the O-ring 10 can be omitted, making the connector an inner diameter connector only.

[0085] Thus, the connector is very versatile because the user only needs to select one of the interchangeable inserts depending on their requirements, i.e., whether the insert requires an ID seal and / or OD seal and whether the insert requires a tube support. These requirements can all be met by simply changing the insert, while the bulk of the connector remains unchanged. This has benefits in terms of reduced inventory and tooling costs.

[0086] Figures 10 to 16 A second connector 20 is shown. The second connector 20 is based on our Prolock (RTM) connector. Similar to the first connector, the second connector can also have three alternative inserts as described below.

[0087] The second connector 20 comprises a body 22 having an axial passage hole 23. An annular central flange 24 projects into the passage hole 23. The connector 20 has an open end 25 at each end, through which a corresponding tube T can be inserted at the flange 24.

[0088] The first insert 26 is inserted into the passage hole 23 from the open end 25 and falls on the flange 24. The first insert 26 of the second connector 20 has substantially the same structure as the first insert 6 of the first connector 1. Specifically, the first insert 26 is made of a see-through material and is provided with a distal insert O-ring 27 and a proximal insert O-ring 28.

[0089] As with the first example, the body 22 is provided with a pair of through holes 29 which are aligned with the portion of the insert 26 between the O-rings 27, 28, thereby allowing the presence of the tube T fully inserted into the connector to be seen from outside the connector via the through holes 29 and the insert 26.

[0090] like Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the primary O-ring 30 is supported on the proximal end of the insert 26 and seals against the outer diameter of the tube T. An O-ring support ring 31 supports the proximal end of the primary O-ring 30 .

[0091] The features described so far are substantially the same as those of the first connector 1 .

[0092] The main difference is that the first connector uses a grip ring 13 to hold the tube, while the second connector 20 uses a collet 32. The collet is held within the body 22 by an end cap 33.

[0093] The collet 32 ​​is of conventional construction having a collet ring 34 protruding from the open end 25 of the connector. A plurality of resilient legs 35 extend distally from the O-ring 34 and each terminate in a collet head 36 which is provided with corresponding teeth 37 which interact with the cap corners on the end cap 33 to grip the tube T in use.

[0094] The locking ring 38 is rotatably held on the open end 35 of the second connector 20. The locking ring 38 is provided with a cam 39 that is complementary to the cam groove 40 of the end cap 33. This allows the locking ring 38 to be rotated in a direction opposite to the end cap 33. Fig.14 The unlock position and Fig.15 In the unlocked position, the collet 32 ​​can be moved axially so that it can be pressed distally into the connector to keep the collet teeth 37 away from the tube T, thereby allowing the tube T to be withdrawn. Fig.15 In the locked position shown in FIG. 1 , the relative position of the cam 39 on the cam groove 40 ensures that the collet 32 ​​can no longer be moved axially, making it impossible to press the collet 32 ​​inwardly with the locking ring 38 in this position. The locking ring 38 must be rotated to Fig.14The unlocked position shown allows the collet 32 ​​to be depressed and the tube T to be released.

[0095] like Fig. 16B As shown, the second connector 20 may be provided with a second insert 45 as an alternative to the first insert 26. This is substantially the same as the second insert described in the first example, in that it is provided with a tube support 46 which supports the inner surface of the tube T in the same manner as described for the second insert 15 in the first example.

[0096] Similarly, if Fig. 16C As shown, the second connector 20 may have a third insert 47. This is substantially the same as the third insert 17 described in the first example and has the same inner diameter O-ring 48 and end cap 49.

[0097] Figures 17 to 23 A third connector is shown. The third connector has many features in common with the second example, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same features. As with the previous two examples, it is conceivable that FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C Three alternative interchangeable inserts 26, 45 and 47 are shown. Figure 20 to Figure 22 The connector is shown with a third insert 47 .

[0098] The third connector 50 is based on our Speedfit (RTM) connector. As with the second example, the third connector 50 also uses a collet 32 ​​to grasp the tube T. In this case, the locking ring 38 is attached to the body 22 by complementary threads 51, allowing the locking ring 38 to be Fig.21 Unlocked position shown and Fig. 22 The O-ring support 31 is longer in axial dimension than in the case of the second connector. In addition, the locking ring 38 is provided with a cover corner 52, whereas in the first example, the cover corner is provided on the end cap 33. The body 22 has a more complex shape because it has an annular flange 53 to provide an end stop for the locking cap 38. The through hole 29 is shown as being formed through the flange 53, but the through hole can be offset from this flange if the spacing of the components is slightly different.

