Assembly ring and pipe connection system

Abstract

An assembly ring (10) for a pipe connection system (11) is proposed, the assembly ring (10) comprising a support ring (30) and a functional ring (20). The support ring (30) comprises at least one holding member (40) for the functional ring (20), and the functional ring (20) is rotatably mounted on the holding member (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly ring as described in the preamble of claim 1 and a pipe connection system as described in claim 13.

Background Art

[0002] Pipes are often connected to each other using pipe clamps. For example, it is necessary to ensure that the ends of the pipes connected to each other are firmly fixed so that the material transported through the pipes, especially liquids, does not leak from the connection point. For this purpose, it is common to arrange corresponding assembly parts between the ends of the two pipes to be connected. This assembly part is usually annular and, in particular, can function as a seal.

[0003] A common problem is that during assembly, a plurality of parts, namely, the ends of two pipes, a pipe clamp, and a seal, must be handled simultaneously. In particular, when the pipe clamp has not yet been tightened, for example, when the tool for tightening has already been positioned in one hand, it is difficult to hold all the parts simultaneously with the other hand, so there is a risk that the remaining parts that have already been positioned may shift or fall. This is time-consuming and nerve-racking, and there is also a possibility that the assembly work may have to be done again from the beginning. Also, even if the seal does not fall, it may shift unnoticed during assembly. As a result, the ends of the pipes connected to each other may be in a state where they are only inadequately sealed to each other. This problem also occurs, for example, when attaching a strainer member, a sensor, or a similar part to the connection point.

[0004] For example, European Patent No. 2598785 discloses a clamp system for connecting a first pipe and a second pipe. This clamp system includes a clamp and a washer, and the washer is fixedly connected to the clamp. The washer is used here as a seal member.

[0005] First, it may be a problem that the flat washer used as the sealing member is fixedly connected to the clamp. As a result, it is impossible or only possible to a very limited extent to manufacture the clamp and the flat washer from different materials. However, this is often exactly what is desired. For example, the seal is made of a soft and plastically deformable material, while the clamp is made as strong and dimensionally stable as possible. If the two parts are fixedly connected to each other, using materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion may cause high stress between the parts, ultimately leading to undesirable leakage. In this regard, it is more advantageous to configure the seal and the clamp from different materials and as separate parts. However, this is the exact opposite of the above-mentioned problem, namely, difficult assembly, sometimes troublesome, and prone to errors.

[0006] Therefore, it is an object to provide an improved assembly ring that can be used in a pipe connection system. This assembly is intended to be as simple and error-free as possible. At the same time, it is also intended to enable, for example, manufacturing a seal with an assembly ring made of a material different from that of the connection clamp and / or quickly, simply, and reliably attaching other parts such as a strainer member and a sensor to the connection point.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main features of this invention are defined in the characterizing parts of claim 1 and claim 13. The improvements are the subject matter of claims 2 to 12.

[0008] There is proposed an assembly ring for a pipe connection system, wherein the assembly ring has a support ring and a functional ring, the support ring has at least one holding member for the functional ring, and the functional ring is rotatably attached to the holding member.

[0009] In this context, an assembly ring is a device used for connecting two pipes, preventing substances transported through the pipes from leaking at the connection point, and / or enabling the attachment of other components such as strainer members and sensors to the connection point within the pipes. In this regard, the assembly ring can serve as a sealing member. The connection of the pipes is preferably a connection in which the pipes are connected by a clamp, particularly preferably a V-profile clamp. It is also conceivable that the pipes have straight or flanged end pieces that are connected to each other. However, the assembly ring can be used particularly advantageously when two pipes are connected to each other, i.e., when the first pipe has a funnel-shaped end piece and the second pipe has a double-conical end piece that is inserted into the funnel-shaped end piece.

[0010] A pipe connection system is a set of components that can be used to connect two pipes to each other. The assembly ring is one of the components of this set.

[0011] The support ring supports the functional ring. The support ring of the assembly ring is preferably designed to be fixed to components such as V-profile clamps used to connect two pipe ends. Other components are also preferably part of the components of the pipe connection system. For example, the support ring can be manufactured as a punched and bent part, i.e., a part that is punched from a material and then bent into a predetermined shape. For example, the support ring can be punched from a metal sheet, and the retaining member can be easily bent inward. The support ring can have a flat basic shape or a conical basic shape. When having a flat shape, it can also be regarded as a circular disk. The shape of the assembly ring corresponds to the shape of the support ring.

[0012] When the assembly ring is conical, there is no limitation to a specific angle, but depending on the application range, it can be considered to have the desired inclination of the side surface of the cone and the position of the plane.

