Flange for mounting on a pipe, flange system or arrangement with such a flange and corresponding use

Abstract

Flange (1) for mounting on a pipe (2) protruding from an opening in a wall or floor element (3), which flange (1) - a mounting piece (4) which is designed to be placed on the line (2) and has a through-hole (20), and - a fitting (5) for attachment to a side surface (3a) of the wall or floor element (3), wherein the attachment piece (4) and the fitting piece (5) are multi-part relative to each other, namely the attachment piece (4) intended for placement on the line (2) is inserted or can be inserted into a through-hole (61) in the fitting piece (5) and wherein the attachment piece (4) and the fitting piece (5) are provided of different materials, namely the attachment piece (4) is provided of a softer material than the fitting piece (5), in any case apart from any seal (62) of the fitting piece (5), and wherein a filling opening (60) is provided in an annular flange section of the system piece (5), through which a filling material can be introduced into the opening for the purpose of mounting the line (2) in the opening in the wall or floor element (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a flange for mounting on a pipe that emerges from an opening in a wall or floor element.

[0002] The wall is typically an exterior wall of a building, and the opening may be created, for example, as a core drill hole. The pipe or conduit may be, for example, a gas line that is routed through the opening into the building. This is intended to illustrate a preferred application but does not initially limit the scope of the subject matter.

[0003] US Patent 5,988,698 A shows a multi-piece flange with a flexible bellows and interchangeable attachments designed to fit pipes of different diameters.

[0004] US 5,950,381 A concerns a cable gland with a metal plate mounted on the wall and a rubber sleeve mounted on the cable.

[0005] DE 10 2009 033 187 A1 shows a compression seal with a split flange plate for routing cables, lines or the like through the roof of a vehicle.

[0006] DE 196 28 988 A1 shows a flange for a wall penetration with various filling options.

[0007] The present invention is based on the technical problem of providing an advantageous flange that is intended for mounting on a pipe protruding from an opening.

[0008] This is achieved according to the invention with the multi-part flange as described in claim 1. This flange comprises, on the one hand, a mounting piece for attaching to the pipe and, on the other hand, a bearing piece which then rests against a side wall surface of the wall or floor element. The bearing piece, which axially speaking can be, for example, plate- or disc-shaped, is provided with a through-hole. In the assembled state, the mounting piece is arranged in this through-hole. This mounting piece also has a through-hole through which the pipe extends in the assembled state.

[0009] This multi-part flange design may initially appear disadvantageous compared to a one-piece flange, as more individual parts need to be handled during manufacturing and assembly. Furthermore, the additional interface between the mounting and contact pieces could potentially represent a weak point with regard to a desired seal. However, the inventors have determined that the advantages outweigh these drawbacks. Due to the multi-part construction, the mounting and contact pieces can be relatively easily manufactured from different materials and thus optimized for their respective functions. The contact piece is designed to be stiffer in order to generate sufficient contact pressure against the side surface of the wall or floor element, while the softer mounting piece can form a tight seal against the pipe.This also does not damage them (does not compress them, which is particularly relevant for sensitive cables).

[0010] Of course, different materials could also be integrated with a single-piece design, for example, using a two-component injection-molded part. Aside from the associated costs, especially tooling costs, the multi-piece solution offers greater flexibility. The flange in question can be adapted to a different application simply by replacing the mounting piece, for example, for mounting on a pipe with a different diameter. For this purpose, different mounting pieces with varying through-hole sizes can be kept on hand during manufacturing or assembly, such as on-site, and inserted into the mounting piece depending on the pipe's outer diameter.

[0011] As is evident from this, the present device can offer different advantages depending on the application ("optimization with different materials for different functions" or "different conductor diameters"). This initially illustrates the possibilities offered by the multi-part design as claimed in the main claim. The implementation of these possibilities is the subject of the dependent claims in detail. Reference is generally made to these claims, as well as to the remaining description and the figures, regarding preferred embodiments.

[0012] In the description of the features, a detailed distinction is not always made between device, process, and application aspects; the disclosure expressly covers all claim categories. In particular, it should always be read as referring to both the flange itself and a flange system or arrangement that relates to the flange mounted on the pipe. For example, if a flange mounted in a specific manner is described, this should also be read as a disclosure of the corresponding suitability of the flange, and vice versa.