[0099] When connector 50 is in Fig.21 When the tube T is in the unlocked position shown, the locking ring 38 is then rotated to Fig. 22 The locking position is shown in which the locking ring rests on the flange 53. Alternatively, the connector 50 can be configured so that the tube T can be inserted even when the locking ring 38 is in the locking position. In this position, axial movement of the collet 23 is blocked by the locking ring 38. As previously described, the presence of the tube T in the fully inserted position can be confirmed by the user because the tube T is visible through the through hole 29 and the corresponding see-through insert 26, 45, 47.

[0100] Fig.24 and Fig.25 Shows that there is Figure 7 and Figure 8 A modification of the first connector 1 with a third insert 17 is shown in FIG. Fig.24 and Fig.25 As shown, O-ring 7 seals the leak path around the connector, while O-ring 18 seals the inner diameter of the tube. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some cases, it is not necessary and Fig.24 and Fig.25 As another alternative, one of the O-rings 8 or 10 may be included without the other.

[0101] The second connector 20 and the third connector 50 are described as having a locking ring. This feature may be omitted if it is not necessary to lock the collet in place.

[0102] The above description demonstrates the versatility of the present disclosure. The see-through inserts can be provided in a variety of different types of connectors. The geometry of the inserts can be the same so that they are interchangeable between connectors, or minor changes in geometry can be made to fit within a corresponding body. Connectors can be manufactured to be completely new types of connectors, or existing components can be utilized simply by replacing an existing insert with a see-through insert as described above and forming one or more through holes in the connector body.

[0103] Figure 26 to Figure 33 is an example of the second aspect of the present disclosure. Fig.26 and Fig. 27 shows a first connector, Figures 28 to 30 A second connector is shown, and Figure 31 to Figure 33 A third connector is shown. These connectors are all shown with the fourth insert 60 described. Some modifications have been made to the connectors to accommodate the new insert, but reference numerals from previous examples are used to represent similar parts, and the differences in connector configuration are described below in addition to the description of the new insert.

[0104] The most significant differences are that the fourth insert 60 is attached to the tube T prior to insertion into the connector, and the fourth insert 60 need not be made of a see-through material.

[0105] Reference Fig.26 and Fig. 27 The insert 60 has a generally cylindrical hollow configuration and has a narrower insert portion 61 having an O-ring 62 so that the O-ring 62 seals with the inner diameter of the tube T when the insert portion 61 is inserted into the tube T.

[0106] The insert 60 has an enlarged head 63 having an outer diameter that matches the outer diameter of the tube T. The head 63 defines a shoulder 64 that provides an end stop for the end of the tube T. An O-ring seal 65 surrounds the head 63 to seal within the connector, as described below.

[0107] and Figures 1 to 9 Compared to the first connector obtained in , the body 2 has a thicker wall. This is because the diameter of the insert 60 is the same as the outer diameter of the tube T, while in the previous example, the insert surrounds the tube T. Otherwise, the structure of the connector is the same as previously described in terms of the sleeve 12, the grip ring 13 and the release sleeve 14.

[0108] To form the connection, the insert 60 is Fig.26 The end of the tube T is shown inserted. Once completed, the combination of the tube T and the insert 60 is inserted into the connector 2 until the end of the insert 60 is blocked by the flange 4. In this position, the O-ring 65 provides a seal between the access hole 3 and the housing 2. The through hole 9 is located at an axial position far enough from the flange 4 that the through hole 9 is proximal to the head 63 in the fully inserted position so that the wall of the tube T is visible through the through hole 9.

[0109] Thus, in contrast to previous examples where the tube T was surrounded by a see-through insert aligned with a window to allow viewing of the tube, in this example, the insert is constructed so that it does not surround the outer wall of the tube T so that the tube is directly visible through the window. Since there is no need to see through the insert 60, the insert 60 does not need to be made of a see-through material (although there is no technical reason why it could not be done this way).

[0110] The insert 60 may be specially designed for this purpose or may be a component known in the art. This allows the connector to be made by modifying an existing component simply by providing a retainer 9 which may be formed in a post-molding step, for example by drilling. In this way, the connector may be made as a modification of an existing connector without the need to create a new mold.

[0111] Figures 28 to 30 The example shown shows Figures 10 to 16 The second connector is combined with the fourth insert 60 as described above.

[0112] and Fig.26 and 27 As in the example of Figures 10 to 16 , which again reflects the fact that the insert 60 is no wider than the tube T.

