Pipe fitting, use of such pipe fitting, and method for formation of connection between pipe and pipe fitting

Abstract

To provide a pipe fitting that overcomes disadvantages of the prior art.SOLUTION: A pipe fitting (1) is supposed to comprise a socket (5), a cutting ring (3) and a counter bearing (4), where the pipe fitting (1) comprises four cones (13, 14, 16, 17), where the cones (13, 14, 16, 17) are dimensioned and arranged in such a way that, during the formation of the working position, first a first cutting edge (11) and then a second cutting edge (12) cut into a surface of a pipe end section (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint, to the use of such a pipe joint and to a method for making a connection between a pipe and such a pipe joint according to the independent claims. [Background technology]

[0002] Pipe fittings are known from the prior art. For example, Austrian patent no. 270316 (AT 270316 B) shows a pipe fitting consisting of a connector, a sealing ring with several notched edges and a union nut. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Austrian Patent No. 270316 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The subject matter of the independent claims is directed to solving the problem. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a pipe fitting including a socket. The socket is configured to receive and support a pipe end section and a notch ring belonging to the pipe, and is also configured to at least partially receive a counter-bearing. The pipe end section and notch ring can be fully inserted into the socket. For example, the counter-bearing can have an external thread that screws into the internal thread of the socket. Here, the socket preferably does not fully receive the counter-bearing. For example, it can be assumed that the external hexagonal portion of the counter-bearing is not located within the socket in the working position.

[0006] The counter bearing is preferably used to apply force to the notched ring to force it into the socket, while at the same time preventing the notched ring from exiting the socket.

[0007] To connect pipes to other components of the piping system, pipe fittings are preferably used, as described in more detail below. For example, two pipes can be connected to each other at their ends via pipe fittings.

[0008] The notching ring and the counter-bearing are preferably two separate parts. However, it is also possible to envision the notching ring and the counter-bearing being constructed as a single piece. This single piece design of the notching ring and the counter-bearing can be permanent. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a predetermined break point between the notching ring and the counter-bearing so that they can be intentionally separated from each other during the assembly process described below.

[0009] During assembly, i.e., during the formation of the connection between the piping and the piping fitting, the counter bearing applies a force to the notching ring, preferably along the longitudinal centerline of the notching ring.

[0010] The aforementioned piping with the aforementioned piping ends is not a required part of the present invention, rather the present invention serves to form a connection between the piping and the piping fitting.

[0011] The pipe fitting is designed so that the counter bearing and notch ring are pressed onto the pipe. This sliding at the start of assembly allows the working position, which is described in more detail below, to be reached after assembly.

[0012] The notching ring has a first end and a second end, and in a working position, the first end is positioned closer to the piping end of the piping than the second end.

[0013] At least two notch edges are disposed on the inside of the notch ring, with a first notch edge being disposed closer to the first end of the notch ring than the second notch edge. The same applies to any other notch edges. For example, if the notch ring includes a third notch edge, the second notch edge is disposed closer to the first end than the third notch edge.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, when reference is made to a first end or a second end without further specification of these ends, the respective ends of the notch ring are meant in principle.

[0015] The outer surface of the cutting ring includes at least a first outer cone portion and at least a second outer cone portion, the first outer cone portion being located closer to the first end of the cutting ring than the second outer cone portion.

[0016] Preferably, the contact surface of the notching ring, which is in contact with the corresponding contact surface of the counter bearing during assembly and in the operating position as described in detail below, forms at least a section of the second end of the notching ring. Preferably, the first notching edge forms at least a section of the first end of the notching ring. Therefore, in the above case, preferably, there is no section of the notching ring between the first end of the notching ring and the first notching edge.

[0017] In the working position, the first outer cone is positioned closer to the pipe end than the second outer cone, which is preferably the distal end of the pipe end section that penetrates deepest into the socket, e.g., resting on an end stop inside the socket.

[0018] The first outer cone portion forms a smaller angle with the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring than the second outer cone portion.

[0019] The interior surface of the socket includes at least a first interior cone and a second interior cone, the first interior cone forming a smaller angle with the longitudinal centerline of the socket than the second interior cone.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, when reference is made to an inner cone without further specification, this generally refers to the respective inner cone of the socket. In the context of the present invention, when reference is made to an outer cone without further specification, this generally refers to the respective outer cone of the notch ring.

[0021] The first inner cone is configured to operably engage with the first outer cone in the working position. The second inner cone is configured to operably engage with the second outer cone in the working position. As used herein, the working position is preferably understood to be the condition that exists after proper assembly of the pipe fitting, i.e., when the pipe end sections of piping are properly connected to the pipe fitting.