[0013] In principle, another component, such as a sleeve, can be arranged between the mounting piece and the mating piece. This sleeve would then be inserted into the through-hole in the mating piece, forming its own through-hole and accommodating the mounting piece (which is thus indirectly inserted into the mating piece). Preferably, the mounting piece is inserted directly into the mating piece, meaning that the mounting and mating pieces are directly adjacent to each other. The corresponding mating surface can preferably be rotationally symmetrical, for example, a simple cylindrical surface.

[0014] Where terms such as "axial" or "radial" or "circumferential" are used or the corresponding directions are referenced, this refers to the longitudinal axis of the through-hole in the component, which, in the assembled state, preferably coincides with a longitudinal axis of the opening in the wall or floor element (hereinafter, reference is primarily made only to a "wall element" or a "wall," but the disclosure is always to be read as referring to a "wall or floor element"). The conduit extends along the longitudinal axis through the opening or through-hole (the opening or through-hole need not necessarily have its longest extent along the longitudinal axis). Preferably, the through-hole is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, particularly rotationally symmetrical. In general, however, other round or circular shapes are also acceptable in cross-sectional planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.Square cross-sectional shapes are possible, but circular shapes are preferred, for the conduit and the through-hole in the attachment piece and / or the through-hole in the mounting piece and / or the opening in the wall.

[0015] As already mentioned, according to the invention, the mounting piece and the attachment piece are made of different materials, namely the mounting piece of a softer material. The material of the mounting piece can therefore have a lower Shore hardness than the material of the attachment piece, for example, a Shore hardness at least 20%, 40%, or 60% lower. Possible upper limits (independently of this) can be, for example, at most 95%, 90%, 85%, or 80%. The mounting piece can have, for example, a Shore hardness (A) of at most 80 Shore, 75 Shore, or 70 Shore in absolute terms, and (independently of this) at least 20 Shore, 25 Shore, 30 Shore, 35 Shore, or 40 Shore. The component can, for example, have a Shore hardness (D) of at least 50 Shore, 60 Shore or 70 Shore, with possible (independent) upper limits of no more than 85 Shore or 80 Shore.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the attachment is made of an elastomeric material. This generally refers to a plastic with elastic properties; compare the Shore values ​​(A) given in the previous paragraph. It can be, for example, a rubber material, preferably a synthetic rubber such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer, M group). However, it can also generally be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a silicone-based material, such as silicone rubber or silicone elastomer.

[0017] In general, the attachment piece preferably has an axially projecting collar that serves to fasten the flange to the pipe. Preferably, a clamping element, in particular a clamping band, or more preferably a clamping clamp, is arranged on the collar, pressing the collar against an outer wall surface of the pipe. The clamping element can preferably be axially positively locked on the collar and thus retained securely even when untensioned, for example, by being seated in a circumferential groove. The collar of the attachment piece preferably abuts axially a section of the attachment piece that is axially arranged in the through-hole in the mounting piece.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, a receptacle is formed on a radially outward-facing outer wall surface of the mounting piece, in which the abutment is held axially in a form-fit manner. Preferably, the mounting piece and the abutment are directly adjacent to each other, meaning that the abutment rests against this outer wall surface with its radially inward-facing inner wall surface. The form fit can then be achieved, for example, with circumferential ridges on both sides of the abutment, particularly on the aforementioned inner wall surface; however, more complex geometries are also generally conceivable. In this context, a soft mounting piece material can also be advantageous because the mounting piece can be compressed somewhat when inserted into the through-hole, and then expands in the inserted position, thus forming the axial form fit.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the attachment piece includes, in addition to the through-hole for the conduit, a channel with an axial extension. This channel preferably has a significantly smaller diameter than the through-hole in the attachment piece, e.g., at most 1 / 4, 1 / 5, 1 / 6, 1 / 7, 1 / 8, 1 / 9, or 1 / 10 thereof (a possible lower limit may, depending on the application, be at least 1 / 100). In general, in this disclosure, "diameter" refers to the mean of the smallest and largest extensions in a corresponding cross-sectional plane (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), which, in the preferred case of a circular shape, corresponds to the diameter of the circle. The channel with an axial extension passes through the attachment piece, thus connecting two axial sides of it when open; however, it is originally closed with a blind plug.

[0020] This blanking plug can be removed if needed, and the channel can be used as a small bypass, particularly for threading a cable, especially a data cable. For example, if a gas line is being installed or mounted through the through-hole in the extension piece, a data cable, especially a fiber optic cable, can be installed or pre-installed at the same time. At least one conduit can be run through the channel, through which the data cable can then be threaded later if necessary.

