Multi-angle connector

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of transporting fluids, liquids or gases, or solids of a wired type, particularly in the building and public works industry, more specifically for the creation and connection of networks. The invention relates more particularly to a connection device. Previous technique

[0002] There are flexible connection devices in the form of a multi-elbow made of flexible material, notably such as those described in patent application EP0913611 or DE815740C which describe a connection device for plastic pipes comprising at least two sleeves intended to be fitted each onto one end of the pipes to be connected, and linked by at least one intermediate flexible part, but these devices are not suitable for all uses because of their deformable and non-rigid nature.

[0003] There are also multi-angle elbow-type connection devices available in the form of one, two, three, or four interlocking elbow modules, allowing for four predetermined bend angles between 22 and 87° with a male-female connection. However, such devices do not allow for custom adaptation to the geometric and connection constraints of the network. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a device according to claim 1.

[0005] The said regular angular interval may be between 1 and 20°, preferably between 2 and 15°, most preferably between 5 and 10°.

[0006] The said module B may include an alignment indicator (6), over the entire length of the module, cutting perpendicularly across the graduations or outer edges of the cylindrical rings.

[0007] The said module B can be completed with a module C (10) comprising a first curved cylindrical sleeve (11) whose end, male or female, is able to slide on the module B to be fixed therein by screwing, gluing, heating, fitting or any other method of connection, and a second cylindrical and fixed sleeve (12) able to connect to an opening or a network by means of an end (13), male or female.

[0008] The said module C may include an alignment indicator (15).

[0009] Said module B may include a stop (14) at the base of each cylindrical ring.

[0010] The connection device according to the invention may include a module A comprising a sleeve (2), equipped with a male or female end (1), suitable for connecting to the module B on one side and to any opening or network on the other.

[0011] The material of the connecting device according to the invention can be chosen from the following materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVDF), polyolefin, fiber, fiber cement, sandstone, concrete, zinc, steel, aluminum, copper, metal alloys, resins, taken alone or in mixture, preferably from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), fiber, fiber cement, sandstone, concrete, zinc, steel, aluminum, metal alloys, resins, most preferably the material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0012] The nominal outside diameter of said device may be between 10 and 2000 mm, preferably between 20 and 1000 mm, most preferably between 32 and 630 mm.

[0013] The invention also relates to the use of the connection device according to any of its variants for the transport of gases, liquids or solid elements. List of figures

[0014] [ Fig 1 ] There figure 1 represents a longitudinal view of a device in an example embodiment combining a curved module B1 and a module A with a female end. Fig 2 ] There figure 2 represents a 3D view (top) and a cross-sectional view BB (bottom) of a device in an example embodiment combining a curved module B1 and a module A with a female end fitting. Fig 3 ] There figure 3 represents a longitudinal cross-sectional view AA of the device according to the invention in an example embodiment combining a curved module B2 and a module A with a female end. Fig 4 ] There figure 4 represents a cross-sectional view (left image) and a 3D view (right image) of the device according to the invention in an example embodiment combining a curved module B2 and a module A with a female end. Fig 5 ] There figure 5represents a longitudinal cross-sectional view AA of the device according to the invention in an example embodiment combining a curved module B2 and a module A with a male end. Fig 6 ] There figure 6 represents a cross-sectional view (left image) and a 3D view (right image) of the device according to the invention in an example embodiment combining a curved module B2 and a module A with a male end. Fig 7 ] There Figure 7 represents a longitudinal sectional view AA, a cross-sectional view and a 3D view of module C of the device according to the invention.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting examples of embodiments, with reference to the figures attached and described below. Description of the implementation methods

[0016] The invention relates to an improved connection device, also referred to hereafter as "multi-angle elbow", allowing in particular connection with a pipe and having the advantage of being cut at regular angular intervals in order to form a curved cylindrical elbow of angle chosen by the end user, preferably between 0 and 180°, most preferably between 0 and 90°.

[0017] The device according to the invention may comprise one or more hollow modules, intended to be connected to other piping or transport elements or to each other by screwing, gluing, heating, interlocking, or any other joining method, according to the angle chosen by the user. The device according to the invention may be made of any material, thickness, cross-section, or diameter known to those skilled in the art.

[0018] The nominal outside diameter of the connection device according to the invention, also called a multi-angle elbow, can be adapted to the intended application.