[0022] Preferably, in the working position, there is surface contact between the inner cone and the outer cone. The surfaces forming the first inner cone preferably are in surface contact with the surfaces forming the first outer cone in the working position. The same applies to the surfaces forming the second inner and outer cones. Before and during assembly, there is preferably initially line contact and point contact in the longitudinal sections.

[0023] The working position may be formed by a counter-bearing that moves the notching ring within the socket, preferably along its longitudinal centerline. Preferably, the longitudinal centerlines of the notching ring, socket, and piping are coincident during assembly and in the working position.

[0024] The cone is dimensioned and positioned so that during formation of the work position, i.e., assembly, the first cutting edge, then the second cutting edge, cuts into the surface of the piping end section. Preferably, the same applies to any additional cutting edges that may be present. For example, if the cutting ring has three cutting edges and the third cutting edge also cuts into the surface of the piping end section, the third cutting edge will cut into the surface of the piping end section after the second cutting edge.

[0025] The first notch edge located near the first end of the notch ring cuts into the surface first, i.e., before the second notch edge and any other notch edges, ensuring that as the counterbearing continues to apply force to the second end of the notch ring, the notch ring is compressed and deformed or bent.

[0026] Preferably, the first conical portions, i.e., the first inner conical portion and the first outer conical portion, first contact each other during assembly. Preferably, point or line contact and sliding of the first outer conical portion along the first inner conical portion occurs first until the aforementioned surface contact of the conical portions is formed. Preferably, the second conical portions, i.e., the second inner conical portion and the second outer conical portion, do not contact each other until the aforementioned surface contact of the first conical portions is formed. The surface contact between the second conical portions is then preferably achieved by expanding the angle between the second outer conical portion and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring, preferably by deforming or curving the cutting ring. When establishing the surface contact between the first conical portions, the angle between the first outer conical portion and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring is also expanded, preferably by curving the cutting ring, which at least assists in the formation of the aforementioned surface contact. In particular, when a notched edge is incorporated into the surface of the piping end section, the formation of a surface contact between the inner cone and the outer cone in conjunction with the curvature of the notched ring can be enabled and / or achieved.

[0027] The first cutting edge acts as an anchor, preventing or impeding translation of the cutting ring along the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring and socket. After the first cutting edge cuts, the cutting ring is compressed and deformed between the cutting edge and its second end. The section between the first end of the cutting ring and the first cutting edge, if any, experiences little force or deformation after this initial cut. If the first cutting edge is not the cutting edge closest to the first end of the cutting ring, as in the case of a piping connection according to AT 270316 B, the cutting edge between the first end of the cutting ring and the first inward-cutting cutting edge does not experience enough force to cut deep enough into the surface of the piping.

[0028] The cutting ring may include exactly two cutting edges. The cutting ring may also include exactly three or more cutting edges. The number of outer cones of the cutting ring does not have to correlate with the number of cutting edges. However, there are at least two outer cones and at least two cutting edges. The cutting ring variant with exactly two outer cones and two or three cutting edges is preferred.

[0029] Optional details and alternative embodiments are described below, which may be considered based on the above embodiments.

[0030] The socket can have an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the counterbearing. The counterbearing is preferably a hollow thread. When the present invention refers to a counterbearing, a hollow thread is always assumed. Therefore, the hollow thread, or generally the counterbearing, is preferably screwed into the socket, thereby pressing the notching ring into the socket so that the notching edges of the notching ring, starting from the first notching edge, advance into the surface of the pipe end section located in the socket. If the notching ring has three or more notching edges, at least the first and second notching edges preferably cut into the pipe end section one after the other. At the same time, during this screwing of the counterbearing, the inner and outer cones preferably come into face-to-face contact with each other, as will be described in more detail below. The design of the inner and outer cones preferably supports or forces the notching edges to engage with the pipe end section in the desired order, starting from the first notching edge.

[0031] A pipe fitting comprises or consists of the socket, notch ring and counter bearing as separately manufactured parts. A pipe fitting is therefore a system comprising at least three parts or exactly three parts.

[0032] The angle between the first inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket can be greater than the angle between the first outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring. The angle between the second inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket can be greater than the angle between the second outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring. This angular relationship results in point or line contact between the first cones during assembly, which changes to surface contact when the first cutting edge cuts. Point or line contact then occurs between the second cones, which changes to surface contact at the latest when they reach the working position. Typically, line contact occurs during the assembly process, which appears as a point contact in a cross-sectional view. However, it is also possible, for example, that point contact initially exists between the inner cone and the outer cone, followed by line contact, which then changes to surface contact.

[0033] The angle between the first outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring may be between 10° and 24°, preferably between 13° and 21°, more preferably between 15° and 19°. The angle may be approximately 17° or exactly 17°.

