Pipe connector

Abstract

A pipe connector includes a hollow body (1) having an outer surface to form a seal with the internal diameter of a pipe P. A collet (3) is axially secured to the body to form a cavity for the pipe. An inner surface of the collet grips the pipe. A locking cap (4) is screwed onto the collet to cause the collet to deflect inwardly onto the pipe and the pipe to deflect inwardly onto the housing to seal the interface between the body and the pipe. The collet has an axially extending through slot (34) to divide the distal end of the collet into segments. A first locating feature (34A) at the mid portion of the segments engages a complementary second locating feature (15) on the body to prevent relative rotation of the collet and the body. A ring (5) is held in a non-rotatable manner by the collet (3) and a saw tooth projection (44) is arranged around the inward facing surface of the locking cap (4). When the locking cap reaches the fully locked position, the projection (44) engages a complementary flexible tab (54) on the ring such that rotation of the cap relative to the body causes the projection to repeatedly deflect the tab radially inwardly to produce an audible sound.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a pipe connector for use with plastic pipes. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a connector particularly suitable for use with multilayer pipe (MLCP) for heating and cooling water systems. However, the connector can also be used with other types of pipes. Background Technology

[0002] In particular, this disclosure relates to the development of connectors disclosed in the applicant’s own prior WO2022 / 018412, WO2022 / 018413 and PCT / GB2023 / 053124.

[0003] These applications disclose a connector that can be used in commercial piping applications as an alternative to conventional press-fit and push-fit connectors. These applications include a more detailed discussion of the background technology and the problems solved, and their disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] WO2011 / 099519 discloses a metal connector for connection with braided hoses. EP0206582 discloses an example of a known plastic hose connector. The prior art has fundamentally different requirements from WO2022 / 018412, WO2022 / 018413, PCT / GB2023 / 053124 and this disclosure, the latter being designed to form a seal with highly deformable tubing, thus achieving good sealing and clamping by deflecting the material of the hose itself. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to numerous improvements, particularly those aimed at enhancing the operational reliability of the connectors in WO2022 / 018412, WO2022 / 018413, and PCT / GB2023 / 053124.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a tube connector is provided, comprising a hollow body having a central passage defining an axis, the body including a tubular portion at at least one end, the tubular portion having an outer surface to form a seal with the inner diameter of a tube placed on the tubular portion during use.

[0007] A collet, which engages with a tubular portion of a body for axial fixation relative to the body and is spaced apart from the tubular portion to form a cavity for the tube, the inner surface of the collet being configured to clamp the tube in use, and the outer surface of the collet having a first thread; a locking cap, having an inner surface having a second thread complementary to the first thread, wherein screwing the locking cap from an unlocked configuration to a locking configuration on the collet causes the collet to deflect inward to press the collet onto the tube and the tube onto the tubular portion in use to seal the interface between the body and the tube; wherein the collet has at least one axially extending through slot extending from the distal end of the collet toward the proximal side to divide the distal end of the collet into multiple segments; and a first positioning feature located at the middle portion of at least one segment to engage with a complementary second positioning feature on the body to prevent relative rotation of the collet and the body.

[0008] Instead of using a through slot, a positioning feature is provided at the middle portion of at least one section to prevent rotation between the collet and the body, thus reducing any torsional deflection of the collet. As a result, radial deformation of the collet near the ring is significantly reduced or eliminated. This reduces stress and deformation on the collet.

[0009] The first positioning feature may be a protrusion, but optionally a groove. The first positioning feature may be on the outer surface of the collet, but optionally on the inner surface of the collet. The first positioning feature may be axially spaced from the distal end of the collet, but optionally at the distal end of the collet.

[0010] The connector may have means for generating audible signals as disclosed in the prior art described above.

[0011] The ring is optionally held non-rotatably relative to the collet, and serrated protrusions are arranged around the inward-facing surface of the locking cap. The protrusions are positioned to engage with complementary flexible tabs on the ring when the locking cap is in the fully locked position, such that relative rotation of the cap relative to the body causes the serrated protrusions to repeatedly deflect the tabs radially inward to produce an audible sound.

[0012] The tab repeatedly performs the following actions: the tab deflects inward and springs outward as it passes a single serration. This is an efficient way to generate an acoustic signal, thus providing improved acoustic output. The reduced stress caused by the positioning feature helps ensure the ring vibrates freely to provide an audible indication of the locked position of the cover on the collet.