[0013] The functional ring is designed as a separate component and is held by the support ring by a holding member. The functional ring is arranged between the two pipe ends in the mounted state. The functional ring can form a seal. It is also conceivable that the functional ring supports other components such as sensors and strainer members. The other components can protrude from the functional ring into the space between the pipes.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the support ring and the functional ring have a substantially annular disk shape, with a substantially circular outer periphery, an annular portion, and a similarly substantially circular recess in the center. When the functional ring functions as a seal, it is also conceivable that at least a part is designed as a volume seal.

[0015] The holding member is part of the support ring. For example, it can be hook-shaped or rail-shaped. Preferably, the holding member is formed such that a gap or cut is formed between the holding member and the annular portion of the support ring into which the functional ring can be inserted. The holding member may be integrally formed with the support ring. It is also conceivable that the holding member is attached to the support ring by a method of fitting, press-fitting, or integrally bonding, such as soldering, clipping, or crimping.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous for the functional ring to be rotatably, i.e. movably, held by the support ring. Rotatable attachment here is understood to mean that the functional ring is fixed to the support ring. Thus, the two components do not separate on their own. At the same time, the two components are arranged such that the central points of their respective circles substantially overlap each other and the annular disks are located in substantially parallel planes to each other. Thus, there can be an imaginary axis passing through the central points of the support ring and the functional ring, which serves as the rotation center of the two components. The support ring and the functional ring can rotate independently of each other in the same or opposite directions. In other words, the support ring and the functional ring are positioned parallel to each other and can be twisted relative to each other. The functional ring has a slight play in the uninstalled state and is still firmly held by the assembly ring. Due to this mobility, the assembly ring can be easily fixed in the desired position. For example, finally, it can be fixed simply by tightening the V-profile clamp and can perform the sealing function. At the same time, the support ring and the functional ring are attached and aligned together during assembly. There is no need to manually guide or handle multiple parts.

[0017] In a simple form, the assembly ring can have a flat disk shape. Alternatively, the assembly ring can also have a conical shape that conforms to the conical shape of the double-conical end of a pipe, or the corresponding shape of the funnel-shaped end of a pipe connected to the double-conical end of a first pipe. When the assembly ring has such a shape, at least the support ring has the corresponding conical shape. Preferably, in this case, the functional ring also has the corresponding conical basic shape. However, it is also conceivable that the functional ring is made of a corresponding elastic material and simply conforms to the basic shape of the support ring.

[0018] There is also an advantage that the functional ring can be made of a material different from the support ring. In this way, the materials of the two parts can be selected independently of each other to be optimal for the purposes for which they are used. For example, a rubber-coated metal seal, a combination of metal and mica, or a combination of metal and graphite generally called a graphite seal, etc., used in the area of a cooling system of a battery or a stationary energy storage system, a multilayer seal composed of different material combinations and density layers, or a seal made of, for example, cork, etc. can be considered. It is also conceivable to manufacture the support ring from a material with higher dimensional stability than the functional ring. Thereby, the functional ring can easily conform to the gap between the two pipes to be connected, and at the same time, the stable support ring ensures that the assembly ring stays in the correct position and does not shift. In this regard, preferably, the functional ring is composed of a material softer than the support ring. It is also conceivable that the functional ring is manufactured from a material with particularly high heat resistance. When the functional ring and the support ring are not fixedly connected to each other and the functional ring is held movably with respect to the support ring, it can be seen that using different materials for the functional ring and the support ring is advantageous with respect to different coefficients of thermal expansion. In this regard, in principle, a wide variety of materials and shapes can be considered for the design of the corresponding seal.

[0019] In a variant of the preferred embodiment, at least one retaining member has a U-shaped longitudinal section. Such a U-shaped cross-section is particularly advantageous for enabling the rotatable attachment of the functional ring. The corresponding longitudinal section may also be C-shaped or V-shaped. What is important is that it has an upper leg which is part of the support ring and a lower leg on which the functional ring rests. The lower leg is formed by the annular part of the support ring. The upper leg is arranged around the outer edge of the functional ring in the mounted state. In this case, in the mounted state, it is particularly advantageous if the functional ring is inserted into the U-shaped cross-section of at least one retaining member so that a gap is formed between the free U-shaped legs and the functional ring. In the simplest case, the support ring is formed as a part punched out from a metal sheet, and the retaining member can be considered to first extend outward from the outer circumference of the ring, i.e., in a direction away from the ring center, as a strip-like extension and then be bent back in the direction of the ring center during the manufacture of the support ring. The width and length of the strip-like extension, and thus the width and length of the retaining member, can vary. The width is understood to mean the length along the outer circumference of the annular part, and the length is understood to mean the radial length with respect to the radius of the annular part. In this regard, the retaining member can be regarded as having a narrow hook shape. If the width is large, it can also be considered to be rail-shaped.

[0020] It can be seen that it is advantageous when at least two retaining members are provided. For example, two diametrically opposed retaining members can be provided. However, it is particularly advantageous if a plurality of retaining members are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the support ring. In particular, when hook-shaped retaining members are used, it can be seen that they save material compared to a full or partial circumferential retaining rail and can be manufactured more simply.

