Fitting and system for connecting pipes to a functional unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a fitting (2) for connecting to a pipe, having a base body (4) having at least one pipe section (6), having a press section (8) connected to the pipe section (6) and having a functional unit (10) connected to the press section (8), wherein the functional unit (10) has a functional ring (12), a seal element (14) and a fixing element (16), wherein the functional ring (12) has an outer section (18) arranged radially outside the press section (8) and an inner section (20) arranged inside the press section (8), and wherein the inner section (20) positions the seal element (14) and the fixing element (16) inside the press section (8). The fitting solves the technical problem of enabling easier and more process reliable exchangeability of the functional parts. The invention also relates to a functional unit (10) and a system.

Description

[0001] Fitting and system for connecting pipes with a functional unit

[0002] The invention relates to a fitting for connecting pipes, a functional unit for a fitting and a system for connecting pipes.

[0003] The technical field relevant to the present invention is the on-site installation of piping systems, in which a piping system consisting of pipe sections and fittings is generally installed to conduct and transport a fluid, i.e. a liquid or a gas. A fitting, also called a press connector, is basically a connecting piece for a pipeline and is most frequently used to connect two or more pipe sections. Accordingly, the fitting preferably has two or more press sections, for example in the form of press sleeves. The most common fittings include straight connections, changes of direction in the form of pipe bends, reducers, branches such as T-pieces or intersections. A fitting can also be understood as a pipe connection of a valve or other component.For example, thermometers and pressure gauges, as fittings, only have one connection for a single pipe section. Thus, the fitting of a valve only has one press section for connecting a pipe section to the valve.

[0004] Press connections are used to connect pipe sections to fittings and other components. In these connections, a press section of a fitting is radially deformed inwards using a press jaw when the pipe section is inserted, creating a permanent, tight, and possibly even permanent connection. The fittings can be provided with a sealant, such as an O-ring, to ensure the connection is tight, or they can be sealed by direct contact between the materials of the pipe section and the fitting, for example with a metallic seal. The pressing technology used for radially forming the press section primarily involves radially acting press systems, as well as pressing systems that use radial-axial pressing, whereby part of the fitting is displaced axially during the pressing process to thereby effect radial forming.

[0005] The pipeline systems described above are primarily used to transport drinking or heating water, gas for operating a heating system, or industrial gases. In principle, any fluid medium can be transported in the pipelines.

[0006] Rigid pipes are made from solid materials, particularly metallic ones. Rigid plastics can also be used. Such pipes are preferred for installations with longer straight sections along walls or ceilings, or within wall or ceiling structures. Pipes made from these materials are dimensionally stable and can be connected to fittings using a seal that only acts from the outside. Rigid pipes are made from metals, for example stainless steels such as ferritic steels such as 1.4521, austenitic steels such as 1.4404, duplex steels such as 1.4462, gunmetal, SiBr, copper, but also from solid plastics such as cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X), high-temperature polyethylene (PE-RT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene (PP) with appropriate wall thicknesses.Furthermore, multi-layer composite pipes with sufficient dimensional stability can be used.

[0007] On the other hand, flexible plastic pipes are used in installations, particularly so-called all-plastic pipes, or pipes made of composite materials, so-called multi-layer composite pipes, consisting of one or more layers of plastic and one or more thin layers of metal. Such pipes are used in particular for the installation of pre-wall technology such as retrofitted plumbing installations, where the flexible pipes are often bent on-site in confined spaces and installed in a curved state. These pipes lack sufficient dimensional stability, and internal support is required to create the press connection. This support is achieved by a support sleeve inserted into the open pipe end as part of the fitting.

[0008] The properties and suitability of a fitting for pipelines and applications are defined by the functional parts connected to or used with the fitting, such as sealing elements for sealing the fitting against the inserted pipe and cutting elements that perform the holding function on the pipe. These functional parts are the components of the fitting that ensure the primary functions of sealing and adhesion.

[0009] These functional components must be coordinated for different media or applications. These functional components are usually pre-assembled at the factory, and subsequent changes to the fitting configuration would involve increased technical effort and also a risk of errors. Therefore, such adjustments are not routinely performed.

[0010] The corresponding visual labeling regarding the suitability of the fitting for the media to be conveyed and other functional properties is also very time-consuming and complex. Therefore, a specific fitting type must be selected and ordered for each application in advance during the planning phase. For example, there are differences in fitting types between an application for a gas line and a water line.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention is based on the technical problem of providing a fitting and a system for connecting pipes that at least partially eliminate the aforementioned technical disadvantages. In particular, the aim is to enable easier and process-reliable interchangeability of the functional parts, thereby reducing complexity and increasing flexibility in application.