[0013] The ring can fit tightly onto the collet. Optionally, under stress-free conditions, the inner diameter of the ring is larger than the outer diameter of the retaining ring portion of the collet. Compared to a ring whose vibration is effectively suppressed by contact with the collet, the spacing between the ring and the collet, and the assistance in reducing the deformation of the collet under torsional stress, contribute to enhancing the generation of acoustic signals.

[0014] The flexible tabs can be arranged circumferentially, but optionally tilted at a complementary angle to the ramp surface of the serrated protrusions. This facilitates initial face-to-face contact between the tabs and the corresponding ramp surfaces of the serrated protrusions, avoiding any potential obstruction between the tabs and the serrated protrusions.

[0015] A pair of O-rings may be optionally disposed on the outer surface of the tubular component to form a seal with the tube during use. This provides redundancy in case one of the seals is damaged or displaced.

[0016] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a tube connector is provided, comprising: a hollow body having a central passage defining an axis, the body including a tubular portion at at least one end, the tubular portion having an outer surface to form a seal with the inner diameter of a tube placed on the tubular portion during use;

[0017] A collet, which fits onto a tubular portion of the body for axial fixation relative to the body and is spaced apart from the tubular portion to form a cavity for the tube, has an inner surface configured to clamp the tube in use, and an outer surface having a first thread; a locking cap, having an inner surface having a second thread complementary to the first thread, wherein screwing the locking cap from the unlocked configuration onto the collet in a locking configuration causes the collet to deflect inward to press the collet onto the tube and the tube onto the tubular portion in use to seal the interface between the body and the tube; wherein a ring is non-rotatably held relative to the collet, and serrated protrusions are arranged around an inwardly facing surface of the locking cap, the protrusions being positioned to engage with complementary flexible tabs on the ring when the locking cap is in a fully locked position, such that relative rotation of the cap relative to the body causes the serrated protrusions to repeatedly deflect the tabs radially inward to produce an audible sound.

[0018] The tab repeatedly performs the following actions: the tab deflects inward and bounces outward as it passes a single serration. This is an effective way to generate an acoustic signal, thus providing improved acoustic output.

[0019] The optional features of the first aspect of this disclosure can be equally applied to the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0020] An example of a tube connector according to this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1AThis is a side view of the connector and two tubes, with the connector in its unlocked configuration and the tubes not inserted.

[0022] Figure 1B It is similar to Figure 1A A view showing the tube inserted into the connector;

[0023] Figure 1C Is with Figure 1A and Figure 1B A similar view in a locked configuration;

[0024] Figures 2A to 2C Is with Figures 1A to 1C A similar partial cross-sectional view shows the internal features of the collet and tube;

[0025] Figures 3A to 3C It corresponds to Figures 1A to 1C A perspective view of the connectors and tubes;

[0026] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the connector, with one end in an unlocked configuration and the other end shown in an exploded configuration;

[0027] Figure 4B Is with Figure 4A A similar view, where one end is shown in an unlocked configuration and the other end in an exploded configuration;

[0028] Figure 5 Is in Figure 1B The cross-section of the connector at the location shown, with two tubes inserted and in the unlocked configuration;

[0029] Figure 5A It shows Figure 5 Details within rectangle A;

[0030] Figure 6 It corresponds to Figure 5 The view shows the connector in the locked position;

[0031] Figure 6A It shows Figure 6 Details within rectangle A;

[0032] Figure 7 It corresponds to Figure 1C The view;

[0033] Figure 7A Through Figure 7 The cross section intercepted by line AA in the middle;

[0034] Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A Details within circle B.

[0035] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the lid; and

[0036] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of the ring. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The pipe connector described below illustrates a double-ended axial connector, wherein both ends are constructed according to the present disclosure. The connector can be applied to other shapes, such as single-ended, right-angle, or T-shaped connectors. Furthermore, the connector may be located only at one end, while the opposite end may have different types of connections, or be integrated into other components, such as valves or other assembly connections.

[0038] The connector is a pipe connector used for the plastic pipe P. The plastic pipe P can be a single-layer plastic pipe, but more commonly it is a multi-layer pipe (MLCP). For example, as... Figure 5A The best-known type of multilayer tube has multiple layers, typically consisting of inner and outer polymer layers and an intermediate layer of metal such as aluminum.

[0039] Pipe connectors must be suitable for use in cold and hot water systems as well as heating systems. Therefore, pipe connectors must be able to withstand continuous temperatures of 95°C and also be able to withstand temperatures exceeding 100°C for short periods.

