Method for joining a fluid conduit to a connection hub

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for joining a fluid conduit and a connection hub. A method for joining a fluid conduit (2) and a connection hub (7) is provided, wherein the fluid conduit (2) is provided having an at least partially transparent end section (1). A connection hub (7) is also provided, with a hub cavity (9) having a shape complementary to the shape of the end section of the fluid conduit (2). The end section of the fluid conduit (2) is at least partially introduced into the hub cavity (9) through an opening in the hub, where a contact interface is established between at least a sidewall portion of the end section (1) and a wall of the hub cavity (9). The method includes heating a target zone (27) of the contact interface by directing a light beam (29) across the at least partially transparent end section (1) of the fluid conduit (2) from a side of the fluid conduit (2) opposite the side of the target zone (27) to couple the fluid conduit (2) and the connection hub (7) at the target zone (27).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for joining a fluid conduit and a connection hub, and more particularly, to a method for welding a fluid conduit and a connection hub together. [Background technology]

[0002] Beverage dispensing appliances, for example beer dispensing appliances, typically include a fluid conduit for conducting a beverage from a beverage container to a dispensing outlet of the appliance. The dispensing appliance may be operated by a dispenser, e.g., a faucet, that regulates the flow of the beverage from the container through the dispensing outlet to dispense the beverage into a suitable receptacle. The beverage container is usually removably coupled to the fluid conduit to allow replacement of the beverage container, e.g., to replace an empty beverage container with a full beverage container.

[0003] Additionally, the fluid conduit may be removably connected to a dispenser at an end of the fluid conduit. Traditionally, the fluid conduit has included a connection hub, and the interaction between the connection hub and the dispenser provides a secure connection between the fluid conduit and the dispenser. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 19916786 [Patent Document 2] DE 102004058221 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 2159037 [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 102012106645 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is important that the fluid conduit and the connection hub are coupled in a fluid-tight manner to prevent leakage. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid-tight coupling between the fluid conduit and the connection hub. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an efficient and cost-effective method for coupling the fluid conduit and the connection hub together, particularly suitable for mass production. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Thus, a method for joining a fluid conduit and a connection hub is provided, wherein the fluid conduit is provided having an at least partially transparent end section. A connection hub is also provided, including a hub cavity having a shape complementary to the shape of the end section of the fluid conduit. The end section of the fluid conduit is at least partially introduced into the hub cavity through an opening in the hub, and a contact interface is established between at least a sidewall portion of the end section of the fluid conduit and a hub cavity wall. The method includes heating a target zone at the contact interface by directing a light beam from a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to join the fluid conduit and the connection hub at the target zone. Thus, the light beam is transmitted through the at least partially transparent end section in a direction generally transverse to a central conduit axis of the end section to target the target zone. For example, a light beam is directed at an angle relative to a central conduit axis of the fluid conduit and transmitted across an at least partially transparent end section. For example, the fluid conduit end section may include a generally tubular sidewall extending circumferentially around the central conduit axis, which may be aligned with the general flow direction of the fluid conduit. Light from the light beam is converted to heat at the target zone, causing temporal and local melting of material in the end section sidewall and / or the connection hub cavity wall at the contact interface. In this manner, a weld is formed to join the connection hub and the fluid conduit end section.

[0007] The end section of the fluid conduit is press fit into a cavity in the connection hub to at least contribute to a fluid seal between the end section and the hub.

[0008] The light beam can be guided by the light guide from a proximal end of the light guide adjacent the light source to a distal end of the light guide near the side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone. The light guide allows the light source to be located a predetermined distance away from the target zone for convenient maintenance or replacement. The light guide can be generally flexible and can include, for example, an optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers.

[0009] The distal end of the optical waveguide can be rotated about the central conduit axis to provide a circumferential bond between the end sections of the fluid conduit.

[0010] The connection hub cavity may include or be formed by cavity walls of an optical beam-absorbing material. For example, at the contact interface, the hub may include an opaque material, such as an opaque thermoplastic material. The end section of the fluid conduit may include an at least partially transparent thermoplastic material. Light of the optical beam may be absorbed by the material of the connection hub at a target zone of the contact interface. Light of the optical beam traveling across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit may be absorbed by the material of the connection hub and converted to heat.

[0011] The light beam may be a coherent light beam, such as a laser beam.