[0034] The angle between the second outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring may be between 20° and 35°, preferably between 22° and 32°, more preferably between 24° and 29°, and more preferably between 25° and 27°. The angle may be approximately 26° or exactly 26°. Here, the angle between the second outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring is preferably greater than the angle between the first outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring.

[0035] The angle between the second outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring can be 2° to 15° greater than the angle between the first outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring. It is also possible to envisage that said first angle is 4° to 12° or 6° to 11° greater than said second angle, more preferably 8° to 10°, and particularly preferably about 9° or exactly 9° greater.

[0036] The angle between the first inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket can be between 17° and 31°. This angle can preferably be between 20° and 28°, or between 22° and 26°. More preferably, the angle between the first inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket can be substantially 24° or exactly 24°.

[0037] The angle between the second inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket may be between 28° and 43°. This angle may preferably be between 29° and 43°, or between 31° and 34°. The angle between the second inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket may more preferably be substantially 32.5° or exactly 32.5°. Here, the angle between the second inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket is preferably greater than the angle between the first inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket.

[0038] The angle between the first inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket may be 3° to 11°, preferably 5° to 9°, particularly preferably 6° to 8°, and more preferably approximately 7° or exactly 7° greater than the angle between the first outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring.

[0039] The angle between the second inner cone and the longitudinal centerline of the socket may be 4° to 12°, preferably 5° to 10°, particularly preferably 6° to 8°, and more preferably about 6.5° or exactly 6.5° greater than the angle between the second outer cone and the longitudinal centerline of the cutting ring.

[0040] It can be assumed that in the working position, only one part of the pipe fitting cuts into the pipe, and this part is the cutting ring. Because only a single integral part "contributes" to cutting into the pipe, the pipe fitting can be constructed in a simple and robust manner. It does not rely on many different parts and is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, such a pipe fitting is very reliable in use.

[0041] It is possible to envisage that the contact surface of the slit ring and the counter-bearing is inclined at an angle of 81° to 89°, preferably 83° to 87°, more preferably 84° to 86°, and particularly preferably about 85°, relative to the longitudinal centerline of the aforementioned components. On the one hand, this inclination results in a force being applied to the slit ring during assembly, which acts primarily along the longitudinal centerline of the associated components. On the other hand, the slight inclination allows the slit ring to bend and expand to a certain extent in a spring-like manner during assembly, which has a positive effect on the assembly and retention of the connection between the pipe fitting and the pipe. For example, this curvature can assist in the alignment of the slit edge relative to the slit.

[0042] The socket may include means for connection to another part of the piping system, preferably part of the socket forming said means.

[0043] The other part can be a second pipe end section so that two pipes can be connected to each other via their end sections via a socket. Such a socket is preferably symmetrical.

[0044] The first outer cone can be assigned to a first cut edge and the second outer cone can be assigned to a second cut edge.

[0045] This allocation can be achieved by providing the aforementioned conical sections and components at least at similar heights and at least substantially in relation to the longitudinal centerline. In any case, this allocation preferably always means that the order of the cutting edges and conical sections between the first end of the cutting ring and the second end of the cutting ring corresponds to each other. Thus, starting from the first end, the first cutting edge and the first outer conical section continue towards the second end, followed by the second cutting edge and the second outer conical section.

[0046] The inner cone can be operatively engaged with the outer cone exactly in the working position, so that the transmission of forces and contact between the inner and outer cones is preferably performed by direct contact of the surfaces of the respective cones and is therefore not mediated via an intermediate part.

[0047] The effective connection of the cones in the working position is preferably achieved by the surface contact of the cones mentioned.

[0048] The socket, notch ring, and hollow screw can each be made of a high-alloy stainless steel. For example, the steels known under the following material designations can be considered here: 1.4404, 1.4401, 1.4301, 1.4571, 1.4435, 1.4542, 1.4462, 1.4501. Here, one of the aforementioned materials can be used for the socket, notch ring, and hollow screw. These three parts do not necessarily have to be made of the same material.

[0049] The outer layer of the cutting ring can be hardened, where surface hardening, in particular surface layer hardening, can be used.

[0050] The threads of the socket and counter-bearing, e.g. the socket and threads of the hollow screw, can be coated. Here, solid lubricants can be used, e.g. PTFE or MoS2.

[0051] The piping in which the piping fitting according to the present invention is used can be made of the same material as the socket, notched ring, and hollow thread.

[0052] The following describes the use of the above-described pipe fittings and methods of forming connections between pipes and such pipe fittings. The features and details described above in relation to the pipe fittings also apply to the uses and methods. The features and details described below in relation to the uses and methods also apply to the above-described pipe fittings.

