CA1252810A

CA1252810A - Sealing or coupling device

Info

Publication number: CA1252810A
Application number: CA000460329A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Kurt Bauder
Original assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
Current assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
Priority date: 1983-08-03
Filing date: 1984-08-03
Publication date: 1989-04-18
Also published as: EP0133455A2; JPH0637655U; DE3465282D1; EP0133455B1; MX159390A; BR8403871A; EP0133455A3

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention relates to a sealing or coupling device for two elements which are to be concentrically connected together with one element inserted into the other - for example, a container and lid, two pipes, or a pipe and sleeve. The device comprises a clamp body for insertion into the radial space between the two elements. At least one of the elements is bounded by a conical surface facing the space, which conical surface extends behind the clamp body in the direction of the joint. The clamp body consists of elastic, pliable, non-compressible material, which before installation has a thickness greater than the maximum width of the space, in a radial direction, and which is located in the region of the conical surface. Means are provided for preventing axial movement of the clamp body away from the conical surface, and the smallest distance between the conical and opposite surfaces is selected to be 0.1 to 0.5 times as great as the radial thickness of the clamp body.

Description

The invention relates to a sealing or coupling device for two elements which are to be concentrically connected to~ethQr with one element inserted into the other - for example, a container and lid, two pipes, or a pipe snd sleeve. The device comprises a clamp body for insertion into the radial space between the two elements. At least one of the elements is bo~nded by a conical surface facing the space, which conical sur~ace extends behind the clamp body in the direction of the joint. The clamp body consists of elastic, pliable, non-compressible material, which before installation has a thickness greater than the maximum width of the space, in a rndial direction, and which is located in the region of the conical surface.
Such a sealin~ or coupling device is described for example in the German patent spacification 916268. The clamp body described has a prismatic profile and s~ffers from the disadvantage that it moves axially durin~ the joining of the two elements with resulting elastic deformations of the clamp body which are considerable and which remain after both parts have been joined.
Conse~uently, they can lead to chronic deformities of the cla~p body which, in terms of its re-use, is hardly satisfactory. In addition, the resistance to pullin~ apart of the resultin~ connection leaves much to be desired.
; The object of the present invention is the provision of a sealin~ or coupling device of the aforementioned type which, because it avoids significant clamp body deformîties, provides improved resist~nce against pulling apart of the resulting connection.
The above object is realized in the present invention by provision of means for preventin~ an axi~l shift of the clamp body away from the conical surace and by selecting the smallest distance between the conical surface and the opposite surfsce (between which the clamp body is located) to be 0.1 to 0.5 times as great as the radisl thickness of the clamp body.
The clamp body is thus placed between the conical surface and the opposite surface and a very small deformation is thus sufficient to effect the desired securing and (as the case may be) sealing result. aelaxation of the body material and chronic clamp body deformities need not therefore cause concern.
The clamp body has an annular form and i8 arrsn~ed on the conical surface of the one part before the parts to be joined are fitted intv each other. The other part may then very easily be slid in~ide or over the clamp body, because the clamp body is Ible to slip to ~he necessary de~ree toward the widenin~

