Fluid connection part and method

Abstract

A fluid connection part (1) comprising: - a primary pipe (2) comprising a wall (10) defining a primary opening (O2) of longitudinal axis (X), the wall (10) comprising an upstream end (3) and a downstream end (4) configured to be connected respectively to an upstream collector pipe (30) and to a downstream collector pipe (40), - a secondary pipe (6) comprising a first end opening into the primary opening (O2) of the primary pipe (2) and a second end (8) configured to be connected to a branch pipe (50) by fitting, - the wall (10) of the primary pipe (2) comprising a protruding portion (11) towards the outside, in which a secondary opening is formed defining the secondary pipe (6), the secondary pipe (6) passing through or closed by a partition configured to be broken and positioned between the first end and the second end.Abstract figure: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid connection part and method Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid connection.

[0002] In a known manner, the connection of a branch pipe to a larger diameter collector pipe is carried out by tapping. The tapping technique, or coring, consists of drilling a circular opening in the wall of the collector pipe, for example using a core drill or a circular saw. The end of the branch pipe is then fixed in a sealed manner at the level of the circular opening, perpendicular to the collector.

[0003] In practice, such an operation is long and tedious to carry out on a construction site, also requiring suitable tools. In addition, such a tapping is not suitable for branch pipes with a diameter greater than half the diameter of the collector pipe, and in particular for branch pipes made of concrete. Indeed, since the reinforcement of the collector pipe is cut by the tapping, the mechanical strength of the collector pipe can no longer be guaranteed over the long term. The mechanical weakening thus caused can in particular lead to the subsequent rupture of the collector pipe at the coring point. No connection system will then be able to guarantee the tightness of the connection.

[0004] To solve this drawback, it is known from patent FR569656 to make a rectangular opening whose length extends along the axis of the collector pipe. The branch pipe, of circular section, is then connected to the rectangular opening via a connecting piece of evolving section. Such a solution is just as long and tedious and does not effectively solve the lack of sealing and mechanical resistance.

[0005] Manholes are also known which take the form of a box provided with openings for fluidly connecting several pipes, usually open on a manhole column to allow its inspection. Using such a manhole instead of the tapping is however not always feasible because the manhole is a bulky part which would require enlarging the width of the trench in which the collector pipe extends. This would result in an undesirable additional earthwork cost.

[0006] Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) branch fittings are also known, comprising a main branch and a secondary branch opening into the main branch, forming a T or a Y, so as to connect two pipes. Such a branch fitting is however not suitable for connection to a large diameter concrete collector pipe. The mechanical strength of a fitting PVC connection is insufficient to ensure a watertight and lasting connection.

[0007] The invention thus aims at a part and a method of fluid connection conferring both sealing and mechanical resistance in a lasting manner, at low cost and with limited space requirements. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention relates to a fluid connection part comprising: • a primary pipe comprising a wall defining a primary opening of longitudinal axis, the wall comprising an upstream end and a downstream end connected by a middle part and configured to be connected respectively to an upstream collector pipe and to a downstream collector pipe, • at least one secondary pipe comprising a first end opening into the primary opening of the primary pipe and a second end configured to be connected to a branch pipe by fitting.

[0009] The invention is remarkable in that the wall of the primary conduit comprises at least one portion protruding outwards relative to the longitudinal axis, in which a secondary opening defining the secondary conduit is formed, the secondary conduit being through or closed by a partition configured to be broken and positioned between the first end and the second end.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, a branch pipe can be connected in a strong and watertight manner, thanks to a fluid connection part of limited cost and size. The secondary pipe is advantageously formed in an excess thickness of the wall of the primary pipe, which ensures good mechanical strength as well as long-term sealing. The invention is particularly suitable for a connection of a branch pipe of large diameter, greater than half the diameter of the collector pipes. The invention is also suitable for large diameter collector pipes made of concrete, with a diameter typically between 200mm and 1000mm.

[0011] The partition, known to those skilled in the art as a "veil", is easily breakable on the installation site of the fluid connection part, preferably by percussion, to obtain a secondary through pipe.

