Securing clip for socket plugs

Abstract

The invention relates to a securing clip (100) for securing a socket plug (S), which is arranged on a socket (M) of a pipe (R) in order to at least partially close an opening (O) of the socket (M), said securing clip comprising at least one clip arm (110, 112), which is designed to be initially elastically moved out of a basic position of the clip arm (110, 112) when the securing clip (100) is attached to a pipe (R) and to be elastically moved back towards the basic position when a position of attachment of the securing clip (100) to the pipe (R) has been reached, and, in the position of attachment of the securing clip (100) on the pipe side, adjacently to a socket (M) of the pipe (R), to surround the pipe (R) at least in part in a circumferential direction (U) of the pipe (R) so as to support the securing clip (100) in relation to the socket (M). The securing clip (100) further comprises at least one retaining bracket (120), which is connected to the at least one clip arm (110, 112) and which is designed, in the attachment position, to support a socket plug (S), which is arranged at an opening (O) of the socket (M), in relation to the at least one clip arm (110, 112).

Description

[0001] Title: Securing clip for sleeve plugs

[0002] Technical background

[0003] Especially in plumbing, but also in other technical fields, pipe plugs are used to completely or partially seal pipe ends that are fitted with a socket. Typical applications include sealing disused and (partially) dismantled branches of a drainage system in a building. Pipe plugs prevent unwanted odors and wastewater from escaping the drainage system into the building's interior. Furthermore, legal regulations in many areas require that the installation of a pipe plug on a socket withstand a potential backflow of water, such as that caused by flooding, sewer damage, or a blockage in the drainage system, which acts against the flow direction, at least up to a certain pressure.

[0004] It is known to structurally secure a socket plug attached to a socket, for example by embedding it in concrete, bricking it in, and / or mechanically bracing it against a nearby building structure. Screw-on sleeves are also known, which can be slipped over a socket along with the socket plug and screwed shut in an area on the pipe side of the socket to brace the tightened sleeve against the socket. Such techniques require considerable material and / or tool input. Furthermore, these techniques often require ample space around the socket and complete exposure of the socket for their application. If this is not possible, or if other limitations exist, a pipe branch connected to the socket must, in some cases, be completely removed, which requires considerable effort, material, and time.

[0005] Similar problems arise with socket plugs that partially seal a pipe end, for example by reducing the diameter of the pipe opening, in fluid systems that can be pressurized. This includes, for example, the line pressure in a water supply system.

[0006] A technique is desirable that allows for improved securing of a socket plug to a socket.

[0007] Summary of Revelation

[0008] The problem is solved by a retaining clip according to claim 1. Accordingly, a retaining clip for securing a socket plug, which is arranged on a socket of a pipe to at least partially close an opening of the socket, comprises at least one clip arm. The at least one clip arm is configured to be elastically moved from a home position of the clip arm when the retaining clip is attached to a pipe, and to be elastically moved back towards the home position when the retaining clip reaches an attachment position on the pipe. The at least one clip arm is further configured to at least partially surround the pipe along a circumferential direction in the attachment position adjacent to a socket of the pipe in order to support the retaining clip with respect to the socket.The retaining clip further comprises at least one retaining bracket which is connected to the at least one clip arm and which is designed to support a sleeve plug, which is arranged at an opening of the sleeve, in the mounting position with respect to the at least one clip arm.

[0009] Such a retaining clip, particularly by means of at least one elastic clip arm, simplifies the attachment and, if necessary, removal of the retaining clip, especially tool-free attachment to the pipe for the purpose of securing the socket plug. This eliminates the need for a screw connection, as is required with screw-on sleeves. The effort and the need for additional tools for attaching the retaining clip are thus reduced. Furthermore, the need for additional building materials and their processing, as required when embedding or bricking in a sealed socket, is eliminated. In this respect as well, the effort and the need for additional materials for attaching the retaining clip are reduced.