[0053] The present invention also includes the use of at least one embodiment of the pipe fitting described above to form a connection between a pipe (preferably a pipe end section of a pipe) and the pipe fitting, and also includes the use of forming a connection between a socket and another component of a piping system (e.g., between the socket and a second pipe).

[0054] The pipe joint can preferably be used to conduct fluids at pressures of up to 4000 bar. Above 4000 bar there is a risk of the pipe joint bursting. The pipe joint is preferably used to conduct fluids at pressures of 600 bar to 4000 bar, more preferably 600 bar to 2650 bar.

[0055] The present invention further includes a method of forming a connection between a pipe and at least one embodiment of the pipe fitting described above, the method comprising: sliding the counter bearing and notch ring onto the pipe end section of the pipe; Inserting the piping end section and notch ring into the socket; applying a force acting essentially along the longitudinal centerline to the notching ring via the counter bearing to press the notching ring into the socket; Includes:

[0056] Preferably, the counter bearing is first pressed into the pipe end section of the pipe and then into the notched ring.

[0057] The application of force to the notching ring is preferably carried out via the contact surfaces of the notching ring and the counter-bearing, preferably the contact surfaces of the notching ring and the hollow screw, which are preferably inclined at 85° to the longitudinal centerline of said components, as already explained in connection with the pipe fitting.

[0058] Further advantages, configurations and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a pipe fitting 1 with a socket 5 partially shown. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting during assembly, i.e., during the formation of the connection between the pipe 15 and the pipe fitting 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a socket 5. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pipe fitting 1 according to FIG. 2 immediately after tightening the hollow screw 4. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the notch rings 3, 3a. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the notch rings 3, 3a. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of the pipe fitting 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of the pipe fitting 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of the pipe fitting 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of the pipe fitting 1. [Figure 11] Detail view according to FIG. 7. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a detailed view according to FIG. 8. [Figure 13] Detail view according to FIG. 9. [Figure 14] 11 is a detailed view according to FIG. 10. [Figure 15] Further detailed cross-sectional view of the notch ring 3. [Figure 16] Detailed cross section of Socket 5. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view according to FIG. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] All figures are schematic and the parts shown are not necessarily drawn to scale or in proportion to each other.

[0061] For clarity, not every component and feature in every drawing is provided with a reference number.

[0062] All figures, except for Figure 6, show the same pipe fitting 1, including the same parts in essentially the same orientation. Therefore, reference numerals omitted in some figures for clarity can be added with the other figures.

[0063] 1 shows the notching ring 3, hollow screw 4, and socket 5 (only partially shown) as the main components of the pipe fitting 1. Also shown are the locking portion 5, the first end 9 and second end 10 of the notching ring 3, the longitudinal centerline 21 of the socket 5, the longitudinal centerline 18 of the notching ring 3, the longitudinal centerline 30 of the hollow screw 4, the end locking portion 25, and the contact surface 20 of the hollow screw 4.

[0064] Figure 2 shows the parts of the pipe fitting 1 according to Figure 1 during assembly. For clarity, the pipe 15 is not shown here.

[0065] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the socket 5 with its longitudinal centerline 21, first inner cone 16, and second inner cone 17, as well as the internal threads 7. Also visible is the tubing guide section 29, which terminates in an end stop 25.

[0066] Figure 4 shows a portion of the pipe fitting 1 according to Figure 2 just before tightening of the hollow screw 4. Here, a portion of the pipe 15 is visible through the pipe end section 2 and the pipe end 28. Furthermore, the position of the hollow screw 4 and the notch ring 3 can be seen just before tightening.

[0067] 5 shows the cutting ring 3, showing its longitudinal centerline 18, the first and second outer conical portions 13 and 14, and the first, second and third cutting edges 11, 12 and 22. Also shown is the contact surface 19.

[0068] 6 shows a variant of the cutting ring 3a with only two cutting edges 11, 12. Otherwise, the cutting ring 3a according to FIG. 6 is similar to the cutting ring 3 according to FIG.

[0069] Figure 7 shows a view of the pipe fitting 1 according to Figure 4, where the pipe 15, the notch ring 3, the socket 5 and the hollow screw 4 are marked. All other details and parts of the pipe fitting 1 marked in Figure 4 are not marked in Figure 7 for clarity. Figure 7 shows the pipe fitting 1 at the start of assembly.

[0070] 8 and 9 show the pipe fitting 1 according to FIG. 7 during assembly.

[0071] Figure 10 shows the pipe fitting 1 according to Figures 7 and 8 after assembly, i.e. in the working position. Here, the longitudinal centerlines 18, 21, 30 of all parts 3, 4, 5 are shown, which coincide in the working position according to Figure 10 and during the assembly steps according to Figures 7 to 9. The same applies to the longitudinal centerline of the pipe 15, for which no reference number is provided.

