DE102019105394A1 - Connection of a fitting to a pipe - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the connection between components, for example between a first pipe (R1), in particular a fitting (R1), and a second pipe (R2). A connecting element (VE) is used for the mechanical coupling, which can be connected to the second tube (R2) with a material fit and / or force fit. For example, the connecting element (VE) can be inserted through an opening (111) in the first tube (R1) and welded or glued to the second tube (R2) on an exposed surface (133).

Description

The invention relates to a connecting element for connecting a first component to a second component, each of the components optionally being able to be a pipe and in particular a fitting.

Connections between pipes are used and required in many ways in the field of gas and water installation both inside and outside of buildings. In this context, the term “fitting” is to be understood below as a relatively short pipe section which essentially only serves to couple two pipes provided for the actual flow of material to one another at the pipe ends. In addition to mechanical fastening, a pipe connection is generally also required to be tight against the escape of gas or liquid. Furthermore, the connection must mechanically withstand the pressures prevailing in the pipe system. In this regard, water pipes, for example, have to withstand a burst pressure of at least 25 bar.

So-called press fittings, for example, are known as connections which meet the high requirements described. In these, a fitting pushed over the transition point between two pipes is pressed in a ring-shaped circumference with high force radially into the pipe below. In this way, the mechanical connection between the fitting and the pipes (and thus also between the pipes themselves) is achieved through a form fit. A tightness of the press connection can be achieved by elastic O-rings, which are placed between the fitting and the pipes. However, press fittings reach their limits with large pipe diameters of typically more than 100 mm, since considerable press pressures and thus unwieldy large press tools are required to achieve a sufficient connection.

Against this background, it was the object of the present invention to provide alternative connections between components, such as pipes in particular, which ensure sufficient strength and are preferably easy to use even with large pipe diameters.

This object is achieved by a connecting element having the features of claim 1, by a connecting system having the features of claim 6 and by a method according to claim 10. Advantageous refinements are contained in the subclaims.

• - formschlüssig mit dem ersten Bauteil verbunden zu werden oder einstückig mit dem ersten Bauteil zu sein, und
• - stoffschlüssig und/oder kraftschlüssig mit dem zweiten Bauteil verbunden zu werden.

The connecting element according to the invention is used to connect a first component to a second component and is designed to

• - to be positively connected to the first component or to be integral with the first component, and
• - To be connected to the second component in a materially and / or force-fit manner.

One of the components, preferably both components, can in particular be a tube. In this context, the term “pipe” generally refers to a tubular element with an internal cavity for conducting a solid (e.g. granular), liquid or gaseous medium. In general, a tube will have the geometric shape of a hollow cylinder, the cross-sectional area of the cylinder being circular or also oval, polygonal or non-circular in some other way.

It should also be pointed out that here and in the following, the assignment of the terms “first component” and “second component” is arbitrary or interchangeable.

The components to be connected can in particular consist of metal, but also of plastic, glass, ceramic or other suitable materials.

If the components are pipes, their walls are typically impermeable to gas and / or liquid. Furthermore, the tubes can in particular have a diameter of more than approx. 50 mm, than approx. 80 mm, than approx. 100 mm, than approx. 150 mm, or more than approx. 200 mm.

One of the pipes can in particular be a fitting. The other pipe (typically the pipe with which a material and / or non-positive connection is possible) is usually a pipe of a longer pipeline through which the medium to be transported flows during operation.

The cohesive and / or non-positive connection of the connecting element to the second component can in particular be local. This is to be understood as a connection that is limited to certain points or to a relatively small area.

In the case of pipes, a “local” connection can, for example, be on an area with a size of less than approx. 25%, less than approx. 10%, less than approx. 5%, or less than approx. 2% based on the cross-sectional area of the second Rohres be limited. The diameter of the area of the “local” connection is preferably between one and ten times the wall thickness of the second pipe. Furthermore, there is a “local” material connection generally not closed in a ring around the second tube. The areal size of the connection can additionally or alternatively be characterized by the fact that it has to be (just) large enough to achieve a desired pull-out resistance (burst pressure) of the connected pipes, for example against a pressure of 25 bar, 50 bar, 64 bar, 100 bar, 125 bar, 180 bar, 240 bar, 500 bar, 750 bar, 1000 bar or more.