space between the conical surface and the oppogite surface. It then rnakes frictional contact with both surfaces with essent;ally the same initial tension. A backwards separating movement of the two parts therefore results in an increasing cumpression of the clamp body between the conical and opposite surfaces. rhis is lim;ted by the deformability of the material used in the manufac~ure of the clamp body and in no way allows, ~hen normal materials are used, the clamp body to be forced through the smallest space between the conical and opposed surfaces. In this case, "normal materiQls"
are understood to be mainly non-porous materials mad~ of elastic rubber constituents.
In order to prevent an undesirable movement of the clamp body durinK
joinin~ of the parts, it is advantageous that there be provided a projection which extends axially behind the clamp body from the part having the aforementioned opposed surface. Such Q design, as well as bein~ simple to manufacture, provides for good handling safety.
The support device can also be formed by an annular tensile element fixed to the clamp body, ~hich abuts the part having the conical sureace. In such a desi~n, the clamp body is effectively suspended, which ~ases its moulding during the joining of the parts and therewith also the joining itself. A
particularly simple securement of the clamp body may be achieved in such a design if the annular element is extended into a flange which lies against a radially e%tended stop surface of the part featurin~ the conical surface. The flQnge is thus visible from the exterior if the design allows, which enables the subsequent checking of the quality of the resulting connection.
The tensile element, the flange and (if need be) the clamp body, can be formed in one piece and can therefore all consist of rubber-elastic material.
Such a design is not only economical to produce, but moreover provides for an a~ial shift of the clamp body toward the widenin~ space between the conical surface and the opposite surface when the two parts to be joined are fitted into each other. The joinin~ process is in this way greatly facilitated without compromising the necessary static friction that occurs between the clamp body and the surfaces pressin~ against it on either side. Such a design further allows the later separation of the joined parts by providin~ the clamp body on the side axially opposite the tensile element with a pulling tab, if ths ~reatest radial distance between tho conical surEAce and the oppo~ite .~ 3 surface is at least as lflrge as the radial extengion of the clamp body in an unloaded state. In such a design, the clamp body may, aided by the pullin~
tab, be moved in the direction o~ the widening space between both par~s and may finally be pulled out of the space. The separation of the parts can now proceed unhindered, and the clamp body, by virtue of the elasticity of the tensile element, can return to its previous position on the conical surface.
Re-joining of both parts as mentioned in the above designs is possible~
The surface opposite the conical surface can also have a conical shape and can wrap around the clamp body in the direction of the joint. The clamp body in such a design has a rigid structure on both sides. This can benefit the reliability of the axial securement of the connected parts in critical circumstances, especially if the introduction of vibr~tions into the connection are of concern during normal use.
The conical and/or opposite surface and/or the clamp body can have ribs extending toward the circumference and/or grooves in the region where the surfaces meet, in order to improve the sealing properties, especially if certain surface irre~ularities and/or impurities are present. Additionally, there results an improvemen~ in the securing of the individual parts in the axial direction.
The clamp body may assume flny profile; however, a circular design is preferable. This is not only inexpensive to produce, but also makes possible the acceptance of certain angular displacements between the parts to be connected which are normally cylindrical in shape.
In designs in which the clamp body features a cross-sectional form compatible with the pro~ile of the space bounded by the conical and opposite surfaces, there occurs in eeneral an improved sealing result - especially if the clamp body is designed with an annular membrane on the side facing the joint, which under elastic initial tension lies against the inner one of the concentrically joined parts. Similar designs recommend themselves for use primarily in installations where the mutual connection of ~as and/or waterpipes is involved.
In an advanta~eous design, the smallest distance between the conical surface and the opposite surface is 0.2 to 0.3 times as gre~t as the maximu~
radial thickness of the clamp body. Without impedin~ the eflse of joining of the two parts, a particularly ti~ht connection between the two parts results within this range.
The angle enclosed by the conical surface and the axis of the sealin~ or coupling device is generally 10 to 30 .
The proposed sealing or coupling device is excellently suited for cap locks on containers or for the mutual joining of pipes. The device moreover allows the anchoring of a variety of cylindrically shaped bodies in a space.
The clamp body comprises a conventional elastomeric sealant, for e~ample nitrile-butadiene rubber, ethylene-propylene-terpolymer rubber, vinylide fluoride hexafluoropropylene rubber, acrylonitrile-chloroprene rubber or lQ epichlorohydrene rubber, preferably unfoamed. The surface of a clamp bodymade of such material may have a bubbly quality, so that a better surface seal can be obtained, if the cl~mp and/or opposite surface features a highly te~tured surface.
The hardness furthermore lies between 30 and 80 Shore A. Materials of this kind are inexpensive to obtain and are easily made into the desired shape by conventional means.
Where the invention is applied to the a~ial securing and sesling of a pipe in a pipe supporting plate, the cl~mp body is connected by a tensile element ~similar in shape to a membrane) to a flange which has its front against the supporting plate ~s well as having the outside of the clamp body against the rearwardly widenin~ conical surface of the openin~. In this manner, the clamp body when installed is practically unmovable and effects a good a~ial securing of the pipe, which is contacted at least by the inner surface of the clamp body as well as by the inner surface of the annular membrane associated therewith. The latter has only a very small radial thickness. The pressure of the sealed medium contributes directly to the pressure of the annular membrane against the outer circumference of the pipe, as a result of which, in addition to good a~isl securement, a ~ood seal is achieved. The fle~ibili.ty of the membrane is in this instance oP critical importance. It ensures a steady and solid contact between the clamp body and the received pipe, when relative movements occur - for example as a re~ult of the int~oduction o~
vibrations o~ varying frequency. The proposed device is therefore particularly suited for sealing and securin~ the heat exchan~e pipe of an air conditioner in an automobile. At the same time, it lessens noise emlssions from th~ relatively large surfaces of the individual parts.

~5~ 3 The radial fixin~ of the received pipe favours an especially ~ood elasticity nnd softness that beneeits the Qcoustic insulation of the pipe.
This effect i5 primarily nchieved by the continuing of the rndial ixture of the pipe within the support plate hole to be exclusively between the conical surfacs of the hole and the cylindrical pipe. RelQtive shifts, resulting for example ~rom vibrations, can in this mnnner be better isolated and lessened.
Ideally, the conical surface and the opposite surface should anclose an angle of 10 to 18 .
For the installation of such n pipe, as a first step, the clamp body is placed in the openin~ of the pipe supporting plate with the conical surface.
The enlar~ement at the rear of the part prevents it from slippin~ out by itsel~, which is the reason that the work process can if necessary be carried out separately from the actual installation of the pipes. The automation of the installation is thus made easier. This is further simplified if a sheet having formed therein several clamp bodies is used, whereby individual positioning would be superfluous and entire devices can be fitted ~s self-contained units into respective openin~s in the pipe supporting plate.
In such a manner, there ~esults an additional protection against corrosion in cases in which the sheet materisl between the individual devices is continuous and impermeable to fluids. This enables the use in production oP cheaply available msterials.
In cases in which an ~djacent chamber is to be formed, a cover m~st be placed on top of the pipe supporting plate. The sheet material csn ~t the same time be used to seal the periphery of the cover. The production cost for an air conditioner in an automobile, for e~ample, can in this way be reduced.
The pipes in question are inserted in the clamp bodies after the lntter have been loc~ted in the support plate openings. This takes place by means of a simple pushing motion ~nd readily occurs when the clamp body is bounded on the inside by a conical surface that features a diameter which becomes increasingly smaller toward the rear. In this case, a lubricant need not be employed.
The foregoing also spplies to the fitting of the clamp body in the openings. In this case, the clamp body has a conical surface on the e~terior, between the enlargement and the annular membrane. This conicnl surface connects both parts. The necesssry centr~l loc~tion of the device vis a vis .