[0019] Preferably, but not exclusively, in the building sector in particular, the nominal outside diameter of the connection device is between 10 and 2000 mm, very preferably between 20 and 1000 mm, even more preferably between 32 and 630 mm.

[0020] The material of the connecting device according to the invention can be chosen from the following materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyolefin, fiber, fiber cement, sandstone, concrete, zinc, steel, aluminum, copper, metal alloys, resins, taken alone or in mixture.

[0021] Preferably, the material of the connecting device according to the invention can be chosen from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), fiber, fiber cement, sandstone, concrete, zinc, steel, aluminum, metal alloys, resins.

[0022] The preferred material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0023] Table 1 below describes non-limiting examples of embodiments of the connection device according to the invention for three applications: a compact PVC connection device (between 32 and 200 mm), a multilayer PVC connection device (between 110 and 1000 mm), and a connection device for telecommunications-type PVC pipes adapted for the passage of an optical fiber (between 28 and 100 mm). Table 1 shows various nominal outside diameters (in mm) for the three examples of connection devices according to the invention. [Table 1] Compact PVC Multilayer PVC PVC Telecom Fiber Optic Pipes Nominal outside diameter in mm 32 110 28 40 125 33 50 140 45 63 160 60 75 200 80 80 250 100 90 315 100 400 110 500 125 630 140 710 160 800 200 1000

[0024] The connection device comprises a curved module B with an angular gradation advantageously between 0 and 180°, preferably between 0 and 90°, substantially cylindrical, which can be sectioned at the angle chosen by the end user, possibly in association with one or two other modules A and C.

[0025] Modules A, B, or C may have male or female connectors. "Male connector" refers to an end with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the end to which it can be connected, by any means.

[0026] "The female end" refers to an end with a diameter greater than the diameter of the end to which it can be connected, by any means.

[0027] Nominal outside diameter of the device refers to the nominal outside diameter of the curved B module, excluding sleeves and end caps.

[0028] Modules A, B, and C are described below, with reference to figures 1 to 7 . Module A

[0029] The optional Module A can be initially connected to any pre-existing opening or network (pipes, joints, gutters, vents, tubes or flexible hoses, etc.). Module A comprises a cylindrical sleeve (2) with a male or female end (1), allowing it to be connected at its installation point. The sleeve (2) of Module A is advantageously straight and fixed, and can be manufactured from the materials and in the nominal diameters mentioned above. Module B

[0030] Module B is a curved cylindrical module that can be cut at the desired angle. To this end, it includes means for determining cross-sections at regular angular intervals at said chosen angle of curvature. The overall shape of Module B is essentially comparable to a portion of a torus from 0 to 180°. Module B can be formed from successive ringed elements or be formed from a single block. Module B includes, in particular, two variants, B1 and B2. Module B1

[0031] Module B1 (3), shown on the Figures 1 And 2 It begins with a male or female fitting (1) and can be connected by screwing, gluing, heating, push-fitting, or any other method to the sleeve (2) of module A or directly to any other pipe or conduit element. Extending from the fitting, module B1 is progressively curved from 0 to 180°, preferably from 0 to 90°.

[0032] The degree markings, labeled (4), are graduated on Module B1, in the form of straight lines or graduations (5), at regular degree intervals, for example and preferably every 5°, allowing visualization of the section angle so that the module can be cut at the desired angle. An alignment indicator (6), for example in the form of a line visible on the Figure 2 This can be shown along the entire length of the module, intersecting each of the straight lines of the graduations perpendicularly, thus allowing visualization of a section angle. This alignment indicator is designed to allow module B1 to connect to any other module, module C, as well as module A, by fitting into either one without creating a breach in the system's watertightness.

[0033] Preferably, the angular interval between the graduations is between 1 and 20°, preferably between 5 and 10° inclusive, to allow sufficient adaptability to the connection constraints. This B1 module can be manufactured in the materials and nominal diameters mentioned above. Module B2

[0034] Module B2 (7) shown on the Figures 3 And 5 , begins with a male end ( figure 5 ) or female ( figure 3 ). It can be connected by screwing, gluing, heating, fitting or any other method to the sleeve (2) of module A or directly to any other piping element, pipe, etc... Extending from the end piece, Module B2 has a progressive curvature, which can go from 0 to 180°, preferably from 0 to 90°.