[0012] The technical problem stated above is solved according to the invention by a fitting for connecting to a pipe, comprising a base body with at least one pipe section, with a press section connected to the pipe section and with a functional unit connected to the press section, wherein the functional unit has a functional ring, a sealing element and a fixing element, wherein the functional ring has an outer section arranged radially outside the press section and an inner section arranged inside the press section and wherein the inner section positions the sealing element and the fixing element inside the press section.

[0013] The technical problem is also solved by a functional unit for a fitting with a functional ring, with a sealing element and with a fixing element, wherein the functional ring has an outer section arranged radially outside the pressing section and an inner section arranged inside the pressing section and wherein the inner section positions the sealing element and the fixing element inside the pressing section.

[0014] The technical problem is further solved by a system for connecting pipes, with at least one previously described fitting with a functional unit and with at least one further functional unit, wherein at least two functional units differ in the design of at least one of the elements functional ring, sealing element and / or fixing element and / or optionally reinforcement ring.

[0015] The described inventive embodiments enable a variable design of the fitting for various applications, such as water pipe arrangements (hot / cold) or gas pipe arrangements. The functional unit of the described fitting is a separate unit from the base body of the fitting, which can be pushed onto the open end of the base body, i.e., onto the press section, and then removed again. The functional unit comprises the essential functional elements for creating a preferably permanent connection between the fitting and an inserted pipe. The functional unit therefore enables modularity of the fitting, which means increased variability of the fitting's application possibilities.

[0016] The base body of the fitting can be the same for different applications, for example, a piping system for conveying water or gases, while the functional units differ. Depending on the intended application of the fitting, the number and properties of the functional elements connected to the functional unit can vary.

[0017] Due to the modularity of the functional unit, it is even possible to decide on the construction site which of at least two different functional units will be connected to the base body in order to prepare the fitting as a whole for a specific application.

[0018] This also increases functional reliability, as only the complete functional unit on the fitting that has been clearly prepared for a specific application can be replaced.

[0019] Preferred designs of the base body are explained below.

[0020] The pipe section and the press section are preferably formed integrally as parts of the base body. This achieves manufacturing advantages because the base body can be produced from a single pipe section and only a few forming steps, such as diameter expansions, are necessary. The pipe section preferably has a smaller inner diameter than the press section, and the transition between the pipe section and the press section forms a stop for the functional unit, in particular for the sealing element. The section-by-section widening of the pipe section thus defines a stop which, when the fitting is pressed, leads to a sealing contact of the sealing element between the inserted pipe and the press section and / or the transition.The taper of the tube section in the proximal direction can also be used as a projection for locking an inwardly directed locking element of the functional unit, which will be described later.

[0021] Furthermore, the pipe section can have a first region and a second region, wherein the first region has a smaller inner diameter than the second region, and wherein the transition between the first region and the second region forms a stop for the pipe to be inserted. This creates a physical stop for the pipe to be inserted, creating a tactile impression when installing a pipe in the fitting. This allows for manual control of the insertion depth.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the pressing section has an internally arranged chamber, and an outwardly projecting part of the fixing element of the functional ring can be arranged in the chamber. Thus, when the functional unit is plugged in, the chamber engages with the radially outwardly projecting part of the fixing element, so that a defined position of the entire functional unit is achieved. This represents a safety feature during assembly.

[0023] If the functional unit is not pushed sufficiently far onto the press section and the radially outwardly projecting parts of the fixing element are not fully accommodated in the chamber of the press section, the fixing element will protrude at least partially radially inward. This protrusion can be so large that a pipe with a given outer diameter cannot be inserted into the press section of the fitting, since the free internal cross-section is insufficient due to the inwardly projecting fixing element.

[0024] The previously described designs of the base body with pipe section and compression section are suitable for use with an externally sealing fitting, since the functional elements of the sealing element and the fixing element act from the outside on the surface of the pipe to be connected. Therefore, the materials mentioned above as examples are suitable for the pipes to be connected.

[0025] Alternatively, a support sleeve can also be provided within the press section for insertion into a pipe to be connected, with the support sleeve being connected to the base body in the area of ​​the pipe section or the press section. The support sleeve can then be inserted into the pipe to be connected and stabilize the pipe from the inside during and after pressing. Thus, flexible pipes made of the aforementioned materials can be connected with the fitting.

[0026] While the inclusion of a support sleeve in the base body results in variations in the design of the base body, distinguishing between an externally sealing and an internally sealing variant, it does expand the possible applications for connecting pipelines.