v the opening occurs to a great extent automatically. The length of each annular membranes is ideally two to five times as great as the thickne~s.
In the examples described above, there results an axial securing of both parts in ~he direction of the application o~ forces ~hich is not alw~ys sufficient. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, the tensile element referred to above e~ists to~ether with the tensile element of 8, second laterally reversed clamp body and the second clamp body lies a&ainst a conical surface whose arrangement is e~actly similar to that of the first. The first and second tensile elements and the first and the second clamp bodies in this case have a common a~is.
The clamp body in the area lying a~ially outside the regiotl of the conical surface can be designed with at least one encircling bulge, whi.ch prior to the insertion of the clamp body has a diameter smaller than that of the clamp body. The inner diameter of the clamp body in this case may, i.n the area lying radially outside the conical surface, be designed slightly larger than the exterior diameter of the part to be received. The cross-saction of the clamp body ther2fore does not need to be enlarged radially during insertion in this re~ion, which greatly facilitates the insertion of the patt.
During insertion of the part, the bulged areas of the clamp body have simply to be enlarged outwardly in a radial direction, which however is quite possible since the bulges in this area do not come in contact ~lith the conical surfaces in a radial direction and are therefore not constricted by same. In this respect, they are easily enlarged in a radial direction, c:an easily be moulded snd after insertisn o~ the part, press against its surf~ce under elastic initial tension, which at the same time affords good sea~ing.
In order to achieve a good ~ealing result, it is most helpful if the bulges are themselves fle~ible and pliable and therefore ~ell ~;uited to ccnfor~ to the sur~ace of the body being accepted. Bulges of corresponding shape however have only a very slight mechanical re~istance, which can lead to 3Q deformities and particularly to damage, especially on the side facing the part to be accepted. These effects however can be avoided if the bulge is enlarged radially by means of a thin walled collar before insertion of the part, if the part is inserted through the collar and if the casing is then pulled out of the bulge. The bul~e can thus lie snu61y a6ainst the surface of the inserted body and can be effective in fulfilling its role.

It must be understood in light of the aforementioned discovery that the tensile forces introduced from any ~irection into the already installed body always cause a compression of the clamp body between one or both converging conical surfaces and the upper aurface of the cylindrical p~Lrt which forms the opposite surface. The cylindrical part and the conical surfaces consist of a non-pliable material and the clamp body consists of a non-compressible material. ~espite the application of such forces, therefore, there can be no further axial shifting of the accepted part. The initial force required to achieve this effect is transferred by the bulges lying tightly a~ainat the surface of the part, to the clamp body. This is very slight and cannot cause damage to the bulges. The strength of the initial force has no bearing on the finally `achie~ed fixin~ result, which is insteRd dependent on the angle made by the conical and opposite surfaces being as small as possible. In this regard, an angle of between 10 and 35 has proven itself particularly suitable. The an~le on both sides can vary if forces of varying strengths sre involved. In relation to its normal use, however, a design which has proven itself particularly effective has both converging conical surfaces and the opposite surfaces enclosing identical angles.
The clamp body can consist of any material with soft elastic properties RS
long as these are in and of themselves not compressible. Because it is especially economical, rubber is preferred, with a Shore A hardness of approx.
55 being advisable.
The bulges can be formed as sealing lips or may alternative~y take the form of nnnular membranes. In the last case especiQlly, a good sealin~ result is achieved, which causes the proposed de~ice to be well suited, for example, to the area of installation.
In snother adv~ntageous design, the clamp body may consist of an elastic, pliable polymer material; the bulge may have an inner cros*-section that before insertion is smaller than the sxternal cross-section of the part; and the bulge of the clamp surface on the side of the clamp bocly is ndjncent the end of the part.
The insertion of the body to be accepted thus leads melely to a plastic deformation of the clamp body (which consists of polymer mater~al, preferQbly of rubber) and not to a permanent change in the ~hape of the received body.
The application of the proposed dasign is very simple. It is limited to the simple pushing in of the part to be secured, in Q casin~ already containine the clamp body. In this csse, a certain amount of moulding is necessary because the ree cross-section of the bulge remai,ns some~hQt smaller than the external diameter of the part to be received.
The bulge consists however of the same soft elastic mal;erial as the clamp body and is freely movable in a radial direction. The forces necessary to produce the required deformations are thus very slight and relatively large tolerances in the parts to be connected can be reconciled. As opposed to the insertion of the cylindrically shaped body described above, its removal from the casing is not automatically possible.
If an outwardly directed force is applied to the already installed clamp body, this force is transferred with an elastic initial tension across the bulge lying against the opposite surface, then to the clamp body. This lies on the inside against the surface of the cylindrically shal?ed part, and on the outside against the inner wall of the casing, whose cross section diminishes outwardly in a wedge-like fashion. The forces introduced into the clamp body cannot therefore lead to its axial shifting in an outward direction but ~erely result in a radial compression of the clamp body between tlte conical surface of the casin~ and the surface of the accepted part. The e~tent of this compression is dependent upon the angle made by the conica:L surface and the opposite surface as well as upon the strength of the introduced forces. The relationships in this case are discussed above. In regard to the securing of pipes, conical angles of lO to 35 have proven themselves e~cellent, whereby an angle whose size diminishes toward the projection provides an improved responsiveness and an angle widening progressivsly in the direction of the projection provides an improvsd angular movability of the cylindrically formed part. The rasulting connection may therefore be considered as unbreakable. In cases in which it might be necessary to have a damage-free disconnection, this is possible if the part to be received has a circular boundary and if it is threaded. It can later on be unscre~ed from the clamp body. In such a design, the pitch of the thread can have a proclivity to becoming unsealed. This problem is solved by careful desll~n as well as by the insertion of a sealant that will remain plaatic, for example v~aeline or grease. Since the joining process doea not require any screwing steps, the removing of the sealant from the threads does not occur.

