Flexible ductwork system and duct docking device therefor

Abstract

This utility model discloses a flexible duct system and its pipe connection device. The pipe connection device includes an inner connector and an outer connector; the inner connector includes an integrally formed inner flange and an inner tubular portion, and the outer connector includes an integrally formed outer flange and an outer tubular portion. The inner tubular portion of the inner connector has an installation hole through the flexible main pipe's inner wall, and the outer tubular portion of the outer connector is fitted onto the protruding end of the inner tubular portion from the outside. The inner flange and outer flange clamp the wall of the flexible main pipe from their opposing inner and outer sides, thereby quickly constructing a robust and reliable branch pipe connection port on the main pipe. This utility model, through its split clamping structure, enables on-site, on-demand hole-opening and connection, greatly simplifying the duct system, reducing production and installation costs, decreasing the number of joints, and improving the system's integrity, sealing, and aesthetics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flexible duct technology, specifically to a flexible duct system and its pipe connection device. Background Technology

[0002] With the increase in modern buildings, especially large public buildings, flexible duct systems made of fiber fabrics are widely used due to their advantages such as uniform air delivery and convenient installation. However, duct systems in public buildings have complex structures, diverse pipe sizes, and limited lengths for individual duct sections, requiring a large number of prefabricated components. Furthermore, the low installation height makes it easy for customers to observe details, placing high demands on manufacturing processes, appearance, and aesthetics.

[0003] Currently, the industry primarily addresses this issue from management and design perspectives. In terms of management, this involves strengthening employee skills training and production quality management, and paying close attention to details in prefabricated components. In terms of design, it involves optimizing pipeline layout and reducing the proportion of non-standard components. However, these solutions have limitations. The "human-driven" approach cannot eliminate human error and quality fluctuations, and is costly. Design optimization has limited effectiveness in complex buildings, and over-optimization can negatively impact air supply. Construction sites are constantly changing, and pipeline conflicts necessitate modifications to pipeline routes, leading to the scrapping of prefabricated components, resulting in waste, delays, and compromises on sealing and aesthetics.

[0004] In summary, existing technologies do not provide fundamental solutions at the product structure and installation process levels to address the challenges of refining, facilitating, and controlling the cost of flexible duct systems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new technologies to simplify production, facilitate construction, and improve overall quality and competitiveness. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a flexible duct system and its pipe connection device to solve the technical problems of numerous prefabricated components, poor on-site adaptability, low installation efficiency and high cost in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this application provides a pipe connection device for a flexible duct system, comprising: The internal connector includes an integrally formed inner flange and an inner tubular part. The inner flange is located inside the flexible main pipe, and the inner tubular part passes through an installation hole opened on the wall of the flexible main pipe from the inside to the outside. The external connector includes an integrally formed outer flange and an outer tubular portion. The outer flange is located on the outside of the flexible main pipe. The outer tubular portion is fitted onto the outside of one end of the inner tubular portion that extends out of the mounting hole. The inner flange and the outer flange are respectively clamped to the inner and outer sides of the flexible main pipe wall.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, a fixing member is also included, wherein at least one set of mutually aligned positioning holes are respectively provided on the inner tubular portion and the outer tubular portion, and each fixing member is inserted into the positioning hole in the same set to lock the inner connecting member and the outer connecting member.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning holes are uniformly distributed circumferentially along the inner tubular portion and the outer tubular portion.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the radial dimension of the inner flange is greater than the radial dimension of the outer flange, and the inner diameter of the outer tubular portion is greater than the outer diameter of the inner tubular portion.