[0021] In other words, the retaining member can be hook-shaped or rail-shaped. The retaining member can extend along a part of the outer circumference of the support ring. A plurality of retaining members can be formed at different positions on the outer circumference of the support ring. The retaining members can be arranged in pairs facing each other. The retaining members can be arranged so as to form a polygon. It is particularly advantageous when the lengths of the sides of the polygon are equal. The force distribution of the holding force is uniformly distributed on the outer circumferences of the support ring and the functional ring. In any case, it is advantageous if the retaining member is arranged on the outer circumferential side of the support ring.

[0022] In a variant of another preferred embodiment, the functional ring has a retaining collar and a sealing portion. The retaining collar is preferably flat and parallel to the surface of the annular portion of the support ring. The retaining collar is the portion that engages with the retaining member of the functional ring. Preferably, a gap is formed between the retaining collar and the upper leg portion of the retaining member. Thereby, the mobility of the functional ring in the retaining portion thus formed is assisted. Both the retaining collar and the sealing portion are integrally formed and only differ in shape. The retaining collar is flat and parallel to the surface of the annular portion of the support ring as described above, while the sealing portion is preferably curved. Thereby, there is an advantage that the retaining collar can maintain its shape even when pressure is applied to the curved sealing portion during assembly and tightening of the V-profile clamp. Thereby, when the profile clamp is tightened, the force acts to deform the support ring, and the risk that the functional ring slips off the support ring can be reduced. At the same time, it is also possible to achieve an optimal seal that could not be achieved with an uncurved assembly ring or that could only be achieved with a much greater acting force. In this regard, it can be seen that it is advantageous if the retaining collar is located within the retaining member. Furthermore, it is also advantageous if the sealing portion is formed with elasticity and / or if the sealing portion has a curved shape.

[0023] In still other embodiments, the functional ring has a support portion. The support portion can be formed, for example, as an extension of the seal portion arranged towards the center of the circle. The support portion is also flat like the retaining collar. When the assembly ring is used to connect the funnel-shaped end of the first pipe and the double-conical end of the second pipe, the support portion in the mounted state can fit onto the outer wall of the double-conical end of one pipe, and at the same time the seal portion is pressed against the inner wall of the funnel-shaped end of the other pipe with its bulge. In this way, a good and stable seal can be achieved.

[0024] Regardless of the structure of the functional ring, it is advantageous for the support ring to have at least one clamping member. The clamping member can be used to temporarily assemble the assembly ring to the V-profile clamp. In this way, the assembly ring can first be loosely but firmly fixed to the V-profile clamp. During assembly, the V-profile clamp and the assembly ring can be attached simultaneously as one part to the first of the two pipes to be connected. It is advantageous if at least four clamping members are formed. Three or four or more clamping members are also conceivable. The clamping members are preferably arranged evenly along the outer circumference of the support ring. The clamping member is configured such that the assembly ring can be fixed to the V-profile clamp using the clamping member. Preferably, the clamping member has two clamping wings for circumferential clamping. The clamping wings are arranged in a V-shape. The clamping member also has an elbow to assist with side support.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the support ring has at least one first assembly member for fixing to the first pipe. Thereby, the assembly ring can be pre-assembled to one of the two pipes to be connected. The support ring can be used to pre-assemble the assembly ring to a V-profile clamp. For example, the assembly ring can simply be clipped to the first pipe end. More specifically, the support ring can be clipped to the first pipe end. As a result, the entire assembly ring, and also the pipe connection system composed of the profile clamp and the assembly ring, can also be clipped to the pipe end. This can be done, for example, with two or three fingers of one hand while holding the pipe between the index finger, little finger, and palm in the case of a small pipe. Of course, this kind of pre-assembly of the assembly ring is also possible for larger pipes. Also, it is conceivable to thereby pre-assemble and pre-position the assembly ring at the first pipe end. As a result, it becomes possible to assemble the two pipes with one hand. It can be seen that it is advantageous if the assembly member is, for example, a clip member or a spring member.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the support ring has at least one second assembly member for fixing to the second pipe. Similarly, the second pipe can be easily snap-fixed with the help of the second assembly member. The two assembly members hold the support ring, and thus the assembly ring, and fix it between the pipes to be connected, even when the V-profile clamp has not yet been tightened. Then, when the V-profile clamp is tightened, the assembly ring finds its optimal position and then aligns itself so as to be truly tightly fixed. It can be seen that it is advantageous if at least two first assembly members and two second assembly members are formed. The assembly members may extend along a part of the outer periphery of the support ring. A plurality of assembly members may be formed at different positions on the outer periphery of the support ring. The assembly members can be arranged as pairs facing each other. For example, the assembly members can be arranged to form a polygon, in which case the sides of the polygon are preferably of equal length. Thereby, the distribution of the holding force is evenly dispersed over the entire outer periphery.