[0027] The base body of the described designs is preferably made of a metal to ensure deformability with sufficient hardness and dimensional stability after forming. Suitable metals include the metals already mentioned for the rigid pipes, for example, stainless steels such as ferritic steels such as 1.4521, austenitic steels such as 1.4404, duplex steels such as 1.4462, gunmetal, SiBr, and copper. However, the base body of the described designs can also be made of a non-metallic material or plastic if the non-metallic material has sufficient properties for pressing and permanently joining pipes.The following materials, for example, can be used: cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X), silane-cross-linked polyethylene (PE-Xb) or physically cross-linked polyethylene (PE-Xc), polyethylene with increased temperature resistance (PE-RT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP) with corresponding wall thicknesses, polyphenyl sulfone (PPSU), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyaryletherketone (PAEK), aliphatic bio-based polyamide (PA410, PA12, PA12-GF30) or polypropylene random copolymer with modified crystal structure and increased temperature resistance (PP-RCT).

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the functional unit are explained in more detail below.

[0029] First, it is preferred that the functional ring be made of plastic. This allows it to be manufactured cost-effectively using common manufacturing processes such as injection molding. Furthermore, all materials listed above for the base body can be used. Thus, manufacturing from metal is also possible. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are preferred, as they are inexpensive construction materials. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) can also be used.

[0030] Furthermore, the outer section can have an inwardly projecting locking section on its circumference, particularly at the proximal end, at least in sections. This locking section can engage behind the shoulder at the above-described transition between the extended press section and the tube section, i.e., where the stop for the sealing element is formed on the inside. When the functional unit is pushed sufficiently far onto the open end of the base body onto the press section, the locking section engages behind the shoulder, ensuring that the functional unit is positioned correctly. Furthermore, a haptic effect is created when manually sliding and locking the functional unit on, allowing the user to recognize that the functional unit has been installed correctly.

[0031] The outer section of the functional ring can form a continuous ring which, when installed, rests against the pressing section with its cylindrical inner surface and to whose outer surface a pressing tool, for example with pressing jaws, can be attached. During pressing, the outer section then transfers the pressing force generated by a pressing jaw to the pressing section of the base body. This deforms the pressing section and thus creates a tight and stable connection between the fitting and the pipe. The design of the functional ring as a continuous ring is particularly applicable when the functional ring is made of a material that can transfer the force emanating from the pressing tool to the pressing section. This is the case, for example, when the functional ring is made of a metal, in particular of the same metal as the base body.Furthermore, high-strength plastics are also conceivable as a material for the functional ring.

[0032] The functional ring can preferably have a reinforcement ring, described in more detail below. To accommodate such a reinforcement ring, the outer portion preferably has a plurality of recesses for receiving outwardly projecting compression projections of a reinforcement ring. Further details regarding this configuration are provided below.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferred that the inner section of the functional unit has a plurality of recesses for receiving individual cutting elements of the fixing element. The separate cutting elements are arranged and thus positioned in the recesses and are pressed into the material of the pipe by the pressing section during the pressing process, whereby the pipe is fixed in the fitting. The separate cutting elements are explained in more detail below. As an alternative to separate cutting elements, the fixing element can also be formed in one piece as an at least partially annular fixing element with at least one cutting element. For this purpose, the inner section of the functional unit can then have a circumferential recess for receiving the fixing element. The fixing element is typically designed as a ring that is interrupted at one point, so that the radius of the fixing element can change when inserted into the functional unit and during pressing.

[0034] Furthermore, it can be provided that the inner section of the functional unit is connected to the sealing element at the proximal end, at least in sections, in particular glued, welded, or latched. The sealing element itself is preferably made of an elastically deformable material, preferably an elastomeric material, in order to ensure the sealing function. For gluing, a suitable adhesive, in particular a polyurethane adhesive, can be used. For welding, for example, a suitable welding process, in particular an ultrasonic welding process, can be used. For latching, projections and / or retaining elements are alternatively provided at the proximal end of the inner section, which partially encompass the sealing element or otherwise fix it through limited penetration, for example by means of needles with retainers.

[0035] The sealing element can be designed as a single O-ring or comprise two interconnected O-rings. A design comprising two interconnected O-rings has the advantage that, with a short compression stroke during compression, i.e., a minimal radial deformation of the compression section, a larger volume is filled by the elastomer of the two O-rings. This results in a longer axial sealing distance within the compression joint.

[0036] The connection only needs to be sufficient to hold the sealing element in place during

[0037] Insert the functional unit into the correct position within the base body in the area of ​​the press section, ensuring a positive and / or material fit. Through the connection between the inner section and the sealing element, the functional unit can be connected to all functional elements and joined as a single unit to the press section of the fitting's base body.

[0038] As already mentioned, the functional unit can include a reinforcement ring, with the outer section of the functional unit positioning the reinforcement ring outside the pressing section of the pressing section. The reinforcement ring is thus held by the functional unit and can be placed onto the pressing section as a single unit together with the other functional elements.