[0113] from Figures 28 to 30 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the insert 60 is inserted into the end of the tube T and then into the connector 20 until the insert 60 is as shown in FIG. Fig.2926. In this position, the tube T can be seen through the window 29, and the seal 65 seals the leakage path between the body 22 and the through hole 23. The connector can then be Fig.30 Shown with reference Fig.15 Lock in the same way as described.

[0114] Figure 31 to Figure 33 The example in Figures 17 to 23 A modified version of the third connector and the fourth insert 60'.

[0115] As with the previous examples, the wall thickness of the body 22 has been increased in view of the different insert configurations. The insert 60' has a narrower head 63' than in the previous examples. This is because the insert 60' is configured to rest on the internal shoulder 67 rather than on the center flange as in the previous examples. This example may alternatively or additionally have a center flange to accommodate an unmodified insert 60 if desired.

[0116] As previously described, insert 60 ′ is inserted into the end of tube T to seal the inner diameter of the tube. Insert 60 ′ is then inserted into connector 50 until head 63 ′ rests on shoulder 67 , allowing seal 65 to seal with body 22 and tube T to be visible through hole 29 in flange 53 .

Claims

1. A pipe connector for receiving and fixing a pipe, the connector comprising: a body having a passage with an open proximal end to receive the tube; a retaining ring within the passage to grip the tube inserted into the connector in use; a primary O-ring seal which, in use, seals on the tube inserted into the connector; The body has at least one window at an axial position where, in use, a fully inserted tube will reach the window; a see-through insert retained within the body to receive the tube inserted into the body in use, the see-through insert spanning the at least one window and sealed to an inner surface of the body to seal a path from the passage to the window; Wherein the at least one window and the insert are positioned such that, in use, the fully inserted tube is visible through the at least one window and the insert from the exterior of the connector.

2. The pipe connector according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one window is a through hole.

3. The pipe connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: There is a pair of windows diametrically opposed to each other.

4. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The insert is sealed to the inner surface of the body on both sides of the at least one window.

5. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The insert is sealed to the inner surface of the body on one side of the at least one window by an insert O-ring seal.

6. The pipe connector according to claim 5, wherein: The O-ring seal is received in a groove in the insert.

7. The pipe connector according to claim 5, wherein: The insert is sealed to the inner surface of the body on both sides of the window by respective insert O-ring seals on each side of the at least one window.

8. The pipe connector according to claim 7, wherein: The respective O-ring seals are received in respective grooves in the insert.

9. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The maximum thickness of the wall of the insert is at least 70%, optionally at least 80% and optionally at least 90% of the diameter of the cross section of the primary O-ring seal in an uncompressed state.

10. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retaining ring is a collet.

11. The pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The retaining ring is a grab ring.

12. A tube connector according to any preceding claim, further comprising a release mechanism to release the tube from the retaining ring to allow the tube to be withdrawn from the connector.

13. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The primary O-ring seal is positioned to seal, in use, to the outer diameter of the tube inserted into the connector.

14. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The insert has an outer wall sealed to the inner surface of the body and an inner wall spaced from the outer wall to define an annular gap to receive the tube in use.

15. The pipe connector according to claim 14, wherein: The inner wall has an inner diameter O-ring seal on the outer surface to seal with the inner diameter of the tube in use.

16. A pipe connector according to claim 15 as appended to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The inner diameter O-ring seal is the primary O-ring seal.

17. A pipe connector according to claim 15 as appended to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The inner diameter O-ring seal is provided in addition to the primary O-ring seal.

18. A pipe connector for receiving and securing a pipe, the connector comprising: an opaque outer body having a passage with an open proximal end to receive the tube; a retaining ring within the passage to grip the tube inserted into the connector in use; a primary O-ring seal within the passageway to seal, in use, against the tube inserted into the connector; the body having at least one window in the side wall at an axial position where, in use, a fully inserted tube will reach the window; an insert for receiving the tube in use and being sealed to an inner surface of the body to seal a path from the passage to the window; Wherein the at least one window is positioned such that, in use, the fully inserted tube is visible from outside the connector through the side wall of the body and through the at least one window.

19. The pipe connector according to claim 18, wherein: The at least one window is a through hole.

20. A pipe connector according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: There is a pair of windows diametrically opposed to each other.

21. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein: The insert is insertable together with the tube.

22. A pipe connector according to claim 21, wherein The insert has an o-ring to seal with the inner diameter of the tube.

23. A pipe connector according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein: When the tube is fully inserted into the connector, any portion of the insert that is not within the tube is distal to the at least one window.

24. A method of modifying an existing connector body to form a pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising forming at least one hole in the existing connector body to form the window, and inserting the insert into the connector body so that the insert seals a potential flow path between the passage and the hole.

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