[0010] Secondly, this application also provides a flexible duct system, including a flexible main pipe, branch pipes, and a pipe docking device for the flexible duct system as described in any embodiment of the first aspect. The flexible main pipe has an installation hole on its wall, and the pipe docking device is clamped and fixed at the installation hole by its inner flange and outer flange. The end of the branch pipe is sleeved and fixed to the connection port of the pipe docking device.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the inner flange and the outer flange are both curved surfaces facing the wall of the flexible main pipe, and the curvature of the curved surfaces is adapted to the shape of the wall of the flexible main pipe.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, when the flexible main pipe is a circular duct, the curved surface is an arc surface; when the flexible main pipe is an oval duct, the curved surface is an arc surface or a plane.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the height of the inner tubular portion is half the diameter of the branch pipe.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the end of the branch pipe is fixed to the connection port by sheet metal strips and self-tapping screws or by metal clamps.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the inner flange portion has an annular sealing groove on the surface facing the flexible main pipe wall, and a sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: By incorporating interlocking internal and external connectors, a modular clamping structure is created. During installation, installers can drill holes on-site at any desired location on the flexible main pipe, then align the internal and external connectors from both sides of the main pipe, clamping the pipe wall to form a standardized rigid connection port. This design makes it possible to create branch pipe connections on straight pipe sections, replacing the traditionally required prefabricated tee fittings. This not only significantly improves the overall integrity of the duct system and minimizes joints, thereby significantly improving the system's sealing and aesthetics, and achieving energy conservation and environmental protection, but also provides great flexibility for on-site construction, easily handling design changes and construction interference, avoiding material waste and project delays, and reducing overall costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below: Figure 1 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a pipe docking device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is an assembly schematic diagram of a pipe docking device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a flexible duct system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of a flexible duct system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a first-view schematic diagram of a flexible duct system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a second-view schematic diagram of a flexible duct system in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure label: 10-Internal connector; 11-Inner flange; 12-Inner tubular part; 20 - External connector; 21 - External flange; 22 - External tubular part; 30 - Fastener; 40 - Positioning hole; 50 - Flexible main pipe; 51 - Mounting hole; 60-Branch pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in this specification, the term "comprising" is an open-ended expression, meaning that the stated feature is present but other features are excluded. Directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" refer to exemplary directions based on the accompanying drawings. Features specified as "first" or "second" implicitly include one or more of that feature. Singular expressions can also be used in plural forms. "Multiple" means two or more. The terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, and it can be a connection within two components. Furthermore, "linked" can include wireless connections.

[0021] The purpose of this application is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a flexible duct system and its pipe connection device to solve the technical problems of numerous prefabricated components, poor on-site adaptability, low installation efficiency and high cost in the prior art.

[0022] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: Reference Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment provides a pipe connection device for use in flexible duct systems. The device is primarily used to create an interface for connecting a branch pipe 60 on a continuous flexible main pipe 50 in the field. The device includes an inner connector 10 and an outer connector 20.

[0023] Both the inner connector 10 and the outer connector 20 can be integrally molded using processes such as injection molding and stamping. In this embodiment, engineering plastics such as PP (polypropylene), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), or POM (polyoxymethylene) are preferred to balance cost, strength, and lightweight. In special working conditions requiring higher strength, galvanized steel sheets, aluminum alloys, or other metal sheets can also be used for stamping.

[0024] The inner connector 10 includes an inner flange portion 11 and an inner tubular portion 12. The inner flange portion 11 is disc-shaped or saddle-shaped and is used to fit against the inner wall of the flexible main pipe 50 during installation. The inner tubular portion 12 is a hollow cylinder that extends vertically from the center of the hollow inner flange portion 11.

[0025] The outer connector 20 also includes an outer flange portion 21 and an outer tubular portion 22. The outer flange portion 21 is shaped to correspond to the inner flange portion 11 and is used to fit against the outer wall of the flexible main pipe 50 during installation. The outer tubular portion 22 is also a hollow cylinder extending vertically from the center of the hollow outer flange portion 21.

[0026] Working principle and installation process: Step 1: Measure and mark the branch pipe position. At the project site, according to the construction drawings or actual needs, determine the docking center point of the branch pipe 60 on the pipe wall of the flexible main pipe 50.

[0027] Step 2: Drill a hole according to the size of the branch pipe. Using a special drilling tool (such as a round cutter), drill a mounting hole 51 on the wall of the flexible main pipe 50, centered on the marked point, that matches the required inner diameter of the branch pipe.

[0028] Step 3: Install and secure the rigid connection device. Insert the inner connector 10 into the flexible main pipe 50, ensuring its inner tubular portion 12 passes through the newly opened mounting hole 51 from the inside out, and that the inner flange portion 11 is flush against the inner pipe wall surrounding the mounting hole 51. Then, slip the outer connector 20 over the flexible main pipe 50, ensuring its outer tubular portion 22 fits over the portion of the inner tubular portion 12 extending outside the main pipe, while the outer flange portion 21 is flush against the outer pipe wall surrounding the mounting hole 51. At this point, the inner flange portion 11 and the outer flange portion 21 act like a clamp, firmly holding the flexible main pipe wall surrounding the mounting hole 51 in the middle. Subsequently, secure them together using fasteners.

[0029] Step 4: Connect and secure the branch pipe. Slide the end of the flexible branch pipe 60 onto the already secured inner tubular portion 12 (which forms the connection port), ensuring that the edge of the branch pipe 60's port is flush against the outer wall of the flexible main pipe 50. Finally, using traditional fixing methods, such as using sheet metal strips with self-tapping screws (dovetail screws) or metal clamps, securely fix the branch pipe 60 to the inner tubular portion 12, completing the entire connection process.