[0072] FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of FIG.

[0073] FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of FIG.

[0074] FIG. 13 shows a detailed view of FIG.

[0075] FIG. 14 shows a detailed view of FIG.

[0076] FIG. 15 shows the angle of the outer cones 13, 14 relative to the longitudinal centerline 18 of the cutting ring 3.

[0077] FIG. 16 shows the angle of the inner cones 16, 17 relative to the longitudinal centerline 21 of the socket 5.

[0078] Figure 17 shows an exploded view of the pipe fitting 1, in which the axis of symmetry 24 is depicted. In contrast to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 to 10 and 16, Figure 17 also shows the right-hand part of the socket 5, which is designed to hold the notch ring 3 and the hollow screw 4, as shown in the previous views of the left-hand part of the socket 5. Furthermore, the external hexagonal part 31 of the hollow screw 4 is shown, through which the screw can be screwed into the internal thread 7 using a suitable tool.

[0079] Figure 18 shows a cross-section according to Figure 17. In particular, it is possible to see the longitudinal centre lines 18, 21, 30 of the three parts 3, 5, 4. Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 18 that the contact surfaces 19, 20 form angles of 85° with the longitudinal centre lines 18, 30, respectively.

[0080] With reference to Figures 1 to 18, the mode of operation of the pipe fitting 1 according to the invention and the method according to the invention will be explained as follows.

[0081] The hollow screw 4 and notching ring 3 are pressed onto the pipe end section 2 of the pipe 15. The pipe end section 2 with the notching ring 3 thereon is then inserted into the socket 5 until the pipe end 28 enters the pipe guide section 29. The external thread 8 of the hollow screw 4 can then be screwed into the internal thread 7 of the socket 5. In the working position, the pipe end 28 preferably rests on the end stop 25.

[0082] Initially, as shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 11, the contact surface 20 of the hollow screw 4 is not yet in contact with the contact surface 19 of the notching ring 3.

[0083] Starting from the position shown in Figures 7 and 11, if the external thread 8 of the hollow screw 4 is screwed in a little further, the contact surfaces 19, 20 will come into contact, resulting in an initial line contact 26 between the cutting ring 3 and the first inner cone 16. This line contact 26 can be seen as a point contact indicated by a circle in the cross-sectional view of Figure 12.

[0084] As the hollow screw 4 is further threaded, the first end 9 section of the cutting ring 3 slides along the first inner cone 16. This first end 9 bends toward the pipe end section 2, causing the first cutting edge 11 to cut into the pipe. A protrusion 27 is now formed, slowing and preventing further movement of the cutting ring 3 along the pipe end section 2 (i.e., to the right in Figures 7-14). As can be seen in Figures 9 and 13, the second cones 14, 17 are not yet in contact with each other. The second cutting edge 12 has also not yet cut into the pipe end section 2. The third cutting edge 22 has also not yet cut or ratcheted due to contact with the pipe end section 2. However, the first cones 13, 16 lie flat on top of each other.

[0085] Starting from the state shown in FIGS. 9 and 13, if the hollow screw 4 is further threaded into the internal thread 7, the notched ring 3 bends further until the position shown in FIGS. 10 and 14 is reached. Here, both the first conical portions 13, 16 and the second conical portions 14, 17 are flatly in contact with each other. The second notched edge 12 advances into the pipe end section 2. Furthermore, a spring-like bending release action forms a curved extension section 23. The third notched edge 22 overlaps (is on top of) the pipe end section 2, which also helps hold the pipe 15 in place. In this position, the pipe end section 2 (and therefore the entire pipe 15) is firmly secured to the pipe fitting 1.

[0086] From the above, it is clear that the socket 5 is configured to receive and support the pipe end section 2 and the notch ring 3, and is configured to partially receive the hollow screw 4, the external threads 8 of which are located in the operating position (e.g., in the socket) according to Figure 10.

[0087] The first outer cone 13 forms a smaller angle with the longitudinal centerline 18 of the cutting ring 3 than the second outer cone 14. Figure 15 shows the preferred region of said angle.

[0088] The first inner cone 16 forms a smaller angle with the longitudinal centerline 21 of the socket 5 than the second inner cone 17. Figure 16 shows the preferred range of the aforementioned angles.

[0089] For example, as can be seen in FIG. 14, the inner cones 16, 17 operably engage in the working position directly with the outer cones 13, 14 without the need for any further intermediate parts for contact and / or force transmission between said cones 13, 14, 16, 17.