[0039] The reinforcement ring is preferably made of a plastically deformable metal. The same materials as those specified for the base body are suitable. The reinforcement ring is preferably made of the same metal as the base body of the fitting. The reinforcement ring is particularly used when the functional ring is made of plastic and cannot generate sufficient force during the pressing process.

[0040] The combination of base body and reinforcement ring also offers the advantage of allowing the combination of different materials with complementary or opposing properties. For example, materials with high ductility can be used for the reinforcement ring and materials with high strength for the base body.

[0041] For example, the base body can be made of simple, inexpensive steel and the reinforcement ring can be made of a special high-strength metal.

[0042] For example, the base body can be made of simple, inexpensive steel and the reinforcement ring can be made of a metal that is easy to form.

[0043] Furthermore, the base body can be made of high-quality and / or highly durable

[0044] Material for special fluids (metal or plastic) and the reinforcement ring made of inexpensive material to realize the holding function.

[0045] The metal of the functional ring can also be selected according to the application.

[0046] Furthermore, the reinforcement ring can have a cylindrical inner body and be designed so that the reinforcement ring can rest against the outer surface of the pressing section. Thus, the reinforcement ring can evenly transmit a radially inwardly directed pressing force to the pressing section through the flat contact.

[0047] Furthermore, the reinforcement ring can have outwardly projecting compression projections distributed around the circumference. The compression projections can then be accommodated in recesses arranged around the circumference of the outer section of the functional ring. These recesses have already been described above.

[0048] It is further preferred that the pressing projections of the reinforcement ring have an outer diameter at least equal to the outer diameter of the outer portion of the functional ring. Thus, the pressing projections lie directly against the pressing contour of the pressing jaw during the pressing process.

[0049] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the pressing projections occupy more than 50%, in particular more than 60%, preferably more than 70% of the circumference of the reinforcement ring. This design ensures the most even distribution of the pressing force possible across the pressing section of the base body, despite a necessary interruption of the outer circumference between the pressing projections.

[0050] The fixing element has already been mentioned above and will be explained in more detail below. Preferably, the fixing element comprises a plurality of separate cutting elements. The cutting elements are in radial outward contact with the inside of the pressing section, and are pressed radially inward by the latter during pressing. On the inside, a cutting edge protrudes radially inward, which comes into contact with the outside of the pipe and, during pressing, penetrates the pipe material at least with the cutting edges.

[0051] Preferably, the fixing element comprises a plurality of separate cutting elements, and the cutting elements are enclosed, i.e., embedded, by the inner section of the functional ring. Furthermore, the cutting elements can have a contact surface on the outside for contact with the inside of the pressing section, and the cutting elements can have at least one radially inwardly projecting cutting edge on the inside. Thus, the radially inwardly directed pressing force is transferred from the pressing section of the base body to the cutting elements, so that the cutting elements partially penetrate the material of the inserted pipe and thus fulfill the function of the fixing element in the pressed state.

[0052] Alternatively, the cutting elements can each have at least one radially protruding cutting edge on the outside and inside. This means that the cutting elements also penetrate radially outward into the material of the pressing section during pressing. In this case, the positioning of the fixing element during pressing takes place both relative to the pipe and relative to the pressing section. Configuring the pressing section with an inwardly open chamber to accommodate part of the inner section of the functional ring for positioning the cutting elements is then unnecessary.

[0053] As an alternative to the design as separate cutting elements, the fixing element can also be designed, at least in sections, to be annular with at least one cutting element, wherein the inner section of the functional ring has an annular recess for receiving the fixing element. A further alternative for the design of the at least partially annular fixing element consists in providing a plurality of ring elements and a plurality of hinge elements for pivotably connecting two ring elements each, wherein the ring elements are designed to hold and / or fix a pipe to be inserted with cutting elements, wherein the ring elements have a strip shape by means of the hinge elements and wherein the ring elements can assume a flat shape or a laterally open ring shape. This design is described in the application DE 10 2022 116 679.

[0054] If the design of the sealing element and the fixing element allows for direct contact with one another and thus there is a risk of damage to the sealing element by the fixing element, the inner section can further accommodate a separating ring which positions the sealing element and the fixing element spatially spaced from one another.

[0055] The design of the base body with a support sleeve for insertion into the pipe to be connected has already been described above. The support sleeve serves to stabilize the pipe during pressing if the pipe material is too elastic.