[0021] This integration can be advantageous because, in building renovations, gas lines are often installed retroactively, specifically when converting from oil to gas heating. Since this already involves some construction work (core drilling, sealing the pipe, etc.), it can be beneficial to retrofit a different piping system at the same time, at least in principle. In the data sector, this could mean switching from a conventional copper cable to a fiber optic cable, which can then be advantageously accomplished using the same opening in the wall (meaning a separate opening for the data cable is not required).

[0022] Preferably, several such channels may even be provided in the attachment, i.e., at least two (and generally no more than five or four). In general, within the context of this disclosure, "a" and "an" are to be read as indefinite articles unless expressly stated otherwise, and thus always also as "at least one" or "at least one".

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the blind plug is integrally formed with the rest of the fitting. It is therefore not an inserted plug, but rather a closure monolithically connected to the rest of the fitting via a material bridge (monolithic meaning made of a single, continuous material, without any intermediate material boundary). This material bridge forms a predetermined breaking point and can therefore, for example, have a reduced wall thickness compared to the closure, which simplifies the removal or ejection of the closure.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, an annular flange section of the mounting piece is provided, made of a rigid plastic material; reference is made to the Shore values ​​(D) specified above. Possible rigid plastics include, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), or polycarbonate (PC). The annular flange section extends radially outward from the mounting piece, thus providing coverage and contact with the side surface of the wall. In this respect, a rigid plastic is advantageous due to its mechanical stability and the resulting reliable contact with the side surface of the wall.

[0025] The flange section does not necessarily have to be in contact with the side surface of the wall itself; preferably, it can press against a circumferential seal made of a softer material (compare the Shore A values ​​specified above). This seal can, for example, be a separate sealing ring integrated with the flange section, or the two can be integrally molded together (not separable without damage), for example, as a two-component injection-molded part. Regardless of the specific design, the flange section and the seal together then form the mating component.

[0026] According to the invention, a filling opening is provided in an annular flange section of the installation piece, i.e., a through-opening through which a backfill material is introduced during pipe installation. Preferably, a mortar-based backfill material is used, which is poured in through the filling opening, for example, using a filling funnel. Particularly preferred is an expanding mortar or expanding grout. During pipe installation, the flange with the filling funnel is placed against one side of the wall. Preferably, on the exterior side of the building, an end plate or flange or the like is also placed against the opposite side to prevent the backfill material from leaking out.

[0027] The flange in question, with its filling opening, can be used during the actual installation of the pipe, i.e., when it is structurally secured in the opening with the backfill material. Furthermore, the flange also serves a sealing function. The extension piece seals against the pipe, while the contact piece seals against the side surface of the wall or floor element. This advantageously allows for the resealing of a building seal, such as a bitumen coating, that was temporarily interrupted when the opening was created in the wall. The backfill material alone may not always provide a sufficient seal against the pipe, for example, due to adhesion problems or shrinkage during curing (which can lead to creep paths along the outer surface of the pipe).The flange can of course also perform such a sealing function independently of any previous use during assembly, but integration is advantageous in terms of reducing the total number of parts required.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the flange has a closure that can be inserted or inserted into the filling opening. This closure and a filling funnel can then be exchanged as needed, so that the filling opening can be closed, particularly after the filling material has been introduced, and the flange can remain permanently in position.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a nozzle projecting axially from the mounting piece, particularly the flange section, forms the filling opening. Preferably, the filling funnel and / or the closure are not inserted into the filling opening, but rather placed onto the nozzle. This is advantageous because the nozzle, like the rest of the flange section, is preferably made of a rather rigid material, in particular a hard plastic. This rigid material could not be easily pressed inwards (onto an inserted closure / filling funnel) with a clamping element. The closure and / or the filling funnel, on the other hand, can be made of a softer material (compare the Shore A values ​​given above), and thus, when placed on the nozzle, can be easily pressed onto it with a clamping element, such as a clamping band, in particular a clamping clamp.

[0030] The invention also relates to a flange system comprising a flange disclosed herein and an additional mounting piece (a total of at least two mounting pieces). The mounting pieces are interchangeable and can be inserted into the through-hole in the mounting piece, but differ in other respects. They can generally be made of different materials or of the same material with differently configured material properties, for example, by means of different degrees of cross-linking.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter pieces differ in the diameter of their respective through-holes, meaning they are designed for different pipes. For example, the installer on site can, as needed, exchange one adapter piece for another depending on the pipe's outer diameter (this can also be done during manufacturing based on customer-specified requirements).

