INTEGRATED JOINT SYSTEM IN TUBULAR FLUID DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS
Patent Information
- Application Number
- MX2022013875
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-05-05
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-04-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing joining systems for tubular fluid distribution elements fail to provide stable connections under high fluid pressures, require complex and costly assembly processes, and are not easily disassemblable, leading to potential leaks and increased installation times.
A joining system using a tubular element with a flanged cup and radial protuberance, secured by a connecting block with semicircular clamps and optional spacers, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and accommodating non-standard lengths without the need for additional machining, using common tools and a single gasket.
Ensures stable connections under up to 16 bar internal pressure with a safety factor of 4.5 times the operating pressure, enabling quick installation and reconfiguration of pipe networks with reduced complexity and cost.
Smart Images
Figure MX431431B0
Abstract
Description
INTEGRATED JOINT SYSTEM IN TUBULAR FLUID DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS Field of Invention The present invention relates to a joining system for tubular fluid distribution elements. Specifically, this invention relates to a joining system integrated into tubular elements capable of withstanding high fluid pressures. Background of the Invention Several types of joining systems are known for tubular elements for fluid distribution. One type consists of a system in which the connection between circular-section pipes is made without radial welding or threading. Instead, the connection is achieved through a watertight cup using an elastomeric sealing gasket. Each individual pipe element has a socket fitting (female) at one end and a fitting with dimensions equal to the nominal external diameter of the pipe element (male) at the opposite end, with a tolerance that allows for proper coupling. The hydraulic seal against internal pressure (and vacuum) is ensured by means of a toroidal (or other suitable) gasket made of elastomeric material. Therefore, the pipes can be inserted one inside the other to create a continuous pipe. This type of joint has the main drawback of not being able to guarantee any resistance to pull-out between the pipes if pressures of a certain force are applied. To ensure resistance to pull-out, suitable auxiliary structures are necessary, such as concrete blocks, mechanical anchors, etc. These pipes are mainly used with relatively low atmospheric pressure values for the construction of aqueducts, irrigation systems, wastewater, smoke evacuation, vacuum and sewage systems. Many materials are used, including metal, thermoplastic, -2ceramics and fiber cement. These also have several drawbacks, including the impossibility of a stable connection between the pipes when the fluid is under pressure, except through special processing and / or auxiliary works. Another known system consists of pipes with a continuous circular section and joining fittings, both made of the same metallic material, where the hydraulic seal under internal pressure (and vacuum) is ensured by means of a toroidal (or otherwise suitable) joint made of elastomeric material. The pipes can be easily inserted into the socket of the union sleeve (or other fitting: for example, elbow, reducer), and the non-slip retention of the tubular element is achieved by pressing radial sectors using specific tools (mainly hydraulic clamps). Therefore, the pressure applied internally to the pipes cannot cause the detachment (extraction) of one tubular element with respect to the other due to the locking system, which consists precisely of the deformed sections of the tubular element and the fitting. The materials used are primarily stainless steel and copper. This system also has several drawbacks, including the need to use two joints for so many assembly operations in a single joint, the need for specific equipment to perform the pressing, the impossibility of disassembly and reassembly in case of errors or modifications, and finally, the possible error of "pressing" or positioning the pipe by the operator, with the consequent risk of leaks in the hydraulic system and / or the need to re-execute the joint with a significant increase in costs. Also known are joining systems using casing fittings, provided with radial recesses machined positively against the external surface of the pipe, which serve to retain the pipes and contain / compress an elastomeric sleeve gasket. Each individual tubular element has, near each end, a radial recess, primarily with a rectangular or semicircular cross-section. This recess is created by mechanical processing or deformation. -3plastic (e.g., laminate). The two half casings are joined together by bolts at the near ends of the two pipes and thus perform a retention function between the pipes by means of radial section protrusions capable of fitting into the corresponding recess of the tubular element and the hydraulic seal function through the containment / compression of the joint between them contained in a seat of suitable geometry. Therefore, the pressure applied internally to the pipes cannot cause