[0010] Furthermore, such a retaining clip allows it to be attached to the pipe from one access direction, specifically by simply pushing it onto the pipe from that direction, without requiring access from another direction, as is necessary with screw-on sleeves. This reduces the effort and / or tool requirements that would be necessary for extensively exposing a socket, particularly in the case of a pipe that is partially or completely encased in concrete or masonry. This is especially advantageous when sealing a dismantled drain below the foundation slab of a building, where securing a socket plug is often legally mandated and where sufficiently exposing the socket to attach a retaining plug typically requires considerable effort.Securing a pipe plug is legally required in many places for decommissioned drains located below the building's backflow level, which is typically defined by street level. The applicability of the securing clip for dismantled drains below the building's foundation slab is therefore particularly advantageous.

[0011] Due to the aforementioned advantages of simple and universal usability, this type of safety clip also promotes use by end users. In particular, proper and / or safe use of the safety clip does not necessarily require specialized plumbing expertise.

[0012] The retaining clip can comprise several, in particular exactly two, clip arms. The clip arms can extend in substantially opposite directions with respect to the at least one retaining bracket and be configured to at least partially surround the tube in opposite directions parallel to the circumferential direction in the installation position.

[0013] The retaining clip can have at least one connection area. The at least one clip arm and the at least one retaining bracket can each extend from the at least one connection area.

[0014] The retaining clip can comprise multiple retaining brackets and multiple connection areas. Each retaining bracket can be assigned to a different connection area and extend from its assigned connection area. The multiple connection areas can be spaced apart from one another along the circumference, and the multiple retaining brackets can also extend apart from one another along the circumference. Providing multiple connection areas and multiple retaining brackets, each spaced apart from one another along the circumference, promotes a uniform load distribution on the socket plug and / or on the retaining clip when the pipe pressure is present in the pipe and acting on the socket plug.

[0015] Each retaining bracket can extend from only one connection point. In particular, a material connection between each retaining bracket and any other parts of the retaining clip can only exist via the single associated connection point from which the retaining bracket extends.

[0016] At least one retaining bracket can be designed to surround the sleeve along an axial direction of the pipe in the mounting position.

[0017] The retaining clip can be designed to allow the retaining clip to be attached to the pipe by moving the retaining clip in relation to the pipe, whereby the movement is exclusively parallel to a radial direction of the pipe.

[0018] This allows the retaining clip to be attached, in particular by simply pushing it onto the pipe, from a radial, i.e., lateral, direction, especially without requiring access to the pipe from any other direction. This simplifies handling of the retaining clip and reduces the effort required to properly prepare the area around the pipe.

[0019] The retaining clip can be designed to secure the socket plug against unwanted detachment from the pipe socket. Specifically, the retaining clip can be designed to secure the socket plug against unwanted detachment from the pipe socket at a pipe pressure of at least 1.5 bar, preferably at least 2 bar, and more preferably at least 5 bar.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, at least one retaining bracket can be rigidly designed parallel to the axial direction. In particular, the entire assembly of retaining brackets of the locking clip can be rigidly designed with respect to a specified maximum pipe pressure present in the pipe, in order to secure the socket plug against unwanted detachment from the pipe socket at the specified maximum pipe pressure.

[0021] The presented retaining clip is characterized by high axial rigidity of each clip arm and retaining bracket, while simultaneously allowing elastic movement of each clip arm in the radial direction. This enables both high holding force and convenient operation of the retaining clip. Furthermore, each clip arm can be designed so that the retaining clip encircles the pipe to any desired extent parallel to the circumference. A load exerted by pipe pressure, transmitted via each retaining bracket to the entire set of clip arms and then to the socket, can thus be distributed as far as desired along the circumference. This facilitates a high holding force combined with a stable and secure fit of the retaining clip to the pipe, particularly without damage to the retaining clip and / or the pipe.

[0022] The retaining clip may be made of plastic and / or metal. It may be made predominantly, and in particular entirely, of plastic. Alternatively, it may be made predominantly, and in particular entirely, of metal. This facilitates simplified manufacturing of the retaining clip, especially as an injection-molded part (e.g., injection-molded). Manufacturing the retaining clip predominantly, and in particular entirely, of metal improves its stability. The pipe may be a sanitary pipe. Additionally or alternatively, one or more dimensions of the pipe, the socket plug, and / or the arrangement of the socket plug on the socket may conform to a predetermined size standard, in particular an industry standard for sanitary pipes.

