CONNECTION SYSTEM AND CONNECTION PROCEDURES

Description

[0001] The presented invention relates to a connection system and a connection method for the reversible fluid-conducting connection of two fluid-conducting elements according to the attached claims.

[0002] To connect two fluid-carrying elements, such as pipes, so-called "adapters and expansion pieces" are typically used. These pieces are adjustable in length by means of numerous continuous threaded rods. Consequently, installing or removing such an adapter or expansion piece requires complex bolting work, in which the individual threaded rods or nuts must be tightened or loosened in a coordinated manner to minimize mechanical stresses within the assembly.

[0003] GB 1 056 585 A1 describes a system for connecting cables.

[0004] According to a first aspect, the presented invention relates to a connection system for the reversible fluid-conducting connection of two fluid-conducting elements.

[0005] The connection system comprises a first connecting piece for arrangement on a first fluid-conducting element and a second connecting piece for arrangement on a second fluid-conducting element.

[0006] The first connector includes a first connection interface and an outer tube.

[0007] The second connecting piece comprises a second connection interface and an insert, wherein the insert comprises a bushing movably arranged in the outer tube and an inner tube extending between the bushing and the second connection interface, wherein at least one fixed stop element is arranged on the outer tube, wherein at least one fixed guide is arranged on the inner tube into which at least one adjusting screw is screwed, wherein at least one pressure element is arranged on the inner tube and is freely movably mounted along the inner tube, and wherein the at least one adjusting screw is configured to press the at least one pressure element onto the at least one stop element when rotated by the at least one guide in the direction of the outer tube and, as a result, to push the inner tube away from the outer tube.

[0008] In the context of the presented invention, an insert is understood to be an element configured for insertion into an outer tube in order to be movably mounted therein. An insert comprises a bushing, which in particular can be inserted completely into the outer tube, and an inner tube which, when coupled to the outer tube, extends at least partially outside the outer tube. The bushing and the inner tube can be formed in one piece or in multiple parts, with movement of the inner tube being coupled to movement of the bushing. An insert is hollow so that a fluid can flow through it.

[0009] The presented invention is based on the principle that the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are freely movable relative to each other along their longitudinal axis, so that a user can, for example, manually move the first connecting piece relative to the second connecting piece, i.e. without having to use screws, in order to roughly adjust or change the length of the connection system.

[0010] Accordingly, the connection system can be quickly adjusted in length, e.g. with a single hand movement, to insert it into a gap, and quickly extended, e.g. with a single hand movement, to close the gap.

[0011] To position the supply system on the respective fluid-conducting elements to be connected, or to fix it rigidly in at least one direction, at least one fixed stop element is arranged on the outer tube and at least one fixed guide is arranged on the inner tube. At least one adjusting screw is screwed into the at least one guide. A further screwing motion of the adjusting screw into or through the guide presses the movable pressure element, which can be, for example, a disc, particularly made of metal, against the stop element.

[0012] Once the supply system's length has been roughly adjusted by moving the first connecting element relative to the second, or by inserting the insert into or out of the outer tube, the pressure element can be pressed against the stop element by the adjusting screw until it makes contact and, consequently, prevents the insert from moving further towards the first connection point. In other words, shortening or reduction of the connection system's length is prevented by the adjusting screw pressing the pressure element against the stop element and, consequently, pushing the inner tube or the guide attached to the inner tube away from the outer tube.

[0013] By connecting, in particular screwing, the first connection interface to a first fluid-conducting element, such as a pipe or a fitting, such as a pump or an actuator, in particular a valve or gate, and by connecting, in particular screwing, the second connection interface to a second fluid-conducting element, a connection that is rigid in at least one direction between the first fluid-conducting element and the second fluid-conducting element can be created.

[0014] It may be designed so that the inner tube partially engages with the outer tube.

[0015] Depending on the condition of the connection system, the inner pipe may partially engage with the outer pipe or be completely outside the outer pipe.

[0016] It may also be provided that the at least one adjusting screw only rests against the at least one guide and the at least one pressure element.