[0090] As previously mentioned and also shown in Figures 11-14, although the angle is not shown therein, the contact surfaces 19, 20 are preferably inclined at approximately 85° to the longitudinal centerlines 18, 21. Thus, the force with which the hollow screw 4 moves into the notching ring 3 is essentially, if not entirely, parallel to the longitudinal centerlines 18, 21. The component of this force that is not parallel to the longitudinal centerline 18 supports the bending open of the notching ring 3 so that a curved expansion section 23 is formed, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0091] It can be seen from the figure that the longitudinal centre lines 18, 21, 30 are the axes of rotational symmetry of the respective parts 3, 5, 4.

[0092] 11-14 illustrate that the conical portions 13, 14, 16, and 17 are sized and positioned such that, during formation of the working position, i.e., assembly, the first cutting edge 11 and then the second cutting edge 12 cut into the surface of the pipe end section 2. As shown in FIG. 13 , after the first cutting edge 11 is cut, a protrusion 27 is formed, which, together with the first cutting edge 11, acts as an anchor to prevent or impede further movement of the cutting ring 3 along the longitudinal centerlines 18, 21 (i.e., to the right in FIG. 13 ). Thus, a comparison of FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrates that further movement of the hollow screw 4 to the right deforms the cutting ring 3, thus forming the curved expansion section 23 and forcing the first cutting edge 11 deeper into the surface of the pipe end section 2 and enlarging the protrusion 27. In particular, however, the second cutting edge 12 only cuts into the surface of the pipe end section 2 after the first cutting edge 11 has cut.

[0093] As in the case of a pipe connection according to AT 270316 B, if the second cutting edge 12 cuts into the surface first, it acts as an anchor. When force is applied to the cutting ring 3 by the hollow screw 4, the second cutting edge is forced deep into the surface, while the first cutting edge 11 is unable to dig deep enough into the surface. After the second cutting edge 12 has cut, further force applied to the cutting ring 3 by the hollow screw 4 can no longer be transmitted as desired to the section between the second cutting edge 12 and the first end 9 of the cutting ring 3. Therefore, if the second cutting edge 12 is cut first, successful cutting of the first cutting edge 11 is no longer guaranteed.

[0094] 11 to 14 in conjunction with FIGS. 15 and 16 show that the first conical sections 13, 16 and the second conical sections 14, 17 differ in terms of their angles relative to the respective longitudinal centerlines 18, 21. In the working position, the cutting ring 3 starting from FIGS. 7 and 11 is deformed accordingly during the formation of the working position shown in FIGS. 10 and 14, so that the first conical sections 13, 16 and the second conical sections 14, 17 nevertheless lie flat on top of one another. It is only as a result of this deformation that the aforementioned conical sections 13, 14, 16, 17 lie flat on top of one another.

[0095] 10 and 14 show that the pipe fitting 1 is particularly liquid-tight, because, on the one hand, the notched edges 11, 12 act into the surface of the pipe end section 2, and, on the other hand, the first conical portions 13, 16 and the second conical portions 14, 17 also lie flush against one another. Fluid routed inside the pipe 15 cannot escape between the surface of the pipe end section 2 and the notched ring 3 or between the notched ring 3 and the socket 5 to leave the pipe connection 1. Here, it may be sufficient if the first conical portions 13, 16 and the first notched edge 11 create the above-mentioned sealing effect.

[0096] The first conical sections 13, 16 (i.e., the first inner conical section 16 and the first outer conical section 13) initially contact each other during assembly (i.e., before the second conical sections 14, 17 contact each other). In this process, point or line contact occurs first, followed by sliding contact between the first outer conical section 13 and the first inner conical section 16 until surface contact is formed between the aforementioned conical sections 13, 16. This can be seen in Figures 12-14. The second conical sections 14, 17 (i.e., the second inner conical section 17 and the second outer conical section 14) do not contact each other until the aforementioned surface contact of the first conical sections 13, 16 is formed. Thereafter, the surface contact between the second conical sections 14, 17 is preferably achieved by bending the cutting ring 3 to increase the angle between the second outer conical section 14 and the longitudinal centerline 18 of the cutting ring 3. 13 and 14. Also, in forming the surface contact between the first conical portions 13, 16, the angle between the first outer conical portion 13 and the longitudinal centerline 18 of the cutting ring 3 is preferably enlarged by curving the cutting ring 3, which at least assists in forming said surface contact. In particular, the penetration of the cutting edges 11, 12 into the surface of the pipe end section 2, in conjunction with the curvature of the cutting ring 3, can ensure the formation of surface contact between the inner and outer conical portions 13, 14, 16, 17, and vice versa.

[0097] While only certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0098] First of all, it should be emphasized that almost all the parts shown in the figure are parts of the same pipe fitting. Only the notch ring 3a is a slight modification of the notch ring 3.