The connecting element can optionally be formed integrally or in one piece with the first component. According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting element is, however, a part that is independent of the first component and the second component. This can in particular be set up to be connected to the first component in a form-fitting manner. This means that the connecting element ensures the connection of the two components to one another by means of an integral and / or non-positive connection to the second component and a form-fitting connection to the first component. The positive connection to the first component can be effective in all directions of movement between the connecting element and the first component, or only in certain directions (e.g. in the case of pipes in the direction of the pipe axes), while other relative movements remain free.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting element has an exposed surface which can be welded and / or soldered and / or glued to the second component. The exposure of this surface means that it lies on the connecting element in such a way that it can be brought into contact with the second component. In one embodiment, the exposed area can be very small or pointed, for example to achieve local heating and thus melting of the contacting materials by means of a current flow through the area. Furthermore, the exposed surface can also be formed on a special material, for example on a solder, which can be melted and then forms the desired material connection with the second component.

The exposed surface can consist entirely or partially of an adhesive, by means of which a material connection to the second component can be established. The adhesive can in particular be an adhesive that can be activated or cured by heat, pressure, electromagnetic induction, chemical reaction and / or (electromagnetic) radiation such as (UV) light.

In a further development of the connecting element with the exposed surface, there is an externally accessible optical connection to the exposed surface. For example, the connecting element can consist entirely or partially of a transparent material. In this case, it is possible to radiate light from the outside through the connecting element to the exposed surface in order, for example, to cure a radiation-curing adhesive located there (previously or subsequently applied). Additionally or alternatively, the exposed area can also receive light (e.g. UV light) via a separate optical conductor (e.g. glass fiber).

In another development of the connecting element with an exposed surface that can be glued, the associated adhesive and / or other parts of the connecting element are designed in such a way that they experience a visually recognizable change, for example a change in color, as the adhesive hardens. In this case, a user can easily determine whether the adhesive has already hardened or not by means of a visual check.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a connection system which contains a component and a connection element matching it according to one of the embodiments described above. In the following, the case is considered where the component is a pipe. The pipe can in particular be a “first pipe” in the sense of the above description of the connecting element and / or in particular a fitting. Furthermore, the pipe or fitting and the connecting element can optionally be formed integrally (one piece).

In a preferred embodiment of the connecting system, the pipe and the connecting element are separate from one another, and the pipe has a depression, a thickening and / or (at least) one opening for the positive engagement of the connecting element. The terms “deepening” or “thickening” always relate to a comparison to the neighboring material of the pipe or to the average wall thickness of the pipe or its average diameter. An opening is generally formed in the wall of the pipe and can be shaped as a circle, oval, rectangle, slot or in some other suitable manner and be open or closed towards the edge. Furthermore, a deepening or a thickening can arise through removal (e.g. by milling) or by adding (e.g. welding, gluing, clamping) of material, and / or they can be created by shaping (e.g. constriction or bulging).

Furthermore, the indentation, thickening and / or opening of the pipe in one Area in which it has contact with the flow of a medium in the pipe, or just not in such an area.

According to another embodiment of the connection system, the pipe has a receptacle for a sealing element. The receptacle can in particular be a ring-shaped circumferential groove or recess in which, for example, an O-ring can be placed as a sealing element. The sealing element is preferably designed to elastically close gaps between the first and the second tube and thus to ensure gas and / or liquid tightness. The above-described optional indentation, thickening and / or opening of the pipe can be arranged axially on one or the other side of the receptacle, on both sides of the receptacle and / or in the axial region of the receptacle itself with regard to the media flow in the pipe.

Optionally, the connection element of the connection system can simultaneously fulfill the function of the mentioned sealing element.

According to a further aspect, the invention independently relates to a pipe for a connection system of the type described above, which can in particular be a fitting. The pipe or fitting can, for example, be specially designed to interact with a connecting element through the indentation, thickening and / or opening explained above.

The invention also relates to a method for connecting a first component to a second component, in particular a first tube to a second tube, which is characterized in that a connecting element of the type explained above is connected to the second component in a materially and / or non-positively manner. This material connection can be created, for example, by welding, soldering or gluing.

