Plug for a pipe element, comprising a disc and a disc fixing system, assembly and corresponding method

Abstract

Plug for pipe element, comprising a disc and a disc fixing system, corresponding assembly and method. Plug (14) for sealing an end (16) of a pipe element (12), comprising: - a disc (22) defining a central axis (X), and movable relative to the pipe element between a sealing position and a rest position, - a fixing system (24) mounted on the disc and comprising a first subsystem (24A) having a first end (36) radially relative to the central axis, and a second subsystem (24B) defining one or more surface(s) (38).The fastening system is movable between a deployed configuration, in which the first end is pressed against and exerts pressure (F1) on a radially inner surface (30) of the end, and the other surface(s) are pressed against and exert counter-pressure (F2) on the radially inner surface to fix the disc in the sealing position by friction or stop, and a retracted configuration, in which at least the first end is closer to the central axis than in the deployed configuration. See Figure 3 for abbreviations.

Description

Title of the invention: Plug for a pipe element, comprising a disc and a disc fixing system, assembly and corresponding method

[0001] DOMAIN

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of piping, more particularly a plug for sealing an end of a piping element, such as a pipe.

[0003] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a plug and the piping element, as well as a corresponding sealing method. EARLIER ART

[0004] It is known to place protective caps, for example on the plain end or the socket end of a pipe adapted to form a section of piping. Such piping is used, for example, to transport water.

[0005] Currently, plastic plugs are used. However, such plugs cannot be repaired, nor can they be adapted to different pressure classes for a given nominal diameter (DN) of pipe. Indeed, the pressure class changes the thickness of the pipe element for the same external diameter and therefore changes its internal diameter.

[0006] Furthermore, plastic caps require the creation of molding tools for their manufacture. Such tools are complex and expensive, especially for caps of a certain diameter.

[0007] One object of the invention is to remedy all or part of the above disadvantages, by providing a stopper that is simpler to manufacture and use. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a plug for sealing an end of a pipe element, the plug comprising:

[0009] - a disc, preferably made of wood, and defining a central axis perpendicular to the disk, and

[0010] - a fastening system mounted on the disc, the disc being intended to be movable relative to the pipe element, between a sealing position, in which the disc seals the end of the pipe element, and a rest position, in which the disc is away from the pipe element, the fastening system comprises:

[0011] - a first subsystem comprising a first end radially by with respect to the central axis, the first extremity being located in a first half-space situated on one side with respect to a plane passing through the central axis, and

[0012] - a second subsystem defining one or more surface(s) located in a second half-space located on the other side of the plane relative to the first half-space, the fixing system being mobile between:

[0013] - a deployed configuration, in which the first endpoint is intended, when the disc is in the sealing position, to be pressed against and exert pressure on a radially inner surface of the end, and the surface(s) are intended to be pressed against and exert counter-pressure on the radially inner surface, the pressure and counter-pressure being adapted to fix the disc in the sealing position by friction or butting of the first end and the surface(s) against the radially inner surface, and

[0014] - a retracted configuration, in which at least the first end is more closer to the central axis than in the deployed configuration

[0015] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the stopper comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: - the first subsystem comprises an arm defining the first end and a second end radially opposite the first end, the first subsystem being adapted to keep the second end in contact with the disc or a part of the plug fixed to the disc, the first end being axially closer to the disc in the deployed configuration than in the retracted configuration; - the first subsystem includes an adjustment device comprising at least one adjusting screw, the adjusting screw having a head located axially on the side of the disc opposite the arm, the adjusting screw being adapted to act on the arm, by screwing or unscrewing, to help move the fixing system from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration; - the arm includes a rod, preferably made of wood; - the first subsystem includes a wedge fixed to the disc, the wedge comprising an inclined surface defining an obtuse angle with the disc on the side of the wedge, the rod defining an inclined surface forming the second end of the arm, the inclined surface of the rod forming an acute angle with the disc on the side of the rod, the inclined surface of the rod being adapted to cooperate with the inclined surface of the wedge to keep the second end in contact with the disc; - the second subsystem is structurally analogous to the first subsystem and substantially diametrically opposite to the first subsystem with respect to the central axis; - the arm includes a metal tab having at least two folds defining a plurality of segments, the first subsystem comprising a wedge fixed on one of the segments and forming the first end, another of the segments being mounted on the disc or on a part of the cap fixed on the disc; - the second subsystem comprises two structurally analogous systems, the first subsystem and the two systems defining angles between them around the central axis between 110° and 130°; - each of the two systems includes a metal tab having at least two folds defining a plurality of segments, one of the segments being fixed to the disc or to a part of the cap fixed to the disc.