The clamp body can, apart from the region of the clQmp surface, be at ~
slight distance from the surface of the body to be accepted, which very much eases its insertion without ~t the game time endangering the integrity of the resulting connection. ~or these purposes, the distance does not amount to more than l to 2 tenths o~ a millimeter.
The shape of the clamp body and the casing must fit that of the body to be accepted. It can have any shape and can have a polygonal, oval or circular shape. The bulge can be bounded on the side facing the e!nd of the part by 2 surface ~hich is enlarged in cross-section. In this manner, mechanical damage to the bulge as well as to the part to be accepted during mutual joining, can be avoided.
In a further preferred embodiment the bulge on the inner side is bounded by a surface running parallel to the axis. In thi~ manner, the bulge conPorms e~ceptionally well to the surface, which is important for ths transfer of forces introduced across the bul~e to the actual clamp body.
In yet a further preferred embodiment, the bulge is formed by an annular membrane, which projects in an axial direction from the 1:hickened portion of the clamp body. The radial thickness of such membrane is quite small and amounts in general to only a few tenths of a miilimetre. The nxial len6th is considerably greater, amounting to at least lmm and havin6 nt most a value matching the diameter of the accepted part. A thin lining is thus beneficial. In a mechanical sense, it is limited by the resistance capacity required.
The clamp body consists of an elastically pliable po-Lymer material and is in this respect easily workable and adaptable. An~ular shifts between the a~i~ of the accepted body and that of the casing have thus in general no bearing on the achieved result and can automatically be ;~ccommodnted.
The de~ice is especially well suited for sealing a~ainst liquids and the mechanically stable securement of pipes as well as the production of pipe joints. These may in their external form be adapted to designs employed in the installation field and thereby become an inexpensive replacement for screw joints commonly employed in this f ield for decades.
This ~ives rise at the same time to the advantage of an essentially simplified instsllation as well as to good insulstion of body noise caused to vibration and electricity often carried throu~h pipelines. A possible _ g _ application is in the theft-proof attachment of automobile license plates.
The circularly bounded part featuring the total surface should however be designed with a thread, in order to ma~e po~ible remov~l from the trunk of the automobile. The part features a flat, rotationally symmetrical head that lies on top of the license plate and an innsr hexagon or slit on the side facinK the trunk.
In another useful form, the clamp body features an extension from the narrowest SpQCing between the conical surface and the opposite surface. This can for example form a cable grommet for the secure and nick-free threading of cables throu~h the side of an electrical device. Such a cable grommet is ~ery easily introduced into the opening made in the side of a device, whereby it is not required that the opening itself be divided. Ergonomically desirable arrangements are thereby possible. The insertion of the cable grommet in the opening can, according to the design, originate either from the inside or the outside.
Following the insertion of the cable grommet into the opening of the device, the cable can be inserted from without, which is extraordinarily simple inasmuch as flexible cables assume a certain rigidity in the cable grommet so that during this step, no problems are caused by nic~ing.
The clamping region of the proposed cable grommet cnn be formed by a bulge axially juxtaposed to the conical surface, or by a membrane which is thus situated on the side of the device behind the conical e~tension of the bulge.
The elastic widening of the clamp region by the inserted cable is then especially facilitated. It may be continued to any desired length and in this manner enables d simple attachment of the wires to the iappropriate contacts.
The installation process is thereby completed.
If a tensile force is subsequently applied to the free end of the cable, a direct transfer of forces to the clamp body occurs across the clamping region. This presses tightly against the conical surface of the device and thus against a rigid, self-enclosed surface. The cable grommct can thus not be affected by the tensile forces applied to the csble, but rather undergoes only a slight deforming under increasing pressure against the axternfll diameter of the cable. The cable is prevented from giving and it is therefore beneficial thst the pressurs forces are equally distributed over the entire area. Severin~ of the ~ires or damage to the insulation is thereby virtually impossible.
The resulting securing of a cable in guch a cable grommet is to a large extent dependent upon the conical angle of the opening ~Ind of the base of the groove. In general, a better gecurement is achieved as the angle becomes smaller. At the same time, however, an e~tended axial length must be accepted, which is not nlways justifiable. Values betw~en 10 and 35 have in general proven themselves advantageous.
The inwardly projecting bulge should if possible be free of sharp-edged parts, which could lead to cable dama8a and it is therefore useful if the bulGe ends in a surface extending perpendicular to the cable grommet on the side f&cing the device.
Internally, the bulge can be bounded by a surface ectending parallel to the longitudinal axis whereby a particularly simple insertion of the cable can result, if the bulge is in the form of a membrane and the end of the clamp body facing the device protrudes in an a~ial direction.
The radial thickness of the membrane need be only a few tenlshs of a millimeter, insofar as the mechanical fi~ing of the accepted cable is not primarily based upon the mechanical integrity of the membrane, but rather as illustrated above, upon the ac1sivation of conical forces in the area of the conical and opposite surfaces. In this respect the meml)rane and the bulge merely assume a separation function. For this purpose, a minimal strength is sufficient. In general, this still lies below the strength required to permit the damage-free insertion of the cable. Regardine the ]ast point in particular, it may be necessary and useful in individual cases to slightly increase the radial thickness of the membrane. The a~ial length does not normally exceed the diameter of the accepted cable.
The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figures 1 through 5 illustrate a preferred embodimerlt of the invention applied to the sealing of a lid upon a container;
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the application of the invention to the joining together of pipes;
Figures 8 through 10 illustrate the application of lshe invention to the securement of pipes or other parts to a supporting plate;
Figures 11 and 12 illustrate further embodiments of the invention adapted to the interconnection of pipes; and Fi~ure 13 illustrates an application of the invention to its use ~8 a cable grommet.
Referring now to ~igure 1, there are shown portions of a lid 8 and a container 9, which are impermeable to liyuids. ~oth are made of plastic.
The lid is provided with an annular eztension which Pits into the openin~
of the eontainer 9 and which is externally bounded by a conical surface 4, which Bt its upper end has a smaller distance from the eontainer axis than at the lower end. The eonieal surface 4 defines with the container axis an an~le of 12 .
The eonical surfsce 4 is bounded at its upper end by an annular shoulder 11. In the angle between the shoulder 11 and the conical surface 4, the ring-shaped elamp body 2 is located, sueh body eonsistin~ of soft elastie rubber and having a cireular profile. The dimensions of the clamp body are sueh that upon insertion of the lid havin~ the elamp body thereon into the eontainer opening,:elastie deformationlof th~ elamp body profile oeeurs between the shoulder 11, the conical surfaee 4 and the opposite surfaee S of the eontainer. A snu~ eonneetion is thereby provided, espeeially between the eonieal surfaee 4 and the opposite surfaee S.
If at this point an outwardly direeted force is applied to the lid, then an increasin~ compression of the elamp body 2 results between the conical surface 4 and the opposite surface S. The degree of mouldability of the elamp body 2 however, is limited by virtue of the sp0cifie properties of the material and does not permit Q eross-seetional reduetion of dimension ~.
Removal of the lid from the container is thus not possibLe without damage to the elamp body and of the eontainer or lid.
The same effect occurs if the container is filled wil:h a medium under high pressure, which results in an axial pressure upon the licl, leadin~ to an increased eompression of the elamp body between the conic:al surface 4 and the opposite surfaee S. ~gain, an unbreakable bond is provicled.
This prineiple applies to the other variations of the design as illustrated. In Figure 2, for e~ample, the conical 3urfaea 4 is arranged on the inside of the container, the opposite surface S now being arranged on the side of the lid e~tension. Further, the profile of the clamp body 2 is adapted to the shape of the spaee bounded by the oppositel surfaee S and the .