[0030] The pipe connection device in this embodiment, through the clamping and cooperation of internal and external components, can quickly and firmly create a standardized rigid branch pipe interface at any position on the flexible main pipe. It simplifies the complex, prefabricated tee components into on-site installation operations on straight pipes, fundamentally eliminating the reliance on prefabricated tees, greatly improving construction flexibility and efficiency, and laying a structural foundation for improving system sealing and aesthetics.

[0031] To reliably lock the inner connector 10 and the outer connector 20 together, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device also includes at least one fixing member 30. Accordingly, at least one set of mutually aligned positioning holes 40 are respectively formed on the inner tubular portion 12 and the outer tubular portion 22. After the inner and outer connecting members are engaged and clamped against the main pipe wall, the fixing member 30 passes through the aligned positioning holes 40, thereby firmly locking the inner connecting member 10 and the outer connecting member 20, preventing them from moving relative to each other or falling off. In this embodiment, the fixing member 30 is preferably a fixing nail or pin made of plastic, which may have barbs or a snap-fit ​​structure, making it difficult to pull out after insertion, convenient to install, and requiring no special tools.

[0032] By setting positioning holes and fixing parts, the internal and external connecting parts are quickly and reliably locked, ensuring the long-term stability of the clamping force and making the entire connection device a solid whole that can withstand the pressure and vibration of the duct system during operation.

[0033] To ensure a more uniform locking force and prevent localized stress concentration that could lead to deformation or loosening, this embodiment provides further limitations. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The positioning holes 40 are evenly distributed circumferentially along the inner tubular portion 12 and the outer tubular portion 22. For example, three or four positioning holes can be provided, evenly distributed at 120 degrees or 90 degrees. Correspondingly, an equal number of fasteners 30 are also required for fixation.

[0034] The evenly distributed positioning holes and fasteners ensure that the locking force is applied evenly across the entire connection device, avoiding problems such as installation misalignment and excessive local stress, and further enhancing the stability and reliability of the connection.

[0035] To optimize the mechanical properties and fit of the components, this embodiment makes further limitations. The radial dimension (or coverage area) of the inner flange 11 is designed to be larger than the radial dimension of the outer flange 21. At the same time, the inner diameter of the outer tubular part 22 is designed to be larger than the outer diameter of the inner tubular part 12. The difference in size should ensure that the two can be smoothly fitted together, and the gap should not be too large to ensure concentricity and stability.

[0036] The inner flange 11 is made larger, increasing its contact area with the inner wall of the flexible main pipe. Since the positive pressure within the system pushes the main pipe outward, the main load is borne by the inner flange. The larger contact area can more effectively distribute stress, prevent local tearing, and thus significantly improve the overall strength and load-bearing capacity of the connection.

[0037] This embodiment provides a flexible duct system employing the aforementioned pipe connection device. The system includes: a flexible main pipe 50, a branch pipe 60, and a pipe connection device as described in any of Embodiments 1-4. The flexible main pipe 50 has mounting holes 51 formed on its wall as needed. The pipe connection device is clamped and fixed to the periphery of the mounting holes 51 by its inner flange 11 and outer flange 21. The end of the branch pipe 60 is sleeved and fixed to the connection port formed by the inner tubular portion 12.

[0038] By applying the docking device of this invention, a flexible duct system that eliminates the need for prefabricated tees is constructed. This system reduces pipe sections and joints, maintaining better continuity in the main pipe, resulting in a simpler and smoother appearance, and consequently reducing the number of sealing points. This not only lowers the system's air leakage rate and improves air delivery efficiency, but also effectively reduces the overall system cost and enhances the product's market competitiveness by reducing the production and procurement of non-standard components.

[0039] To ensure a tighter fit between the device and the main body, this embodiment makes further limitations. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Both the inner flange 11 and the outer flange 21 are designed with curved surfaces on the side facing the wall of the flexible main pipe 50. The curvature of this surface is adapted to the shape of the wall of the flexible main pipe 50.

[0040] By matching the curvature of the flange contact surface with that of the main pipe wall, "surface contact" can be achieved between the two instead of "line contact" or "point contact," which greatly improves the tightness of the fit and eliminates gaps caused by shape mismatch. This not only makes the installation more stable and the appearance more beautiful, but also lays the foundation for achieving better sealing.

