CN211574447U - Connector with a locking member - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector, comprising: a hollow body having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being adjacent to the second protrusion; and a cover extending over at least a portion of the first protrusion, wherein a section of the cover is confined between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

Description

Connector with a locking member

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a connector. In particular, the present invention relates to, but is not limited to, connectors for pipes.

Background

Reference herein to background art is not to be construed as an admission that such art forms part of the common general knowledge in australia or elsewhere.

In many cases, there is a need for the conduits to have to be interconnected in a substantially leak-proof manner. For example, devices operated by pneumatic or hydraulic fluids, gas and hot water systems for domestic and/or commercial purposes, and the like all employ piping that requires leak-proof connections for the purpose of transporting those fluids or gases.

In the past, a number of products and methods have been employed in an attempt to achieve a satisfactory joint or connection between lengths of pipe, tubing and/or conduit of this general nature. However, such products and methods are almost always deficient in ease of installation and/or removal when needed, sometimes requiring the use of additional tools to effect the relevant engagement or connection. However, in some aspects, and more importantly, it has been found that there is a problem of component separation and/or loss during installation.

Purpose of the utility model

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a connector comprising:

a hollow body having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being adjacent to the second protrusion; and

a cover extending over at least a portion of the first protrusion,

wherein a segment of the cover is confined between the first projection and the second projection.

Preferably, the hollow body is substantially circular.

Preferably, the hollow body comprises metal and/or plastic. Preferably, the hollow body comprises brass.

Preferably, the hollow body is substantially straight. In yet another form, preferably, the hollow body includes an elbow portion.

Preferably, the hollow body comprises an end portion having a tapered portion. Preferably, the hollow body comprises two ends, and both ends have a tapered portion.

Preferably, the hollow body comprises a first portion. Preferably, the first portion comprises a first protrusion.

Preferably, the hollow body comprises one or more ridges. Preferably, the first portion comprises one or more ridges. Preferably, the one or more ridges are configured to engage with the conduit.

Preferably, the one or more ridges extend a shorter distance from the hollow body than the first and/or second protrusions.

Preferably, the one or more ridges are located closer to an end of the hollow body than the first and/or second protrusions.

Preferably, the first protrusion and/or the second protrusion are arranged along the inside of the hollow body with respect to the one or more ridges.

Preferably, the first projection comprises a retaining surface. Preferably, the retaining surface faces the second projection.

Preferably, the retaining surface extends transversely to a first axis extending through the hollow body. Preferably, the retaining surface extends substantially perpendicular to a first axis extending through the hollow body. Preferably, the first axis is substantially parallel to a centre line extending through the middle portion of the hollow body.

Preferably, the first protrusion comprises an upper surface having a tapered portion. Preferably, the tapered portion faces away from the second protrusion.

Preferably, the hollow body comprises a second portion. Preferably, the second portion comprises a second protrusion. Preferably, a channel is defined between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. Preferably, the channel is U-shaped.

Preferably, the second portion comprises a fastening portion. Preferably, the fastening portion comprises a threaded portion.

In another form the second portion includes a bight portion. Preferably, the elbow portion is connected to the other first projection and the other second projection with the other cover confined therebetween.

Preferably, the hollow body comprises a first aperture and a second aperture, the first aperture being larger than the second aperture. Preferably, the first bore comprises a tapered portion towards the second bore. Preferably, at least the first and second apertures define a passage through the hollow body.

Preferably, the lid is substantially circular. Preferably, the lid includes an aperture therethrough. Preferably, the aperture extending through the lid is larger in size than the one or more ridges.

Preferably, the lid comprises a first section and a second section. Preferably, the first segment extends laterally (transversely) from the second segment.

Preferably, the first section is arcuate.

Preferably, at least a portion of the first section is located between the first projection and the second projection so as to trap the lid between the first projection and the second projection.

Preferably, the first section extends into the channel between the first and second projections.

Preferably, the lid comprises metal and/or plastic. Preferably, the lid comprises copper.

Preferably, the cover is positioned over the one or more ridges to provide a gap between the cover and the one or more ridges.

Preferably, the cover is configured to deform in a manner that retains the conduit between the cover and the one or more ridges.

Preferably, the cover is configured to (be) rotatable about the hollow body while being constrained between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

Preferably, the lid includes one or more apertures through a side wall thereof.

In another form, the invention resides in a method for manufacturing a connector, the method including the steps of:

disposing a cover over the one or more ridges along the hollow body;

positioning a first section of the cover along the hollow body between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; and

the first section is deformed to trap the lid between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

Preferably, the step of deforming the first section to trap the lid between the first projection and the second projection comprises crimping the first section.

Preferably, the step of deforming the first section to restrain the lid between the first projection and the second projection comprises deforming the first section into a channel between the first projection and the second projection.