[0027] In a modification of a possible embodiment, for example, it is defined that the holding member, the assembling member, and / or the clamping member are each formed as a pair at positions diametrically opposed along the outer circumference of the support ring. Due to such a symmetrical arrangement, forces, pressures, and weights are evenly distributed over the entire circumference of the assembling ring. The arrangement of the holding member, the clamping member, and the assembling member extending from the support ring in four main directions is also advantageous. Assuming the support ring is a circular disk, a circular plane in which the circular disk is located can be defined. The circular disk has an outer circumference. From this plane and the outer circumference, two different directions can be defined respectively, that is, upward from the plane, downward from the plane, outward from the outer circumference, and inward from the outer circumference towards the center point of the circle. The main directions of each member can extend as follows. That is, the holding member is preferably oriented from the outer circumference towards the inside, with the open cross-section side facing this direction. The clamping member is preferably oriented from the outer circumference towards the outside. The assembling member is aligned downward or upward from the plane, and similar assembling members are aligned in the same direction respectively. The angle at which each member extends in its respective direction is variable and can be adapted to the specific embodiment in each case.

[0028] In a further modification of other embodiments, it is conceivable that at least one clamping member simultaneously forms at least one holding member. Such a clamping member may sometimes be called a composite clamping and holding member. The corresponding support ring can have, for example, at least one, preferably more, composite clamping and holding members and at least one first assembling member and at least one second assembling member.

[0029] In any case, as described above, the functional ring can be considered to be a sealing member. The sealing member can be composed of different materials and / or combinations of materials. For example, rubber-coated metal seals, cork seals, or graphite seals or multi-layer seals made of composite materials of metal and mica, or metal and graphite are conceivable. Needless to say, this list is provided for illustrative purposes only, and many other materials and combinations of materials are possible. The assembly ring is also suitable for various different applications within this range.

[0030] In a modification of one embodiment, it is conceivable that the functional ring has at least one, preferably two, elastically deformable fingers protruding radially inward. When positioning the assembly ring, these fingers can be used to apply a preload to the flange to which the assembly ring is fixed. Such a preload facilitates assembly with one hand.

[0031] In a modification of other embodiments, at least one of the aforementioned members disposed on the support ring, that is, one of the holding member, the clamping member, the composite member of clamping and holding, the first assembly member and / or the second assembly member, can be considered to form a pin member for the preliminary positioning device. Alternatively, such a pin member can also be designed as an additional member on the support ring. In any case, such a pin member is designed to be engageable, for example, in a groove formed on the flange of the pipe portion to which the assembly ring is to be attached.

[0032] In yet another aspect, a pipe connection system for connecting a first pipe and a second pipe is provided, the pipe connection system comprising a V-profile clamp and the above-described assembly ring, the first pipe having a funnel-shaped end, the second pipe having a double-conical end, the functional ring of the assembly ring in the mounted state being disposed between the inside of the funnel-shaped end of the first pipe and the outside of the double-conical end of the second pipe, and the support ring in the mounted state being disposed between the first pipe, the second pipe, and the V-profile clamp. It goes without saying that what has been described above with respect to the assembly ring and its configuration also applies fully to the assembly ring referred to here in the pipe system. In this regard, reference is made to what has been described above with respect to the configuration of the assembly ring. Such a pipe connection system has many advantages. In particular, the assembly ring fits optimally between the two pipe ends during assembly. By means of the clamping member and the assembly member, the assembly ring can be pre-positioned together with the V-profile clamp at the pipe ends. Thereafter, the second pipe end can be inserted very easily. The assembled pipe ends can be held with one hand without the risk of the parts coming apart or the seal shifting.

[0033] In a modification of an embodiment, a pre-positioning device is formed between at least one pipe and the support ring of the assembly ring, the pre-positioning device being provided with a pin member formed on the support ring and a groove formed on the first pipe or the second pipe. Preferably, the grooves are formed in the region of each pipe end. During assembly, the pin member of the assembly ring can engage the groove. This simplifies the alignment of the assembly ring at the pipe end. In particular, the assembly ring is securely locked in the correct position.

[0034] In addition, it is also conceivable that the pin member of the preliminary positioning device is formed by at least one holding member of the support ring, at least one first assembly member or second assembly member, or at least one clamp member, or as part of at least one holding member of the support ring, as part of at least one first assembly member or second assembly member, or as part of at least one clamp member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] Other features, details, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following claims and the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 3c

Figure 3d

Figure 3e

Figure 3f

Figure 3g

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5a

Figure 5b

Figure 5c

Figure 5d

Figure 5e

Figure 5f

Figure 5g

Figure 5h

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8a

Figure 8b

Figure 8c

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Figures 1 and 2 show a longitudinal section of the assembly ring 10. This longitudinal section extends along the central axis M that constitutes the central axis of the assembly ring 10, and the assembly ring 10 is rotatable about this central axis M. The assembly ring 10 has a support ring 30 and a functional ring 20. A holding member 40 is formed on the support ring 30. The holding member 40 has a U-shaped longitudinal cross-sectional shape with an upper leg portion 42 and a lower leg portion 43. The lower leg portion 43 is part of the support ring 30.