[0012] The fluid connection part is preferably a single piece, easy to handle.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the protruding portion extends along an angular sector of the wall of the primary pipe between two thin portions. excess thickness is advantageously located to limit the cost and size of the fluid connection part.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the protruding portion comprises a minimum radial thickness relative to the longitudinal axis which is at least 30 mm greater than a radial thickness of the thin portions at the middle part, preferably at most 60 mm greater, and preferably substantially 50 mm greater. A significant excess thickness gives the fluid connection part excellent mechanical strength over time.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention: • at least one of the upstream end and the downstream end of the primary conduit is a female fitting comprising an external diameter, and • the middle part of the primary pipe comprises, in a radial plane defined by the longitudinal axis and a center of the second end of the secondary pipe, an external width less than or equal to the external diameter of the female connector or greater than or equal to 60 mm at most, preferably at most 20 mm.

[0016] The radial plane preferably extends horizontally to allow a horizontal connection. The fluid connection piece thus has a horizontal width substantially equal to the diameter of the female connector, which allows its installation in a collector trench without providing for widening. This also reduces the mass and volume of the fluid connection piece, and therefore its cost.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the protruding portion comprises a flat outer face extending in a plane tangential to the longitudinal axis. The tangential plane preferably extends vertically. The handling and installation of the fluid connection part in a trench are advantageously simplified. Manufacturing, in particular by molding, is also facilitated.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention: • at least one of the upstream end and the downstream end of the primary conduit is a female fitting comprising an external diameter, and • the outer face of the protruding portion extends over a height defined in the tangential plane which is less than the external diameter of the female connector.

[0019] The fluid connection part thus has a vertical height equal to the diameter of the female connector, facilitating its installation in a collector trench. The excess thickness is thus cleverly distributed to promote mechanical strength while limiting the size.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the protruding portion extends over at least 60% of the length of the primary pipe along the longitudinal axis, preferably at least 70%. This contributes to the mechanical strength of the fluid connection part, which is advantageously uniform over its entire length. Manufacturing, particularly by molding, is also facilitated.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the protruding portion is called the “first protruding portion” and the primary pipe comprises a second protruding portion extending opposite the first protruding portion relative to the longitudinal axis. This contributes to the mechanical strength of the fluid connection part, without impacting on the space requirement in the trench. This makes it possible to form a second secondary pipe to connect another branch pipe.

[0022] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the opening of the primary pipe has a diameter greater than half the internal diameter of the primary pipe, preferably greater than 0.6 times the internal diameter of the primary pipe. The sealing and mechanical strength are advantageously maintained for a branch pipe of large diameter, and this in a lasting manner.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid connection part is made of concrete, preferably cement concrete. The sealing and mechanical strength are advantageously maintained for concrete collector pipes.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method of fluid connection using a fluid connection part as described previously, consisting of: • connect an upstream collector line and a downstream collector line respectively to the upstream end and the downstream end of the primary line, and • connect a branch pipe to the second end of the secondary pipe by fitting.

[0025] Preferably, as a preliminary step, the partition of the secondary conduit is broken to obtain a through secondary conduit.

[0026] Such a method is advantageously simpler and faster to implement than a coring operation of the prior art, without risk of mechanical weakening of the collector pipes. Sealing is promoted. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0028] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation in front perspective of a fluid connection part with a secondary pipe closed by a partition configured to be broken according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig. 2] is a schematic perspective representation from the front of a fluid connection part with a secondary through pipe according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig. 3] is a schematic perspective side view of the fluid connection part of [Fig. 2].

[0031] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation in front view of the fluid connection part of [Fig.3].

[0032] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] With reference to [Fig. 1], the invention relates to a part and a method for fluidic connection of a connection pipe 50, typically connected to a private network, to collector pipes 30, 40 of larger diameter, typically belonging to the public network. The invention applies in particular to the rainwater or wastewater network.

[0034] According to the invention and as illustrated in [Fig. 1], the fluid connection part 1 comprises: • a primary pipe 2 comprising a wall 10 defining a primary opening 02 of longitudinal axis X, the wall 10 comprising an upstream end 3 and a downstream end 4 connected by a middle part 5 and configured to be connected respectively to an upstream collector pipe 30 and to a downstream collector pipe 40, and • a secondary pipe 6 comprising a first end 7 (see [Fig.3]) opening into the primary opening 02 of the primary pipe 2 and a second end 8 configured to be connected to a branch pipe 50 by fitting.