[0040] The connector includes a body 1, an O-ring 2, a collet 3, a locking cap 4, and a transparent ring 5. The body 1 is a double-ended body, so that it has an O-ring 2, a collet 3, a locking cap 4, and a transparent ring 5 at both ends.

[0041] The composition is preferably a high-performance polymer. For example, the body 1 can be unfilled PPSU / PSU / PPS / PVDF. The locking cap 4 and the clip 3 can be made of the same material, but they can be glass-filled. The cap and clip can also be made of GFPA66 / PA12 / Amodel / Grivory or other suitable polymeric materials. The transparent ring 5 can be Grilamid or fiber-reinforced polymer, preferably polycarbonate or polyester.

[0042] The main body 1 has a generally tubular configuration, having a passage 10 extending along the main central axis X-axis. Figure 1B For example, Figure 6 As shown, at the proximal end (i.e., the end closest to the connector opening, and the distal end, the opposite end furthest from the opening), the body 1 has a tubular portion 11 on which the tube P is received. A pair of annular grooves 12 are provided along a portion of the tubular portion 11, each annular groove accommodating a corresponding O-ring 2. As shown in the figures, the O-rings 2 form a seal with the inner diameter of the tube P.

[0043] The collet 3 has a lip 30 at one end, through which the collet is received in the groove 14 of the body 1, for example, by a snap-fit ​​engagement. The outer surface of the collet 3 is provided with threads 31. Figure 5A and Figure 6A As described in more detail below, the locking cover 4 has complementary threads 40, allowing the locking cover 4 to rotate relative to the collet to lock the connector. In addition to the threaded engagement, the locking cover 4 is also captive onto the collet 3.

[0044] The collet 3 is provided with a plurality of first axial slots 32 extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Multiple second axial slots 34 extend proximally from opposite distal ends of the collet, and these second axial slots overlap axially with the first axial slot 32, but are offset circumferentially relative to the first axial slot. The collet 3 is made of a relatively rigid material, and the slots provide the necessary flexibility for the collet to be assembled in place. This is achieved by forcing the collet 3 onto the tubular portion 11 up to the lip 30, engaging in the grooves 14. Multiple pawls 15 are provided at the distal end of the tubular portion 11, which engage with complementary grooves 34A arranged in or near the midpoint between adjacent second axial slots 34 in the collet to substantially prevent or inhibit rotation of the collet 3 relative to the body 1. Thus, the collet 3 is fixed axially and radially relative to the body 1.

[0045] When the collet 3 is secured in place, the locking cap 4 is pressed against the collet 3. The first axial slot 32 allows the distal end of the collet to be compressed and allows the locking cap 4 to be pressed against the collet, at least until a portion of the thread 31 engages with a portion of the thread 40. The collet can be pushed to the desired position where the two threads 31 and 40 begin to engage. However, for more reliable engagement, the locking cap 4 is still pressed against the collet beyond the unlocked position, and then the locking cap 4 is screwed back. Figure 1A The unlock location is shown. Figure 5A As best shown, when the locking cover 4 is in the unlocked position, the inwardly extending annular shoulder 41 engages with the complementary outwardly extending shoulder 310 on the collet. This provides a stop to ensure that the locking cover 4 cannot be loosened beyond the unlocked position, thereby holding the locking cover 4 in place on the collet 3.

[0046] The first axial slot 32 also serves to divide the proximal end of the collet 3 into individual legs 35, for example, four individual legs 35. Different numbers of first axial slots 32 can be present, resulting in correspondingly different numbers of legs 35, such as three or five. Each leg 35 has internal teeth 36 and external teeth 37 closer to the proximal end of the collet than the internal teeth 36. Teeth 36, 37 are axially aligned with the O-ring 2. The distal end of the internal teeth 36 is a tube receiving portion 38, which has an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the receiving tube P. The collet has an inward protrusion 37A between the two sets of teeth 36, 37. For example... Figure 5A In the unlocked configuration shown, at the distal end face of the connector, the inner diameter is significantly larger than the outer diameter of pipe P. This can be achieved... Figure 5A As can be seen, the innermost edge 39 of the collet near the end is separated from the tube P.

[0047] The connector is provided to the end user in this unlock configuration. Figure 1A , Figure 2A and Figure 3A This configuration of the connector is described in the document.