[0017] By using an adjusting screw that only rests against at least one guide and at least one pressure element, i.e., is only screwed into the guide, mechanical stress between different screw points can be avoided. Furthermore, the adjusting screw can be quickly and easily, e.g., manually, screwed into the guide until it stops and then tightened.

[0018] It may also be provided that the bushing in the outer tube is freely movable in order to change the length of the connection system.

[0019] A freely movable bushing, i.e., a bushing that can be moved manually or without screws in the outer tube, allows for quick and easy adjustment of the length of the connection system, for example by pulling the outer tube away from the inner tube or pushing it onto the inner tube.

[0020] It may also be provided that the outer tube, at its end opposite the first connecting section, includes a projection extending towards the center point of an opening in the outer tube, which holds the bushing in the outer tube.

[0021] An extension of the outer tube, such as a fold or step, reduces the inner cross-section of the outer tube, in particular to an outer cross-section of the inner tube, so that the bushing abuts the extension if it has a larger outer diameter than the inner tube or includes a thickening element, such as seals.

[0022] It may also be provided that the at least one adjusting screw is configured to pull the bushing onto the extension when rotated through the at least one guide in the direction of the outer tube.

[0023] Due to the precisely coordinated spacing of the guide's stop element, the extension, and the bushing, a force provided by the adjusting screw can be used to pull the bushing onto the extension, thus ensuring a particularly fluid-tight transition between the outer tube and the insert. A seal, such as an O-ring, can be arranged on the extension and / or the bushing.

[0024] It may also be provided that at least one seal radially enclosing the bushing is arranged on an outer shell of the bushing.

[0025] A seal radially surrounding the bushing, such as an O-ring, ensures a particularly fluid-tight connection between the insert and the outer tube, preventing fluid from penetrating into a space between the insert and the outer tube even when the insert moves within the outer tube, and keeping the insert centered within the outer tube.

[0026] It may also be provided that the inner diameter of the inner tube corresponds to the inner diameter of the bushing.

[0027] Identical inner diameters of the inner tube and bushing enable an energy-efficient, especially laminar, flow through the connection system.

[0028] It may also be provided that the outer diameter of the bushing is larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube.

[0029] A larger outer diameter of the bushing compared to the inner tube allows an extension of the outer tube to engage in the bushing, so that the bushing is held in the outer tube or can only move up to a maximum stop in the outer tube.

[0030] It may also be provided that at least one locking screw passes through the at least one pressure element and through the at least one stop element to secure the inner tube against movement away from the outer tube.

[0031] A locking screw, passing through at least one pressure element, at least one stop element, and optionally at least one guide, secures the connection system in two directions: in conjunction with the adjusting screw, in a compression direction (i.e., a direction in which the length of the connection system is shortened), and in a direction opposite to the compression direction. Accordingly, a locking screw ensures a rigid arrangement of the connection system.

[0032] It may also be provided that the second connection interface and / or the first connection interface includes a number of recesses for arranging connecting elements and a number of threaded holes for screwing in threaded screws.

[0033] Recesses, such as elongated holes, allow for the mechanical coupling or connection of a given interface using fasteners such as threaded rods, whereas threaded holes are designed for the insertion of screws. These screws are used to push the interface away from the mating component. The screw is pressed against the mating component by the threaded hole, and the force of the screw releases the interface from the mating component.

[0034] It may also be provided that the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are rotatable and displaceable relative to each other when the connection system is in its extended state.

[0035] The free rotation or displacement of the first connecting piece relative to the second connecting piece, i.e., the ability to rotate or displace the first connecting piece, particularly manually without the use of screws, allows for quick and easy adjustment and positioning of the connection system.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the presented invention relates to a connection method for the reversible, fluid-conducting connection of two fluid-conducting elements by means of a possible embodiment of the presented connection system. The connection method comprises inserting the insert into the outer tube, arranging the connection system at an installation position between a first element and a second element, connecting the second element to the second connection interface, withdrawing the insert from the outer tube until the first connection interface contacts the first element, connecting the first element to the first connection interface, and screwing in the at least one adjusting screw towards the outer tube until the at least one pressure element contacts the at least one stop element.

