System for handling and fixing pipe ends to create a connection between the pipe ends, in particular for joining polyethylene pipes using a welding sleeve.

Abstract

System (1) for handling and fixing pipe ends (2, 3) for making a connection between the pipe ends (2, 3), in particular for joining polyethylene pipes by means of a welding sleeve (4), comprising: a first pipe clamp (5) for attachment in an area of ​​a first pipe end (2) of a first pipe, a second pipe clamp (6) for attachment in an area of ​​a first pipe end (3) of a second pipe, and at least one tension element (7) with a first receptacle (8) for the first pipe clamp (5) and a second receptacle (9) for the second pipe clamp (6), wherein first the first pipe clamp (5) is attached to the first pipe end (2) of the first pipe and the second pipe clamp (6) is attached to the first pipe end (3) of the second pipe and then the first receptacle (8) is connected to the first pipe clamp (5) and the second receptacle (9) is connected to the second pipe clamp (6), wherein at least one tension element (7) is designed to be variable in length in order to adjust the distance between the first receptacle (8) and the second receptacle (9), so that the pipe clamps (5, 6) connected to the first receptacle (8) and the second receptacle (9) together with the first pipe ends (2, 3) of the first pipe and second pipe can be moved relative to each other, characterized by the fact that the at least one tension element (7) is designed at an angle or has a hinge (15) for angled the at least one tension element (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for handling and fixing pipe ends to create a connection between the pipe ends, in particular for joining polyethylene pipes by means of a welding sleeve.

[0002] Polyethylene pipes, or PE pipes for short, have been used for many decades in pipeline systems for gas and water supply and sewage disposal. PE pipes are also used in industrial applications. They are corrosion-resistant, resistant to various chemicals, and crack-resistant. Furthermore, PE pipes are relatively lightweight, flexible enough for underground installation, and possess sufficient ring stiffness. A particular advantage of PE pipes is that they can be welded together, creating a metallurgical bond between the welded pipes. This is particularly beneficial in wastewater disposal, as it prevents contaminated wastewater from escaping at pipe joints.

[0003] Welding sleeves are known in the prior art for joining two PE pipes. The respective ends of the pipes to be joined are inserted into the welding sleeve. The welding sleeve contains a heating coil that is heated by an applied electrical voltage to bring the pipe ends to a thermoplastic state, thus creating the weld. During the welding process, the pipe ends must be fixed relative to each other to ensure a secure weld. Fixing devices are known in the prior art for this purpose, which secure the pipe ends relative to each other after they have been inserted into the welding sleeve. These known devices comprise clamping elements that are fixed to the two pipe ends to be joined. The clamping elements are connected to each other via a rigid connecting element, thus fixing the pipe ends relative to each other.Such devices are known, for example, from DE 691 06 037 T2 and US 2017 / 0217085 A1.

[0004] However, the known welding sockets, in conjunction with the known fixing devices, have the disadvantage that the pipe ends to be joined must first be manually inserted into the socket and then secured there for the welding process using the fixing device. PE pipes, however, have an inherent rigidity, so that the pipe ends can only be inserted into the welding socket with considerable force. It is generally assumed that PE pipes up to a diameter of 32 mm can still be bent by hand, although this certainly also depends on the wall thickness of the PE pipe. Particularly in the gas and water supply sector, however, PE pipes with a diameter of 60 to 100 mm or more are used, which must be inserted into the welding sockets.

[0005] Furthermore, the problem exists that, due to the high inherent stiffness of PE pipes and the forces required for insertion into the welding socket, the pipe ends are not fully inserted to the stop. If the pipe ends are not fully inserted to the stop, the tightness of the pipe connection is not guaranteed.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a system for fixing and handling pipe ends to create a connection between the pipe ends, which in particular simplifies the insertion and fixing of the pipe ends in a welding sleeve.

[0007] The object is solved according to the invention by a system for handling and fixing pipe ends for producing a connection between the pipe ends, in particular for joining polyethylene pipes by means of a welding sleeve, comprising: - a first pipe clamp for mounting in an area of ​​a first pipe end of a first pipe, - a second pipe clamp for mounting in an area of ​​a first pipe end of a second pipe, and - at least one tension element with a first receptacle for the first pipe clamp and a second receptacle for the second pipe clamp, wherein the at least one tension element is designed to be variable in length in order to adjust the distance between the first receptacle and the second receptacle, so that the pipe clamps connected with the first receptacle and the second receptacle can be moved relative to each other together with the first pipe ends of the first pipe and second pipe.