[0035] Still according to the invention and as illustrated in [Fig.l], the wall 10 of the primary conduit 2 comprises a protruding portion 11 outwards relative to the longitudinal axis X, in which a secondary opening 06 is formed defining the secondary conduit 6, the secondary conduit 6 being through or closed by a partition 20 configured to be broken and positioned between the first end 7 and the second end 8.

[0036] The fluid connection part 1 according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to interconnect the branch pipe 50 and the collector pipes 30, 40 in a simple and practical manner. The connection obtained is watertight and preserves the mechanical strength of the collector pipes 30, 40 in a lasting manner, unlike the tapping or coring technique of the prior art. Unlike the branch breeches of the prior art, the secondary pipe 6 is advantageously formed in a local excess thickness of the wall 10 of the primary pipe 2, which ensures good mechanical strength while limiting the size and therefore the cost. In addition, the fluid connection part 1 is thus suitable for any branch pipe 50 having an internal diameter less than that of the collector pipes 30, 40, and in particular greater than half the internal diameter of the collector pipes 30, 40.

[0037] According to a preferred aspect, the fluid connection part 1 is made of concrete, preferably cement concrete, and thus has a mechanical strength suitable for being connected to collector pipes 30, 40 made of concrete, with a large diameter typically between 200 mm and 1000 mm. The branch pipe 50 is preferably made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The fluid connection part 1 is preferably a single piece, produced by molding.

[0038] According to a preferred aspect, the fluid connection part 1 comprises, at the factory outlet, a secondary conduit 6 of the through type as illustrated in [Fig.2], namely without partition 20, ready for use.

[0039] According to another aspect illustrated in [Fig.l], the secondary pipe 6 is of the closed type, namely sealed by a partition 20 adapted to be broken. The partition 20 is easily breakable on site. Once the partition 20 is broken, the secondary pipe 6 becomes a through pipe as in [Fig.2]. The partition 20 has a small thickness compared to that of the wall 10 of the primary pipe 2, preferably less than 25mm, preferably of the order of 20mm. The partition 20 is preferably made of the same material as the fluid connection part 1, preferably in one piece and obtained during the molding of the fluid connection part 1.

[0040] With reference to [Fig. 3], the primary pipe 2 extends along the longitudinal axis X, oriented from upstream to downstream, represented in this example horizontally, the axis Z representing the vertical direction. This corresponds to the mounting position of the fluid connection part 1 on a construction site to allow horizontal connection of the collector pipes 30, 40. One of the ends of the primary pipe 2, in this example the upstream end 3, is in the form of a female connector configured to cooperate with a male connector 31 of the upstream collector pipe 30. The other of the ends, in this example the downstream end 4, is in the form of a male connector configured to cooperate with a female connector 41 of the downstream collector pipe 40. The middle portion 5 extends longitudinally between the upstream end 3 and the downstream end 4.

[0041] According to a preferred aspect illustrated in [Fig. 3], the downstream end 4, of the male type, comprises an engagement portion 21 and a bearing surface 22 extending transversely set back relative to the longitudinal axis X. The engagement portion 21 is configured to be engaged, in this example by force, in an opening 42 of the female connector 41 of the downstream collector pipe 40 until the bearing surface 22 comes into abutment against a stop surface 43 of the female connector 41.

[0042] According to a preferred aspect illustrated in [Fig. 3], the upstream end 3, of the female type, comprises an opening 23 and a stop surface 24 transverse to the longitudinal axis X. The opening 23 is configured to receive an engagement portion 32 of the male connector 31 of the upstream collector pipe 30, preferably force-engaged. The stop surface 24 forms a stop for a bearing surface 33 of the male connector 31.

[0043] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the protruding portion 11 extends along an angular sector of the wall 10 of the primary pipe 2 between two thin portions 12, 13. Preferably, the wall 10 also comprises a second protruding portion 19 extending opposite the protruding portion 11, called "first protruding portion 11" for the sake of clarity. As illustrated in [Fig.4], the wall 10 thus comprises two protruding portions 11, 19 and two thin portions 12, 13 alternating on its circumference in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis X.

[0044] The second protruding portion 19 makes it possible to increase the mechanical strength of the fluid connection part 1, while limiting the size and therefore the cost. This also makes it possible to obtain a balanced fluid connection part 1 that is easy to handle. The second protruding portion 19 preferably has the same dimensions as the first protruding portion 11.