Preferably, the method further comprises inserting a temporary cap between the cap and the one or more ridges.

Preferably, the hollow body and/or the lid are as described herein.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

Drawings

By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector connected to a pipe according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and is

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector 10a according to one embodiment of the present invention. The connector 10a includes a hollow body 100a and a cover 200 a. The first axis 12a extends along the middle of the hollow body 100 a. That is, the first axis 12a extends (centrally extended) from a first open end of the hollow body 100a to another open end of the hollow body 100a in a centered manner.

In the present embodiment, the hollow body 100a is made of brass, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, the hollow body 100a may be made of alternative materials. The hollow body 100a includes a first portion 110a and a second portion 120 a. The first portion 110a in this embodiment is generally circular and includes a first protrusion 111 a. The first protrusion 111a extends laterally away from the first axis 12 a. That is, the first protrusion 111a extends in a direction toward the cover 200 a. In this regard, the first protrusion 111a generally forms a ring around the hollow body 100 a. The first protrusion 111a includes a holding surface 112 a. The retaining surface 112a faces the second portion 120 a. The first protrusion 111a further includes an upper surface having a tapered portion toward an outer region thereof.

The first portion 110a also includes a plurality of ridges 114 a. The ridge 114a is located outside the first protrusion 111a along the hollow body 100 a. In this regard, the ridge 114a is located closer to the first open end of the hollow body 100 a. The ridges 114a form a plurality of channels therebetween that help retain the conduits. The ridges 114a in this embodiment form a ring around the hollow body 100 a. The hollow body 100a includes a tapered portion 115a adjacent the ridge 114 a. The tapered portion 115a extends transverse to the first axis 12a at the end of the hollow body 100 a.

In the present embodiment, the second portion 120a includes a second protrusion 121 a. The second protrusion 121a is located adjacent to the first protrusion 111 a. A U-shaped channel 113a is formed between the first protrusion 111a and the second protrusion 121 a. In the present embodiment, the second protrusion 121a also helps to form the fastening portion 121a in the form of a hexagonal nut. The second portion 120a also includes a fastening portion 122a in the form of a tapered thread. The fastening portion 122a is configured to connect to other connectors and/or conduits. Adjacent to the fastening portion 122a is a tapered end 123 a.

The hollow body 100a includes a passage therethrough defined by the apertures 130a, 134 a. It should be understood that the apertures 130a, 134a may be considered one aperture, but for ease of reference, the apertures 130a, 134a are enumerated. Bore 130a has a larger diameter than bore 134 a. In this regard, aperture 130a is wider than aperture 134 a. The tapered portion 132a extends from the aperture 130a to the aperture 134 a.

In this embodiment, the cover 200a is substantially circular. The cap 200a is made of copper. The cover 200a includes a first section 210a and a second section 220 a. The first segment 210a extends laterally away from the second segment 220 a. That is, the second segment 220a extends generally parallel to the first axis 12a, while the first segment 210a is angled from the first axis 12 a.

The first segment 210a extends in an angular direction from one side of the first protrusion 111a to the other side of the first protrusion 111 a. In this regard, at least a portion of the first segment 210a is located below the upper edge of the first protrusion 111a and adjacent to the second protrusion 121 a. This confines the first segment 210a between at least one surface of the first protrusion 111a (i.e., the retaining surface 112a) and the second protrusion 121 a. In other words, by configuring the cover to engage with the first protrusion 111a and the second protrusion 121a, the movement of the cover is restricted between the first protrusion 111a and the second protrusion 121 a. In view of this, the cover 200a is also configured to (be) turned or rotated around the hollow body 100a while being held between the first protrusion 111a and the second protrusion 121 a. The second segment 220a extends substantially flush with the end of the hollow body 100 a.

The cover 200a is located at the outside of the hollow body 100a to create a gap between the cover 200a and the hollow body 100 a. In other words, a space is formed between the cover 200a and the ridge 114a to allow a pipe to be inserted therein. The cover 200a is configured to deform to retain the conduit therein. Typically, the lid 200a is deformed using a crimping tool.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector 10b connected to a pipe 20b according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Connector 10b is similar to connector 10a and, therefore, the same numbers are used. In this regard, it should also be noted that the use of reference numerals followed by lower case letters generally indicates alternative embodiments of the general elements identified by the reference numerals in this specification. Thus, for example, connector 10a is similar to but not identical to connector 10 b. Furthermore, reference to an element identified by a numeral only refers to all embodiments of that element. Thus, for example, reference to connector 10 is intended to include both connector 10a and connector 10 b.