[0016] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising:

[0017] - a piping element, and

[0018] - a stopper as described above,

[0019] the disc being movable relative to the channeling element between the closed position and the rest position,

[0020] the first end, in the deployed configuration, being adapted, when the disc is in the closing position, to be pressed against and exert pressure on the radially inner surface of the end and the surface(s) being adapted to be pressed against and together exert counter-pressure on the radially inner surface to fix the disc in the closing position.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for sealing a pipe element, comprising the following steps:

[0022] - obtaining a pipe element and a plug as described above,

[0023] - displacement of the disk relative to the channeling element between the position of rest and obturator position, and

[0024] - when the disc is in the closed position, the fastening system is placed in the deployed configuration, the first end being pressed and exerting pressure on a radially inner surface of the end and the surface(s) being pressed and together exerting counter-pressure on the radially inner surface, the pressure and counter-pressure fixing the disc in the closing position by friction or stop of the first end and the surface(s) on the radially inner surface. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective view of an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing an external face of the disc, with the cap in the closed position,

[0027] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the cap shown on Fig. 1, showing an inner face of the disc and the fastening system,

[0028] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of the assembly shown in [Fig.1], in section along a plane passing through the central axis,

[0029] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of an assembly according to a second mode of realization of the invention, in cross-section along a plane passing through the central axis, and

[0030] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic perspective view of the cap shown on [Fig.4], showing the inner face of the disc and the fastening system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Together according to the first embodiment

[0031] With reference to figures 1 to 3, an assembly 10 is described according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0032] The assembly 10 includes a piping element 12 (figures 1 and 3), for example a pipe, and a plug 14 (figures 1 to 3).

[0033] The pipe element 12 is for example intended to be part of a pipe (not shown) for the transport of drinking water or wastewater.

[0034] The pipe element 12 is for example made of cast iron.

[0035] The pipe element 12 advantageously has a nominal diameter (DN), corresponding to its internal diameter, between 60 mm and 2000 mm.

[0036] The pipe element 12 has an end 16, for example plain or socketed, which the plug 14 is adapted to seal. This sealing is intended to protect the pipe element 12 before installation, particularly when the pipe element is stored or transported. "Sealing" means preventing, or limiting, the introduction of stagnant water, dirt, pollutants, or other foreign bodies (not shown) into the pipe element 12, within an internal volume 18 defined by the pipe element 12 and the plug 14.

[0037] According to its pressure resistance class, the pipe element 12 has a wall 20 of different thickness E ([Fig.3]), to which the plug 14 is advantageously able to adapt, as will be seen below.

[0038] The cap 14 includes a disc 22 defining a central axis X perpendicular to the disc, and a fastening system 24 mounted on the disc.

[0039] The X axis is also substantially the central axis of the pipe element 12 when the plug 14 closes the end 16.

[0040] In the example, the cap 14 also includes assembly parts 26 for assembling the disc. Disk

[0041] The disc 22 is intended to be movable relative to the pipe element 12 between a sealing position (Figures 1 and 3), in which the disc seals the end 16 of the pipe element, and a rest position, in which the disc 22 is away from the pipe element 12. The rest position is not shown, but can be easily deduced from Figures 1 and 3 by moving the disc 22 away from the pipe element 12, for example along the central axis X.