conical surface 4 and, in addition, the clamp body features on the lower end a membrane-like annular proJection 12, which lies tightly against the opposite surfQce 5 under elastic initial tension. This works ~gainst removal of the lid.
The clamp body 2 is connected with a flange 6 by means of an annular tensile part 3. This supports the clamp body on ~he stop surface 7, while the lid is inserted into ~he opening. Then, if an upwardly dirècted force is e~erted upon the lid, this leads according to the above dQsign to a radial compression of the clamp body 2 between the conical surface 4 and the opposite surface 5.
Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the lid is placed over the container, the latter having a conical lip beariog the conical surface 4. The clamp body has in this case a prismatic profile and is elastically connected by the tensile part 3 to the flange 6, which is supported on the container lip. After th0 joining of lid and container, the cla~p body is deformed in the manner illustrated and securely holds the lid in place as well as providing a solid base for the lid. Subsequent opening of the connection, however, is possible by pulling on the pulling tab 13, which, after Q
temporary elastic defosmation of tensile part 3, causes a movement of the clamp body do~nwardly in the direction of the widening gap between the conical surface 4 and the opposite surface 5. The maximum distance between these surfaces is larger than the radial thickness of the clamp body in an undeformed state and after reaching this point, the clamp blody is no longer capable of preventing removal of the lid, which can easily be removed. The clamp body 2 returns to the illustrated original position after the pulling tab 13 is loosened.
The design illustrated in Figure 4 is similar in function to that previously described. In this case however, the opposite surface 5 features an inwardly turned conical development, which is parallel to the conical surface 4. The connsction between the lid and the container can again be broken by employing the pulling tab 13.
~ igure 5 3hows an embodiment similar to that of Figure 1, in which however the lid extends around the opening of the contalner on the outside.
Accordingly, a conical skirt ha~ing surface 4 depends from the lid surface 11 and is opposed to the cylindrically shaped surface of the container. The . ~ .