[0041] To accommodate ducts of different shapes, this embodiment makes further limitations. When the flexible main pipe 50 is a common circular duct, the curved surface is designed as an arc surface. When the flexible main pipe 50 is a flat oval duct, if the docking device is installed on the arc side of the main pipe, the curved surface is designed as an arc surface; if it is installed on the flat side of the main pipe (horizontal or vertical installation), the curved surface can be designed as a plane.

[0042] This adaptive design for different pipe shapes and installation locations enhances the versatility and universality of the docking device, enabling it to be flexibly applied to the two mainstream flexible ducts on the market, namely round and oval, thus expanding the product's application range.

[0043] To standardize the design and ensure connection strength, the dimensions of the inner tubular portion are optimized in this embodiment. The height h of the inner tubular portion 12 is set to be approximately equal to half the diameter d of the branch pipe 60 to be connected, i.e., satisfying the relationship h≈1 / 2d.

[0044] This dimensional principle strikes a good balance between ensuring sufficient contact length when the branch pipe is 60mm long (to ensure that subsequent clamps or strips are securely fixed) and avoiding material waste and increased airflow resistance caused by excessive tubular length.

[0045] This embodiment provides a detailed description of the fixing method for the branch pipe. The end of the branch pipe 60 can be fixed to the connection port (i.e., the inner tubular part 12) using a traditional, mature, and reliable method. Specifically, this can be achieved by using a sheet metal strip to wrap around the outside of the branch pipe and tightening it onto the inner tubular part 12 with multiple self-tapping screws (such as dovetail screws); or by using an adjustable diameter metal clamp to fit over the outside of the branch pipe and tighten it.

[0046] The specific fixing method between the branch pipe and the docking device was clearly defined, and a mature process commonly used in the industry was adopted to ensure the reliability and airtightness of the final connection. Moreover, the installers can operate the device without additional training.

[0047] To further improve the airtightness of the connection, this embodiment adds an active sealing structure. An annular sealing groove is formed on the surface of the inner flange 11 facing the wall of the flexible main pipe 50, and a removable and replaceable sealing ring is embedded within the groove. This sealing ring is preferably made of an elastic material such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or silicone. When the inner and outer connectors are clamped, the sealing ring is compressed, filling any minor unevenness on the surface of the flexible main pipe fabric.

[0048] The added sealing ring forms a reliable elastic sealing barrier, which can greatly improve the airtightness of the connection and effectively prevent air leakage. This is of great significance for ensuring the system's air supply efficiency and achieving energy-saving goals.

[0049] To simplify and expedite the installation process, this embodiment incorporates a guide and positioning structure between the inner and outer connectors. At least one positioning rib is integrally formed along the axial direction on the outer peripheral wall of the inner tubular portion 12. Correspondingly, a positioning groove adapted to the positioning rib is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the outer tubular portion 22. During installation, simply align the positioning rib with the positioning groove and insert it to achieve precise circumferential positioning of the inner and outer tubular portions, ensuring that all positioning holes 40 are automatically aligned at once.

[0050] This guide positioning structure is essentially a "foolproof" design, which greatly simplifies the hole-aligning operation for installers in situations where the internal space of the pipeline is limited and the field of vision is poor, significantly improving installation efficiency and accuracy.

[0051] To optimize airflow organization and reduce system energy consumption, this embodiment improves the airflow path. The inner transition area connecting the inner tubular portion 12 and the inner flange portion 11 is designed as a smooth guide surface. This guide surface can be a large-radius arc transition, forming a shape similar to a trumpet.

[0052] The smooth guide surface can guide the airflow smoothly from the main pipe into the branch pipe, effectively avoiding eddies and energy loss caused by the sudden 90-degree turn of the airflow, significantly reducing the local drag coefficient and airflow regeneration noise at the connection point, and optimizing the aerodynamic performance of the entire duct system.

[0053] To improve the mechanical strength of the device without significantly increasing weight and cost, this embodiment incorporates a reinforcing structure. Multiple reinforcing ribs are integrally formed on the non-contact surface (the side facing away from the main pipe wall) of the inner flange 11 and / or the outer surface of the outer flange 21, arranged radially or in a grid pattern.

[0054] The reinforcing ribs utilize the material's shape advantages, significantly improving the flange component's resistance to bending and deformation. This allows the device to maintain its shape stability even under significant locking forces or internal pipeline pressure fluctuations, ensuring the long-lasting effectiveness of the clamping force. It is particularly suitable for applications with large pipe diameters or high wind pressure.