[0045] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the second protruding portion 19, like the first protruding portion 11, comprises a secondary opening 06 so as to define a second secondary conduit 6 adapted to be connected to a second branch conduit 50. The secondary opening 06 of the second protruding portion 19 is preferably of the type closed by a partition 20 as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. This allows the choice of breaking or not breaking the partition 20 depending on whether it is desired to connect a single branch conduit 50 or two branch conduits 50 to the fluid connection part 1.

[0046] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, at each thin portion 12, 13, the wall 10 is in the form of a cylindrical sector with a longitudinal axis X, preferably circular, having a maximum external diameter D3 at the female upstream end 3. The female upstream end 3 has a portion 25 with a decreasing section towards the middle part 5, in this example a truncated cone. The cylindrical sector has, at the middle part 5, an external diameter D5 substantially constant, less than the external diameter D3 of the upstream end 3, and a radial thickness E12 substantially constant. The external diameter D5 extends vertically in this example. This helps to maintain a fluid connection part 1 of limited size and cost.

[0047] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, each protruding portion 11, 19 is in the form of a local excess thickness in the wall 10 of the primary pipe 2. The excess thickness is distributed only on the side of the external face of the wall 10 and does not affect the internal face 9 facing the primary opening 02. In this example, the protruding portions 11, 19 are shown centered on a horizontal axis Y extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis X. This corresponds to the mounting position of the fluid connection part 1 on a construction site to allow a horizontal connection of the branch pipe 50.

[0048] In the example of Figures 3 and 4, the first protruding portion 11 comprises an outer face 14 extending longitudinally between an upstream face 17 and a downstream face 18, and vertically between a lower face 16 and an upper face 15. The outer face 14 is preferably flat and extends in a tangential plane P2 relative to the longitudinal axis X, in this example extending vertically. This facilitates the handling and installation of the fluid connection part 1 in a trench. The manufacture of the fluid connection part 1, in particular by molding, is further simplified.

[0049] According to a preferred aspect illustrated in [Fig.4], the minimum radial thickness E1 1min of the first protruding portion 11, defined between the outer face 14 and the inner face 9 of the wall 10, is greater by at least 30mm, and preferably by at most 60mm, than the radial thickness E12 of the thin portions 12, 13. The significant radial thickness of the protruding portions 11, 19 offers improved mechanical strength suitable for concrete.

[0050] According to another preferred aspect illustrated in [Fig.4], the middle part 5 of the primary pipe 2 comprises, in a radial plane PI defined by the longitudinal axis X and a center C of the second end 8 of the secondary pipe 6, an external width L5 less than or equal to the maximum external diameter D3 of the female or upper upstream end 3 of at most 60mm, preferably at most 20mm. The external width L5 extends horizontally in this example. The fluid connection part 1 thus has a width substantially equal to that of the upstream end 3. The protruding portions 11, 19 do not impact the horizontal size of the fluid connection part 1 which can be easily installed in the trench of the collector pipes 30, 40, without providing for widening.

[0051] According to another preferred aspect illustrated in [Fig. 3], the upstream face 17 of the first protruding portion 11 is coplanar with the abutment surface 24 of the upstream end. 3 female, and the downstream face 18 is coplanar with the bearing surface 22 of the downstream end 4 male. The outer face 14 thus extends longitudinally over the entire length of the middle part 5 and the upstream end 3. The mechanical strength of the fluid connection part 1 is thus promoted and particularly suitable for concrete.

[0052] According to another preferred aspect illustrated in [Fig.4], the outer face 14 extends over a vertical height H, defined between the upper face 15 and the lower face 16, which is less than the external diameter D3 of the upstream end 3. The protruding portions 11, 19 thus do not impact the vertical size of the fluid connection part 1 which can be easily installed in the trench of the collector pipes 30, 40.

[0053] With reference to [Fig. 3], the secondary pipe 6 comprises a wall formed by the first protruding portion 11 of the primary pipe 2, in which the secondary opening 06 is formed. The secondary opening 06 extends in the radial thickness of the first protruding portion 11 between a first end 7, opening at the internal face 9 of the primary pipe 2 (see [Fig. 4]), and a second end 8, opening at the external face 14. The secondary pipe 6 has an internal diameter d6 less than the height H and the longitudinal length of the external face 14. Such a secondary pipe 6 advantageously has high mechanical strength. The secondary pipe 6 preferably extends longitudinally, in this example along the horizontal axis Y. The fluid connection piece 1 thus forms a T-shaped fitting.Alternatively, the fluid connection part 1 forms a Y-shaped connection, the secondary pipe 6 then extending along an axis not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, in this example horizontal.