[0042] The disc 22 is advantageously circular in shape around the central axis X. The disc 22 is for example adapted to butt axially against an edge 28 of the end 16 in the closing position.

[0043] Advantageously, the disc 22 has a diameter D substantially between 60 mm and 2300 mm.

[0044] The disc 22 is advantageously made of wood, for example softwood. Wood has the advantage of not requiring manufacturing tools, unlike, for example, plastic caps.

[0045] The disc 22 is for example made up of several slats 32 or boards parallel to each other and joined together.

[0046] The slats 32 or planks are held by the assembly pieces 26.

[0047] In the example, there are two joining pieces 26, advantageously made of wood, fixed to the slats 32, on an inner face 34 of the disc 22. The joining pieces 26 extend, for example, perpendicularly to the slats 32. There may be more than two joining pieces 26, in particular for pipe elements having a DN of 1200 mm or more.

[0048] The two assembly pieces 26 are advantageously spaced apart from each other, for example by a distance DL greater than one quarter of the diameter D of the disk.

[0049] According to variants not shown, the disc 22 and / or the assembly parts 26 are made of materials other than wood. For some of these materials, the disc 22 may be a single piece and the cap 14 does not include the assembly parts 26. fastening system

[0050] The fastening system 24 comprises a first subsystem 24A having a first end 36 radially with respect to the central axis X, the first end being located in a first half-space El situated on one side with respect to a plane P passing through the central axis X. The fixing system 24 includes a second subsystem 24B defining one or more surface(s) 38 located in a second half-space E2 located on the other side of the plane P with respect to the first half-space El.

[0051] The fastening system 24 is mobile between a deployed configuration ([Fig.3]) and a retracted configuration ([Fig.2]).

[0052] In the deployed configuration, the first end 36 is adapted, when the disc 22 is in the closing position, to be pressed against and to exert a pressure Fl on a radially inner surface 30 of the end 16. The surface(s) 38 are adapted to be pressed against and together exert a counter-pressure F2 on the radially inner surface 30, the pressure and the counter-pressure being adapted to fix the disc 22 in the closing position by friction of the first end 36 and of the surface(s) 38 on the radially inner surface 30.

[0053] In the retracted configuration, at least the first end 36 is closer to the central axis X than in the deployed configuration.

[0054] Advantageously, if the radially inner surface 30 is not cylindrical (for example in the case of a socket end), the fastening device 24 is adapted so that the first end 36 and the surface(s) 38 have an inclination (not shown) with respect to the central axis X in the deployed configuration, so as to come against a portion of the radially inner surface 30.

[0055] The first subsystem 24A includes an arm 40, which defines the first end 36 and a second end 42 radially opposite the first end 36. The first subsystem 24A is adapted to keep the second end 42 in contact with the disk 22, or with a piece of the plug 14 fixed on the disk 22, in the example with a wedge 44.

[0056] The first subsystem 24A advantageously includes an adjustment device 43 to help move the fastening system 24 from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration and vice versa.

[0057] In the example, the wedge 44 is fixed on the inner face 34 of the disk 22, and has an inclined surface 46 defining an obtuse angle α with said inner face 34 on the side of the wedge 44.

[0058] The first subsystem 24A includes, for example, a retaining element 48.

[0059] In the example, the first end 36 is closer axially to the disk 22 in the deployed configuration than in the retracted configuration.

[0060] The wedge 44 is for example common to the first subsystem 24A and to the second subsystem 24B, forming two inclined surfaces 46, 50.

[0061] The arm 40 comprises a rod 52, preferably made of wood. Advantageously, the arm 40 comprises a skid 54 forming the first end 36.

[0062] The rod 52 has for example a rectangular section perpendicular to the length of the rod.

[0063] Opposite the pad 54, the rod 52 defines an inclined surface 56 forming an acute angle [3] with said inner face 34 on the side of the rod 52. The inclined surface 56 is adapted to cooperate with the inclined surface 46 of the wedge 44 to keep the second end 42 in contact with the disc 22.