[0037] The functional ring 20 has a holding collar 21, a seal portion 22, and a support portion 23. The seal portion 22 has a curved shape. The holding collar 21 is placed on the lower leg portion 43 of the holding member 40 and thus on the support ring 30. The holding collar 21 is surrounded by the upper leg portion 42 of the holding member 40. A gap 41 is formed between the holding collar 21 and the upper leg portion 42 of the holding member. By holding the functional ring 20 on the support ring 30 with the help of the holding member 40 in this way, the functional ring 20 is rotatably attached to the support ring 30.

[0038] In Figure 1, the assembly ring 10, and thus the support ring 30 and the functional ring 20, have a flat basic shape. That is, the support ring 30 has a substantially circular disk shape, from which the holding member 40 and any optionally present assembly members and clamp members (not shown) can extend in different spatial directions as described in connection with Figures 3a - 5h.

[0039] In Figure 2, the assembly ring 10 has a slightly conical basic shape. Thus, it can be easily adapted to the ends of the biconical pipe portion as shown in Figures 5a - 5h. The angle at which the conical wall is located can be made large or small as desired and is not limited to the approximately 45° position shown as an example.

[0040] Figure 3a shows a schematic plan view of the support ring 30 of the assembly ring 10. Figures 3b to 3g show detailed views of the support ring 30 shown in Figure 3a. Such a support ring 30 can be used for all the assembly rings described above and below.

[0041] The support ring 30 has a basic shape of a circular disk. This may be flat or slightly conical. The support ring 30 has an outer periphery. A plurality of holding members 40, clamping members 50, first assembly members 60 and second assembly members 70 are formed on the outer periphery 31.

[0042] The holding members 40, clamping members 50, first assembly members 60 and second assembly members 70 extend in different spatial directions from the support ring 30. In Figure 4b, there are four directions with respect to the support ring 30, and it can be seen that this is particularly noteworthy in this context. Figure 4b shows a longitudinal section along the cutting line D-D of Figure 3a. The first direction r1 extends upward from the plane in which the circular disk of the support ring 30 extends. The second direction r2 extends downward from this plane. The third direction r3 extends outward from the outer periphery 31 of the support ring 30. The fourth direction r4 extends from the outer periphery 31 of the support ring 30 towards the center point M of the support ring 30.

[0043] Figure 4a schematically shows the arrangement of the different holding members 40, clamping members 50, first assembly members 60 and second assembly members 70 in these four spatial directions. It can be seen that the four different members 40, 50, 60, 70 extend in different spatial directions r1, r2, r3, r4 respectively. The holding member 40 extends in the direction r4. The clamping member 50 extends in the direction r3, opposite to the holding member 40. The first assembly member 60 extends in the direction r1. The second assembly member 70 extends in the direction r2, opposite to the first assembly member 60. In the attached state, the first assembly member 60 and the second assembly member 70 extend substantially in the longitudinal axis direction of the two pipes to be connected, at least in the connection region. The holding member 40 and the clamping member 50 extend substantially perpendicular to this, as also shown in Figures 5a to 5h.

[0044] Figures 3b and 3c show longitudinal cross-sections along the cutting line A-A in Figure 3a. In this region, a clamp member 50 is arranged on the support ring 30. The clamp member 50 has two clamp wings 51 and a clamp elbow 52. The clamp member 50 extends substantially in the direction r3 outward from the outer periphery 31 of the support ring 30.

[0045] Figures 3d and 3e show longitudinal cross-sections along the cutting line B-B in Figure 3a. In this region, a first assembly member 60 is arranged on the support ring 30. The assembly member 60 includes two clamp spring members 61, 62. By these two clamp spring members 61, 62, the assembly member 60 can be clipped to the first pipe end.

[0046] Figures 3f and 3g show longitudinal cross-sections along the cutting line C-C in Figure 3a. In this region, a second assembly member 70 is arranged on the support ring 30. The assembly member 70 includes two clamp spring members 71, 72. By these two clamp spring members 71, 72, the assembly member 70 can be clipped to the second pipe end.

[0047] Figures 5a, 5c, 5e, and 5g respectively show longitudinal cross-sections of the assembled pipe connection system 11. For better understanding, Figures 5b, 5d, 5f, and 5h further show in which plane of the support ring 30 incorporated in the pipe connection system 11 the cutting line S-S passes through the assembly ring 10. Figure 5d shows the S-S cut surface of the figure in Figure 5a. Figure 5f shows the S-S cut surface of the figure in Figure 5c. Figure 5h shows the S-S cut surface of the figure in Figure 5e. Figure 5g shows the S-S cut surface of the figure in Figure 5h.