[0035] Module B2 is composed of cylindrical corrugated elements (8) (or cylindrical rings), advantageously of substantially identical width, these successive cylindrical rings being spaced in pairs by corrugated connecting elements (9), whose projection onto the longitudinal cutting plane resembles an isosceles triangle with a substantially straight base. The length of the base of each triangle, and therefore the apex angle of each isosceles triangle, allows the determination of an angular interval between each of the rings. For a connection ensuring complete sealing, each cylindrical corrugated element can be fitted with a stop (14) at the base of each of said cylindrical corrugated elements.

[0036] Preferably, the angular range is between 1 and 20°, preferably between 5 and 10° inclusive, to allow sufficient adaptability to connection constraints. The number of cylindrical rings in module B2 is advantageously greater than 2; for example, it can be 4 or more.

[0037] An alignment indicator (6), for example in the form of a line visible on the Figures 4 And 6 , can be included along the entire length of the module to allow module B1 to facilitate connection to any other module, to module C, as well as to module A, by fitting into one or the other, without creating a breach in the sealing of the network in question.

[0038] Module B2, by virtue of its modular design, offers the additional advantage that its structure allows for the manufacture of a curved module at an angle other than 90°. Module B2 can also be used without module C.

[0039] The B2 module can be produced in any material, thickness, section or diameter. Module C

[0040] Module C (0), represented on the figure 7 , can complement the use of Module B, particularly in the embodiment with module B1.

[0041] The aforementioned module C consists of two parts: A curved cylindrical sleeve (11) with a male or female end adapted to the diameter of module B. This sleeve slides onto module B to be attached by screwing, gluing, heating, snap-fitting, or any other fastening method. For a watertight seal with module B, an alignment mark (15) can be embossed on the edge. A straight, fixed cylindrical sleeve (12) suitable for connecting to any opening or network (pipes, joints, gutters, vents, pre-existing tubes or hoses, etc.). This sleeve has a male or female end (13) allowing it to be connected at the point where it is to be installed.

[0042] The said module C can be manufactured in the materials and nominal diameters mentioned above.

[0043] Use of the device according to the invention: Module B1 of the connection device according to the invention is designed to be sectioned by any means at the desired angular gradient, in order to create a passage enabling, in particular, the transport of fluids, gases, or solids of a fibrous type, without causing distortion, friction, overheating, pinching, or any other type of interruption or difficulty in said transport. Such interruptions or difficulties are indeed a source of damage or reduced performance (including hot spots, fires, blockages, and unintended reductions in supply flow).

[0044] Module B2 of the connection device according to the invention is designed to be cut only between the cylindrical rings, by any means. The cutting angle is predetermined by the geometry of module B2. The cut is made flush with the corrugated connecting elements, at the junction with the cylindrical rings. This allows the desired angle to be obtained, enabling the implementation of a passage that allows, in particular, the transport of fluids, gases, or solids of a fibrous type, without causing distortion, friction, overheating, pinching, or any other type of interruption or difficulty in said transport. Such interruptions or difficulties are indeed a source of damage or reduced performance (including hot spots, fires, blockages, and unintended reductions in supply flow).

[0045] The B2 module's fittings allow it to be directly connected to any opening or network (pipes, joints, gutters, vents, pre-existing tubes or flexible hoses, etc.) without necessarily using Module C.

[0046] In all its variations, the multi-angle elbow according to the invention can be assembled to the elements to be connected (pipes, conduits, etc.) by gluing, clamping, insertion, or any other means ensuring a good assembly and a good seal. In the case of clamping, the device according to the invention can be equipped with one or more seals, mounted on bushings or not, housed in one or more grooves.

[0047] The connection device according to the invention can be manufactured in different thicknesses to conform to different stiffness classes and standards, and also to ensure compatibility between the different stiffness classes of the tubes and fittings.

[0048] We would not depart from the scope of the invention by using one or more B modules comprising different angular intervals per portion of the curve, in order to allow an optimized adjustment to the constraints of the connection. Examples Example 1

[0049] A non-limiting example of the implementation of a connection device according to the invention, for a PVC pipe with a nominal diameter of 100 mm, in variant B1, is described below, with reference to the Figures 1 And 2 .

[0050] The multi-angle elbow in this example comprises three hollow modules A, B1 and C with a thickness of 3.20 mm, as follows: Module B1 begins with a straight cylindrical female end (1).

[0051] The tip of the additional sleeve A (2) allows the module to be connected directly to a pipe.