[0023] The outer diameter of the pipe can be in a range between 20 and 300 millimeters, particularly between 40 and 150 millimeters.

[0024] The socket plug may be designed to completely close the opening of the socket.

[0025] Alternatively, the socket plug can be designed to partially close the opening of the socket. In this case, the socket plug can have an opening that is smaller than the opening of the socket. The socket plug can be a connecting socket plug, and the opening of the socket plug can be a connection port, particularly for connecting a device to which the socket plug is attached to a pressurized piping system. The device can be a washing machine and / or a dishwasher, and / or the piping system can be a water supply system.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, at least one retaining clip of the locking clamp can be designed to extend away from any connection area of ​​the socket plug when the locking clamp is attached to the pipe to secure the socket plug. This facilitates handling for attaching the locking clamp and / or connecting the socket plug to a piping system.

[0027] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "socket" can denote any type of socket, flange, or other expansion on an outside of the tube in the area of ​​an opening, in particular at a tube end, which permits the support of the retaining clip by means of the at least one clip arm for securing a plug in the manner presented herein.

[0028] In another respect, a system for closing the opening of a pipe socket is presented. The system comprises a retaining clip of the type presented here and a socket plug. The retaining clip is designed to secure the socket plug when the socket plug is positioned on a pipe socket to at least partially close the socket opening.

[0029] Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Further features and advantages become clear from the drawings and the detailed description. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a safety clip according to an example;

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a usage scenario of a safety clip according to an example;

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a safety clip according to another example;

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a usage scenario of the safety clip in Fig. 3 according to another example.

[0035] Detailed description of the revelation

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a schematic and exemplary representation of a retaining clip 100 for securing a sleeve plug. The retaining clip 100 comprises two clip arms 110, 112. The clip arms 110, 112 extend from a connecting area 130 of the retaining clip 100. The retaining clip 100 also comprises a retaining bracket 120. The retaining bracket 120 extends from the connecting area 130 substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the clip arms 110, 112 extend.

[0037] The clamp arms 110, 112 extend from the connection area 130 in essentially opposite directions, i.e., on opposite sides of the connection area 130. The shape of the clamp arms 110, 112 is chosen such that they form a receptacle for a tube onto which the locking clip 100 can be placed. To facilitate placing the locking clip 100 onto a tube, each of the clamp arms 110, 112 has a clamp arm end 114, 116, which together form an opening in the receptacle for the tube. The clamp arms 110, 112 are designed to allow the locking clip 100 to be placed in the direction of the opening of the receptacle, as shown in Fig. 1 as direction D. Direction D runs parallel to a radial direction of the tube.

[0038] In the example shown, the clamp arms 110, 112 are bent outwards in a funnel shape in the area of ​​the clamp arm ends 114, 116. This makes it easier to attach the securing clamp 100 to a pipe.

[0039] The clamp arms 110, 112 are elastically designed. The shape of the clamp arms 110, 112 is chosen such that the distance between the clamp arms 110, 112 in the region of the clamp arm ends 114, 116, i.e., in the region of the opening of the pipe receptacle, is less than the intended diameter of the pipe and is also less than the distance between the clamp arms 110, 112 in a region of the retaining clamp 100 intended for receiving the pipe when the retaining clamp 100 is attached to the pipe.

[0040] To attach the retaining clip 100 to the pipe, the retaining clip 100 is positioned along direction D from the radial, i.e., lateral, direction of the pipe. The clip arms 110, 112 are initially moved elastically outwards from their initial position through the pipe. With further movement of the retaining clip 100 in direction D, the attachment position of the retaining clip on the pipe is reached; that is, the pipe is positioned in the receptacle area between the clip arms 110, 112. Due to their elasticity and the shape shown, the clip arms 110, 112 are then elastically returned to their initial position. The reduced distance between the clip arm ends 114, 116 compared to the diameter of the pipe elastically stabilizes the retaining clip 100 in the attachment position on the pipe in the radial direction, i.e., parallel to direction D.