[0037] The connection method may further include screwing in at least one locking screw through the at least one pressure element and through the at least one stop element to secure the inner tube against movement away from the outer tube.

[0038] It may further be provided that the joining method includes screwing a number of screws into a number of threaded holes in the second joining interface, wherein the number of screws are screwed through the second joining interface onto the second element in order to push the inner tube away from the second element into the outer tube and to reduce the length of the joining system.

[0039] By screwing in screws in the opposite direction to the adjusting screw, the connection system can be compressed, i.e., its length reduced, when the adjusting screw is loosened, in order to easily remove the connection system from a pipe system, for example.

[0040] It may be provided that the number of screws used is a locking screw unscrewed from the connection system and / or an adjusting screw unscrewed from the connection system.

[0041] By using locking screws and / or adjusting screws that are unscrewed from the connection system, the effort required for additional screws is avoided, and it is ensured that the adjusting screws and / or locking screws are loosened and that the first connecting piece is movable relative to the second connecting piece.

[0042] It may also be provided that the first element and / or the second element is a fluid line or a fitting or a fluid conveying device.

[0043] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a possible embodiment of the presented connection system in a sectional view, Fig. 2 shows the connection system according to Fig. 1 in an external view, Fig. 3 the connection system according to Fig. 1 in a perspective exterior view, Fig. 4 the connection system according to Fig. 1 with a locking element, Fig. 5 the connection system according to Fig. 1 on a sliding valve, Fig. 6 shows another possible embodiment of the presented connection system, Fig. 7 shows a possible embodiment of the presented connection method.

[0044] In Fig. 1A connection system 100 is shown. The connection system comprises a first connecting piece 101 for arrangement on a first fluid-conducting element and a second connecting piece 103 for arrangement on a second fluid-conducting element.

[0045] The first connecting piece 101 comprises a first connection interface 105 and an outer tube 107.

[0046] The second connecting piece 103 comprises a second connecting interface 109 and an insert 111, wherein the insert 111 comprises a bushing 113 movably arranged in the outer tube 107 and an inner tube 115 extending between the bushing 113 and the second connecting interface 109.

[0047] A fixed stop element 117 is arranged on the outer tube 107.

[0048] A fixed guide 119 is arranged on the inner tube 115, into which an adjusting screw 121 is screwed.

[0049] Furthermore, a pressure element 123 is freely movable and mounted on the inner tube 115.

[0050] The adjusting screw 121 is configured, when rotated through the guide 119 in the direction of the outer tube 107, to press the pressure element 123 against the stop element 117 and, consequently, to push the inner tube 115 away from the outer tube 107. This means that a screw movement of the adjusting screw 121 clamps the inner tube against the outer tube, so that the connection system 100 can no longer compress, i.e., reduce in length. Accordingly, the adjusting screw 121 sets the length of the connection system 100.

[0051] Optionally, the connection system includes 100 in Fig. 2 and 3The illustrated locking screws 125, which pass at least through the pressure element 123 and through the stop element, are designed to secure the inner tube 115 against movement away from the outer tube 107, so that the connection system is immobile or rigid in both directions of movement along its longitudinal axis.

[0052] Furthermore, in Fig. 1 a projection 127 of the outer tube 107 can be seen, which extends towards a center of the outer tube 107 and, as a result, secures the bushing 113 in the outer tube 107 or defines a maximum stop position.

[0053] The bushing 113 is surrounded by three radial seals 129, which prevent fluid from entering a space between the bushing 113 and the outer tube 107.

[0054] In Fig. 2 The connection system 100 is shown in an external view. Adjusting screws 121 and locking screws 125 are visible here.

[0055] In Fig. 3The connection system 100 is shown in a spatial perspective view. It can be seen that the first connection interface 105 and the second connection interface 109 each include recesses in the form of elongated holes 129 and threaded bores 131.

[0056] While the elongated holes 129 serve for mounting on a connecting partner or a fluid-conducting element, such as a pipe, by, for example, guiding threaded rods through the elongated holes 129, the threaded bores 131 serve for screwing in threaded screws in order to push the respective connecting interface 105, 109 away from its connecting partner by means of the threaded screws. Accordingly, the threaded screw is pressed onto the connecting partner by the threaded bore 131 and the connecting interface 105, 109 is released from the connecting partner by the screw force.