[0056] An alternative design for the support sleeve is for the inner section of the functional ring to have a support sleeve at the proximal end for insertion into a pipe to be connected. The support sleeve is either formed integrally with the inner section or connected to the inner section as a separate component. Designing the support sleeve together with the functional ring has the advantage that the functional element of the support sleeve is also part of the functional unit and can be pushed onto the press section of the base body together with it as a single unit. The design of a support sleeve with the inner section of the functional ring and the arrangement of a support sleeve as a component of the base body can also be combined.In this case, the support sleeve formed with the inner section can comprise a sealing element and, if necessary, also at least part of the fixing element, while the support sleeve formed with the base body alone ensures mechanical stability. Thus, the basic concept of the functional unit advantageously remains fully intact even for pipes that require internal sealing.

[0057] The technical problem outlined above is also solved by a system for connecting pipes with at least one base body of a previously described fitting and with at least two previously described functional units, wherein at least two functional units differ in the design of at least one of the elements functional ring, reinforcement ring, cutting elements and / or sealing element.

[0058] The system concept is that fittings for different applications are based on the same base body and can be equipped with differently configured functional units. A basic configuration consists of a base body, a first functional unit, and a second functional unit with a different configuration than the first. In a practical application of the system, a construction site is provided with multiple base bodies and multiple functional units in groups of configurations for at least two different applications, such as water pipes and gas pipes.

[0059] It is preferred that the shape, material, and / or surface design of at least two functional rings, at least two reinforcement rings, two sealing elements, and / or at least two fixing elements differ. It is preferred that the functional ring of the functional units has a color coding for a specific application, which in turn requires different sealing element materials. For example, different colors of the functional rings with specific sealing materials can be assigned to specific application areas: for example,

[0060] - yellow for use in gas pipes with a sealing element approved for gas pipes,

[0061] - green for drinking water pipes with a sealing element approved for drinking water pipes,

[0062] - red (supply) and blue (return) for heating water pipes with a sealing element approved for heating water pipes and

[0063] - orange for hazardous goods lines with a sealing element approved for the specific hazardous goods.

[0064] The previously described embodiments of the functional ring as part of the functional unit represent an independent invention which is claimed independently of the other embodiments of the functional unit.

[0065] In the following, the invention is explained using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. In the drawing,

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a fitting with functional unit,

[0067] Fig. 2 the fitting from Fig. 1 with the functional unit removed,

[0068] Fig. 3 the fitting from Fig. 1 in an exploded view of the

[0069] components,

[0070] Fig. 4 the functional unit of the fitting from Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and 6 the fixing element of the fitting with separate cutting elements according to Fig. 1,

[0071] Fig. 7 the fitting from Fig. 1 with inserted pipe in cross section before pressing,

[0072] Fig. 8 the fitting from Fig. 1 with inserted pipe in cross section after pressing,

[0073] Fig. 9 a second embodiment of a fitting with functional unit,

[0074] Fig. 10 the fitting from Fig. 9 with removed functional unit,

[0075] Fig. 11 the fitting from Fig. 9 in an exploded view of the

[0076] components,

[0077] Fig. 12 the functional unit of the fitting from Fig. 9,

[0078] Fig. 13 the reinforcement ring of the fitting according to Fig. 9,

[0079] Fig. 14 the fitting from Fig. 9 with inserted pipe in cross section before pressing,

[0080] Fig. 15 the fitting from Fig. 9 with inserted pipe in cross section after pressing,

[0081] Fig. 16 a third embodiment of a fitting with inserted

[0082] Pipe in cross-section before pressing,

[0083] Fig. 17 the fitting according to Fig. 16 after pressing, Fig. 18 a fourth embodiment of a fitting with inserted

[0084] Pipe in cross-section before pressing,

[0085] Fig. 19 the fitting according to Fig. 18 after pressing,

[0086] Fig. 20 a fifth embodiment of a fitting with the functional ring completely pushed on,

[0087] Fig. 21 the fitting from Fig. 20 with only partially pushed

[0088] Functional ring,

[0089] Fig. 22 a sixth embodiment of a fitting with double-sided

[0090] cutting elements,

[0091] Fig. 23 a schematic representation of a system consisting of a base body and

[0092] functional units.

[0093] In the following description of the various embodiments according to the invention, components and elements with the same function and the same mode of operation are provided with the same reference numerals, even if the components and elements in the various embodiments may have differences in their dimensions or shape.

[0094] Figures 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of a fitting 2 according to the invention for connecting to a pipe.

[0095] According to Figs. 1 to 3, the fitting 2 comprises a base body 4 with at least one pipe section 6 and a press section 8 connected to the pipe section 6. In the present case, the pipe section 6 and press section 8 are integrally formed and can be manufactured by forming a pipe piece, as can be seen in the cross-section in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 1 shows the free end of the press section 8 on the right side of the fitting 2.