[0012] Multiple light beams can be directed across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat multiple respective target zones. Each light beam of the multiple light beams can be directed at an associated target zone and can be directed across the end section from a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the associated target zone. In this manner, the fluid conduit and the connection hub can be efficiently joined with a uniformly distributed, strong bond at the target zones circumferentially around the end section of the fluid conduit. Multiple waveguides can guide light from a single light source or, for example, from a number of respective light sources. For example, 2 to 40 light beams, such as 16, 20, or 24 light beams, can be directed across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat multiple respective target zones.

[0013] The multiple target zones can at least partially overlap such that the multiple target zones together form an extended target zone.

[0014] The overlapping target zones may form a ring-shaped extended target zone extending circumferentially around the end section of the fluid conduit, such that multiple light beams directed at the extended target zone extend in a biconical plane.

[0015] Further provided is an apparatus for joining a fluid conduit and a connection hub, e.g., according to the above method. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving the connection hub and / or at least a partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit. When the apparatus is in use, the end section of the fluid conduit is positioned at least partially within the hub cavity of the connection hub. The apparatus further includes a light source arranged to transmit a light beam. The apparatus is arranged to, during use, direct the light beam from a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to join the fluid conduit and the connection hub at the target zone.

[0016] The device may include an optical waveguide for guiding a light beam from the light source to a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone. The waveguide may include, for example, an optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers.

[0017] The device may be arranged to direct a plurality of light beams across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit, during use, to heat a plurality of respective target zones, wherein each light beam of the plurality of light beams may be directed at an associated target zone and may be directed across the end section from a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the associated target zone.

[0018] The device may comprise a plurality of light guides, each light guide of the plurality of light guides arranged to guide a light beam of the plurality of light beams from the light source to a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the associated target zone. Between 2 and 40 light guides, for example 16, 20 or 24 light guides, may be provided, each arranged to guide a respective light beam from the light source to a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the associated target zone.

[0019] The plurality of optical waveguides may be positioned circumferentially around the chamber, e.g., at regular intervals, and arranged to direct the plurality of optical beams radially into the chamber, such that the plurality of optical beams extend within a biconical surface. The plurality of optical waveguides extend within a conical surface.

[0020] The device may comprise fixing means for fixing the connection hub relative to the chamber, for example within the chamber.

[0021] The device can include a flange having a central opening to allow insertion of an end section of a fluid conduit. The central opening can provide access to the chamber of the device. The flange can include a reflective surface around the central opening that is shaped to reflect light toward the target zone. The flange can include, for example, two or more separate flange portions to facilitate insertion and / or removal of the connection hub and / or fluid conduit from the chamber.

[0022] It will be understood that all features and options mentioned with respect to the method apply equally to the device, and vice versa. It will also be apparent that any one or more of the above aspects, features and options may be combined. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid conduit and a hub being joined by a joining device. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic close-up view of a fluid conduit and a hub being joined by a joining device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Various aspects and embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid conduit 2 having an at least partially transparent end section 1. The fluid conduit 2 has a tubular conduit wall 3 extending about a central axis 5. The fluid conduit 1 defines a fluid flow path for a fluid, e.g., a beverage, such as a beer beverage, from a beverage container, e.g., a beer keg, to a dispenser. For connection to the dispenser, the end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2 is coupled to a connection hub 7. In particular, the fluid conduit 1 and the connection hub 7 are coupled in a liquid-tight manner to prevent leakage. The connection hub 7 includes a cavity 9, here formed by a tubular connection hub body 11, which is open at a first end 13 and an opposite second end 15, allowing fluid to flow through the connection hub 7. The connection hub 7 can cooperate with a dispenser to controllably dispense a predetermined amount of beverage into a container, e.g., a cup or glass. Alternatively, the connection hub 7 can cooperate with a keg connector to establish a fluid flow path between the interior volume of the container and the dispenser.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a schematic enlarged view of a portion of FIG.

[0027] The cavity 9 in the first end 13 has a shape complementary to the shape of the end section of the fluid conduit 1. The connection hub 7 in this example comprises coupling means 17 arranged to cooperate with complementary coupling means on the dispenser to securely couple the hub 7 to the dispenser.