[0054] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a method of fluidically connecting the branch line 50 to the manifold lines 30, 40 consists of: • preferably, break the partition 20 of the secondary pipe 6 ([Fig.l]) to obtain a secondary opening 06 between the first end 7 and the second end 8 ([Fig.2]), • connect the upstream collector pipe 30 and the downstream collector pipe 40 respectively to the upstream end 3 and the downstream end 4 of the primary pipe 2, and • connect by fitting the branch pipe 50 to the second end 8 of the secondary pipe 6.

[0055] The fluid connection method is typically carried out on a construction site, and the connection steps are implemented in the trench of the collector pipes 30, 40. The connection steps are typically implemented by a press-fit assembly, preferably with a seal to allow sealing.

[0056] The fluid connection part 1 according to the invention advantageously allows a simple and easy connection, watertight and of high mechanical resistance, particularly suitable for concrete collector pipes 30, 40 and a branch pipe 50 of large diameter, which can exceed half the diameter of the collector pipes 30, 40.

Claims

Claims

1. Fluid connection part (1) comprising: • a primary pipe (2) comprising a wall (10) defining a primary opening (02) of longitudinal axis (X), the wall (10) comprising an upstream end (3) and a downstream end (4) connected by a middle part (5) and configured to be connected respectively to an upstream collector pipe (30) and to a downstream collector pipe (40), • at least one secondary pipe (6) comprising a first end (7) opening into the primary opening (02) of the primary pipe (2) and a second end (8) configured to be connected to a branch pipe (50) by fitting, • the wall (10) of the primary pipe (2) comprising at least one protruding portion (11) outwards relative to the longitudinal axis (X), in which a secondary opening is formed (06) defining the secondary conduit (6),the secondary pipe (6) passing through or closed by a partition (20) configured to be broken and positioned between the first end (7) and the second end (8), the fluid connection part (1) being a single-piece concrete piece and obtained by molding.

2. Fluid connection part (1) according to claim 1, in which the protruding portion (11) extends along an angular sector of the wall (10) of the primary pipe (2) between two thin portions (12, 13).

3. Fluid connection part (1) according to claim 2, in which the protruding portion (11) comprises a minimum radial thickness (El 1min) relative to the longitudinal axis (X) which is at least 30mm greater than a radial thickness (E12) of the thin portions (12, 13) at the middle part (5), and preferably at most 60mm.

4. Fluid connection part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which: • at least one of the upstream end (3) and the downstream end (4) of the primary pipe (2) is a female connector comprising an external diameter (D3), and • the middle part (5) of the primary pipe (2) comprises, in a radial plane (PI) defined by the longitudinal axis (X) and a center (C) of the second end (8) of the secondary pipe (6), an external width (L5) less than or equal to the external diameter (D3) of the female connector or greater than at most 60 mm.

5. Fluid connection part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the protruding portion (11) comprises a flat outer face (14) extending in a vertical plane (P2), the longitudinal axis (X) extending horizontally.

6. Fluid connection part (1) according to claim 5, in which: • at least one of the upstream end (3) and the downstream end (4) of the primary pipe (2) is a female connector comprising an external diameter (D3), and • the external face (14) of the protruding portion (11) extends over a height (H) defined in the vertical plane (P2) which is less than the external diameter (D3) of the female connector.

7. Fluid connection part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the protruding portion (11) extends over at least 60% of the length (L2) of the primary pipe (2) along the longitudinal axis (X), preferably at least 70%.

8. Fluid connection part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the protruding portion (11) is called "first protruding portion (11)" and the primary conduit (2) comprises a second protruding portion (19) extending opposite the first protruding portion (11) relative to the longitudinal axis (X).

9. Fluid connection part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which is made of cement concrete.

10. Method of fluid connection by means of a fluid connection part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, consisting of: connecting an upstream collector line (30) and a downstream collector line (40) respectively to the upstream end (3) and the downstream end (4) of the primary line (2), and connecting by fitting a branch pipe (50) to the second end (8) of the secondary pipe (6).

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