[0064] The adjustment device 43 includes at least one adjustment screw 58, the adjustment screw having a head 60 located axially on the side of the disc 22 opposite the arm 40, the adjustment screw 58 being adapted to act on the arm 40, by screwing or unscrewing, to help move the fastening system 24 from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration.

[0065] Advantageously, the adjustment device 43 includes a nut 62 and a toothed washer 64 on the opposite side of the head 60 relative to the arm 40, so that the adjustment screw 58 tightens into the nut 62 and not into the wood of the rod 52, thus avoiding a risk of displacement of the adjustment screw 58.

[0066] The pad 54 is advantageously adapted to prevent slippage of the first end 36 on the radially inner surface 30. The pad 54 is for example made of elastomer material or cork.

[0067] Advantageously, the pad 54 makes it possible to compensate for any variations due to the fact that the wood is likely to work (shrink).

[0068] The retaining member 48 is advantageously adapted to hold the arm 40 if the adjusting screw 58 is removed. The retaining member 48 is adapted to hold the fastening system 24 substantially in the retracted configuration.

[0069] The retaining member 48 includes for example a metal strip 66 fixed on the arm 40 and on the wedge 44, or alternatively (not shown) directly on the disc 22.

[0070] In the example, the second subsystem 24B is structurally analogous to the first subsystem 24A and is substantially diametrically opposite to the first subsystem 24A with respect to the central axis X. The first subsystem 24A and the second subsystem 24B are, for example, symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane P. Therefore, the second subsystem 24B will not be described in detail.

[0071] In the example, the second subsystem 24B defines a single bearing surface 38, which is the analogue of the first end 36 of the first subsystem 24A.

[0072] According to variants not shown, the second subsystem 24B is not structurally analogous to the first subsystem 24A. For example, in the second subsystem 24B, the surface or surfaces 38 applying the counter-pressure F2 may be one or more fixed stops relative to the disk 22.

[0073] According to a particular embodiment (not shown), one or more ends 68 of the assembly parts 26 form the fixed stop(s). In other words, the ends 68 are adapted to butt against the radially inner surface 30 of end 16. Functioning

[0074] The operation of the assembly 10 is derived from its structure and will now be briefly described to illustrate a method according to the invention.

[0075] The disc 22 is initially in the rest position.

[0076] To seal the end 16, the disc 22 is moved relative to the channel element 12 between the rest position and the sealing position.

[0077] When the disc 22 is in the closed position, the fastening system 24 is moved into the deployed configuration. In the example, the fastening system 24 is manually moved from the retracted to the deployed configuration by acting on the adjusting device 43 of each of the first subsystem 24A and the second subsystem 24B. More specifically, the adjusting screw 58 is tightened or loosened using a screwdriver (not shown) applied to the head 60. This is also done for the second subsystem 24B.

[0078] In variants where the second subsystem 24B has fixed stop(s), only the adjusting screw 58 of the first subsystem 24A is actuated.

[0079] Thus, the first end 36 is pressed and exerts the pressure Fl on the radially inner surface 30 of the end 16. The rod 52 is braced between the radially inner surface 30 and the wedge 44.

[0080] In the example, the surface 38 is pressed and exerts the counter-pressure F2 on the radially inner surface 30. The pressure Fl and the counter-pressure F2 fix the disc 22 in the closing position by friction or stop of the first end 36 and of the surface 38 on the radially inner surface 30.

[0081] The fastening system 24, particularly when in its retracted configuration, allows the disc 22 to be moved from the rest position to the closing position, and conversely from the closing position to the rest position. Assembly according to the second embodiment

[0082] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, an assembly 100 is described according to a second embodiment of the invention. Assembly 100 is analogous to assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Similar elements bear the same numerals and will not be described again. Only the differences will be described in detail below.

[0083] The first subsystem 24A does not include the retaining member 48, nor the central wedge 44.