f~

support surface 11 is coextensive with the lid cover portion.
In the pipe connector illustrated in Fi~ure 6 for connectin~ toEether two pipas or a pipe and sleeve, the characteristic features of Figure 5 are likewise present. In this case, the inner conical surface 4 of the sleeve or larger pipe surrounds the opposite ~urface 5 of the inserted pipe, whereby an undesirable axial shifting of the clamp body 2 (formed by an O-ring) durin~
the insertion of the pipe, is impeded by the surrounding shoulder portion 11 of the external pipe or sleeve.
Pigure 7 shows an application of the invention to the encl-on connection of sleeveless pipes. The characteristic features of the embodiMent of ~i~ure 5 are again present and are located in opposed relationship to each o~her. The conical surfaces can bend concavely or conve~ly in an axial dlrection.
Figure 8 shows an application of the invention to the sealed securement of a pipe in a pipe supporting plate~ The clamp body 2 shown consists of rubber with a Shore A hardness of 75. It serves the purpose of sealing the space between pipe supporting plate 9 and pipe 8 subsequently inserted in an opening in the plate. This may be, for example, a heat exchange pipe of an air cooler, wherein the heat exchange pipe may have an exterior diameter of 15m~
and be made of copper and the pipe supportin~ plate consist of steel plate and be 3.5mm thick.
The clamp body is connected by means of the tensile part :I to flange 6, which lies against the surface of the pipe supporting plate.
In the embodiment of Figure 8, the profile of the rear portion of the clamp body is thickened conically inside and outside. The smallest internal diameter is 14.4Dm. The coextensive annular membrane 12 extends coaxially with the pipe.
The clamp body has an annular outward bulge 13 having a semicircular profile that extends rearwardly tangentially in a lateral plane and forwardly tangentially as a conical surface that together with the a~is of the devlce encloses an angl0 Oe lO . The profile mskes axial contact with an enlar~ed conical opening in the pipe supporting plate over the rear third of such opening. A conical surface extends between the bulge 13 and the membrane 12.
This is provided to ease the insertion of the device into the receivlng opening. Together with the a%is of the device, it encloses a 45 angle.
With an a~ial length of 0.8mm, the membrane 12 has a radial thLckness of 0.3 mm and the conical gurface 4 encloses togg~her with the Q~iS of the deYice an angle o 18 .
Figure 9 shows a single and double form of the device of the invention, having applicstion to a hot w~ter tank. The latter is reproduced in longitudinal section ~nd consists of hard PVC and Peatures on its upper end two holes in the casing which on one side enclose the connecting pipes 14 for the inflow and outelow of water and on the other side the opening for the insertion of the heating rod 15.
The holes in the casing are circular and bounded by flanges w'nich widen conically in sn axial direction toward the bottom~ In these hoLes, internally cylindrically profiled clamp bodies 2 of a non-compressible sofl: rubber are placed, these making contQct with the conical flanges of the holes.
Each cl~mp body features an annular membrane 12, which lies against the ~ater pipes 14 or against the retainer 16 (see below) under elastic initial tension. If an out~ardly (i.e., an upwerdly) directed ~ensile force is applied to the water pipes or to the heating rod retainer, this tensile ~orce is transferred across the ~embranes 12 to the clamp bodies 2, cQusing the radial compression of the clamp bodies between the surface of the water pipes 14 or the outer cylindrical susface of the retainer 1~ and the respective conical inner flange surfaces of the holes in the wall of the container 17.
The pipes 14 and retainer 16! as well as the container, consist of non-pli~ble materials, while the clamp bodies 2 ~re made of non-compressible material which is soft and elastic. An axial removal of the pipes 14 or of the retainer 16 from the holes in the casing of the container is thus not possible.
The retainer 16 is bound on the inside by two converging conical surfaces 4a and the double clamp body 2a is located in the space between the conical surfaces 4a and the heating rod 15. The clamp body 2a consists of a soft elastic non-compressible materi~l and an annular membrane 12 extending from each of the region~ lying axially outside the conical surfeces 4l. The membrane, bePore insertion of the heating rod 15 features an inner dismeter smaller than that of the heating rod 15 and the membrane thereby presses tightly against the surface of the heating rod. If to this ~n ~:~ially or inwardly directed force i3 applied, this leads each time to a radial compression of the clamp body 2a a~ainst the conical surfaces 4~ and this prevents eurther shlfting o~ the heating rod 15.

?