[0028] A portion of the end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2 is introduced into the cavity 9 of the connection hub 7, and the tubular conduit wall 3 and the connection hub body 11 define a contact interface 20 between each other; in other words, the surface of the conduit wall 3 and the surface of the hub body 11 are in contact. Here, the fluid conduit 1 and the connection hub 7 are dimensioned to establish an interference fit between the conduit wall 3 and the hub body 11. For example, the cross section of the end of the fluid conduit is slightly larger than the cross section of the cavity 9 of the connection hub 7. The fluid conduit wall 3 has elastic properties so as to be press-fit into the hub cavity 9. In the assembled state of the connection hub 7 and the fluid conduit 1, the hub body 11 and the conduit wall 3 both extend around the central axis 5.

[0029] Also shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus 21 for joining together an end 1 of a fluid conduit 2 and a connection hub 7. In this example, the apparatus 21 includes a flange 23 extending outward from the central axis 5, i.e., in a plane transverse to the central axis. The apparatus 21 further includes a chamber 25 for receiving the connection hub 7 and the at least partially transparent end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2. The chamber 25 is formed in part by a through opening in the flange 21 and, here, is circularly symmetric about the central axis 5. The chamber 25 may be tapered to allow for easy centering and insertion of the at least partially transparent end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2. During use, the connection hub 7 is secured relative to the chamber 25 such that the cavity 9 is aligned with the central axis for receiving the end of the fluid conduit 1. Here, the first end 13 of the hub body 11 is adjacent to the flange 23.

[0030] The device 21 further includes a light source 33 (e.g., a laser light source such as a laser diode). Two light sources 33 are shown here. The light sources 33 transmit, for example, light in the infrared spectrum. The device 21 further includes one or more optical waveguides 32, such as one or more optical fibers, i.e., one or more bundles of optical fibers, for guiding light from the light sources 33 to relatively close locations on the contact interface 20, with each optical waveguide 32 associated with a respective light source 33. The device may include, for example, between 1 and 40 optical waveguides, preferably between 10 and 30 optical waveguides, and more preferably between 15 and 25 optical waveguides, e.g., 18, 20, or 22 optical waveguides. The one or more optical waveguides 32 are arranged to direct one or more respective light beams 29 to a target zone 27 on the contact interface 20 to locally and temporarily heat the target zone 27 and bond the connection hub body 11 and the conduit wall 3 of the end section of the fluid conduit 1.

[0031] Each light beam 29 has a respective target zone 27 defined by the spot size of the light beam 29 at the contact interface 20. The target zone 27 of each light beam 29 is shown in FIG. 1 as being at the contact interface 20 between the two dashed lines. The target zones 27, i.e., the combined spot sizes, of the combined multiple light beams may form an extended target zone, for example, a ring-shaped target zone extending around a central axis. Thus, the multiple light beams extend on a biconic surface. The biconic surface intersects the connection hub body 11 and the conduit wall 3 at the ring-shaped target zone.

[0032] To reach the target zones of the contact interface 20, the light beams are directed at an angle θ with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 5. FIG. 1 shows two light beams 29, each directed at a respective target zone 20 from opposite sides of the target zone across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit 1. In other words, each light beam is transmitted through the at least partially transparent end section 1 generally transverse to the central axis 5. The angle θ may be, for example, 20 to 60 degrees, preferably 30 to 50 degrees, and more preferably about 40 degrees. Accordingly, the biconic surface may have an apex angle of 60 to 140 degrees, preferably 80 to 120 degrees, and more preferably about 100 degrees.

[0033] To minimize light absorption by the conduit wall 3, the end section of the fluid conduit 1 is transparent at least where the light beam 29 must be transmitted through the end section of the fluid conduit 1 to be delivered to the target zone 27 on the other side of the fluid conduit 1. In this example, the entire end section of the fluid conduit 1 is transparent. However, the end section 1 may be locally provided with one or more transparent windows through which light is locally transmitted. An annular transparent window may be provided, for example, at the end 1 of the fluid conduit 2. The conduit wall 3 of the end section of the fluid conduit 1, i.e., the one or more transparent windows, may be made of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic material. The one or more windows may also be at least partially transparent.

[0034] At the target zone 27, the connection hub body 11 can absorb the light of the light beam 29, resulting in the contact interface 20 being locally and temporarily heated at the target zone 27. In this way, the material of the hub body 11 and / or the end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2 can be locally and temporarily melted to establish a bonding between the hub body 11 and the end section 1. In this way, the connection hub 7 and the end section of the fluid conduit 1 are welded together by laser welding.