[0048] Figures 5a, 5c, 5e, and 5g each show a first pipe 80 and a second pipe 90. The first pipe 80 has a cylindrical pipe portion 81 and a funnel-shaped pipe portion 82. The second pipe 90 has a cylindrical pipe portion 93, a first conical pipe portion 92, and a second conical pipe portion 91. In this regard, the second pipe 90 has a double-conical pipe end. This double-conical pipe end initially extends from the cylindrical pipe portion 93 further into the region of the first conical pipe portion 92. In the region of the second conical pipe portion 91, the double-conical pipe end tapers again. The funnel-shaped pipe portion 82 of the first pipe 80 continuously expands in a direction toward the second pipe 90 from the cylindrical pipe portion 81. The funnel-shaped pipe portion 82 of the first pipe 80 is designed such that the second conical pipe portion 91 can be inserted into the funnel-shaped pipe portion 82. The inner shape of the funnel-shaped pipe portion 82 substantially matches the outer shape of the second conical pipe portion 91.

[0049] An assembled ring 10 including a support ring 30 and a functional ring 20 is disposed between the funnel-shaped pipe portion 82 and the second conical pipe portion 91. A V-profile clamp 100 surrounds the connection region and abuts against the outside of the first pipe 80 and the outside of the second pipe 90.

[0050] In Figure 5a, it can be seen that a clamp member 50 meshes with the V-shape of the V-profile clamp 100. Thereby, the clamp member 50 fixes the support ring 30 to the V-profile clamp 100.

[0051] In Figure 5c, it can be seen that a first assembly member 60 fixes the support ring 30 to the first pipe 80. The first assembly member 60 firmly clamps the support ring 30 to the funnel-shaped pipe portion 82. In Figure 5e, it can be seen that a second assembly member 70 fixes the support ring to the second pipe 90. The second assembly member 70 firmly clamps the support ring 30 to the second conical pipe portion 91 of the second pipe 90.

[0052] In FIG. 5g, it can be seen that the holding member 40 holds the functional ring 20. This is as already described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. It can be seen that the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the pipe connection system 11 is an exemplary embodiment using the assembly ring 10 illustrated in FIG. 2. Of course, as also described below, other exemplary embodiments are conceivable in which the assembly ring 10 according to FIG. 1 is also used in the corresponding pipe connection system 11.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal section of the assembly ring 10 already illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. This longitudinal section also extends along the central axis M, which is the central axis of the assembly ring, and the assembly ring is rotatable about this central axis M. Here too, the assembly ring 10 has a support ring 30 and a functional ring 20. The holding member 40 provided in a modification of this embodiment is coupled to a clamp member 50. Here too, a U-shaped longitudinal section can be seen. The upper leg portion 42 is formed by the clamp wings 51 of the clamp member 50. The lower leg portion 43 is also formed here as part of the support ring 30.

[0054] The functional ring 20 includes a holding collar 21, a seal portion 22, and a support portion 23. The seal portion 22 has a curved shape. The holding collar 21 is placed on the lower leg portion 43 of the holding member 40 and thus on the support ring 30. The holding collar 21 is surrounded by the upper leg portion 42 of the holding member 40.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the functional ring 20 of the assembly ring 10 (not shown in FIG. 7). The illustrated functional ring 20 can be combined with each modification of the support ring 30 described above to form the assembly ring 10. The line-of-sight direction in the illustrated plan view extends along the central axis M of the assembly ring 10. It can be seen that the functional ring 20 has an outer portion forming a retaining collar 21. In the mounted state, the retaining collar 21 is held by the support ring 30 as described above. The functional ring 20 further includes a seal portion 22 and a support portion 23. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, the functional ring 20 further has two fingers 24. The fingers extend radially toward the central axis M.

[0056] FIG. 8a shows the assembly ring 10 in which the support ring 30 has a pin member 60'. In this modification of the assembly ring 10, the retaining member 40 and the clamping member 50 are each formed by a member connected on the support ring 30. The support ring 30 also has a first assembly member 60 and a second assembly member 70.

[0057] FIGS. 8b and 8c each show how the pin member 60' formed on the support ring 30 engages with the groove 83. In the illustrated example, the groove 83 is formed on the first pipe 80. Of course, it is also possible to form it on the second pipe 90. FIG. 8a shows a perspective view of the corresponding preliminary positioning device as seen obliquely from above, and FIG. 8b shows the preliminary positioning device in a broken form.

[0058] Here, the pin member 60' is formed as an independent member on the support ring 30, and the pin member (not shown) is formed by at least one retaining member 40 of the support ring 30, at least one first assembly member 60 or second assembly member 70, or at least one clamping member 50 of the support ring 30, or as part of at least one retaining member 40 of the support ring 30, as part of at least one first assembly member 60 or second assembly member 70, or as part of at least one clamping member 50.