In order to ease the insertion of the heatin~ rod into the forward membrane 12, an assembly tool is used. This consists of thin-walled aplat collar, which can shrink to a diameter sli~ltly smaller tha~ the e~istin~
inner diameter of annular membrane 12. Sliding the collar into the membrane is accordin~ly simple. It i5 ~hen simply spread open, for example with an awl. It is stable if the ed~es 18 of the collar lying opposite each other in the re~ion of the split abut and circumferentially support each other. The awl may be removed and replaced by the heating rod 15, whereby the collar can easily be pulled out of the elamp body 2, leavin~ the membrane 12 lyin~ snu~ly against the surface of the heatin~ rod.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, a steel plate is deforme~ to provide a conical flan~e definin~ a circular opening that widens toward the rear of the platP. The inner surfaces of the conical opening enclose an angle of 20 . Element 8 is located concentrically in the casin~ and is cylindrical in shape and forms the rear end of a drawhook. Element 8 also consists of steel and is in this respect just as ri~id as flan~e 9. In the space between parts ~ and 9, the clamp body 2 is placed. This essentially fills the space and consists of a rubber elastic material with a Shore A hardness of approx.
55. It can easily be moulded and before insertion of part 8 is easily positioned in the opening defined by flange 9. As a result, the e%terior surface of the clamp body abuts the conical surface 4 of the flange 9, which widens conically towsrd the top, and also the flan~e 6 of the clamp body 2 abuts the surface 7 of the steel plate, the flange 6 projecting radially outwardly from the cl~mp body.
In the re~ion of the conical surface 4, the inner diameter of the clamp body 2 is slightly lar~er than the outer diameter of the part 8 to be flccepted. In the above example, the free space amounts to a tenth of a millimeter. This facilitates the placement and insertion in the opening of the clamp body 2 of the part 8 to be accepted.
At its upper end, the inner di~meter of the clamp body i8 r0duced by the thin annular membrane 12 to a value which is les~ than the outer diameter of the part 8 to be accepted. The membrane is, by virtue of its small radial thickness, stretchable and the force required for the complete insertion of part 8 a~ainst the stretching of the membrane i9 thus relatlvely low. After insertion of part 8~ membrane 12 clinKs smoothly to its surface and effects a :

strong bond therewith.
If a downwardly directed tengile force is applied to the hookt the forces are immediately applied QCroSS the clamp body 2, which consists of a slightly pliable, but non-compressible material. The forces pre3sin~ the clamp body into the conical tapered casing may thus merely lead to its deformation7 as long as a modicum of free space remains. Once this is occupied, then no further deformation of the clamp body can occur, irrespective of the softness of the material employed - i.e., part 8 is fi%ed immovably in an axial direction. The tensile forces which can be transferred across the drawhook can thus be of any strength and nre essentially only limited by the mechanical strength of parts 8 and 9.
Figure 11 illus~rates the application of the invention to the mutual connection of line~rly abutting pipe ends. The part 9 forms a sleeve, which consists in this case of PVC and features central and end regions of reduced cross-section. This aid~ in positioning the pipes inserted into the sleeve 9 and in the centre of the sleeve, an inwardly extendin~ annular projection 19 is provided which serves QS a stop for the pipes.
From opposite ends, the symmetrically circular clamp bodies 2 are pushed into the sleeve before insertion of the pipes. Each clamp body cons~sts of soft rubber and has a fl~nge 6 which, after insertion, comes to rest against the respective end surface of the sleeve and in this manner ensures the proper location of the clampin~ surfaces in relation to the conical surface of the casing, which diminishes conicslly in its cross-section toward the end of the sleeve.
The inner diameter of the clamp body ;s slightly lar~er than the outer diameter of the pip~e to be inserted. The pipe is thus easily inserted into the preassembled pipe joint.
In this case as well, each clamp body has a projection for~ed by the annular membrane 12. The projection juxtaposes with the axial e~tension of the conical surfsce 9 and the inner di~meter of the membrane ~which is formed in one piece with the clamp body), is before insertion of the pipe sli~htly smaller than its outer diemeter.
All that is required for the assembly of the pipe ~oint is that the already assembled pipe joint i9 pu~hed over the end of each pipe and ~lid along it until the butt end surface of the pipe comes to r~t against the . .