the detachment (extraction) of the pipes due to the locking system constituted precisely by the recesses (slots) of the tubular element that houses a radial tooth of similar section (without interference). Complementary fittings use the same joining system, but the recesses (grooves) can also be formed in molds (die casting, casting, forging, etc.). The materials primarily used are steel, cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys. This system, while allowing for relatively quick installation (except for the need to join sections of non-standard length tubular elements and the possibility of disassembly and reassembly), has several drawbacks, including the high cost of the elastomeric seal and the requirement to caulk the tubular element at both ends. Furthermore, the large elastomeric seal is subjected to mechanical compression that is often uneven, potentially leading to a defect in the hydraulic seal (especially after installation, due to possible elastic degradation of the elastomer from which the seal is made). The installation also requires perfect alignment of the pipes due to the small depth of embedment, which creates potential hydraulic sealing problems. Furthermore, it is noted that auxiliary processing of one or more pipes (rolling, pressing, turning) is necessary if a length of the tubular element other than the standard supply length is required. This custom cutting operation of a tubular element involves the loss of one of the two radial grooves, which must be recreated; therefore, the availability of suitable equipment on site is essential. Grooves made by rolling, however, cause a localized narrowing (constriction) of the flow section, which is repeated twice for each individual pipe. Such variations in the flow section also determine turbulence and pressure losses depending on the flow velocity, and the pipe thickness must be oversized if the recessed groove is created by material removal (e.g., turning).With this system, the maximum internal pressure values cannot normally exceed 8-10 bar. This is based on the safety factors established by international standards, which may require minimum performance pressures up to five times these operating pressures. Another known joining system uses a radial band joint made of molded sheet metal. This allows for the retention of the tubular element through the compression of a radial ring with sector notches and the hydraulic seal created by the compression of a sleeve gasket. The band joint wraps around the end sections of the two opposing pipes, and its diameter is reduced by screwing in two or more bolts aligned with a longitudinal opening in the band itself. This reduction in diameter causes the teeth to penetrate the thickness of the pipes, and the resulting contrast with the axial pull and tightening of the bolts allows the compression of the elastomeric gasket along the surfaces of the two pipes, creating a hydraulic seal. The material primarily used for constructing the basic components is stainless steel. The disadvantages of this system are the need for perfect pipe alignment due to the shallow embedment depth, with the consequent potential hydraulic seal problems; the difficulty of insertion into the tubular element due to the possible expansion limit of the band in some variations of the usable coupling diameters; the need to caulk the end opposite the socket; the mandatory use of a torque wrench to tighten the bolts; and the large-volume elastomeric gasket is subject to mechanical compression that is often uneven, with the potential for hydraulic seal failure (especially after installation, due to possible elastic degradation of the elastomer from which the gasket is made). Even in this case, maximum internal operating pressure values above 8–10 bar are often not achievable. This is based on inALA / a / zuzz / ui jo ro -5 in the safety coefficients established by international standards, which may require minimum performance pressures of up to five times such operating pressures. A final known joining system involves the use of couplings with hydraulically sealed sleeve couplings, secured by an elastomeric gasket. The tubular element is retained by compression half-rings acting on rings with a truncated conical cross-section, radial teeth, and a tangential space. The fitting is inserted axially into the pipes (and / or the pipes into the fitting) to the full embedment depth, passing through the gasket (generally toroidal in cross-section), located in a seat on the body, to the stop. By acting on the half-ring bolts, the diameter of the truncated conical ring is reduced, causing the radial teeth to penetrate the pipe thickness. The truncated conical cross-section improves tooth penetration when the axial stress generated by internal pressure increases. The materials of construction are primarily aluminum alloys, various metals, and thermoplastics. This joining system also presents several drawbacks, including the use of two joints for so many assembly operations in a single joint: the cost of the joint is quite high. Summary of the Invention The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a stable and secure pipe joining system that can be carried out in reduced installation times, using assembly equipment and accessories that are not complex or bulky and are normally supplied (Alien wrenches, fixed