[0041] The retaining bracket 120 is designed to secure a socket plug, which is positioned at an opening, for example, partially within an opening, of a pipe socket to close the opening, in its position relative to the socket. For this purpose, the retaining bracket 120 is designed to support the socket plug against the socket when the retaining clip 100 is attached to the pipe in its mounting position. The retaining bracket 120 has an axial section 122 and a retaining section 124 for this purpose. The axial section 122 is dimensioned such that it extends around the socket in the axial direction of the pipe. The clip arms 110, 112 bear against a pipe-side end face of the socket. The retaining section 124 projects beyond the opening of the socket on the opening side and extends parallel to the radial direction of the pipe along a portion of the socket plug attached to the opening of the socket. As below in connection with Fig.As described in more detail in Figure 2, the retaining bracket 120 supports the socket plug against any possible movement out of the socket opening, i.e., in an axial direction of the pipe, relative to the clamping arms 110, 112. The clamping arms 110, 112 also support the retaining bracket 120 against any possible movement in the same axial direction of the pipe relative to the socket, i.e., corresponding to a movement of the socket plug out of the opening. The socket plug is thus held or secured at the opening of the socket.

[0042] As described above, the retaining clip 100 allows it to be attached to a pipe from the side, i.e., parallel to a radial direction of the pipe, according to direction D. Attaching the retaining clip 100 to the pipe does not require access to the pipe from any other direction. This facilitates the attachment of the retaining clip 100 in many practically relevant situations, for example, when a pipe in the area of ​​the socket is not completely exposed, but is, for example, partially encased in concrete, walled in, and / or runs adjacent to building structures.

[0043] In some examples, the retaining clip 100 comprises metal. In some of these examples, the retaining clip 100 is made entirely of metal, for example, as a metal casting.

[0044] Fig. 2 schematically and exemplarily shows a usage scenario 200 for a retaining clip 100 according to one or more of the examples presented here. Identical parts of the retaining clip 100 shown in Fig. 2 as in Fig. 1 are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows the retaining clip 100 in an installation position on a pipe R. In this position, the retaining clip 100 secures a socket plug S, which is located at an opening O, in the example shown partially within the opening O, of a socket M of the pipe R, in order to close the opening O. In this position, the retaining clip 100 secures the socket plug S against unintentional loosening from the opening O of the socket M along an axial direction A of the pipe R.

[0046] As shown schematically in Fig. 2, the clamp arm 110 rests along a circumferential direction U of the pipe R on the outside of the pipe R, adjacent to the socket M. The clamp arm 110 thus supports the retaining clip 100, including the retaining bracket 120, and thereby the socket plug S with respect to the socket M against movement along the axial direction A.

[0047] The axial section of the retaining boss 120 is dimensioned such that it surrounds the socket M along the axial direction A. In some examples, the length of the axial section of the retaining boss 120 is chosen according to a predetermined axial length of the socket M. This is facilitated by the fact that standardized dimensions of pipes, including pipe sockets, are used in many practically relevant applications. The same applies to the dimensions of the retaining bracket 120 and its holding area, as well as to the dimensions of the socket plug S and its position at the opening O of the socket M. In many practically relevant applications, the dimensions of socket plugs and their position when closing a socket opening are standardized. This facilitates the provision of the retaining clip 100 with suitable dimensions for such applications. This applies in many cases to sanitary pipes, and also to pipes in various other technical fields.

[0048] In some examples, the outer diameter of the pipe R is between 20 and 300 millimeters, particularly between 40 and 150 millimeters.

[0049] As schematically shown by the vertical arrow in Fig. 2, the retaining clip 100 is attached in direction D, which is aligned parallel to a radial direction of the tube R. That is, in the example shown, the retaining clip 100 is attached to the tube R from the side.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows a schematic and exemplary representation of a retaining clip 300 for securing a sleeve plug. The preceding statements regarding the retaining clip 100 apply accordingly to the retaining clip 300, unless otherwise indicated in the drawings and the following description.