• 1 ein pilzförmiges Verbindungselement, das eine Durchbrechung am ersten Rohr durchgreift;
• 2 ein U-förmiges Verbindungselement, das in eine Vertiefung des ersten Rohres eingreift;
• 3 eine Abwandlung zu 2, bei der das U-förmige Verbindungselement eine Dichtungsnut hintergreift;
• 4 ein pilzförmiges transparentes Verbindungselement, welches mittels eines strahlungshärtenden Klebers mit dem zweiten Rohr verbunden wird;
• 5 eine Abwandlung zu 1, bei der die Rollen von erstem Rohr und zweitem Rohr vertauscht sind;
• 6 ein Verbindungselement, das integral mit dem ersten Rohr ausgebildet ist;
• 7-11 verschiedene Geometrien einer Durchbrechung am ersten Rohr in einer Draufsicht des Rohres;
• 12 ein keilförmiges Verbindungselement, das in einer Durchbrechung am ersten Rohr angeordnet ist;
• 13 die Durchbrechung von 12 in einer Draufsicht des ersten Rohres.

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with the aid of the figures using the example of pipes as components to be connected. The figures each show a longitudinal section through the connection point between a first pipe and a second pipe and in particular:

• 1 a mushroom-shaped connecting element which reaches through an opening on the first tube;
• 2 a U-shaped connecting element which engages in a recess of the first tube;
• 3 a variation on 2 , in which the U-shaped connecting element engages behind a sealing groove;
• 4th a mushroom-shaped transparent connecting element which is connected to the second tube by means of a radiation-curing adhesive;
• 5 a variation on 1 in which the roles of the first pipe and the second pipe are reversed;
• 6th a connector integrally formed with the first pipe;
• 7-11 different geometries of an opening on the first tube in a plan view of the tube;
• 12 a wedge-shaped connecting element which is arranged in an opening on the first tube;
• 13 the breakthrough of 12 in a plan view of the first tube.

In the 1-6 and 12 is a longitudinal section in the axial direction through a first tube (generally with the reference symbol R1 provided) and a second pipe R2 shown, only the axial end regions of interest of the tubes can be seen and only one side of the wall is shown. The essentially circular cylindrical tubes in the exemplary embodiments are to be presented as rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis XX. In addition, components that correspond to one another in the figures are identified by the same reference symbols in the last two digits or by the same reference letters.

In the 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 and 12 represents the second pipe R2 represents the actual pipe, which is to transport a medium such as gas or water over long distances, and which is to be firmly and tightly connected to a third pipe (not shown). For this connection between the second pipe and a third pipe is the first pipe R1 intended as a so-called fitting. The inside diameter of the fitting R1 is just as big as the second tube R2 and the third tube can be inserted from different sides. The fitting is in the axial direction R1 only as long as is necessary for a good connection between the pipes. In the figures, for example, is approximately half the axial length of the fitting R1 shown, and the transition between the fitting R1 and the second pipe R2 is generally mirror symmetrical on the opposite (left) side for the transition between fittings R1 and the third tube.

Furthermore, the fitting R1 an outwardly directed, annular circumferential and bead-shaped receptacle AF on, in which a sealing element 140 ( DE ) such as an O-ring Rubber is inserted to the transition between the inner tube R2 and the fitting R1 to seal.

A sufficiently stable mechanical coupling between the fitting and the pipes is problematic with such pipe connections, in particular with pipe diameters of approximately 100 millimeters and more. Typically, bursting pressures of more than 25 bar have to be withstood, i.e. the pipe must not be pulled out of the fitting axially.

The use of a connecting element is presented in this regard VE suggested, which in the production of a pipe connection cohesively and / or non-positively ( 12 , 13 ) with one of the two pipes R1 , R2 can be connected. In this regard, the fasteners are 130 , 230 and 330 in the embodiments of 1 to 4th form-fitting with the first pipe R1 (Fitting) and cohesively with the second pipe R2 connected, the connecting element 430 from 5 is firmly bonded with the fitting 420 connected, the connecting element 530 from 6th is integral with the fitting 510 formed, and the connecting element 630 from 12 is form-fitting with the first pipe R1 (Fitting) and frictionally with the second pipe R2 connected.

Specifically, it is the connecting element 130 the pipe connection 100 from 1 around a mushroom-shaped part with a spread head 131 and a trunk attached to it 132 , which in a breakthrough 111 of the fitting R1 can be plugged in. At the end of the trunk 132 there is an exposed area 133 which with the one in the fitting R1 imported tube R2 comes into contact. There the exposed area can 133 locally cohesive with the pipe with the formation of a weld R2 get connected. The welding can be done, for example, that the exposed surface 133 is made smaller or pointed, so that when an electrical current is passed through from the connecting element VE correspondingly high current densities occur to the pipe, which bring the material to melt locally. It is assumed that the connecting element VE and the pipe R2 are electrically conductive, e.g. because both are made of metal. Furthermore, the connecting element VE preferably electrically insulated in the contact area towards the first tube.