wrenches, screwdrivers with normal power battery). The system also offers resistance to internal fluid pressures of up to, for example, 16 bar during operation, with a safety factor of up to 4.5 times that value, where the minimum operating pressure corresponds substantially to 72 bar. Furthermore, it is always possible to assemble, disassemble, and reassemble the pipes and use pipe sections of non-standard lengths without having to recreate the flanges / recesses / slots required for their retention. Finally, the -6system uses a single, relatively low-cost gasket for each joint. Brief Description of the Figures of the Invention The present invention relates to an integrated joining system for tubular fluid distribution elements according to the features of appended claim 1. The invention will be described in detail in one embodiment, by way of example and without limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: • Figure 1 represents a longitudinal perspective section of a tubular element according to the present invention, • Figure 2 represents an enlarged view of detail A of Figure 1, • Figure 3 represents an enlarged view of detail B of Figure 1, • Figure 4 represents a longitudinal perspective section of two tubular elements joined by the system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 5 represents the enlarged detail C of Figure 4, • Figure 6 represents a top view of two tubular elements joined by the band accessory according to the prior art, • Figure 7 represents a side view of what is shown in Figure 6, • Figure 8 represents a longitudinal section according to AA of Figure 7, • Figure 9 represents the enlarged detail D of Figure 8, • Figures 10a,Figures 10b and 10c represent the assembly stages of two tubular elements joined together by means of the joining system according to the present invention; Figure 11 represents a longitudinal perspective section of two tubular elements joined together by means of the joining system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 represents an enlarged detail E of Figure 11; Figure 13 represents a longitudinal perspective section of, -7 two tubular elements joined together by the joining system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 14 shows an enlarged detail G of Figure 13, • Figure 15 shows a perspective longitudinal section of two tubular elements joined together by the joining system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 16 shows an enlarged detail F of Figure 15, • Figure 17 shows the top view of a clamping ring according to the present invention, • Figure 18 shows the side view of the clamping ring of Figure 17, • Figure 19 shows another side view of the clamping ring of Figure 17, • Figure 20 shows the cross-section according to AA of Figure 17, • Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the clamping ring of Figure 17,• Figure 22 represents the top view of a clamping ring according to a second embodiment of the ring of the present invention, • Figure 23 represents the side view of the clamping ring of Figure 22, • Figure 24 represents another side view of the clamping ring of Figure 22, • Figure 25 represents the cross-section according to AA of Figure 22, • Figure 26 represents a perspective view of the clamping ring of Figure 22, • Figure 27 represents the top view of a clamping ring according to a third embodiment of the ring of the present invention, • Figure 28 represents the side view of the clamping ring of Figure 27, • Figure 29 represents another side view of the clamping ring of Figure 27, • Figure 30 represents the cross-section according to AA of Figure 27, • Figure 31 represents the cross-section according to BB of Figure 27,• Figure 32 represents a perspective view of the clamping ring of Figure 27, • Figure 33 represents a top view of the spacer according to the present invention, • Figure 34 represents a side view of the spacer of Figure 33, • Figure 35 represents a front view of the spacer of Figure 33, • Figure 36 represents a section of the spacer according to AA of Figure 33, • Figure 37 represents a section of the spacer according to BB of Figure 33, • Figure 38 represents a perspective view of the spacer of Figure 33. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to the figures mentioned above, the tubular element 1 according to the present invention has, at a first end 2, an enlarged cup-shaped (female) form equipped with a flange 3 specially shaped to create a concentric rim 4 external to the tubular element and a corresponding cavity 41 turned inwards within said tubular element 1, suitable for receiving and retaining an elastomeric seal 11 with a circular or other conveniently shaped seal. Said tubular element 1, at said end 2, comprises a radial groove 5 that is also concentric, flanked, and external to said rim 4, provided with an end rim 6 that projects beyond the external surface of the tubular element 1. The aforementioned rim 4 and the aforementioned radial groove 5 thus form an "S" shaped rim.On the other hand, a second end 7 (male) of the tubular element 1 is of the same diameter as the tubular element and is equipped with a radial protrusion preferably continuous with a hump 8. -9The tubes are then assembled by inserting the second male end 7 of a tubular element 1 into the first cup end 2 of another tubular element 1' to the end of its axial