[0084] The arm 40 does not include the rod 52, but a metallic tab 152 having at least two folds 154 defining a plurality of segments 156, the first sub- system 24A comprising a wedge 158 fixed on one of the segments and forming the first end 36.

[0085] The tongue 152 advantageously forms a right angle.

[0086] Another of the segments 156 is mounted on the disc 22 or, according to an alternative not shown, on a part of the plug 14 fixed on the disc 22.

[0087] The adjustment device 43 allows the first subsystem 24A to be moved relative to the disk 22 between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration.

[0088] In the example, the second subsystem 24B is not structurally analogous to the first subsystem 24A, nor substantially diametrically opposite to the first subsystem with respect to the central axis X.

[0089] The second subsystem 24B comprises, for example, two systems 160 that are structurally similar to each other.

[0090] The first subsystem 24A and the two systems 160 advantageously define between them around the central axis X angles y (of which only one is shown on [Fig.5]) between 110° and 130°, for example of about 120°.

[0091] Each of the two systems 160 includes, for example, a metal tab 162 having at least two folds 164 defining a plurality of segments 166, one of the segments being fixed to the disc 22 or to a part of the cap 14 fixed to the disc. Each of the two systems 160 includes, for example, a shim 168, each defining a bearing surface 38.

[0092] Possibly, the wedges 158, 168 form pads (not shown) analogous to pad 54, or are pads.

[0093] According to an unrepresented variant, each of the two systems 160 is structurally analogous to the first subsystem 24A, that is to say, they each include an adjustment device analogous to the adjustment device 43.

[0094] According to another variant not shown, the first subsystem 24A and the second subsystem 24B do not include an adjustment device 43, and only the elasticity of the tabs 152, 162 is used to move from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration.

[0095] According to a particular method (not shown), the first end 36 is no closer axially to the disk 22 in the deployed configuration than in the retracted configuration. For example, the tab 152 is fixed to a base (not shown) itself fixed to the disk 22, and the tab 152 is configured so that the first end 36 moves parallel to the disk 22. The same configuration can be applied to both systems 160. In this case, the transition from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration is achieved, for example, by radial elastic deformation of the systems 160 or by means of an adjustment device for the systems 160 analogous to the adjustment device 43.

[0096] The operation of the stopper 100 is analogous to that of the stopper 10. Benefits

[0097] Thanks to the characteristics described above, the 10, 100 caps are simpler to manufacture and use.

[0098] Indeed, the material of the disc 22, in particular wood, is simple to obtain and less expensive than that of plastic discs beyond a certain minimum diameter.

[0099] The plugs 10, 100 described above can be repaired and easily reused.

[0100] In addition, the fixing system 24 being adjustable and / or having radial elasticity, the plug 14 can adapt to pipe elements 12 having the same external diameter but whose thickness E (and therefore the internal diameter) varies according to the pressure class of the pipe element.

[0101] In addition, the optional pad(s) 54 also allow the fixing system 24 to adapt to dimensional variations, particularly those related to wooden parts.

Claims

Demands

1. A plug (14) for sealing an end (16) of a pipe element (12), the plug (14) comprising: - a disc (22), preferably made of wood, defining a central axis (X) perpendicular to the disc (22), and - a fastening system (24) mounted on the disc (22), the disc (22) being intended to be movable relative to the pipe element (12) between a sealing position, in which the disc (22) seals the end (16) of the pipe element (12), and a rest position, in which the disc (22) is away from the pipe element (12), the fastening system (24) comprising: - a first subsystem (24A) having a first end (36) radially with respect to the central axis (X), the first end (36) being located in a first half-space (E1) situated on one side with respect to to a plane (P) passing through the central axis (X),and - a second subsystem (24B) defining one or more surfaces (38) located in a second half-space (E2) situated on the other side of the plane (P) with respect to the first half-space (E1), the fastening system (24) being movable between: - a deployed configuration, in which the first end (36) is intended, when the disc (22) is in the closed position, to be pressed against and exert pressure (F1) on a radially inner surface (30) of the end (16), and the surface(s) (38) are intended to be pressed against and exert counter-pressure (F2) on the radially inner surface (30), the pressure (F1) and the counter-pressure (F2) being adapted to fix the disc (22) in the closed position by friction or abutment of the first end (36) and the surface(s) (38) on the radially inner surface (30), and - a retracted configuration,in which at least the first endpoint (36) is closer to the central axis (X) than in the deployed configuration.