[0035] In this example, device 21 further comprises a reflective surface 31 shaped to reflect light towards target zone 27. Reflective surface 31 may be angled with respect to central axis 5. In particular, reflective surface 31 extends in a direction substantially coincident with the direction in which light beam 29 is directed. In this way, slight misalignments in the direction of light beam 29, divergence of light beam 29 and / or scattering of light beam 29 may be compensated for by reflecting light towards target zone 27. Reflective surface 31 may be formed by a surface of flange 23, which may be coated with a reflective coating, for example gold. The reflective surface may be generally conical.

[0036] The device 21 may further include a complementary reflective surface 34, for example, formed by a complementary body 36, here a conical body. The chamber 25 is formed in part by the complementary body 36, here as a through-hole through the conical complementary body 36. The reflective surface 31 of the flange and the complementary reflective surface 34 of the complementary body 36 may define a gap 38 between them, i.e., form a planar waveguide for guiding light from the light source 33 or from one or more waveguides 32 to the end section of the fluid conduit toward the target zone. The gap extends around the central axis 5. In this way, light is uniformly distributed over the annular target zone 27 of the contact interface 20. The one or more optical waveguides 32 may be provided through holes in the flange 23 or the complementary body 26. Alternatively, the one or more optical waveguides 32 may be clamped between the complementary body 36 and the flange 23, for example. Complement 36 may include two or more body portions that are separable from one another to facilitate insertion and / or withdrawal of a fluid conduit into chamber 25. Additionally, flange 23 and complement 36 may be separable from one another to allow for easier insertion and / or withdrawal of a fluid conduit into chamber 25.

[0037] The present invention has been described herein with reference to specific examples of embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the essence of the invention. For clarity and brevity of description, features may be described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, but alternative embodiments having all or some combination of the features described in those separate embodiments are also contemplated.

[0038] In the example, the material of the hub body absorbs the energy of the light beam, causing the hub body to be locally and temporarily heated at the target zone. The heat from the hub body can be conducted to the end section of the fluid conduit, thereby locally and temporarily melting both the hub body and the end section of the fluid conduit and establishing a bond between the hub body and the end section.

[0039] The end section of the fluid conduit may also include a material arranged to absorb the energy of the light beam in the target zone, for example, this may be used when the end section includes one or more annular, at least partially transparent windows to allow the light beam to pass through the target zone.

[0040] However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are possible. Accordingly, the specification, drawings, and examples are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0041] For clarity and conciseness of description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, but it will be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having all or any combination of the described features.

[0042] In the claims, reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of features or steps other than those stated in a claim. Furthermore, the words "a" and "an" are not to be construed as being limited to "only one" but are used to mean "at least one" and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. (Addendum) (Appendix 1) 1. A method for joining a fluid conduit and a connection hub, comprising: - providing a fluid conduit having an at least partially transparent end section; - providing a connection hub including a hub cavity having a shape complementary to the shape of the end section of the fluid conduit; - introducing the end section of the fluid conduit at least partially into the hub cavity through an opening in the hub and establishing a contact interface between at least a sidewall portion of the end section and a hub cavity wall; - heating a target zone of the contact interface by directing a light beam across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit from a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone to couple the fluid conduit and the connection hub at the target zone; A method comprising: (Appendix 2) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the light beam is guided by an optical waveguide to a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone. (Appendix 3) 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein light from the light beam is absorbed by a material of the connection hub at the target zone of the contact interface. (Appendix 4) 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of light beams are directed across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones, each light beam of the plurality of light beams being directed at an associated target zone and across the end section from a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the associated target zone. (Appendix 5) 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of light beams extend over a biconical surface. (Appendix 6) 6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the multiple target zones at least partially overlap such that the multiple target zones together form an extended target zone. (Appendix 7) 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the overlapping target zones form a ring-shaped extended target zone extending circumferentially around the end section of the fluid conduit. (Appendix 8) 8. An apparatus for joining a fluid conduit and a connection hub, for example by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a chamber for receiving an at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit and / or the connection hub, wherein, when the device is in use, the end section of the fluid conduit is positioned at least partially within a hub cavity of the connection hub; the device further comprising a light source arranged to transmit a light beam, the light beam being arranged, in use, to direct the light beam across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit from a side of the fluid conduit opposite a side of the target zone to join the fluid conduit and the connection hub at the target zone. Device. (Appendix 9) 9. The device of claim 8, further comprising an optical waveguide for guiding the light beam from the light source to a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone. (Appendix 10) 10. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the apparatus is arranged to direct a plurality of light beams across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones during use, each light beam of the plurality of light beams being directed at an associated target zone and across the end section from a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the associated target zone. (Appendix 11) 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of light beams extend over a biconical surface. (Appendix 12) 12. The device of claim 10 or 11, wherein the device comprises a plurality of optical waveguides, each optical waveguide being arranged to guide a light beam of the plurality of light beams from the light source to a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the associated target zone. (Appendix 13) 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plurality of optical waveguides are positioned circumferentially around the chamber at regular intervals. (Appendix 14) 14. The device of any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising a first conical reflective surface and, optionally, a second conical reflective surface for reflecting light toward the target zone. (Appendix 15) 15. The device of any one of claims 8 to 14, further comprising a fixing means for fixing the connection hub to the chamber. (Appendix 16) 16. A device described in any one of claims 8 to 15, comprising a flange having a central opening to allow insertion of the end section of the fluid conduit, the central opening providing access to the chamber of the device, and the flange including a reflective surface around the central opening shaped to reflect light toward the target zone.