Like the connector 10a, the connector 10b includes a hollow body 100b and a cover 200 b. The hollow body 100b includes a first portion 110b and a second portion 120 b. The first portion 110b includes a first protrusion 111 b. The first protrusion 111b extends laterally away from the first axis 12b extending in a centered manner along the connector. That is, the first protrusion 111b extends away from the first axis 12b in a direction perpendicular to the first axis 12 b. The first protrusion 111b includes a holding surface 112 b. The holding surface 112b faces the second protrusion 121 b. The first protrusion 111b also includes an upper surface having a tapered portion adjacent to the conduit 20 b. The first protrusion 111b also serves as a stopper for the pipe 20 b.

The first portion 110b also includes a plurality of ridges 114 b. The ridge 114b is located between one end of the hollow main body 100b and the first protrusion 111 a. The ridges 114b form a plurality of channels therebetween that help retain the conduit 20b within the connector 10 b. The ridges 114b in this embodiment form a ring around the hollow body 100 b. The hollow body 100b includes a tapered portion 115b adjacent the ridge 114b, the tapered portion 115b facilitating movement of the conduit 20b thereover.

In the present embodiment, the second portion 120b includes a second protrusion 121 b. The second protrusion 121b is located adjacent to the first protrusion 111 b. The second protrusion 121b is located above other members of the hollow body 100b and forms a U-shaped channel 113a together with the first protrusion 111 a. The hole 130b extends through the first portion 110b and the second portion 120b to form a passage through the hollow body 100 b. Bore 130b includes threads for connection to another pipe and/or device.

Similar to the cap 200a, in this embodiment, the cap 200b is substantially circular. The cover 200b is made of copper and includes a first section 210b and a second section 220 b. The first segment 210b extends away from the second segment 220a at a non-parallel angle. That is, the first segment 210b tapers away from the second segment 220 b. The first section 210b extends from one side of the first protrusion 111b to below the other side of the first protrusion 111 b. This restrains the first section 210b between the first protrusion 111b and the second protrusion 121 b. The cover 200b is configured to (be) turned or rotated around the hollow body 100b while being held between the first protrusion 111b and the second protrusion 121 b. The second segment 220a extends substantially flush with the end of the hollow body 100 a.

The cover 200b forms a gap between the position on the hollow body 100a and the hollow body 100 a. The gap is created between the cover 200a and the ridge 114a to allow the pipe 20b to be inserted into the gap. The cover 200b is configured to deform to retain the tube 20b therein. Typically, a crimping tool is used to deform the lid 200 b.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector 10c according to another embodiment of the present invention. The connector 10b includes a hollow body 100c, a cover 200c and another cover 200 d. The first axis 12c and the second axis 14c extend along the middle of the hollow body 100 c. That is, the first axis 12c and the second axis 14c extend from the open ends of the hollow body 100c, respectively. The first axis 12c and the second axis 14c are perpendicular to each other.

The hollow body 100c includes a first portion 110c and a second portion 120 c. In the present embodiment, the first portion 110c is substantially circular and includes a first protrusion 111 c. The first protrusion 111c extends laterally away from the first axis 12 c. That is, the first protrusion 111c extends in a direction toward the cover 200c, substantially parallel to the second axis 14 c. The first protrusion 111c includes a holding surface 112 c. The retaining surface 112c faces the second portion 120 c. The first protrusion 111c also includes an upper surface having a flat portion and a tapered portion.

Similar to the connectors 10a, 10b, the first portion 110c of the connector 10c also includes a plurality of ridges 114 c. The ridge 114c is located outside the first protrusion 111c along the hollow body 100 c. In this regard, the ridge 114c is closer to the first open end of the hollow body 100 c. The ridges 114c form a plurality of channels therebetween that help retain the conduits. The hollow body 100c includes a tapered portion 115c adjacent to the ridge 114 c. The tapered portion 115c extends transverse to the first axis 12c at the end of the hollow body 100 c.

In the present embodiment, the second portion 120c includes a second protrusion 121 c. The second protrusion 121c is located adjacent to the first protrusion 111 c. A U-shaped channel 113c is formed between the first protrusion 111c and the second protrusion 121 c. The second portion 121c comprises a bend which is connected to the further first protrusion 111d and the further second protrusion 121 d. Another U-shaped channel 113d is formed between the another first protrusion 111d and the another second protrusion 121 d. The further first protrusion 111d further comprises a holding surface 112d facing the further second protrusion 121 d.

The plurality of ridges 114d are also arranged next to another first protrusion 111 d. In this regard, the ridge 114d is closer to the other open end of the hollow main body 100c than the other first protrusion 111 d. The ridges 114d form a plurality of channels therebetween that help retain another conduit. The ridge 114d in this embodiment forms a ring around the hollow body 100 c. The hollow body 100c includes a tapered portion 115d adjacent to the ridge 114 d. The tapered portion 115d extends transverse to the second axis 14 c.