[0008] When using the system according to the invention, the first pipe clamp is attached in a region of a first pipe end of a first pipe, and the second pipe clamp is attached in a region of a first pipe end of a second pipe, in order to connect the first ends of the first and second pipes by means of a welded socket. In particular, the pipe clamps are arranged such that they are adjacent to the pipe ends that are to be inserted into the welded socket. The pipe clamps are thus not arranged directly at the respective ends of the pipes to be joined, but rather spaced apart from them in the region of the respective ends.

[0009] The welding sleeve, in particular its pipe receptacles, is expediently adapted to the diameters of the pipes to be joined.

[0010] After the first and second pipe clamps have been attached to the respective pipe ends, at least one pulling element is used to insert the pipe ends, fitted with the clamps, into the welding socket. For this purpose, the pipe clamps at the respective pipe ends of the first and second pipes are connected to the first and second receptacles of the pulling element. Since the pulling element is designed to be length-adjustable, the distance between the first and second receptacles of the pulling element can subsequently be adjusted, in particular reduced. This causes the respective pipe ends of the pipes to be joined to move towards each other, as the two receptacles are connected to the pipe clamps located at the corresponding pipe ends of the two pipes to be joined. The length-adjustable pulling element makes it easy to move the pipe ends of the pipes to be joined towards each other.The welding sleeve is positioned in the area between the respective first pipe ends of the pipes to be joined, so that the first pipe ends are inserted into the welding sleeve by means of the pulling element. For example, the welding sleeve is placed on the first pipe end of one of the pipes to be joined, and subsequently, the pulling element fully inserts both first pipe ends into the welding sleeve, i.e., up to the stops of the welding sleeve.

[0011] Once both first pipe ends of the pipes to be joined have been inserted into the welding sleeve by means of the length-adjustable tensioning element, the system according to the invention simultaneously fixes the two pipes to be joined, in particular their first pipe ends, relative to each other. This fixation can be maintained until the welding process is complete. After completion of the welding process, the tensioning element can be released from the pipe clamps and the pipe clamps can be removed from the first pipe ends of the now joined pipes.

[0012] The system according to the invention fixes the pipe ends during welding and thus protects them against vibrations or similar disturbances. Vibrations, such as those caused by nearby construction machinery like vibratory plates, excavators, and similar equipment, can negatively affect the welding process. The system according to the invention protects the pipe ends from such influences.

[0013] The system according to the invention thus facilitates the handling and fixing of pipe ends for the purpose of creating a connection between the pipe ends, in particular for joining polyethylene pipes using a welding sleeve. The system according to the invention is particularly suitable for joining PE pipes with a diameter greater than 32 mm, especially with a diameter of 60 mm or larger, as are commonly used in gas and water supply systems. PE pipes with such a diameter can no longer be bent by hand and require forces for handling and fixing that cannot usually be applied by a single person, or only with great difficulty. In principle, PE pipes of any diameter can be joined together using the system according to the invention. For this purpose, the appropriate pipe clamps simply need to be adapted to the pipe diameter.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first pipe clamp and / or the second pipe clamp consists of at least two parts which are movable and fixable relative to each other. A two-part pipe clamp can be attached to a pipe end easily and quickly and, in particular, can be detached from the pipe ends again after the pipe ends have been welded together. The two parts of the pipe clamp are placed against the pipe end and connected to each other, so that the pipe clamp is attached to the pipe end. After the pipe ends have been welded, the connection between the two parts of the pipe clamp is released and the two parts can be removed from the pipe end. Advantageously, the two parts of the pipe clamp are connected to each other by a hinge, which simplifies the application of the pipe clamp.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first pipe clamp and / or the second pipe clamp enclose the respective pipe end at least partially, preferably completely. Enclosing the pipe end with the pipe clamp has the additional advantage that any deformations of the pipe end can be reversed or corrected. During storage and / or transport, the cross-section of a PE pipe can change, becoming oval rather than round. However, an oval pipe end is difficult to insert into a welding socket designed for an originally round PE pipe. The pipe clamp advantageously compensates for any existing cross-sectional deformations. In particular, if the pipe clamp completely encloses the pipe end, such cross-sectional deformations can be compensated for easily and effectively.Since the pipe clamps are arranged at the ends of the PE pipes to be welded, deformations of the pipe ends to be inserted into the welding sockets are compensated for, thus simplifying the insertion process.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first pipe clamp and / or the second pipe clamp comprise a quick-release fastener for mounting the pipe clamp to the respective pipe end. The quick-release fastener facilitates the mounting of the pipe clamps to the pipe ends of the pipes to be joined. A quick-release fastener is based, for example, on a clamping mechanism activated by a lever. However, it is also possible to use a screw connection or similar device as the closure for the pipe clamp.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the system advantageously comprises two tensioning elements arranged radially on opposite sides of the pipes to be joined. The two opposing tensioning elements allow for even better adjustment of the relative movement between the two pipe ends to be joined. This design is particularly advantageous for large-diameter pipes that can only be moved with considerable force. Even if the pipe ends are not precisely aligned to allow insertion into a welding sleeve, such misalignment can be compensated for by the two tensioning elements.