[0055] To further simplify the on-site construction process, this embodiment integrates the drilling auxiliary tool into the part itself. A thin-walled scribing guide flange is integrally formed around the outer periphery of the outer flange portion 21 of the outer connector 20. The inner diameter of this scribing guide flange is precisely designed to be equal to or slightly larger than the target diameter of the final mounting hole 51 to be drilled.

[0056] Before installation, the installer can directly press the outer connector 20 onto the predetermined installation position of the flexible main tube 50. Its marking guide flange will leave a clear circular indentation on the fabric surface, or it can be used as a ruler, allowing a marker to easily trace a standard circle along its inner edge. This provides an extremely precise cutting guide line for subsequent hole-making tools, ensuring the accuracy of the hole size and thus guaranteeing a perfect fit between the device and the hole. This design integrates the marking tool with the part itself, simplifying the construction process and improving work efficiency.

[0057] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: Improve system integrity and aesthetics: Replace prefabricated tees with on-site openings, significantly reducing joints and small sections of pipe in the system, making the duct system more continuous, with a stronger sense of integrity, and a simpler and more beautiful appearance.

[0058] Improved sealing and energy efficiency: The reduction in the number of joints directly leads to a reduction in potential air leakage points. Combined with structures such as sealing rings, it can significantly improve the airtightness of the entire system, reduce the loss of cold or heat, and achieve energy saving and environmental protection.

[0059] Reduced production costs and time: The production demand for non-standard components such as tees with complex structures and high production difficulty has been significantly reduced. Instead, the focus has been on producing standardized straight pipes and docking devices, which has reduced production difficulty and time, thereby reducing production costs.

[0060] Improved installation efficiency and flexibility: It provides great flexibility for on-site construction, allowing branch pipe locations to be determined and installed quickly according to actual conditions. It effectively responds to design changes and construction interference, avoiding pipe modifications, rework, and material waste caused by unsuitable prefabricated components, significantly improving installation efficiency and reducing installation costs.

[0061] Optimize airflow organization and system performance: Through optimized design such as guide surfaces, local resistance can be reduced, airflow noise can be lowered, and the operating efficiency and air supply quality of the entire duct system can be improved.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will understand that the steps, measures, and schemes in the various operations, methods, processes, and procedures discussed in this application can be alternated, modified, rearranged, decomposed, combined, or deleted.

[0063] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A pipe connection device for a flexible duct system, characterized in that, include: The internal connector includes an integrally formed inner flange and an inner tubular part. The inner flange is located inside the flexible main pipe, and the inner tubular part passes through an installation hole opened on the wall of the flexible main pipe from the inside to the outside. The external connector includes an integrally formed outer flange and an outer tubular portion. The outer flange is located on the outside of the flexible main pipe. The outer tubular portion is fitted onto the outside of one end of the inner tubular portion that extends out of the mounting hole. The inner flange and the outer flange are respectively clamped to the inner and outer sides of the flexible main pipe wall.

2. The pipe connection device for the flexible duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes fasteners, wherein at least one set of mutually aligned positioning holes are respectively provided on the inner tubular part and the outer tubular part, and each of the fasteners passes through the positioning holes in the same set to lock the inner connector and the outer connector.

3. The pipe connection device for the flexible duct system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning holes are evenly distributed circumferentially along the inner tubular portion and the outer tubular portion.

4. The pipe connection device for the flexible duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial dimension of the inner flange is greater than that of the outer flange, and the inner diameter of the outer tubular part is greater than that of the inner tubular part.

5. A flexible duct system, characterized in that, The system includes a flexible main pipe, branch pipes, and a pipe connection device for a flexible duct system as described in any one of claims 1-4. The flexible main pipe has an installation hole on its wall. The pipe connection device is clamped and fixed to the installation hole by its inner flange and outer flange. The end of the branch pipe is sleeved and fixed to the connection port of the pipe connection device.

6. The flexible duct system according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the inner flange and the outer flange have curved surfaces facing the flexible main pipe wall, and the curvature of the curved surfaces is adapted to the shape of the flexible main pipe wall.

7. The flexible duct system according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the flexible main pipe is a circular duct, the curved surface is an arc surface; when the flexible main pipe is an oval duct, the curved surface is an arc surface or a plane.

8. The flexible duct system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The height of the inner tubular portion is half the diameter of the branch pipe.

9. The flexible duct system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end of the branch pipe is fixed to the connection port by sheet metal strips and self-tapping screws or by metal clamps.

10. The flexible duct system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner flange has an annular sealing groove on its surface facing the flexible main pipe wall, and a sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove.

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