Claims

1. 1. A method for joining a fluid conduit and a connection hub, comprising: - providing a fluid conduit having an at least partially transparent end section; - providing a connection hub including a hub cavity having a shape complementary to the shape of the end section of the fluid conduit; - introducing the end section of the fluid conduit at least partially into the hub cavity through an opening in the connection hub and establishing a contact interface between at least a sidewall portion of the end section and a hub cavity wall; heating a target zone of the contact interface by directing a light beam through a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone and across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to the target zone to couple the fluid conduit and the connection hub at the target zone; a plurality of light beams are directed across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones, each light beam of the plurality of light beams being directed at an associated target zone and across the end section from a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the associated target zone; The method, wherein the plurality of light beams extend along a biconical surface, which is the curved surface formed when two congruent cones meet at their apexes on the same central axis.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the light beam is directed to a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone by an optical waveguide.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein light of the light beam is absorbed by the material of the connection hub at the target zone of the contact interface.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the multiple target zones at least partially overlap such that the multiple target zones together form an extended target zone.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the overlapping target zones form a ring-shaped extended target zone extending circumferentially around the end section of the fluid conduit.

6. An apparatus for joining a fluid conduit and a connection hub by the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a chamber for receiving an at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit and / or the connection hub, wherein, when the device is in use, the end section of the fluid conduit is positioned at least partially within a hub cavity of the connection hub; the device further comprises a light source arranged to transmit a light beam, the light source arranged to, in use, direct the light beam to the target zone, through a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone, across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit, to join the fluid conduit and the connection hub at the target zone; the device is configured to direct a plurality of light beams across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones, each light beam of the plurality of light beams being directed at an associated target zone and across the end section from a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the associated target zone; The plurality of light beams extend along a biconical surface, which is a curved surface formed when two congruent cones meet at their apexes on the same central axis. Device.

7. 7. The device of claim 6, comprising an optical waveguide for directing the light beam from the light source to a side of the fluid conduit opposite the side of the target zone.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the apparatus is arranged to, in use, direct a plurality of light beams across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat a plurality of respective target zones, each light beam of the plurality of light beams being directed at an associated target zone and being directed across the end section from a side of the fluid conduit opposite to the side of the associated target zone.

9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the device comprises a plurality of optical waveguides, each optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides being positioned to guide a light beam of the plurality of light beams from the light source to a side of the fluid conduit opposite a side of the associated target zone.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of optical waveguides are positioned circumferentially around the chamber at regular intervals.

11. 11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, comprising a first conical reflective surface and optionally a second conical reflective surface for reflecting light towards the target zone.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11, comprising fixing means for fixing the connection hub relative to the chamber.

13. 13. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 12, comprising a flange having a central opening to allow insertion of the end section of the fluid conduit, the central opening providing access to the chamber of the device, the flange including a reflective surface around the central opening shaped to reflect light towards the target zone.

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