[0018] In a practical embodiment of the invention, the at least one pulling element is length-variable by mechanical, pneumatic, and / or electrical means. Such means can significantly reduce the required operating forces. A mechanical pulling element comprises, for example, a threaded rod connected to one end of the pulling element and a nut connected to the other end, which can be moved along the threaded rod by means of a wrench to change the length of the pulling element. For example, the threaded rod is inserted into or extended from a pipe by means of the nut. Pneumatic and / or electrical means for adjusting the length of the pulling element further simplify operation but involve higher acquisition costs.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second pipe clamp has at least one radially projecting connecting element, and the first and / or second receptacle of the at least one tension element are designed to receive the radially projecting connecting elements of the pipe clamps. Advantageously, the radially projecting connecting elements are designed as metal rods, and the first and / or second receptacle of the at least one tension element are annular. The radially projecting connecting elements have the advantage that a person can use them as levers to align the pipe ends. The radially projecting element is connected to the pipe end via the pipe clamp, so that a greater force can be exerted on the pipe end by a user via the leverage of the radially projecting element, which simplifies the alignment of the pipe ends to be joined.The receptacles of the pulling element can easily engage the radially projecting connecting elements of the pipe clamps to insert the pipe ends into the weld socket. In particular, the connecting elements are ring-shaped and can be slid onto the radially projecting metal rods.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first receptacle and / or second receptacle of the at least one tensioning element comprise fixing means for securing the first receptacle and / or second receptacle to the first pipe clamp and / or second pipe clamp. The fixing means are, for example, designed as clamping screws. Advantageously, the clamping lever of a quick-release fastener of the pipe clamp can also simultaneously serve as a fixing means, wherein the clamping lever secures the receptacle of the tensioning element to the pipe clamp in the tensioned state.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one tension element is angled or has a hinge for angling the at least one tension element. This allows for an angled connection between the two pipes if the welding sleeve is designed for such an angled connection. In practice, for example, newly laid PE pipes must be connected to existing structures, often requiring an angled installation in this area. For this purpose, the pipes are typically angled relative to each other in the area of ​​the pipe connections, with the welding sleeve used, for example, defining the connection angle. It is necessary that the pipe ends are inserted into the corresponding welding sleeve at the specified angle. This is made possible by the angled tension element or the hinge of the tension element.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one leg of the at least one angled tension element is designed to be variable in length. The weld sleeve is placed onto the pipe end that is connected to the fixed leg of the tension element, and the other pipe end is pulled towards the weld sleeve by means of the variable leg of the tension element. Advantageously, the angle of the tension element or the hinge of the tension element is arranged in the region of the weld sleeve.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hinge of at least one tension element is designed to be lockable. This allows the connection angle of the pipe joint to be adjusted and fixed for the service life of the system. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention for handling and fixing pipe ends to create a connection between the pipe ends, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a system according to the invention for handling and fixing pipe ends to create a connection between the pipe ends, and Fig. 3 a view of the second embodiment of the system according to the invention Fig. 2 without second pipe clamp, pipe ends and welding sleeve.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention for handling and fixing pipe ends 2, 3 for producing a connection between the pipe ends 2, 3, in particular for connecting polyethylene pipes by means of a welding sleeve 4.