[0057] Furthermore, in Fig. 3The locking screws 125 are clearly visible; unlike the adjusting screws 121, they also extend through the stop element 117 and are secured with a screw nut 133.

[0058] In Fig. 4 The connection system 100 is shown with a locking element 401. The locking element 401 comprises a porous element with a number of openings, such as a cone formed from a perforated sheet, and a flexible sealing element arranged in the porous element. When the locking element 401 is subjected to a flow direction, as indicated by arrow 403, the sealing element is pushed away from the porous element, allowing fluid to flow between the porous element and the sealing element and through the connection system 100.

[0059] However, if the blocking element 401 is subjected to a flow direction opposite to the flow direction, the sealing element is pressed into the pore element, so that the sealing element seals the openings of the pore element and prevents flow through the connection system 100. Accordingly, the blocking element 401 acts as a "fluid diode".

[0060] In Fig. 5 The connection system 100 is arranged on a connection partner in the form of a slide valve 500. The outer pipe 107 is connected to the slide valve 400 via the first connection interface 101.

[0061] In Fig. 6 The connection system 100 is shown with a first connection interface 105 in the form of a multi-point connection interface. Furthermore, it can be seen that the outer tube 107 is designed as a reducer, since its cross-section decreases along its length.

[0062] In Fig. 7is a connection method 200 for the reversible fluid-conducting connection of two fluid-conducting elements using, for example, the connection system 100 according to Fig. 1 depicted.

[0063] The connection procedure 200 comprises an insertion step 201, in which the insert 111 is pushed into the outer tube 107. The insertion step 201 can be carried out, for example, at a manufacturer's facility for the connection system 100 or at an installation site.

[0064] Furthermore, the connection method 200 comprises an arrangement step 203 in which the connection system 100 is arranged at an installation position between a first element and a second element, a connection step 205 in which the second element is connected to the second connection interface 109, and an extraction step 207 in which the insert 111 is pulled out of or moved within the outer tube 107 until the first connection interface 105 contacts the first element.

[0065] Furthermore, the connection method 200 comprises a connection step 209, in which the first element is connected to the first connection interface 105, and an adjusting step 211, in which the adjusting screw 121 is screwed towards the outer tube 107 until the pressure element 123 contacts the stop element 117. Optionally, the adjusting screw 121 can be tightened to a specified torque in a tightening step 213 and / or a locking screw 125 can be passed through the stop element 117 and the pressure element 123 and then tightened.

[0066] To disassemble the connection system 100, in an optional disassembly step 215 a threaded screw can be screwed into threaded holes of the first connection interface 105 and / or into threaded holes 131 of the second connection interface 109 in order to compress the connection system, i.e. to reduce its length or to detach and remove it from the fluid-conducting elements. Reference symbol list

[0067] 100 Connection system 129 Slotted hole 101 first connecting piece 131 Threaded hole 103 second connecting piece 133 screw nut 105 first connection interface 200 Connection method 107 outer pipe 201 Insertion step 109 second connection interface 203 Arrangement step 111 Mission 205 Connection step 113 socket 207 Pull-out step 115 Inner tube 209 Connection step 117 Stop element 211 step 119 guide 213 Dressing step 121 Adjustment screw 215 Disassembly step 123 Pressure element 401 Locking element 125 locking screw 403 Arrow 127 extension 500 Slide valve