So much for the connecting element here and below VE is shown as mushroom-shaped, this could alternatively also have virtually any other shape by which the extension of the tubes apart can be prevented, for example the shape of a bolt, a ball, a wedge or the like.

Furthermore, here and in the following, the opening YOU axially on the left, on the right, or on both sides of the receptacle AF lie and / or in the area of the recording AF stretch yourself.

Likewise, any type of material connection can be used here and below, for example welding, soldering or gluing.

To increase the strength and for reasons of symmetry, there are usually several connecting elements VE at equal angular intervals around the pipe R2 arranged around, for example two, three, four or generally N connecting elements VE at an angular distance of 360 ° / N. The fasteners VE are preferably made of metal, for example steel, copper, a solder or a solder alloy, stainless steel, aluminum or the like and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the connecting elements VE each optionally be equipped with an adhesive.

At the top or the exposed area 133 of the connecting element VE Optionally, a material can be arranged which locally forms a protective gas atmosphere during welding so that the metal structure of the pipes involved is not changed.

By using the connecting elements, a mechanically very stable coupling between the fitting and the pipe is achieved, the desired tightness being achieved by the separate sealing element DE is guaranteed.

2 shows a modified pipe connection 200 , with only the differences below 1 are explained in more detail. So is the fitting 210 ( R1 ) no opening, but only a recess extending radially inward from the outside 211 provided, for example in the form of a blind hole or an annular circumferential groove. In this depression 211 grabs a thigh 231 a U-shaped connecting element 230 ( VE ) one whose axially extending trunk 232 extends beyond the end of the fitting. The one on the trunk 232 attaching other legs of the connecting element 230 is radial to the second pipe R2 directed and contacts the pipe with an exposed surface 233 . This can be done for example by a welded connection to the pipe R2 be firmly connected.

Instead of deepening 211 could be the fitting 210 also an outwardly pointing thickening, for example in the form of a bulge, or a through hole according to FIG 1 be provided.

3 shows in this regard a modification in which the U-shaped connecting element VE the recording AF of the sealing element engages behind, so that no further changes to the fitting R1 necessary is.

In the embodiment of the pipe connection 300 from 4th is the fitting 310 ( R1 ) similar to 1 formed, in particular with at least one opening located in the end area 311 . Into this breakthrough 311 is a mushroom-shaped connector 330 ( VE ) used, which is the second pipe 320 ( R2 ) with an exposed area 333 contacted. A material connection to the pipe takes place via one on the exposed surface 333 located glue. Suitable adhesives for this purpose are, for example, one-component adhesives or two-component adhesives, as well as adhesives that are activated or cured due to the supply of energy (heat, pressure, radiation, etc.) and / or chemically.

In particular, a radiation-curing adhesive can be used. In this case, the material of the connecting element 330 be completely or partially transparent, so that light emitted by a lamp L (e.g. UV ) can reach the adhesive through the connecting element and harden it in a controlled manner. Additionally or alternatively, light can also be guided to the adhesive point by means of a light guide (for example fiber optic cable, not shown).

The connecting element can preferably also 330 and / or the adhesive can be selected such that the curing and / or the irradiation result in an optical change, for example a color change. A user can use this to check whether proper bonding has already taken place or not.

5 shows a pipe connection 400 in which, unlike in the other figures, the actual pipe is called the “first pipe 410 ( R1 ) ”And the fitting as a“ second pipe 420 ( R2 )" referred to as. Compared to 1 are thereby the roles of “first pipe R1 "And" second pipe R2 “In relation to the fastener VE comparable. That is, the first pipe R1 at least one opening at the end 411 has, through which a mushroom-shaped connecting element 430 is plugged in, and that an exposed area 433 of the connecting element 430 cohesively with the second pipe R2 (Fitting) is connected. In this case, it should be noted that the sealing element 440 should generally be placed in an axial position at which a transition of the tight, uninterrupted section of the actual pipe R1 for fitting R2 takes place. Otherwise it could be at the opening of the actual pipe R1 a liquid leak can take place.

Here and in the other embodiments, the connecting element VE also be designed so that it is the opening that the connecting element VE receives, seals. Such a connector VE could then also be on the other side of the sealing element 440 to be ordered.

6th shows a pipe connection 500 , in which the connecting element 530 integral (one piece) with the first pipe or fitting 510 ( R1 ) is trained. For example, the connecting element 530 in the form of a radially inwardly pointing nose or point on the inner wall of the fitting, which in an exposed area 533 Contact to the second pipe 520 ( R2 ) Has. On this surface 533 a material connection to the second pipe can then be established again, for example in the form of a spot weld.