2. Plug (14) according to claim 1, wherein the first subsystem (24A) comprises an arm (40) defining the first end (36) and a second end (42) radially opposed to the first end (36), the first subsystem (24A) being adapted to keep the second end (42) in contact with the disc (22) or a part of the plug (14) fixed to the disc (22), the first end (36) being closer axially to the disc (22) in the deployed configuration than in the retracted configuration.

3. Plug (14) according to claim 2, wherein the first subsystem (24A) comprises an adjustment device (43) having at least one adjustment screw (58), the adjustment screw (58) having a head (60) located axially on the side of the disc (22) opposite the arm (40), the adjustment screw (58) being adapted to act on the arm (40), by screwing or unscrewing, to help move the fastening system (24) from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration.

4. Stopper (14) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the arm (40) comprises a rod (52), preferably made of wood.

5. Plug (14) according to claim 4, wherein the first subsystem (24A) comprises a wedge (44) fixed on the disc (22), the wedge (44) comprising an inclined surface (46) defining an obtuse angle (a) with the disc (22) on the side of the wedge (44), the rod (52) defining an inclined surface (56) forming the second end (42) of the arm (40), the inclined surface (56) of the rod (52) forming an acute angle (|3) with the disc (22) on the side of the rod (52), the inclined surface (56) of the rod (52) being adapted to cooperate with the inclined surface (46) of the wedge (44) to keep the second end (42) in contact with the disc (22).

6. Plug (14) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the second subsystem (24B) is structurally analogous to the first subsystem (24A) and substantially diametrically opposite to the first subsystem (24A) with respect to the central axis (X).

7. Plug (14) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the arm (40) has a metallic tab (152) having at least two folds (154) defining a plurality of segments (156), the first subsystem (24A) comprising a wedge (158) fixed on one of the segments (156) and forming the first end (36), another of the segments (156) being mounted on the disc (22) or on a part of the plug (14) fixed on the disc (22).

8. Plug (14) according to claim 7, wherein the second subsystem (24B) comprises two structurally analogous to each other, the first subsystem (24A) and the two systems (160) defining between each other around the central axis (X) angles (y) between 110° and 130°.

9. Cap (14) according to claim 8, wherein each of the two systems (160) comprises a metallic tab (162) having at least two folds (164) defining a plurality of segments (166), one of the segments (166) being fixed to the disc (22) or to a part of the cap (14) fixed to the disc (22).

10. Assembly (10; 100) comprising: - a pipe element (12), and - a plug (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the disc (22) being movable relative to the pipe element (12) between the sealing position and the rest position, the first end (36), in the deployed configuration, being adapted, when the disc (22) is in the sealing position, to be pressed against and exert pressure (F1) on the radially inner surface (30) of the end (16) and the surface(s) (38) being adapted to be pressed against and together exert counter-pressure (F2) on the radially inner surface (30) to fix the disc in the sealing position.

11. A method for plugging an end (16) of a pipe element (12), comprising the following steps: - obtaining a pipe element (12) and a plug (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - moving the disc (22) relative to the pipe element (12) between the rest position and the plugging position, and - when the disc (22) is in the plugging position, placing the fastening system (24) in the deployed configuration, the first end (36) being pressed against and exerting pressure (F1) on a radially inner surface (30) of the end (16), and the surface(s) (38) being pressed against and together exerting counter-pressure (F2) on the radially inner surface (30), the pressure (F1) and the counter-pressure (F2) fixing the disc (22) in the position sealing by friction or stop of the first end (36) and of the surface(s) (38) on the radially inner surface (30).

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