The hollow body 100c includes a passage therethrough defined by the apertures 130c, 134c, 136 c. It should be understood that apertures 130c, 134c, 136c may be considered one aperture, but for ease of reference, apertures 130c, 134c, 136c are enumerated. Bore 130c has a larger diameter than bores 134c, 136 c. In this regard, aperture 130c is wider than apertures 134c, 136 c. The aperture 130c also includes an elbow-like portion. Each tapered portion 132c extends from the bore 130c to a bore 134c, 136c, respectively.

In this embodiment, the caps 200c, 200d are substantially circular. The covers 200c, 200d are made of copper. The covers 200c, 200d include first sections 210c, 210d and second sections 220c, 220d, respectively. The first segments 210c, 210d extend laterally away from the second segments 220c, 220d, respectively. That is, the second segments 220c, 220d extend generally parallel to the first and second axes 12c, 14c, respectively, while the first segments 210c, 210d are angled with respect to the first and second axes 12c, 14c, respectively.

The first segments 210c, 210d extend from one side of the projections 111c, 111d to the other side of the projections 111c, 111d in a direction transverse to the first axis 12 and the second axis 14c, respectively. In this regard, at least a portion of the first segments 210c, 210d are located below the upper edges of the protrusions 111c, 111d, respectively. This confines the first segments 210c, 210d between the protrusions 111c, 111d and the protrusions 121c, 121d, respectively. The caps 200c, 200d are each configured to (be) turned or rotated at least one full turn around the hollow body 100c while being held on the hollow body 100 c. The second segments 220c, 220d each extend substantially flush with the end of the hollow body 100 c.

The covers 200c, 200d are respectively positioned on the hollow body 100c to create a gap between the covers 200c, 200d and the hollow body 100 c. In particular, gaps are created between the covers 200c, 200d and the ridges 114c, 114d, respectively, to allow the pipes to be inserted into the gaps. The covers 200c, 200d are configured to deform to retain the conduits therein. Typically, the caps 200c, 200d are deformed using a crimping tool.

To form the connector 10, it will be appreciated that the cover 200 is first moved over the ridge 114. After this, the first section 210, which is initially straight, is located between the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 121. Then, the first segments 210 are deformed in such a manner that the first segments 210 are located below the upper edges of the respective first protrusions 111, respectively. Typically, the first section is deformed by crimping it into place using an automatic crimping tool. This restrains the cover 200 between the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 121.

Once the connector 10 is formed, the installation of the connector 10 is further apparent from fig. 2. In particular, tubing (i.e., pipes and/or hoses, etc.) is inserted through the gap between the cap 200 and the ridge 114. When the tube/hose abuts the first projection 111, the second section 220 of the cover 200 is then deformed (e.g., crimped) to help restrain the tube/hose on the connector 10. In this arrangement, the connection between the connector 10 and the pipe/hose is also fluid tight. The connector 10 may then be connected to another pipe/hose.

The connector 10 provides a connection to the pipeline in a substantially leak-proof manner. Minimal tooling and installation time is required to install the connector 10. Furthermore, by trapping the cover 200 between the protrusions 111, 121, the components of the connector 10 are generally not lost during use and installation of the connector 10. This improves productivity. The connector 10 may also take on various configurations to provide a suitable connection for a particular application.

In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context allows, reference to a whole or a component or step (or the like) is not to be construed as limited to only one such whole, component or step, but may be one or more such whole, component or step.

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention has been provided for the purpose of illustration to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. As noted above, many alternatives and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teachings. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed in detail, other embodiments will be apparent to or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances of the present invention discussed herein, as well as other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

In this specification, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed.

Claims (17)

1. A connector, comprising:

a hollow body having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being adjacent to the second protrusion; and

a cover extending over at least a portion of the first protrusion,

wherein a section of the cover is confined between the first protrusion and the second protrusion and the cover includes one or more holes through the sidewall.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the hollow body comprises one or more ridges.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the one or more ridges extend a shorter distance from the hollow body than the first protrusion and/or the second protrusion.

4. A connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the one or more ridges are located closer to an end of the hollow body than the first protrusion.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first protrusion includes a retaining surface facing the second protrusion.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hollow body comprises a fastening portion.

7. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover is substantially circular.

8. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover comprises a first section and a second section, the first section extending laterally from the second section.

9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the first segment is arcuate.

10. The connector of claim 8, wherein the first segment extends into a channel between the first protrusion and the second protrusion to trap the cover between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

11. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the cover is located outside the hollow body to provide a gap between the cover and the hollow body.

12. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cap is configured to deform in a manner that retains a conduit between the cap and the hollow body.

13. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover is configured to rotate about the hollow body while being constrained between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

14. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hollow body comprises a first bore and a second bore, the first bore being larger than the second bore.

15. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hollow body is substantially circular.

16. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cap comprises copper.

17. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hollow body comprises brass.

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