[0099] Alternatively, alternatives may be considered that are described in subsequent paragraphs but are not shown in the figures.

[0100] The cones 13, 14, 16, 17 may be different from the cones shown in Figures 1 to 18. A different design or shape of the cones 13, 14, 16, 17 may also ensure that the first cone 13, 16 and the second cone 14, 17 are operatively engaged in the working position.

[0101] The same applies to the cutting edges 11, 12. Cones 13, 14, 16, 17 of different nature or shape and / or cutting edges 11, 12 of different nature or shape can ensure that during the formation of the working position, first the first cutting edge 11 and then the second cutting edge 12 cut into the pipe end section 2 or into its surface.

[0102] Instead of the hollow screw 4, another suitable counter-bearing can be provided, which is preferably always configured to move the cutting ring 3 into the working position. For this purpose, for example, the counter-bearing can have an internal thread that deviates from the diagram and corresponds to the external thread of the socket. Further alternatives are possible.

[0103] The notching ring 3 and the hollow screw 4, or generally the notching ring 3 and the counter-bearing, can be executed in one piece as an alternative to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 18. Here, the notching ring 3 and the counter-bearing, e.g. the hollow screw 4, can be connected permanently or via a predetermined break point. For example, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the predetermined break point can be used to release the notching ring 3 from the counter-bearing during the screwing process.

[0104] The contact surfaces 19, 20 are preferably inclined at approximately 85° to the longitudinal centerlines 18, 30. Deviations are contemplated.

[0105] The pipe fitting 1 shown in FIG. 17 allows two pipes 15 to be connected to each other at a pipe end section 2. Based on FIG. 17, numerous alternative embodiments can be envisioned, including alternative means 6 for connecting to another part of the pipe system. Here, an axis of symmetry 24 is not necessarily present. Thus, the socket 5 can have different designs on the left and right sides, with modifications of the variant shown in FIG. 17.

[0106] Preferably, the first cutting edge 11 is assigned to the first outer conical section 13, and the second cutting edge 12 is assigned to the second outer conical section 14. As can be seen from the combination of Figures 1, 5, 6, 9, and 15, the first cutting edge 11 can be positioned approximately at the height of the first outer conical section 13 with respect to the longitudinal centerline 18, and the second cutting edge 12 can be positioned approximately at the height of the second outer conical section 14. Preferably, the cutting edges 11, 12 are positioned at the edges, rather than in the center, of the extent of the outer conical sections 13, 14 along the longitudinal centerline 18. They are preferably positioned at the edges of the conical sections 13, 14, closer to the first end 9 of the cutting ring 3. The second cutting edge 12 can also be shifted slightly to the right based on Figure 15.

[0107] The outer cones 13, 14 and the inner cones 16, 17 are directly adjacent to one another in the embodiment shown in the figures. For example, the second outer cone 14 is directly adjacent to the first outer cone 13. Alternatively, it may be envisaged that the outer cones 13, 14 on the cutting ring 3 and the inner cones 16, 17 in the socket 5 are not arranged directly adjacent to one another, but that a small distance is provided between them.

[0108] Particularly preferred are rings 3, 3a with two outer cones 13, 14 and two or three cutting edges 11, 12, 22. The third cutting edge 22 is optional here. It can be incorporated into the pipe end section 2 in addition to the other two cutting edges 11, 12, preferably after the second cutting edge 12. Alternatively, the third cutting edge 22 can simply overlap the pipe end section 2 in the working position. If present, the third cutting edge 22 simply overlaps the pipe end section 2, where it functions as a support edge. Furthermore, alternatively, an alternative cutting ring 3a can be used in all of the illustrated variations without the third cutting edge 22.

[0109] 12 to 14, an embodiment can also be considered in which the second conical portions 14, 17, i.e. the second inner conical portion 17 and the second outer conical portion 14, are already in contact before the surface contact between the first conical portions 13, 16 is completely formed.

[0110] 1, 5, and 6 show that the first cutting edge 11 preferably forms a section of, or is located at, the first end 9 of the cutting ring 3, 3a. The contact surface 19 preferably forms, or is located at, the second end 10 of the cutting ring 3, 3a. Thus, there is no section of the cutting ring 3, 3a between the first end 9 of the cutting ring 3, 3a and the first cutting edge 11. Alternatives are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Pipe fittings 2 Pipe end sections 3 Notched Ring 4 hollow screws 5 sockets 6 Means for connecting to other parts of the piping system 7 Female thread 8 Male thread 9 First end 10 second end 11 first cut edge 12 Second notched edge 13 First outer cone 14 Second outer cone 15 Piping 16 First inner cone 17 Second inner cone 18 Longitudinal centerline of notched ring 19 Contact surface of notched ring 20 Hollow screw contact surface 21 Socket longitudinal centerline 22 Third notched edge 23 curved extension section 24 Axis of Symmetry 25 End locking part 26 Line contact part 27 Protrusion 28 Pipe end 29 Piping Guide Section 30 Longitudinal centerline of hollow screw 31 External hexagonal part