internal flnnular proJection lg of the casing. If following this an outwardly directed force is applied to the pipe, there results, as in the above described case, a transfer of the force across the membrane 12 to the conically tapered clamp body 2, and therewith its radial compression bet~leen the outer side of the pipe and the conical surface ~ of the casing. Removal o~ the pipe is thus not possible.
A similar effect occurs if a flowable medium is introduced into the pipe -for example, pressurized gas or water. Since the frontal sur~ace o~ the pip0 is not sealed to the projection 19, the flowable medium passes into the annular free space 20. This space lies in front of the clamp body in the region of its greatest radial ext0nsion. Th0 result is that the pressure of the medium contained in the pipe leads to a radial compression of the clamp body 2 betwaen the wall of the pipe and the conical surface 4 of the casing.
This results in good sealing and a good axial securing of the inserted pipe.
Figure 12 illustrate~ an embodiment in which the pipes to be joined are located at an angle of 90 to ~ach other. The casing surrounding the pipe ends is similarly angled. The casing features however the sam0 clamp body and has the same function as described in connection with Fi~,ure 11.
Designs of pipe joints other than those illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 are possible. ~hey include all basic designs required in the sanitation field, in particular, T-joints, X-joints, angled joints having various angles and reduction joints for the mutual connection of pipes of differing diameters.
In the examples given in Figures 11 and 12, the spatial position of the butt end of the inserted pipe in an axial direction is defined by the projection 19 and in a radial direction by the con~ines of the inner diameter of the casing. The latter can surround the end of the pipe and be spaced therefrom by a small distance, which makes it possible to accommodate angular displacements between the pipes to be connected. The projection 19 can have one or more cut-outs which permit com~unication between the pipe interior and the space between the pipe and the casing ~and consequently with the free space 20) in order to ~scilitate a guick pressure buildup in the free space 20.
In the examples shown in Figures 10 to 12, the clamp body is merely loosely placed in the cfl~ing. The installation of the clamp body is in thi3 way made particulflrly simple. In certain circumstances on th0 other hand, it is also possible to adhesively secure the sleeve to the clamp body. In this way, very strong axially directed ten~ile forces in partlcular are trans~erred o more easily to the sleeve. The surfaces bounding the clamp body in an axial direction generally adapt themselves to the superficial shape of the surfaces to be secured in relation to each other. Notable surface irregularities are generally absent, which is why such a clamp body design automatically ensures the desired result. ~anufacture is accordingly simple and inexpensive.
However, the embodiments described above can have problems in obtaining good seal if the surPaces to be gecured in relation to each other feature gross irregularities - which, for example, often occur in concrete or in poured materials. In order to achieve a good sealing result in these rases, it has proven helpful to provide the clamp body on the surfaces in question with a number of axially juxtaposed ribs that extend towart the circumference. The single ribs have only a short axial extension and are correspondingly very adaptable. They are thus capable of fitting easily into the surface irregularities of such material surfaces and can in this mannPr effect a tight connection. The individual ribs sequenced one after another complement the effect of the remaining ribs, so that even in this unfavourable situation, a reliable sealin~ result is achieved in addition to good securement.
Figure 13 illustrates a example of an application in which the clamp body body is lengthened into a cable grommet 21. This consists of a hollow body extended lengthwise, made of soft rubber, which before insertion of the cabl0 is placed lnto the opening, the latter being provided with a conical 1ange which widens toward the top of the housing 9 of a small alectrical apparatus.
Next, the cable to be accepted is pushed into the opening of the cable grommet. This i5 relatively simple in that the inner dismeter of the grommet i5 smaller than the outer diameter of the cable only in the region of the annular membrane 12 located outside the conical surface 4. The membrane has very little wall strength and it can easily be widened radially and is freely movable. After the cable 2 is pushed through the grommet, the membrane conforms tightly to its surface and provides a strong bond between the cable and cable grommet. A downwardly directed pull upon the cable leads to a reciprocal compression of the clamp body against the conical surface 4. Only the former is pliable~ It therefore dsforms and lies tightly against the surface of the received cable and further backward mo~ement of the cable is thus impossible.

The degree of pressure exerted by the clamp body 2 in the re~ion of the conical surface 4 on the surface of the cable depends on the size of the conical an~le and the strength of the tensile ~orces applied to the cable.
Both are variable. The represented desiGn shows an angle of 30 , which has proven itself exceptionally suitable in relation to the equipping of small electrical devices.
The advantages to be gained with the above cable grommet lie mainly in easy assembly and in good axial securement of the cable. During tensile stresses applied to the cable, a good seal results at the point of introduction.
The employment of auxiliary means to achieve this result is generally not required. However, such means may further improve the already obtained seal, especially in situations in which the clampin~ po;nt of the cable ~rommet is formed by a freely projecting thin, annular membrane. In these cases, there i5 a possibllity, after insertion of the cable, of applying a bonding a~ent or glue on at least one point on the exterior. The materials are capable of easily penetrating the membrane containing polymer material and may in this manner contribute to an improYement in the connection between the cable sheath and cable gro~met.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE
IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A connector for connecting together two parts, a first of said parts having an opening adapted to concentrically accommodate the second said part with a recess between said parts which is limited by a conical surface and the diameter of which widens increasingly in the direction of insertion of said second part into said first part, said connector comprising an annular clamping body which is made of non-compressible elastically flexible material and which is located in the recess and has a cross-sectional form substantially matching the profile of the recess, supporting means being provided for the clamping body and preventing any appreciable axial shifting of said clamping body in the recess during the insertion of said second part into said first part, and said clamping body having in an axial region thereof not engaged with said conical surface an annular membrane which extends in the axial direction and the inside diameter of which is less than the outside diameter of said second part and against which said membrane rests.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the inside diameter of said clamping body in the region of the axial extension of the conical surface is slightly larger than the outside diameter of said second part to be received by said first part and said clamping body rests only against said conical surface in said region.

3. The connector of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the axial length of said annular membrane is 5 to 15% of the diameter of said second part.

4. The connector of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the thickness of said annular membrane is 1 to 3% of the diameter of said second part.

5. The connector of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said clamping body consists of non-foamed rubber.

6. The connector of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said conical surface and said second part form an angle of from 5 to 35° relative to one another.

7. The connector of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said conical surface and said second part form an angle of from 10 to 18° relative to one another.

8. The connector of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said supporting means comprises an annular tensile part coextensive with said clamping body and with an annular flange which bears against a stop surface upon said second part.