[0059] Figure 9 shows in perspective view how the clamping member 50 holds the functional ring 20 with the help of the clamping wings 51. This clamping member 50 also has two clamping wings 51 and a clamping elbow 52. The clamping member 50 is integrally formed with the holding member 40, but in the perspective view shown in Figure 9, it is almost completely covered by one of the clamping wings 51. The clamping member 50 is formed on the support ring 30. It can be seen that the clamping wings 51 are V-shaped. Further, it can be seen that the clamping wings 51 hold the functional ring 20 on the support ring 30 in the region of the holding collar 21.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to one of the above-described embodiments, but rather can be modified in various ways. For example, other different components can be arranged in the support portion 23 of the functional ring 20. For example, in one modification, a strainer member is considered, and in another modification, one or more sensors are considered. Also, it is conceivable that the functional ring 20 does not have the seal portion 22 and is only intended to attach one or more other components in the region of the connection portion of the two pipes. The functional ring 20 is composed of, for example, only the holding portion 21, and other components are attached to the holding portion 21. The other components may also be sensors, strainer members, etc.

[0061] Also, for example, it is also conceivable that both the first pipe 80 and the second pipe 90 have flange-shaped ends with circular disk-shaped connection pieces extending outward. In this case, when connecting to the flange-shaped ends, the two pipes 80, 90 can be aligned straight with each other. At this time, the assembly ring 10 is formed corresponding to Figure 1 and is arranged between the two pipe ends. Also in this modification of the embodiment, the clamping member 50 holds the support ring 30 in the V-profile clamp, and the holding member 40 rotatably holds the functional ring 20 within the support ring 30. In this modification, the first assembly member 60 and the second assembly member 70 hold the support ring 30, and thus the assembly ring 10, at the flange-shaped ends of the pipes 80, 90, for example.

[0062] Thus, in the case of the assembly ring 10 for the pipe connection system 11 in which the assembly ring 10 has the support ring 30 and the functional ring 20, it can be seen in each case that the support ring 30 has at least one holding member 40 for the functional ring 20 and the functional ring 20 is rotatably attached to the holding member 40. It is advantageous if the functional ring 20 is made of a material different from that of the support ring 30. It is also conceivable that at least one holding member 40 has a U-shaped longitudinal section. The functional ring 20 has a holding collar 21 and a seal portion 22. Furthermore, the functional ring 20 can also have a support portion 23.

[0063] It is advantageous if the support ring 30 has at least one clamping member 50. Furthermore, the support ring 30 can have at least one first assembly member 60 for fixing to the first pipe 80 and / or at least one second assembly member 70 for fixing to the second pipe 90. In this case, the holding member 40, the assembly members 60, 70 and / or the clamping member 50 can be formed in pairs at opposing positions along the outer periphery 31 of the support ring 30, respectively.

[0064] Furthermore, in the case of a pipe connection system 11 for connecting the first pipe 80 and the second pipe 90, which includes a V-profile clamp 100 and an assembly ring 10, the first pipe 80 has a funnel-shaped end and the second pipe 90 has a double-conical end, it can be seen that it is advantageous if the functional ring 20 of the assembly ring 10 is arranged between the inside of the funnel-shaped end of the first pipe 80 and the outside of the double-conical end of the second pipe 90 in the mounted state, and the support ring 30 is arranged between the first pipe 80, the second pipe 90, and the V-profile clamp 100 in the mounted state.

[0065] All features and advantages, structural details, spatial arrangements and method steps that become apparent from the claims, description and drawings may be essential to this invention, either individually or in various combinations.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0066] r1 direction r2 direction r3 direction r4 direction A-A cutting line B-B cutting line C-C cutting line D-D cutting line S-S cutting line M central axis 10 assembly ring 11 pipe connection system 100 V-profile clamp 20 functional ring 21 holding collar 22 seal part 23 support part 24 finger 30 support ring 31 outer circumference 40 holding member 41 gap 42 upper leg 43 lower leg 50 clamp member 51 clamp wing 52 clamp elbow 60 assembly member 61 clamp spring member 62 clamp spring member 60´ pin member 70 assembly member 71 clamp spring member 72 clamp spring member 80 pipe 81 cylindrical pipe part 82 funnel-shaped pipe part 83 groove 90 pipe 91 conical pipe part 92 conical pipe part 93 cylindrical pipe part

Claims

1. An assembly ring (10) for a pipe connection system, comprising a support ring (30) and a functional ring (20), wherein the support ring (30) has at least one retaining member (40) for the functional ring (20), and the functional ring (20) is rotatably mounted on the retaining member (40).

2. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein the functional ring (20) is made of a different material from the support ring (30).

3. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein at least one retaining member (40) has a U-shaped longitudinal cross-section.

4. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein the functional ring (20) has a retaining collar (21) and a sealing portion (22).

5. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein the functional ring (20) has a support portion (23).

6. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein the support ring (30) has at least one clamping member (50).

7. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein the support ring (30) has at least one first assembly member (60) for fixing to the first pipe.

8. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein the support ring (30) has at least one second assembly member (70) for fixing to the second pipe.

9. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein the retaining members (40) are formed in pairs at positions facing each other in the diametrical direction along the outer circumference of the support ring.

10. The assembly ring according to claim 6, wherein the clamp members (50) are formed in pairs at positions facing each other in the diametrical direction along the outer circumference of the support ring.

11. The assembly ring according to claim 7, wherein the first assembly member (60) is formed in pairs at positions facing each other in the diametrical direction along the outer circumference of the support ring.

12. The assembly ring according to claim 8, wherein the second assembly member (70) is formed in pairs at positions facing each other in the diametrical direction along the outer circumference of the support ring.

13. The assembly ring according to claim 6, wherein the at least one clamping member (50) simultaneously forms the at least one holding member (40).

14. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein the functional ring (20) is a sealing member.

15. The assembly ring according to claim 1, wherein the functional ring has at least one, preferably two, elastically deformable fingers (24) that protrude radially inward.

16. A pipe connection system (11) for connecting a first pipe (80) and a second pipe (90), comprising a V-profile clamp (100) and an assembly ring (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first pipe (80) has a funnel-shaped end (82) and the second pipe (90) has a biconical end (91, 92), and in the installed state, the functional ring (20) of the assembly ring (10) is positioned between the inside of the funnel-shaped end of the first pipe (80) and the outside of the biconical end of the second pipe (90), and in the installed state, the support ring (30) is positioned between the first pipe (80), the second pipe (90) and the V-profile clamp (100).

17. The pipe connection system according to claim 16, wherein a pre-positioning device is formed between at least one pipe and the support ring of the assembly ring, and the pre-positioning device comprises a pin member (60') formed on the support ring (30) and a groove (83) formed on the first pipe (80) or the second pipe (90).

18. The pipe connection system according to claim 17, wherein the pin member (60') of the pre-positioning device is formed by or as part of the at least one retaining member (40) of the support ring (30).

19. A pipe connection system (11) for connecting a first pipe (80) and a second pipe (90), comprising a V-profile clamp (100) and an assembly ring (10) according to any one of claims 6, 10, and 13, wherein the first pipe (80) has a funnel-shaped end (82) and the second pipe (90) has a biconical end (91, 92), and in the installed state, the functional ring (20) of the assembly ring (10) is positioned between the inside of the funnel-shaped end of the first pipe (80) and the outside of the biconical end of the second pipe (90), and in the installed state, the support ring (30) is positioned between the first pipe (80), the second pipe (90) and the V-profile clamp (100). A pre-positioning device is formed between at least one pipe and the support ring of the assembly ring, and the pre-positioning device has a pin member (60') formed on the support ring (30) and a groove (83) formed on the first pipe (80) or the second pipe (90), A pipe connection system in which the pin member (60') of the pre-positioning device is formed by or as part of the at least one clamp member (50) of the support ring (30).

20. A pipe connection system (11) for connecting a first pipe (80) and a second pipe (90), comprising a V-profile clamp (100) and an assembly ring (10) according to claim 7 or claim 11, wherein the first pipe (80) has a funnel-shaped end (82) and the second pipe (90) has a biconical end (91, 92), and in the installed state, the functional ring (20) of the assembly ring (10) is positioned between the inside of the funnel-shaped end of the first pipe (80) and the outside of the biconical end of the second pipe (90), and in the installed state, the support ring (30) is positioned between the first pipe (80), the second pipe (90) and the V-profile clamp (100), A pre-positioning device is formed between at least one pipe and the support ring of the assembly ring, and the pre-positioning device has a pin member (60') formed on the support ring (30) and a groove (83) formed on the first pipe (80) or the second pipe (90), A pipe connection system in which the pin member (60') of the pre-positioning device is formed by the at least one first assembly member (60) of the support ring (30), or as part of the at least one first assembly member (60) of the support ring (30).

21. A pipe connection system (11) for connecting a first pipe (80) and a second pipe (90), comprising a V-profile clamp (100) and an assembly ring (10) according to claim 8 or claim 12, wherein the first pipe (80) has a funnel-shaped end (82) and the second pipe (90) has a biconical end (91, 92), and in the installed state, the functional ring (20) of the assembly ring (10) is positioned between the inside of the funnel-shaped end of the first pipe (80) and the outside of the biconical end of the second pipe (90), and in the installed state, the support ring (30) is positioned between the first pipe (80), the second pipe (90) and the V-profile clamp (100), A pre-positioning device is formed between at least one pipe and the support ring of the assembly ring, and the pre-positioning device has a pin member (60') formed on the support ring (30) and a groove (83) formed on the first pipe (80) or the second pipe (90), A pipe connection system in which the pin member (60') of the pre-positioning device is formed by or as part of the at least one second assembly member (70) of the support ring (30).

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