stroke and thus until it comes into contact with a base or shoulder 9 of the cup end 2 with the edge of the second end 7, after this edge has passed the elastomeric seal 11 received in the cavity 41. In this position, said protrusion 8 of the tubular element 1 finds a niche in the end edge 6 of the tubular element 1'. To ensure axial retention between the tubular elements 1 and 1', a joining block 10 is provided consisting of two semicircles 27, 27' that are radially located around the tubular element 1, 1' at said concentric edge 4 and at said end edge 6, thereby securing the two tubular elements 1, 1'. The connecting block comprises, at its ends, a pair of symmetrical protrusions 31, 31', 32, 32' with through holes 12, 12' capable of accommodating tightening elements such as screws 13, which are locked with corresponding nuts 14. The two semicircles 27, 27' have, on the inside, radial cavities 15, 16 specially shaped to accommodate the outer edge 4 of the flange 3 in cavity 15 and the end edge 6 of said flange 3 in cavity 16. The edge of the connecting block 10 next to the cavity 16 (Figure 5) has an inclined wall 17 that rests on and covers the protrusion 8 of the tubular element 1 and is equipped with a tooth 18 which, in turn, rests on the outer edge of the tubular element 1. Therefore, the two semicircles 27, 27' geometrically copy the profile of the flange 3 of the tubular element 1', the protrusion 8 and the adjacent part of the tubular element 1, thus creating a solid sealing joint when the tightening screws 13 of the joining block 10 are screwed in. To facilitate the alignment of the two locking semicircles 27, 27', an optional spacer 28 is provided, specially shaped to partially accommodate the protrusions 31, 31', 32, 32' that must be joined together, thus acting as a fixing guide. This spacer 28 is equipped with a bushing 29, capable of fitting into special holes 30, 30' made in the protrusions 31, 31', 32, 32', as well as a through hole 33 to accommodate the tightening bolts 13. - 10 If, then, a shorter tubular element is required due to the configuration of the pipe network, it is possible to cut off the male end 7 of the tubular element 1, which is the one with the radial protrusion 8. In this case, if the cut includes said protrusion 8, in a second embodiment of the invention (Figure 11), the retention of the cut tubular element takes place by means of a truncated conical crimp ring 19 equipped, on the inside, with a tooth 20, capable of holding the tubular element when the screws 13 of the joining block 10 are tightened. Said ring 19 is also equipped with a notch 21 whose size is determined according to the actual tightening requirement of the tubular element, according to its circumference and thickness.This is inserted into the tubular element 1 and slid along it until it touches the top of the flange 3 of the tubular element 1'; in this position, the inner part of the joining block 10, corresponding to the inclined wall 17, meets the outer part of the ring 19 and, when the screws 13 are tightened, the inclined wall 17 presses on the inclined edge 24 of the ring 19, resulting in the crimp described above. The specific geometry of tooth 20 is designed to ensure retention of the tubular element as it penetrates a depth of 0.5 to 1 millimeter or more into the tubular element 1, relative to its thickness. However, the penetration must be limited to avoid excessive indentation in the wall of the tubular element. In other embodiments, preferably the crimp ring 19 is provided, on the inside, with two or more teeth 22, 22' or a series of two or more teeth 23, 23' parallel to each other and interleaved with free spaces to ensure an even greater pressure seal. In a third embodiment of the invention (Figure 13), the joining block 10 is composed of two locking semicircles 27, 27' joined together, on one side, by a connecting pin 34, while, on the other side, the ends are free and can be joined by means of a fixing screw 13 with a respective nut 14. In this case, if it is desired to use the spacer (28), it is therefore possible to use only one. ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / ui oo / o The assembly of a pipe consisting of two or more tubular elements -11 is carried out simply by inserting one tubular element into the other: the male part 7 of one tubular element is inserted into the socket 2 (female part) of the opposite tubular element until the end of its axial stroke is reached, ensuring that the elastomeric seal 11 inside is overcome. Therefore, it is possible to create a pipe network quickly and with the help of a few simple tools. Also in this case, if it is necessary to have a shorter tubular element due to the requirements of the pipe network, it is possible to cut the male end 7 of the tubular element 1, which is the one equipped with the radial protrusion 8. In the event that the cut includes said protrusion 8, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention (figure 15), the retention of the cut tubular element takes place through the use of a truncated conical crimp ring 19 and with the methods already described in the second embodiment. The embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, but technical variants that fall within the previously expressed concept of the present invention should also be considered protected by the patent.