[0096] Furthermore, a functional unit 10 connected to the pressing section 8 is provided, which can be manually pushed onto the pressing section 8 and removed again. Therefore, the functional unit 10 can also be mounted on site, or a pre-assembled functional unit 10 can be removed and replaced with another functional unit 10. Fig. 1 shows the plugged-on functional unit 10 surrounding the pressing section 8 on the left side of the fitting 2.

[0097] Fig. 3 shows the fitting 2 in an exploded view. The functional unit 10 comprises a functional ring 12, a sealing element 14, and a fixing element 16, so that the functional elements 14 and 16 required for the functionality of the fitting are connected to the functional ring 12 and can be handled as a functional unit 10.

[0098] The functional ring 10 according to Fig. 4 has, as also shown in cross-section in Figs. 7 and 8, an outer section 18 arranged radially outside the pressing section 8 and an inner section 20 arranged inside the pressing section 8, which are connected to one another by means of an annular web 22. The radial distance between the essentially cylindrical outer section 18 and the essentially cylindrical inner section 20 corresponds approximately to the wall thickness of the pressing section 8. The functional ring 10 can thus be arranged on the pressing section 8 and surround the distal end of the pressing section 8 from the outside and inside. Preferably, the outer section 18 lies against the outside of the pressing section 8 and the inner section 20 lies against the inside of the pressing section 8.

[0099] The inner section 20 positions the sealing element 14 and the fixing element 16 within the compression section 8. Thus, when the functional ring 10 has been fully fitted onto the open end of the compression section, the two functional elements 14 and 16 are also arranged in the correct position. Figs. 1 and 2 as well as 7 and 8 show that the sealing element 14 is designed as a double annular elastomer seal 19, which is connected to the proximal end of the inner section 20. For this purpose, an adhesive bond is used to fasten the elastomer seals 19 to the inner section 20. To stabilize the adhesive bond, an additional ring 23 is provided, which enables pre-installation of the elastomer seals 19 to more easily bond the thus formed sealing element 14 to the inner section 20. The ring 23 simultaneously serves as a separating ring between the sealing element 14 and the fixing element 16.

[0100] The design of the sealing element 14 as two O-rings 19 enables the placement of sufficient elastomer material in the sealing area in order to create a larger sealing surface.

[0101] Alternatively, a single O-ring 19 can be used. This can be connected to the inner section 20, as described. However, the O-ring 19 can also be inserted into an annular recess on the inner section 20.

[0102] The pipe section 6 of the base body 4 has a smaller inner diameter than the pressing section 8 and the transition between the pipe section 6 and the pressing section 8 forms a stop 24 for the functional unit 10. The stop 24 serves in particular for the sealing element 14, which thus lies between the pressing section 8 or the stop 24 and the pipe 28 to be inserted, as shown in Fig. 7 and 8.

[0103] Furthermore, the tube section 6 has a first region 6a and a second region 6b, wherein the first region 6a has a smaller inner diameter than the second region 6b and wherein the transition between the first region 6a and the second region 6b forms a stop 26 for the tube 28 to be inserted, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The outer section 18 has an inwardly projecting locking section 30 on the circumference at the proximal end, as is shown in particular in Fig. 7. When pushed on, the outer section 18 is slightly widened and then locks into place on the outside of the transition or the stop 24 between the tube section 6b and the expanded press section 8. This achieves a predefined position of the functional unit 10 as a whole.

[0104] The inner section 20 further includes a plurality of recesses 32 for receiving individual cutting elements 34 of the fixing element 16. The separate cutting elements 34 have the advantage that they are each individually surrounded by the material of the inner section 20 and can therefore be positioned very precisely.

[0105] Fig. 7 shows in the cross section shown that the cutting elements 34 project radially inwards with a cutting edge 36 and are in contact with the inside of the pressing section 8 with a contact surface 38 outwards.

[0106] Figs. 7 and 8 show the state before and after the fitting 2 is pressed by a pressing tool with a pressing jaw 40. During pressing, the pressing jaw 40 is mechanically driven to perform a radially inward movement. This causes the pressing to occur, and a reduction in the diameter of the pressing section 8 is achieved, permanently connecting the fitting 2 to the pipe 28.

[0107] Fig. 8 shows the pressed state, in which the diameter taper of the pressing section 8 has led, on the one hand, to the sealing element 14 consisting of the two sealing rings 19 being pressed between the pressing section 8 or the shoulder 24 of the base body 4 and the pipe 28. The base body 4 is thus sealed against the pipe 28. On the other hand, the cutting elements 34 are supported against the inside of the pressing section 8 and have partially penetrated into the material of the pipe 28. As a result, the position of the pipe 28 within the base body 4 is fixed and a permanent connection between the fitting 2 and the pipe 28 has been established.