Claims

1. A pipe fitting (1) comprising a socket (5), the socket (5) is configured to receive and hold a pipe end section (2) and a notch ring (3) belonging to the pipe (15) and is configured to at least partially receive a counter bearing (4); The pipe fitting (1) is designed so that the counter bearing (4) and the notched ring (3) are pressed onto the pipe (15); the cutting ring (3) has first and second ends (9, 10), the first end (9) being located closer to a pipe end (28) of the pipe (15) than the second end (10) in a working position; At least two notched edges (11, 12) are arranged inside the notched ring (3), a first notched edge (11) being arranged closer to the first end (9) than a second notched edge (12); The outer surface (3) of the cutting ring comprises at least a first outer cone (13) and a second outer cone (14), the first outer cone (13) being located closer to the first end (9); the first outer cone portion (13) is positioned closer to the end of the pipe (28) at the working position than the second outer cone portion (14); Furthermore, the first outer cone (13) forms a smaller angle with the longitudinal centerline (18) of the cutting ring (3) than the second outer cone (14); The inner surface of the socket (5) comprises at least a first inner cone (16) and a second inner cone (17); the first inner cone (16) forms a smaller angle with the longitudinal centerline (21) of the socket than the second inner cone (17); the first inner cone (16) is configured to operably engage with the first outer cone (13) in the working position, and the second inner cone (17) is configured to operably engage with the second outer cone (14) in the working position; The working position can be achieved by a counter bearing (4) moving the notching ring (3) into the socket (5), The conical portions (13, 14, 16, 17) are sized and positioned so that, during formation of the working position, first the first cutting edge (11) and then the second cutting edge (12) cut into the surface of the pipe end section (2).

2. 2. Pipe fitting (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the socket (5) has an internal thread (7) which corresponds to the external thread (8) of the counter bearing (4).

3. 3. A pipe fitting (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pipe fitting (1) comprises the socket (5), the notch ring (3) and the counter bearing (4) as separately manufactured parts or consists of these parts.

4. 4. The pipe fitting (1) according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the first inner cone (16) and the longitudinal center line (21) of the socket (5) is greater than the angle between the first outer cone (13) and the longitudinal center line (18) of the cutting ring (3), and the angle between the second inner cone (17) and the longitudinal center line (21) of the socket (5) is greater than the angle between the second outer cone (14) and the longitudinal center line (18) of the cutting ring (3).

5. A pipe fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the angle between the first outer conical portion (13) and the longitudinal center line (18) of the cutting ring (3) is between 10° and 24°, preferably between 13° and 21°, more preferably between 15° and 19°, and the angle between the second outer conical portion (14) and the longitudinal center line (18) of the cutting ring (3) is between 20° and 35°, preferably between 22° and 32°, more preferably between 24° and 29°.

6. 6. The pipe fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the angle between the first inner cone (16) and the longitudinal center line (21) of the socket (5) is between 17° and 31°, and the angle between the second inner cone (17) and the longitudinal center line (21) of the socket (5) is between 28° and 43°.

7. Pipe fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by exactly one single part in the form of said cutting ring (3) which cuts into said pipe in said working position.

8. 8. A pipe fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the contact surfaces (19, 20) of the slit ring (3) and the counter-bearing (4) have an inclination of 81° to 89°, preferably 83° to 87°, more preferably 84° to 86°, and particularly preferably about 85° relative to the longitudinal centerline (18, 30).

9. Pipe fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the socket (5) further comprises means (6) for connection to another part of a piping system.

10. A pipe fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first outer cone (13) is assigned to the first cut edge and the second outer cone (14) is assigned to the second cut edge (12).

11. A pipe fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the inner cone (16, 17) is in direct operative engagement with the outer cone (13, 14) in the working position.

12. Use of a pipe fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for forming a connection between a pipe (15) and said pipe fitting (1).

13. 13. Use of a pipe coupling (1) according to claim 12 for passing fluids at a pressure of up to 2650 bar.

14. A method for forming a connection between a pipe (15) and a pipe fitting (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: pressing the counter bearing (4) and the notch ring (3) onto the pipe end section (2) of the pipe (15); Inserting the pipe end section (2) and the notch ring (3) into the socket (5); applying a force to the notching ring (3) via the counter-bearing (4) acting essentially along the longitudinal centerline (18, 21) to press the notching ring into the socket (5); A method comprising:

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