[0051] The retaining clip 300 comprises several retaining brackets 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D. Each of the retaining brackets 320A - 320D extends from one associated connection area 330A, 330B, 330C, 330D of several connection areas 330A - 330D of the retaining clip 300. Each of the retaining brackets 320A - 320D is connected via its respective connection area 330A - 330D to at least one clip arm 310A, 31B, 31C, 312A, 312C, 312D of the retaining clip 300, which extends from the respective connection area 330A - 330D.

[0052] Several radially inwardly projecting contours 317, 318 are formed on a pipe-side edge of the retaining clip 300. The contours 317, 318 are components of the clip arms 310A, 310B, 310C, 312A, 312C, 312D and are designed to support the retaining brackets 320A - 320D with respect to the socket against possible movement in the axial direction of the pipe, which corresponds to a movement of the socket plug out of the opening. In the example shown, each of the contours 317, 318 is formed in the area of ​​one of the connection areas 330A - 330D.

[0053] On both sides of the opening of the receptacle for the tube, the retaining clip 300 has slightly funnel-shaped diverging end contours 314, 316. Similar to the outwardly curved clip arm ends 114, 116 of the clip arms 110, 112, this facilitates the insertion of the retaining clip 300 onto a tube.

[0054] In the example shown, the retaining clip 300 has two end connection areas 330B, 330D and several intermediate non-end connection areas 330A, 330C. The end connection areas 330B, 330D are each located in the region of one end of a base body of the retaining clip 300, i.e., on both sides of the opening of the receptacle for the tube, such that only one clip arm 310B, 312D extends from each of the end connection areas 330B, 330D. Each of the non-terminal connecting areas 330A, 330C is arranged in an area between the ends of the clamp body and between the terminal connecting areas 330B, 330D, such that two clamp arms 31 OA, 312A, 31 OB, 312B extend from each of the non-terminal connecting areas 330A, 330C.

[0055] As schematically shown in Fig. 3 by the dashed diagrams, in the case of the retaining clip 300, different clip arms 310A, 310B, 310C, 312A, 312C, 312D overlap, which are assigned to different connection areas 330A - 330D, i.e. extend from different connection areas 330A - 330D. Furthermore, each of the non-terminal connecting areas 330A, 330C also functions as part of a clamp arm 310A, 310B, 310C, 312A, 312C, 312D in relation to each further of the connecting areas 330A - 330D of the locking clamp 300, from which a respective clamp arm 310A, 310B, 310C, 312A, 312C, 312D extends and runs at least partially through the respective non-terminal connecting area 330A, 330C to one or more of the contours 317, 318.

[0056] Providing multiple retaining clips 320A - 320D allows for a more stable hold compared to a single retaining clip. Arranging the multiple retaining clips 320A - 320D adjacent to different sides of the plug along the circumference of the pipe also promotes a more even distribution of the retaining force exerted on the plug by the retaining clips 320A - 320D. This allows for a reduction in the size of the individual retaining clips 320A - 320D, particularly their radial length. This is especially advantageous when using the locking clip 300 in conjunction with connecting socket plugs, as it enables a wider range of connection diameters.

[0057] In the example shown, the retaining brackets 320A - 320D are essentially each formed entirely as a retaining area 324A, which extends radially inwards from a top surface of the associated connecting area 330A - 330D. That is, compared to the retaining clip 100, the axial section of each of the retaining brackets 320A - 320D is minimized.

[0058] Fig. 4 schematically and exemplarily shows a usage scenario 400 for a retaining clip 300 according to Fig. 3. Identical parts of the retaining clip 300 shown in Fig. 4 as in Fig. 3 are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0059] Fig. 4 shows the retaining clip 300 in an attachment position on a pipe R. The above statements relating to the use scenario 200 apply accordingly to the use scenario 400, unless otherwise indicated in the drawings and the description.