[0108] The functional ring 10, which must transfer the pressing force of the pressing jaw 40 to the pressing section 8 with its outer section 18 during the pressing process, is preferably made of a malleable metal or a hard plastic in the illustrated embodiment. Since the pressing section 8 remains permanently deformed after pressing, permanent deformation of the outer section 18 is not necessary. Therefore, materials that do not remain permanently deformed are also suitable.

[0109] Figs. 9 to 15 show a second embodiment of a fitting 2 according to the invention, in which, in particular, the outer portion 18 of the functional ring 12 has been modified. Therefore, the description of the other components of the fitting 2 applies as previously stated for the first embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 8.

[0110] In the second embodiment, a reinforcement ring 50 is provided in addition to the outer section 18, and the outer section 18 positions the reinforcement ring 50 outside the pressing section 8. The function of the reinforcement ring 50 can transmit the pressing force exerted by the pressing jaw 40 to the pressing section 8 more evenly and reliably during pressing. The reinforcement ring 50 is made of a plastically deformable metal, so that the pressing force is transmitted predominantly or exclusively via metal components. The material of the reinforcement ring 50 is preferably identical to the material of the base body 4.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 13, the reinforcement ring 50 has a cylindrical inner body 52 that rests against the outer side of the pressing section 8, as shown in Fig. 14. Furthermore, the reinforcement ring 50 has outwardly projecting pressing projections 54 distributed around the circumference. The pressing projections account for approximately 65% ​​of the circumference, while the inner body 52 defines the outer contour along the remaining circumference.

[0112] To accommodate the reinforcement ring 50, the outer portion 18 of the functional ring 12, as shown in Fig. 12, has a plurality of recesses 56 for receiving the outwardly projecting press projections 54 of the reinforcement ring 50. The arrangement of the recesses 56 can be seen particularly in Fig. 12.

[0113] To ensure reliable function of the reinforcement ring 50 during pressing, the pressing projections 54 of the reinforcement ring 50 have a slightly larger outer diameter than the outer diameter of the outer section 18 of the functional ring 12. Due to their dimensions, the pressing projections 54 thus reliably rest against the inside of the pressing section 8.

[0114] Figs. 14 and 15 show the previously described fitting 2 with inserted pipe 28 before and after pressing by the pressing jaw 40.

[0115] 16 and 17 show an embodiment in which a pipe 28 is to be pressed, the material properties of which do not remain dimensionally stable during and after a pressing process, i.e. are flexible. For this reason, a support sleeve 60 is provided, which is designed as part of the functional ring 12. For this purpose, the functional ring 12 has a radially inwardly extending web 62 on the circumferential side at the proximal end of the inner section 20, to which the support sleeve 60 is connected in the distal direction. The outer surface of the support sleeve 60 rests on the inside of the inserted and not yet pressed pipe 28, as shown in Fig. 16, and supports the pipe 28 from the inside during and after pressing. This ensures that the pipe 28 retains its shape and the connection is permanently strong and tight. To seal this connection, a seal 64 is provided on the outer surface of the support sleeve 60, which in the pressed state is shown in Fig.17 seals the pipe 28 against the functional ring 12.

[0116] 18 and 19 show a further refinement of the previous exemplary embodiment, which is relevant when the material of the functional ring 12 itself is not sufficiently dimensionally stable to reliably ensure the supporting function. In the exemplary embodiment shown, an additional support sleeve 70 made from the material of the base body 4 is connected to the base body 4 and extends within the pressing section 8. In particular, the support body 70 is connected to the base body 4 by a welded connection. The support body 70 rests with its outer side against the inner side of the support body 60 and supports the support body 60 during and after pressing.

[0117] Fig. 20 shows a fitting 2 with a pressing section 8 having an internally arranged chamber 80. Radially outwardly projecting parts of the cutting elements 34 of the fixing element 16 are arranged in the chamber 80 when the functional ring 12 is fully pushed on. Thus, when the functional unit 10 is pushed onto the pressing section 8, a part of the fixing element 16 engages in the pressing section 8, and the functional ring 10 is precisely positioned. This locking function interacts with the locking function of the outer locking section 30. This provides a safety feature for the user when the functional unit 10 is pushed on manually.

[0118] Fig. 20 further shows that when the functional unit 10 is fully pushed on, the pipe 28 can be fully pushed in to be subsequently pressed. Fig. 21, on the other hand, shows the state when the functional unit 10 is not fully pushed onto the pressing section 8. In this state, the cutting elements 34 do not fully engage in the chamber 80 and protrude further radially inwards than is the case when the functional unit 10 is fully pushed on, in Fig. 20. This reduces the free internal cross-section of the functional unit 10, so that a pipe 28 to be pressed cannot be inserted into the pressing section 8. This additional safety feature prevents errors during installation, particularly when the functional units 10 are replaced or assembled on site.