[0048] In this unlocked configuration, tube P can be inserted into the connector. Tube P is fully inserted into... Figure 1B , Figure 2B , Figure 3B , Figure 5 and Figure 5A The location shown.

[0049] The connector is specifically designed to provide low insertion force for the tube P. Many features of this design allow for this. These are described in WO2022 / 018413 (incorporated by reference). WO2022 / 018413 also describes molds for manufacturing the collet.

[0050] The transparent ring 5 is fitted onto the collet 3, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the collet holds the transparent ring in place, with the ring abutting against the flange 311 at the distal end of the collet 3. The transparent ring 5 has an annular shape and is provided with a generally truncated conical surface 51 and curved castellation 52 at the distal end of its inner surface. Some of these castellation 52 engage with protrusions 312 on the collet 3 extending proximally from the flange 311. These castellation 52 prevent rotation between the collet 3 and the ring 5. As can be clearly seen from the figure, because the castellation 52 extends around the entire ring 5, the ring can be inserted in any rotational orientation and will be positioned on the protrusion 312.

[0051] like Figure 6AAs shown, the end of tube P in the fully inserted position extends distally beyond the end of the locking cap 4 in the locked configuration by a small distance Z. The truncated conical surface 51 of the transparent ring 5 is oriented to face the exposed end of tube P. This allows the operator to clearly observe the end of tube P. This is especially true when there is a high contrast between the normally white tube P and the body 1 and collet 3, which may be dark, preferably black. This provides an indication that the tube is fully inserted both before and after the connector is locked. The ability to directly observe the tube enhances the reliability of the operation compared to visual indicators that rely on observation aids.

[0052] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view along a plane away from the second axial slot 34, in which tube P is not visible from the outside of the connector because it is blocked by the collet 3. However, in the plane including the second axial slot 34, the end of tube P can be directly seen through the transparent ring 5 and the end of the slot 34.

[0053] If the connector is assembled by hand, the locking cover 4 cannot be overtightened because the geometry of the connector can be made such that it is impossible to further tighten the locking cover 4 using only manual force. If the user uses a tool, the tool can be equipped with a torque limiting feature that limits the torque applied by the tool to a level well below that could damage the connector.

[0054] Furthermore, once the locking cap 4 is fully tightened, the operator can easily observe the end of tube P through the transparent ring 5 to ensure that tube P is correctly positioned. This is significantly more reliable than connectors that rely solely on the movement of auxiliary components to verify correct positioning. Additionally, the aforementioned arrangement of the shorter locking cap 4 and the presence of the transparent ring 5 mean that the presence of tube P can be confirmed even when the connector is used in confined or cluttered spaces.

[0055] The locking cap 4 is provided with a plurality of axially extending grooves 46, which are designed to allow the application of tools with complementary geometries. The grooves 46 open at a proximal end 47 and close at a distal end 48, allowing the tool to slide onto the locking cap 4 in the distal direction until the tool reaches the closed end 48. Alternatively, the tool can be applied in the radial direction. Figures 3A to 3C As can be clearly seen, the groove 46 has a uniform depth along its length. Therefore, regardless of which part of the tool engages with the groove 46, it will have a uniform and reliable interaction with the end cap 4, allowing the tool to reliably rotate the end cap 4 while minimizing the possibility of the tool slipping or twisting.

[0056] like Figure 7B As best shown, multiple flexible tabs 54 extending from the proximal end of ring 5 provide features to prevent excessive tightness, such as... Figure 7B and Figure 8 As best shown, these flexible tabs are arranged circumferentially and angled to complement the serrated protrusions 44 extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the distal end of the locking cover 4. When the locking cover 4 reaches the fully locked position, the serrated protrusions 44 engage with the flexible tabs 54. Rotation of the locking cover 4 causes the flexible tabs 54 to deform radially inward as they climb along the ramp surface of the corresponding serrated protrusion 44. As each flexible tab reaches the end of the serrated protrusion 44, the flexible tab abruptly falls from the end face of the ramp onto the adjacent serrated protrusion, producing an audible clicking sound. Because the flexible tabs 54 are arranged at an angle, they are substantially aligned with the ramp surface of the serrated protrusion 44, thus avoiding contact between the edges of the serrated protrusion 44 and the flexible tabs 54, which could lead to obstruction and excessive wear.