Claims
1. A joint system integrated into tubular fluid distribution elements comprising: • a tubular element (1) having a first end (2) enlarged in a cup shape and a second opposite end (7) equipped with a radial protrusion (8), wherein said first end (2) is equipped with a specially shaped flange (3) having a concentric edge (4) external to the tubular element and a respective cavity (41) oriented towards the interior of said tubular element (1), capable of receiving and retaining therein an elastomeric seal (11) of circular or other convenient shape, and wherein said first end (2) is equipped with a radial groove (5) that is also concentric, located side by side and external to said edge (4), equipped with a final edge (6) projecting with respect to the external surface of the tubular element itself,wherein the assembly of the tubular elements is carried out by inserting the end (7) of a tubular element (1) into the cup-shaped end (2) of a similar tubular element (1') to the end of its axial stroke and until it comes into contact with a base or shoulder (9) of the cup-shaped end (2) with the edge of the second end (7), after said edge has passed the elastomeric seal (11) housed in the cavity (41), • a joining block (10) comprising two semicircles (27, 27') located radially around the tubular element (1, 1') at this concentric edge (4) and at this end edge (6) which, when tightened by means of clamping elements, crimps the two tubular elements (1, 1').
2. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to claim 1, wherein said concentric rim (4) and said radial groove (5) form an S-shaped flange.
3. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to the preceding claims, wherein said radial protrusion (8) of the tubular element (1) abuts against the end edge (6) of the tubular element (1').
4. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to the preceding claims, wherein each of the two semicircles (27, 27') located radially around the tubular element (1, 1') are equipped, at opposite ends, with a pair of symmetrical protrusions (31, 31', 32, 32') equipped with through holes (12, 12') capable of accommodating the tightening elements comprising screws (13) and the respective nut (14) to ensure axial locking between the tubular elements (1, 1').
5. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to the preceding claims, wherein the two semicircles (27, 27') have, on the inner part, radial cavities (15, 16) specially shaped to accommodate inside the outer edge (4) of the flange (3) in the cavity (15) and the end edge (6) of said flange (3) in the cavity (16).
6. A joining system integrated into tubular fluid distribution elements according to claim 1, wherein the edge of the joining block (10) that is close to the cavity (16) has an inclined wall (17) that rests on and covers the protrusion (8) of the tubular element (1) and is equipped with a tooth (18) that rests on the outer edge of the tubular element (1), so that the two semicircles geometrically copy the profile of the flange (3) of the tubular element (1'), the protrusion (8) and the adjacent part of the tubular element (1), thereby creating a solid crimp constraint when the tightening screws (13) of the joining block (10) are turned.
7. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to the preceding claims, wherein the two locking semicircles (27, 27') are aligned using a spacer (28), specially shaped to partially accommodate the protrusions (31, 31', 32, 32'), and equipped with a bushing (29), capable of fitting into special holes (30, 30') made in said protrusions (31, 31', 32, 32') and with a through hole (33) to accommodate the tightening screws (13).
8. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to the preceding claims, wherein the joining block (10) is formed by two locking semicircles (27, 27') joined together by a joining pin (34) on one side, while on the other side the ends are free and can be joined by means of a tightening screw (13) with a respective nut (14).
9. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to the preceding claims, wherein the end (7) of the tubular element (1) is devoid of the radial protrusion (8) and the locking of the tubular element (1) with another tubular element (1') is carried out by the use of a crimp ring (19) having a truncated conical shape equipped, on the inside, with a tooth (20) capable of crimping the tubular element when the screws (13) of the joining block (10) are tightened.
10. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to claim 9, wherein the truncated crimp ring (19) is equipped, on the inside, with two or more teeth (22, 22') capable of crimping the tubular element when the screws (13) of the joining block (10) are tightened.
11. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to claim 9, wherein the truncated crimp ring (19) is equipped, on the inside, with a series of two or more teeth (23, 23') parallel to each other and interleaved with free spaces, capable of crimping the tubular element when the screws (13) of the joining block (10) are tightened.
12. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to claims 9, 10 and 11, wherein said ring (19) is equipped with a notch (21), the size of which is determined based on the effective tightening requirement of the tubular element according to the size of the circumference of the pipe and its thickness.
13. A joining system integrated into the tubular fluid distribution elements according to claims 9, 10 and 11, wherein said ring (19) slides along the tubular element (1) until it touches the top of the flange (3) of the tubular element (1'), so that the inner part of the joining block (10) is in contact, on the inclined wall (17), with the outer part of the ring (19).
14. Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements according to claim 13, wherein the inclined wall (17) of the joining block (10) presses, when the screw (13) is tightened, on the inclined edge (24) of the ring (19), causing a firm crimp.
15. A joining system integrated into tubular elements of fluid distribution according to claim 14 (23') penetrate to a length that varies from 0.5 to 1 or more millimeters into the tubular element (1). 5, where the teeth (20, 22, 22', 23, a)