[0119] Fig. 22 shows a further embodiment of a fitting 2, in which the cutting elements 34 are provided with at least one radially projecting cutting edge 36 and 36a on the outside and on the inside, respectively. Thus, the illustrated cutting element 34 can press into both the material of the pipe 28 and the material of the pressing section 8 during pressing, improving the fixation of the pipe 28 in the fitting 2.

[0120] Fig. 23 shows a system for connecting pipes 28, which comprises at least one base body 4 for a fitting 2 according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments and four different functional units 10a to 10d, each according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments. The functional units 10a to 10d shown side by side are each configured for a specific application and differ in the design of at least one of the elements: functional ring 12, sealing element 14 and / or fixing element 16 and / or optionally reinforcement ring 50. The shape, material and / or surface design of at least two functional rings 12, two sealing elements 14 and / or at least two fixing elements 16 and / or at least two reinforcement rings 50 can differ.

[0121] For example, different materials are required for the sealing element 14 for different media carried in the pipes to be connected. Therefore, a functional unit 10a may have a sealing element for water pipes, and the plastic material of the functional ring is colored green. Another functional unit 10b may have a sealing element for gas pipes, and the plastic material of the functional ring is colored yellow. Since parts of the functional ring are always visible from the outside, the color of the functional ring 10a or 10b can be used to identify the application for which the respective

[0122] functional unit is intended.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Fitting for connecting to a pipe, with a base body (4) with at least one pipe section (6), with a press section (8) connected to the pipe section (6) and with a functional unit (10) connected to the press section (8), wherein the functional unit (10) comprises a functional ring (12), a sealing element (14) and a fixing element (16), wherein the functional ring (12) comprises an outer section (18) arranged radially outside the press section (8) and an inner section (20) arranged inside the press section (8), and wherein the inner section (20) positions the sealing element (14) and the fixing element (16) inside the press section (8).

2. Fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that the press section (8) has an internally arranged chamber (80) and that a radially outwardly projecting part of the fixing element (16) of the functional ring (12) is arranged in the chamber (80).

3. Fitting according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional unit (10) is designed according to one of claims 4 to 16.

4. Functional unit for a fitting, in particular according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a functional ring (12), a sealing element (14) and with a fixing element (16), wherein the functional ring (12) has an outer section (18) arranged radially outside the press section (8) and an inner section (20) arranged inside the press section (8), and wherein the inner section (20) positions the sealing element (14) and the fixing element (16) inside the press section (8).

5. Functional unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer section (18) has, at least partially, an inwardly projecting locking section (30) circumferentially, in particular at the proximal end.

6. Functional unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the outer section (18) has a plurality of recesses (56) for receiving outwardly projecting press projections (54) of a reinforcing ring (50).

7. Functional unit according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the inner section (20) has a plurality of recesses (32) for receiving individual cutting elements (34) of the fixing element (16).

8. Functional unit according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the inner section (20) is connected at least partially to the sealing element (14) by a form-fit and / or material-fit connection, in particular by bonding, welding or snapping.

9. Functional unit according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that a reinforcing ring (50) is provided and that the outer section (18) positions the reinforcing ring (50) outside the press section (8).

10. Functional unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the reinforcing ring (50) has a cylindrical inner body (52) and is designed to abut the outside of the press section (8).

11. Functional unit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the reinforcing ring (50) has outwardly projecting and circumferentially distributed press projections (54).

12. Functional unit according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the press projections (54) are received in circumferentially arranged recesses (56) of the outer section (18) of the functional ring (12).

13. Functional unit according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the press projections (54) of the reinforcing ring (50) have an outer diameter at least as large as the outer diameter of the outer section (18) of the functional ring (12).

14. Functional unit according to one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the fixing element (16) has a plurality of separate cutting elements (34) and that the cutting elements (34) are enclosed by the inner section (20).

15. Functional unit according to claim 14, characterized in that the cutting elements (34) have a contact surface (38) on the outside for contact with the inside of the press section (8) and that the cutting elements (34) have at least one radially inwardly projecting cutting edge (36) on the inside.

16. Functional unit according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the cutting elements (34) each have at least one radially projecting cutting edge (36, 36a) on the outside and on the inside.

17. System for connecting pipes, comprising at least one base body (4) for a fitting (2) according to claim 1 and comprising at least one of two functional units (12) according to one of claims 3 to 15, wherein at least two functional units (10) differ in the configuration of at least one of the elements functional ring (12), sealing element (14) and / or fixing element (14) and / or optionally reinforcing ring (50).

18. System according to claim 17, characterized in that the shape, material and / or surface design of at least two functional rings (12), two sealing elements (14) and / or at least two fixing elements (16) and / or at least two reinforcing rings (50) differ.

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