[0025] The system 1 according to the invention comprises a first pipe clamp 5 for attachment in a region of the first pipe end 2 of a first pipe and a second pipe clamp 6 for attachment in a region of a first pipe end 3 of a second pipe. In the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 The first pipe clamp 5 and the second pipe clamp 6 completely enclose the respective first pipe ends 2, 3.

[0026] System 1 from Fig. 1 further comprises two tension elements 7 with a first receptacle 8 for the first pipe clamp 5 and a second receptacle 9 for the second pipe clamp 6.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the first pipe clamp 5 and the second pipe clamp 6 consist of two parts 10, 11, which are movable and fixable relative to each other. For example, the two parts 10, 11 are connected to each other on one side by means of a hinge (not shown). To fix the first pipe clamp 5 and the second pipe clamp 6, they each have a quick-release fastener 12 by means of which the pipe clamps 5, 6 can be clamped to the respective pipe end 2, 3.

[0028] The first pipe clamp 5 and the second pipe clamp 6 each have two radially projecting connecting elements 13. The two connecting elements 13 of the first pipe clamp 5 are connected to the respective first receptacles 8 of the two tension elements 7, and the two connecting elements 13 of the second pipe clamp 6 are connected to the respective second receptacles 9 of the two tension elements 7. The connecting elements 13 are designed as metal rods, and the first and second receptacles 8, 9 of the two tension elements 7 are ring-shaped and are slipped onto the metal rods.

[0029] The two tension elements 7 of the system 1 according to the invention are made of Fig. 1 are each designed to be variable in length in order to adjust the distance between the first receptacle 8 and the second receptacle 9, so that the pipe clamps 5, 6 connected to the first receptacle 8 and the second receptacle 9 together with the first pipe ends 2, 3 of the first pipe and second pipe can be moved relative to each other.

[0030] The two tension elements 7 are arranged radially on opposite sides of the pipes to be joined. This allows the direction of pull of the pipe ends 2, 3 relative to each other to be influenced within a certain range, so that the pipe ends 2, 3 can be drawn more effectively into the welding sleeve 4.

[0031] In the embodiment from Fig. The tensile element 7 has mechanical means to effect the change in length. These mechanical means include, for example, a threaded rod which can be inserted into or removed from a tube by means of a nut. Alternatively, the tensile element 7 can also have pneumatic and / or electrical means for changing its length.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention for handling and fixing pipe ends 2, 3 for producing a connection between the pipe ends 2, 3, in particular for connecting polyethylene pipes by means of a welding sleeve 4.

[0033] The second embodiment according to Fig. 2 differs from the first embodiment according to Fig. 1. This is achieved primarily by the fact that each of the two tension elements 7 has a hinge 15 for angling the respective tension element 7. This allows an angled connection to be made between the two pipe ends 2, 3 in the area of ​​the weld sleeve 4. Advantageously, the hinge 15 is designed to be lockable in order to fix the angle of the connection between the two pipe ends 2, 3.

[0034] One leg 16 of the respective tension element 7 is designed to be variable in length, while according to the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 2 the other leg 17 is rigidly formed.

[0035] Furthermore, the second embodiment differs according to Fig. 2 of the first embodiment according to Fig. 1. This is achieved by the fact that the respective second receptacles 9 are not ring-shaped, but rather designed for the partial flat mounting of the second pipe clamp 6, which accordingly does not include a radially projecting connecting element 13. To fix the respective second receptacle 9 to the second pipe clamp 6, the second receptacles 9 include fixing means 14, which according to Fig. 2 are designed as clamping screws.