[0032] The invention further relates to a flange arrangement comprising a wall or floor element with an opening therein and a conduit protruding from this opening. The flange arrangement also includes a flange, as disclosed herein, which is mounted on the conduit. The conduit is thus arranged in the through-hole of the mounting piece, and the mounting piece rests against the side surface of the wall. The invention further relates to corresponding uses of a flange or flange system.

[0033] The conduit can be a conduit itself passing through the wall, or a hollow tube or body for such a conduit, in which the actual conduit is arranged or, more generally, threaded through subsequently. The conduit is preferably a gas conduit, but a water conduit, district heating conduit, or even a data / telecommunications or electrical conduit is also generally possible. Preferably, a so-called building entry point can form the section of the conduit installed in the opening; the building entry point is structurally integrated into the opening, and typically a backfill material (see above) borders its outer wall surface (filling a space towards the reveal, in particular an annular space).Preferably, a plastic body forms the outer surface of the building entry; this plastic body is designed as a hollow body, within which the actual pipe is arranged, for example, a metal pipe, e.g., made of stainless steel, in the case of a gas or water service entry. This metal pipe then extends within the building entry from one side of the wall to the opposite side (after installation). A water or gas pipe, for example, running underground, can then be connected on the outside of the building; on the inside of the building, a water or gas tap is installed, preferably already integrated during the installation of the building entry.

[0034] The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, whereby the individual features within the scope of the dependent claims may also be essential to the invention in other combinations, and no distinction will be made in detail between the different claim categories.

[0035] In detail, it shows Fig. 1 a flange according to the invention in an oblique view with a protruding pipe; Fig. 2 a detailed view of Fig. 1, without the line; Fig. 3 the flange mounting piece according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a single presentation; Fig. 4 a closure as part of the flange according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a single presentation; Fig. 5 a further flange according to the invention with instead of a closure according to Fig. 4 attached filling funnel; Fig. 6 the flange mounting piece according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a single view, from a front oblique angle; Fig. 7 the piece of equipment according to Fig. 6 of a view from a slightly rear angle.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a flange 1 according to the invention, which is placed on a conduit 2. This conduit passes through an opening (not shown) in a wall 3, of which a side surface 3a is visible in this oblique view. In this view, the flange 1 covers the opening, which extends obliquely backward from the side surface 3a into the plane of the drawing. The opening is formed as a core hole in the wall 3, and the conduit 2 passes through the opening from the wall 3. Fig. The visible side of wall 3 is routed to the opposite side. Specifically, line 2 is a gas line, and the section of it installed in wall 3 is also referred to as the building entry point. The view falls into Fig. 1. On the outside of the building, on the opposite inside of the building, the building entry has a gas valve.

[0037] The flange 1 according to the invention is constructed in multiple parts, namely comprising a mounting piece 4 and a contact piece 5. The mounting piece 4 is made of a soft elastomer material and seals against the pipe 2. For this purpose, it has an axially projecting collar 4a, which is pressed onto the pipe 2 by a clamping element 6, in this case a clamping clamp. The contact piece 5, on the other hand, is made of a rigid plastic, and is therefore stiffer in comparison, allowing it to be pressed firmly against the wall surface 3a.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows the flange 1 again in a slightly enlarged view and without the line 2, so that a through hole 20 can be seen in the attachment piece 4.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be seen that the clamping element 6 is axially positively locked on the collar 4a of the mounting piece 4, namely arranged in a circumferential groove or behind a bead.

[0040] The illustration also shows a channel 21 in the attachment piece 4, which is closed by a blanking plug 22. This blanking plug 22 is monolithically formed with the rest of the attachment piece 4 via material bridges (not shown in detail); it can be ejected, for example, with a screwdriver. As explained in detail in the introductory description, a cable can be routed through the channel 21.

[0041] Furthermore, in Fig. 2 also a closure 25 can be seen, which is pressed onto a nozzle 5a of the attachment piece 5 with a clamping element 26, specifically a clamping clamp, compare also Fig. Figure 6 is for illustration purposes (showing the attachment piece 5 without the closure 25).

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows only the attachment piece 4; in particular, an outer wall surface 4b of it can be seen, against which the mounting piece 5 then rests with an inner wall surface 5b (compare the Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 of the summary). As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, circumferential beads 30 are formed on the outer wall surface 4b, between which the attached support piece 5 is then held axially in a form-fitting manner.