Claims

1. A connection system (100) for reversibly connecting two fluid-conducting elements, wherein the connection system (100) comprises: a first connector (101)for arrangement on a first fluid-conducting element, a second connector (103) for arrangement on a second fluid-conducting element, wherein the first connector (101) comprising a first connection interface (105) and an outer tube (107), the second connector (103) comprising a second connection interface (109) and an insert (111), characterised in that the insert (111) comprises a bushing (113) movably arranged in the outer tube (107) (113) arranged movably in the outer tube (107) and an inner tube (115) extending between the bushing (113) and the second connection interface (109), wherein at least one fixed stop element (117) is arranged on the outer tube (107), wherein at least one fixed guide (119) is arranged on the inner tube (115) is arranged at least one fixed guide (119) into which at least one adjusting screw (121) is screwed, wherein at least one pressure element (123) mounted so as to be freely movable along the inner tube (115) is arranged on the inner tube (115), wherein the at least one adjusting screw (121) is configured, when rotated by the at least one guide (119) in the direction of the outer tube (107), to press the at least one pressure element (123) towards the at least one stop element (117) and, as a result, to press the inner tube (115) away from the outer tube (107), and wherein the first connecting piece (101) and the second connecting piece (103) are freely movable relative to each other along their longitudinal axis, so that the first connecting piece (101) can be displaced relative to the second connecting piece without performing any screw work in order to roughly adjust a length of the connecting system (100).

2. Connection system (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the inner tube (115) engages with the outer tube (107) in certain areas.

3. Connection system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the at least one adjusting screw (121) only bears against the at least one guide (119) and the at least one pressure element (123).

4. Connection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bushing (113) is freely movable in the outer tube (107) in order to change the length of the connection system (100).

5. Connection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer tube (107) comprises, at its end opposite the first connection interface (105), an extension (127) extending towards a centre point of an opening of the outer tube (107), which holds the bushing (113) in the outer tube (107).

6. Connection system (100) according to claim 5, characterised in that the at least one adjusting screw (121) is configured to pull the bushing (113) towards the extension (127) when rotated by the at least one guide (119) in the direction of the outer tube (107).

7. Connection system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that a seal is arranged on the extension (127).

8. Connection system (100) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that a seal is arranged on the bushing (113) in a contact area with the extension (127).

9. Connection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one seal radially surrounding the socket is arranged on an outer shell of the socket (113).

10. Connection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an inner diameter of the inner tube (115) corresponds to an inner diameter of the bushing (113).

11. Connection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an outer diameter of the bushing (113) is larger than an outer diameter of the inner tube (115).

12. A connection system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one locking screw (125) passes through the at least one pressure element (123) and through the at least one stop element (117) to secure the inner tube (115) against movement away from the outer tube (107).

13. Connection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second connection interface (109) comprises a number of recesses (129) for arranging connecting elements and a number of threaded holes (131) for screwing in threaded screws.

14. Connection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first connecting piece (101) and the second connecting piece (103) can be rotated relative to each other and can be displaced relative to each other in a disassembled state of the connection system (100).

15. Connection system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first connection interface (105) and / or the second connection interface (109) comprise a number of elongated holes (129).

16. Connection method (200) for reversibly connecting two fluid-conducting elements by means of a connection system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the connection method (200) comprises: inserting (201) the insert (111) into the outer tube (107), characterised in that the connection method further comprises: arranging (203) the connection system (100) at an installation position between a first element and a second element, connecting (205) the second element to the second connection interface (109), pulling (207) the insert (111) out of the outer tube (107) until the first connection interface (105) contacts the first element, connecting (209) the first element to the first connection interface (105) , screwing (211) the at least one adjusting screw (121) in the direction of the outer tube (107) until the at least one pressure element (123) contacts the at least one stop element (117).

17. Connecting method (200) according to claim 16, characterised in that the connecting method (200) further comprises: screwing (213) at least one locking screw (125) through the at least one pressure element (123) and through the at least one stop element (117) to secure the inner tube (115) against movement away from the outer tube (107).

18. Connection method (200) according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the connection method (200) further comprises: screwing (215) a number of screws into a number of threaded holes (131) in the second connection interface (109), wherein the number of screws are screwed through the second connection interface (109) onto the second element to push the inner tube (115) away from the second element into the outer tube (107) and reduce a length of the connection system (100).

19. Connection method (200) according to claim 18, characterised in that the number of screws used is a locking screw (125) unscrewed from the connection system (100) and / or an adjusting screw (121) unscrewed from the connection system (100).

20. Connection method (200) according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterised in that the first element and / or the second element is a fluid line or a fitting or a fluid delivery device.