[0060] In particular, in application scenario 400, the locking clip 300 also secures a socket plug S in the illustrated mounting position, which is arranged at an opening O of a socket M of the pipe R in order to close the opening O. The locking clip 300 secures the socket plug S against unwanted loosening of the socket plug S from the opening O of the socket M along an axial direction A of the pipe R.

[0061] The preceding examples of a retaining clip are described in the context of sanitary pipes. However, it is understood that the same or similar advantages of a retaining clip of the described type can also be achieved in other areas of application and / or in connection with other pipe types.

Claims

Claims 1. Securing clip (100; 300) for securing a socket plug (S) arranged on a socket (M) of a pipe (R) to at least partially close an opening (O) of the socket (M), wherein the securing clip (100; 300) comprises: - at least one clamp arm (110, 112; 310A, 310B, 310C, 312A, 312C, 312D) designed to: o initially move elastically from a basic position of the clamp arm (110, 112; 310A, 310B, 310C, 312A, 312C, 312D) when the locking clamp (100; 300) is attached to a pipe (R), and to move elastically back towards the basic position when the locking clamp (100; 300) reaches an attachment position on the pipe (R), and o in the attachment position of the locking clamp (100; 300) adjacent to a socket (M) of the pipe (R), secure the pipe (R) along a circumferential direction (U) of the pipe (R) at least partially surround in order to support the retaining clip (100; 300) in relation to the sleeve (M), and - at least one retaining bracket (120; 320A - 320D) which is connected to the at least one clamp arm (110, 112; 310A, 310B, 310C, 312A, 312C, 312D) and which is designed to support a sleeve plug (S) which is arranged at an opening (O) of the sleeve (M) in the mounting position with respect to the at least one clamp arm (110, 112; 310A, 310B, 310C, 312A, 312C, 312D).

2. Safety clip according to claim 1, wherein the safety clip (100; 300) comprises several, in particular exactly two, clip arms (110, 112; 310A, 312A, 310C, 312C).

3. Securing clip according to claim 2, wherein the clip arms (110, 112; 310A, 312A, 310C, 312C) extend substantially in opposite directions with respect to the at least one retaining bracket (120; 320A; 320C) and are configured to at least partially surround the tube (R) in opposite directions along the circumferential direction (U) in the mounting position.

4. A retaining clip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining clip (100; 300) has at least one connecting area (130; 330A - 330D), and wherein the at least one clip arm (110, 112; 310A, 310B, 310C, 312A, 312C, 312D) and the at least one retaining bracket (120; 320A - 320D) each extend from the Extend connection range (130; 330A - 330D).

5. Safety clip according to claim 4, wherein the safety clip (300) comprises several retaining brackets (320A - 320D) and several connecting areas (330A - 330D), each of the retaining brackets (320A - 320D) being assigned to one of the connecting areas (330A - 330D) and extending from the assigned connecting area (330A - 330D).

6. Securing clip according to claim 5, wherein the multiple connecting areas (330A - 330D) are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction (U), and the multiple retaining brackets (320A - 320D) extend spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction (U).

7. Securing clip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one retaining bracket (120; 320A - 320D) is designed to surround the sleeve (M) along an axial direction (A) of the tube (R) in the mounting position.

8. A retaining clip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining clip (100; 300) is configured to allow the retaining clip (100; 300) to be attached to the tube (R) by moving the retaining clip (100; 300) in relation to the tube (R), wherein the movement is exclusively parallel to a radial direction (D) of the tube.

9. Securing clip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing clip (100; 300) is designed to secure the socket plug (S) against unwanted loosening of the socket plug (S) from the pipe socket (M).

10. Safety clip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a material of the safety clip (100; 300) comprises plastic and / or metal.

11. Securing clip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe (R) is a sanitary pipe.

12. Securing clip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more dimensions of the tube (R), the socket plug (S) and / or an arrangement of the socket plug (S) on the socket (M) correspond to a predetermined size standard.

13. Safety clip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer diameter of the tube (R) is in a range between 20 and 300 millimeters, in particular between 40 and 150 millimeters.

Images