In the 7th to 11 are in a top view of the first pipe (fitting) R1 different possible geometries of an opening YOU shown in the fitting. This can in particular lie inside the material and e.g. circular ( 7th ), oval, rectangular ( 8th ), diamond-shaped or the like. Furthermore, the openings YOU also lie in other axial positions, for example to the left of the recording AF and / or overlapping with the recording AF .

The 9 to 11 further show embodiments in which the breakthrough YOU to the axial end (edge) of the fitting R1 is open and, for example, the shape of a 90 ° angle ( 9 ), Bow ( 10 ) or oblique slot ( 11 ) Has. With that one in the breakthrough YOU positioned connecting element (not shown) can absorb axial forces, it must be at an edge of the opening YOU can rest, which is perpendicular or at least oblique to the pull-out direction (pipe axis). The shape of the opening is preferred YOU in such a way that the connecting element does not extend out of the opening under the effect of the pull-out forces YOU is pulled out ( 9 ) or, in the best case, even deeper into the opening YOU is drawn into ( 10 ). At the in 11 shown shape of the opening YOU becomes a connecting element under the action of pull-out forces, torsional forces on the fitting R1 exercise; therefore, there is preferably at least one further opening YOU provided, on which opposite torsional forces are generated, so that a compensation occurs in this regard and the fitting does not rotate under the effect of pull-out forces.

The 12 and 13 show a modified pipe connection 600 , in which, in contrast to the previously described embodiments, the connecting element 630 ( VE ) purely frictionally on the second pipe R2 can couple.

The breakthrough is for this purpose 611 ( YOU ) on the fitting R1 with a fold running obliquely to the radial direction 612 provided, under which the wedge-shaped connecting element 630 can be arranged. The unfolding 612 can for example by a U-shaped cutout in the wall of the fitting R1 and their subsequent outward bending are produced.

When the fastener 630 for example, by frictional engagement on the outer wall of the second tube R2 adheres, it is carried along by the pull-out forces acting on the second tube and deeper under the fold-out 612 drawn. This creates a self-locking and self-locking effect, which ultimately prevents it from being pulled out. By choosing a suitable (small) wedge angle, very large forces can be generated here.

Even if it is not specifically mentioned, features of the embodiments described in the figures can be combined with one another or exchanged for one another, as it were.

Furthermore, various modifications of the embodiments are possible.

For example, the sealing element DE at the same time as a connecting element VE work (and vice versa). That in the recording AF mounted annular sealing element DE can for this purpose be designed in such a way that there is a material connection to the pipes. For this purpose it can contain, for example, an adhesive or a solder and / or function as a welding means and be activated by a suitable supply of energy.

Claims (10)

Connecting element (VE) for connecting a first component (R1) to a second component (R2), in particular for connecting a first pipe (R1) to a second pipe (R2), characterized in that it is set up to - form-fittingly with the to be connected to the first component (R1) or to be in one piece with the first component (R1), and to be connected to the second component (R2) in a materially and / or force-fit manner. Connecting element (VE) Claim 1 , characterized in that it has an exposed surface (133-633) which can be welded, soldered, glued and / or coupled by frictional engagement to the second component (R2). Connecting element (VE) Claim 2 , characterized in that an adhesive is arranged on the exposed surface (333), in particular an adhesive which can be cured by heat, pressure, electromagnetic induction, chemical reaction and / or radiation. Connecting element (VE) Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that there is an externally accessible optical connection to the exposed surface (333). Connecting element (VE) Claim 3 or 4th , characterized in that the adhesive and / or other parts of the connecting element experience a visually recognizable change as a result of the hardening of the adhesive. Connection system containing a pipe (R1, R2), in particular a fitting, and a matching connection element (VE) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 5 . Connection system according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the tube (R1, R2) has a recess (211), a thickening and / or an opening (111, 311, 411, 611) for the positive engagement with the connecting element (VE). Connection system according to at least one of the Claims 6 or 7th , characterized in that the tube (R1, R2) has a receptacle (AF) for a sealing element (DE). Connection system according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the sealing element (DE) also fulfills the function of the connecting element (VE). Method for connecting a first component (R1) to a second component (R2), in particular a first tube (R1) to a second tube (R2), characterized in that a connecting element (VE) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 5 is cohesively and / or non-positively connected to the second component (R2).

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