[0052] Extending from the end fitting, the tube diameter narrows to a male end, corresponding to the nominal diameter of the pipe (100 mm). This male section continues in a curve ranging from 0° to 90°, with a radius of curvature of 262 mm. The first module, B1, can therefore be cut anywhere along the graduated curved male section (3). Markings are either incised or stamped into the material: the degree markings (4) at 5° intervals, the square cutting marks (5), and the alignment mark (6) for assembly with module C, which can also be marked with a reference mark (15).

[0053] Module C described on the figure 7 begins with a female end piece, in the form of a curved sleeve (11), advantageously having the same radius of curvature as module B1, capable of sliding on the curved male part of module B1.

[0054] Extending from the curved end (11), the diameter of the tube reduces to become male, then it extends into a straight male cylinder (12) whose end is chamfered or not, thus being able to receive a new tube pre-sleeved in a first embodiment, or not pre-sleeved in a second embodiment. Example 2

[0055] A non-limiting example of the implementation of a connection device according to the invention, for a PVC pipe with a nominal diameter of 100 mm, in variant B2 is described below ( Figure 3 ).

[0056] The multi-angle elbow in this example comprises two hollow modules A and B2, each 3.20 mm thick, as follows: Module B2 (7) begins with a straight cylindrical female end (1) 62 mm wide. The end of the sleeve (2) allows the module to be connected directly to a pipe.

[0057] Extending from the end fitting, the tube diameter decreases to become male, corresponding to the nominal diameter of the pipe (100 mm). This male part (7), formed by an alternation of cylindrical rings (8) separated by corrugated connecting elements (9) creating cross-sections, forms a curve starting with a corrugated connecting element, determining an angular interval of 10° with the end fitting (1), a first cylindrical ring with a width of 65 mm, then a second corrugated connecting element determining the same angular interval of 10°, a second cylindrical ring with a width of 65 mm, a third corrugated connecting element determining the same angular interval of 10°, a third cylindrical ring with a width of 65 mm, a fourth corrugated connecting element determining the same angular interval of 10°, then a fourth and final cylindrical ring with a width of 65 mm.

[0058] Each cylindrical ring is fitted with a stop (14) of 3 mm.

[0059] The multi-angle elbow in this example is manufactured to form an angle less than 90° and can be sectioned if necessary flush with each cylindrical ring to form an even smaller angle, at the user's choice.

Claims

1. Rigid connecting device for the transport of fluids or filamentary solid materials, comprising at least one male or female end piece (1) and a substantially cylindrical module B (3 or 7) curved up to 180°, preferably up to 90°, characterised in that said module B is divisible by any means at a selected curvature angle, and in that said module B comprises means for determining transverse cutting sections at regular angular intervals corresponding to the selected curvature angle, said module B comprising an alternation of cylindrical rings (8) separated in pairs by identical annular linking elements (9), the projection of which in the longitudinal plane is an isosceles triangle, the outer edges of said linking elements creating said transverse cutting sections at regular angular intervals (module B2,7).

2. Connecting device according to claim 1, wherein said regular angular interval is between 1° and 20°, preferably between 2° and 15°, and more preferably between 5° and 10°.

3. Connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein module B comprises an alignment indicator (6) extending over the entire length of the module, intersecting perpendicularly with the graduations or the outer edges of the cylindrical rings.

4. Connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein module B is completed by a module C (10) comprising a first curved cylindrical sleeve (11), the male or female end of which is able to slide onto module B so as to be fixed thereto by screwing, gluing, heating, fitting, or any other coupling method, and a second rectilinear and fixed cylindrical sleeve (12) adapted to connect to an opening or a network by means of an end piece (13), male or female.

5. Connecting device according to claim 4, wherein said module C comprises an alignment indicator (15).

6. Connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein module B comprises a stop (14) at the base of each cylindrical ring.

7. Connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a module A, said module A comprising a sleeve (2) provided with a male or female end piece (1), adapted to connect on one side to module B and on the other side to any opening or network.

8. Connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material is selected from the following: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyolefin, fibre, fibre cement, stoneware, concrete, zinc, steel, aluminium, copper, metal alloys, resins, taken alone or in combination; preferably PVC, PP, PE, fibre, fibre cement, stoneware, concrete, zinc, steel, aluminium, metal alloys, or resins, and most preferably polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

9. Connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the nominal outer diameter of said device is between 10 and 2000 mm, more preferably between 20 and 1000 mm, and even more preferably between 32 and 630 mm.

10. Use of the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the transport of gases, liquids, or solid elements.