[0043] Fig. Figure 4 shows the shutter 25 again, this time in a rear view, i.e., in Fig. 2 looking from below the plane of the drawing. In this rear view, an axially extending collar 25a of the closure can be seen, on which sealing grooves are provided around the circumference on the inside. With this collar 25a, the closure 25 is placed onto the nozzle 5a of the mounting piece 5; compare again the combined view with Fig. 6.

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows the entire flange 1 including the pipe 2. However, instead of a closure, a filling funnel 50 is fitted to the nozzle 5a of the component 5. A filling material can be poured into this funnel, which is then carried through the pipe into the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The filler material flows into the opening in the wall 3 through which the pipe 2 passes. The filler material, in particular an expanding grout, then fills an annular space around the pipe 2. As can be seen from the Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the nozzle 5a of the attachment piece 5 forms or limits the filling opening 60. During assembly, the situation is as follows: Fig. 5 chronologically before that one according to Fig. The flange 1 is initially used to introduce the backfill material, then the filling funnel 50 is replaced by the closure 25. The flange 1 then seals, in particular with the rear seal 62 (see figure). Fig. 7) permanently towards wall 3.

[0045] In the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 also shows a through hole 61 in the base piece 5, into which the attachment piece 4 is inserted. The attachment pieces 4 differ in detail according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 in the diameter of their respective through-hole 20, they are designed for different cable diameters and can be assembled and used modularly with the same system piece 5.

Claims

[1] Flange (1) for mounting on a pipe (2) protruding from an opening in a wall or floor element (3), which flange (1) - a mounting piece (4) which is designed to be placed on the line (2) and has a through-hole (20), and - a fitting (5) for attachment to a side surface (3a) of the wall or floor element (3), wherein the attachment piece (4) and the fitting piece (5) are multi-part relative to each other, namely the attachment piece (4) intended for placement on the line (2) is inserted or can be inserted into a through-hole (61) in the fitting piece (5) and wherein the attachment piece (4) and the fitting piece (5) are provided of different materials, namely the attachment piece (4) is provided of a softer material than the fitting piece (5), in any case apart from any seal (62) of the fitting piece (5), and wherein a filling opening (60) is provided in an annular flange section of the system piece (5), through which a filling material can be introduced into the opening for the purpose of mounting the line (2) in the opening in the wall or floor element (3). [2] Flange (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting piece (4) is made of an elastomer material, preferably synthetic rubber. [3] Flange (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting piece (4) has an axially projecting collar (4a) on which a clamping element (6) for pressing the collar (4a) onto the line (2) is arranged or can be arranged. [4] Flange (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which, with reference to a longitudinal axis of the line (2), a receptacle is formed on a radially outwardly facing outer wall surface (4b) of the attachment piece (4), in which the attachment piece (5) is arranged or can be arranged axially in a form-fitting manner. [5] Flange (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a channel (21) with axial extension is provided in the mounting piece (4) which is closed with a blind closure (22). [6] Flange (1) according to claim 5, in which the blind closure (22) is monolithically connected to the rest of the fitting (4) via a material bridge as a predetermined breaking point. [7] Flange (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least an annular flange section of the mounting piece (5) is provided made of a hard plastic material. [8] Flange (1) according to one of the preceding claims comprising a filling funnel 50 for filling the filling material and a closure (25) which can be arranged interchangeably on the filling opening (60). [9] Flange (1) according to one of the preceding claims with a closure (25) which can be placed on a nozzle (5a) forming the filling opening (60), preferably with a clamping element (26) for pressing the closure (25) onto the nozzle (5a). [10] Flange system comprising a flange (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a further attachment piece (4) which is designed to be placed on a pipe (2) with a through hole (20), wherein the attachment pieces (4) are interchangeable and can be inserted into the through hole (61) in the mounting piece (5). [11] Flange system according to claim 10, wherein the through holes (20) of the mounting pieces (4) have a different diameter. [12] Flange arrangement with a wall or floor element (3) in which an opening is provided, a conduit (2) protruding from the opening, and a flange (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flange (1) is mounted on the line (2), namely the line (2) passes through the through hole (20) in the attachment piece (4) and the attachment piece (5) rests against the side surface (3a) of the wall or floor element (3). [13] Use of a flange (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in a flange system according to claim 10 or 11 or in a flange arrangement according to claim 12.

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