[0057] Because ring 5 is not tightly fitted onto the adjacent portion of collet 3, the audible signal is amplified. As a result, ring 5 vibrates freely relative to collet 3, which further amplifies the audible signal. Figure 5A As shown, this is achieved by the inner diameter of the ring 5 being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the adjacent portion of the collet 3, thereby creating a gap 55 between them. This gap is maintained by the engagement of the collet 3 with the body 1 as described above. In particular, the engagement between the protrusion 15 and the groove 34A means that the relative rotation between the body 1 and the collet 3 is achieved in a way that does not cause excessive deflection of the collet 3 in the segment between adjacent grooves 34. Therefore, the gap 55 can be reliably maintained.

[0058] In addition to providing an audible signal, the flexible tabs also offer tamper-proof functionality. Figure 7B As can be clearly seen, once the locking ring 4 is in its fully locked position, it must be rotated in the opposite direction to unlock it. As a result, the end face of each serrated protrusion 44 presses against one side of the adjacent flexible tab 54, causing deformation of the flexible tab. This deformation is insufficient to render the connector inoperable. However, this deformation provides a diagnostic tool for investigating subsequent connector malfunctions.

Claims

1. A pipe connector, comprising: A hollow body having a central passage defining an axis, the body including a tubular portion at at least one end, the tubular portion having an outer surface to form a seal with the inner diameter of a tube placed on the tubular portion during use; A collet, which engages with the tubular portion of the body to fix it axially relative to the body and is spaced apart from the tubular portion to form a cavity for the tube, the inner surface of the collet being configured to clamp the tube in use, and the outer surface of the collet having a first thread; A locking cap having an inner surface having a second thread complementary to the first thread, wherein screwing the locking cap from the unlocking configuration onto the collet causes the collet to deflect inward to press the collet onto the tube and the tube onto the tubular portion in use to seal the interface between the body and the tube; The collet has at least one axially extending through slot, the through slot extending from the distal end of the collet toward the proximal end to divide the distal end of the collet into multiple segments; and A first positioning feature, located at the middle portion of at least one segment, engages with a complementary second positioning feature on the body to prevent relative rotation of the collet and the body.

2. The pipe connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first positioning feature is a groove.

3. The tube connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first positioning feature is on the inner surface of the collet.

4. The tube connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first positioning feature is located at the distal end of the collet.

5. The pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ring is non-rotatably held relative to the collet, and serrated protrusions are arranged around the inward-facing surface of the locking cap, the protrusions being positioned to engage with complementary flexible tabs on the ring when the locking cap is in the fully locked position, such that relative rotation of the cap relative to the body causes the serrated protrusions to repeatedly deflect the tabs radially inward to produce an audible sound.

6. The pipe connector according to claim 5, wherein, Under stress-free conditions, the inner diameter of the ring is larger than the outer diameter of the portion of the collet that holds the ring.

7. The pipe connector according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein, The flexible tab is inclined at a complementary angle to the sloping surface of the serrated protrusion.

8. The tube connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A pair of O-rings are provided on the outer surface of the tubular portion to form a seal with the tube during use.

9. A pipe connector, comprising: A hollow body having a central passage defining an axis, the body including a tubular portion at at least one end, the tubular portion having an outer surface to form a seal with the inner diameter of a tube placed on the tubular portion during use; A collet, which engages with the tubular portion of the body to fix it axially relative to the body and is spaced apart from the tubular portion to form a cavity for the tube, the inner surface of the collet being configured to clamp the tube in use, and the outer surface of the collet having a first thread; A locking cap having an inner surface having a second thread complementary to the first thread, wherein screwing the locking cap from an unlocked configuration to a locking configuration on the collet causes the collet to deflect inward to press the collet onto the tube and the tube onto the tubular portion in use to seal the interface between the body and the tube; The ring is non-rotatably held relative to the collet, and serrated protrusions are arranged around the inward-facing surface of the locking cap. The protrusions are positioned to engage with complementary flexible tabs on the ring when the locking cap is in the fully locked position, such that relative rotation of the cap relative to the body causes the serrated protrusions to repeatedly deflect the tabs radially inward to produce an audible sound.

10. The pipe connector according to claim 5, wherein, Under stress-free conditions, the inner diameter of the ring is larger than the outer diameter of the portion of the collet that holds the ring.

11. The pipe connector according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein, The flexible tab is inclined at a complementary angle to the sloping surface of the serrated protrusion.

12. The pipe connector according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, A pair of O-rings are provided on the outer surface of the tubular portion to form a seal with the tube during use.

Images