[0036] When using the second embodiment according to Fig. First, the first pipe clamp 5 is attached to the first pipe end 2. Next, the two tensioning elements 7 are connected to the first pipe clamp 5 at a connection angle preset by means of the hinge 15. For this purpose, the ring-shaped first receptacles 8 are slid onto the radially projecting connecting elements 13. The weld sleeve 4 with the desired connection angle is placed on the first end 3 of the second pipe, and the two pipe ends 2, 3 are roughly broken out relative to each other. Since the two connecting elements 7 are already connected to the first pipe clamp 5, the position for the second pipe clamp 6 on the first end 3 of the second pipe is automatically determined by the shape of the tensioning elements 7 and the current length setting. The second pipe clamp 6 is placed in this specific position, and the second receptacles 9 of the two tensioning elements 7 each partially engage the second pipe clamp 6.By actuating the quick-release fastener 12, at least one, preferably both, receptacles 9 are fixed to the second pipe clamp 6. Simultaneously, the second pipe clamp 6 is attached to the first pipe end 3 of the second pipe.

[0037] The length of the legs 16 is then reduced, thereby drawing the first end 2 of the first pipe into the welding socket 4 located at the first end 3 of the second pipe. The length of the legs 16 is reduced until both pipe ends 2, 3 are completely received in the welding socket 4. The system 1 according to the invention fixes the pipe ends 2, 3 in this position until the welding process is complete. The system 1 according to the invention can then be removed from the joined pipe ends 2, 3.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of the second embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention. Fig. 2 without second pipe clamp 6, pipe ends 2, 3 and weld sleeve 4. Fig.Figure 3 shows in particular the design of the second receptacles 9 for at least partial reception of the second pipe clamp 6 and the fixing means 14 arranged on the second receptacles 9. Reference symbol list 1 system 2 First pipe end (first pipe) 3 First pipe end (second pipe) 4 welding sleeves 5 First pipe clamp 6 Second pipe clamp 7 Pull element 8 First recording 9 Second recording 10 First part (pipe clamp) 11 Second part (pipe clamp) 12 quick-release fasteners 13 Connecting element 14 fixing element 15 Hinge (pull element) 16 legs, variable length (tension element) 17 Legs, rigid (tension element)

Claims

[1] System (1) for handling and fixing pipe ends (2, 3) for making a connection between the pipe ends (2, 3), in particular for joining polyethylene pipes by means of a welding sleeve (4), comprising: a first pipe clamp (5) for attachment in an area of ​​a first pipe end (2) of a first pipe, a second pipe clamp (6) for attachment in an area of ​​a first pipe end (3) of a second pipe, and at least one tension element (7) with a first receptacle (8) for the first pipe clamp (5) and a second receptacle (9) for the second pipe clamp (6), wherein first the first pipe clamp (5) is attached to the first pipe end (2) of the first pipe and the second pipe clamp (6) is attached to the first pipe end (3) of the second pipe and then the first receptacle (8) is connected to the first pipe clamp (5) and the second receptacle (9) is connected to the second pipe clamp (6), wherein at least one tension element (7) is designed to be variable in length in order to adjust the distance between the first receptacle (8) and the second receptacle (9) so that the pipe clamps (5, 6) connected to the first receptacle (8) and the second receptacle (9) together with the first pipe ends (2, 3) of the first pipe and second pipe can be moved relative to each other, characterized by , that the at least one tension element (7) is designed at an angle or has a hinge (15) for angled the at least one tension element (7). [2] System (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe clamp (5) and / or the second pipe clamp (6) consists of at least two parts (10, 11) which are movable and fixable relative to each other. [3] System (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first pipe clamp (5) and / or the second pipe clamp (6) at least partially, preferably completely, enclose the respective pipe end (2, 3). [4] System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first pipe clamp (5) and / or the second pipe clamp (6) comprise a quick-release fastener (12) for mounting the pipe clamp (5, 6) on the respective pipe end (2, 3). [5] System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the system (1) comprises two tension elements (7) which are arranged in a radial direction on opposite sides of the tubes to be joined. [6] System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one tension element (7) is length-variable by means of mechanical, pneumatic and / or electrical means. [7] System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first pipe clamp (5) and / or second pipe clamp (6) has at least one radially projecting connecting element (13) and the first and / or second receptacle (8, 9) of the at least one tension element (7) are designed to receive the radially projecting connecting elements (13) of the pipe clamps (5, 6). [8] System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first receptacle (8) and / or second receptacle (9) of the at least one tension element (7) comprise fixing means (14) to fix the first receptacle (8) and / or second receptacle (9) to the first pipe clamp (5) and / or second pipe clamp (6). [9] System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one leg (16) of the at least one angled tension element (7) is designed to be variable in length.

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