DK178551B1

DK178551B1 - Push coupling

Info

Publication number: DK178551B1
Application number: DKPA201470687A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Marcus Ronnheim
Original assignee: Trio Perfekta Ab
Priority date: 2013-11-13
Filing date: 2014-11-11
Publication date: 2016-06-13
Also published as: FI127149B; FI20145990A; SE1351338A1; NO20141373A1; SE540540C2; NO342378B1; DK201470687A1

Abstract

A push coupling for pipes, the push coupling comprising a housing (10) with at least one opening (12) for a pipe; at least one sealing element (30) to seal between a pipe and the housing (10); and at least one locking element (44) to fix a pipe in the housing (10). The push coupling comprises also at least one transfer element (22) inside the housing (10), the transfer element (22) is arranged to move axially to permit a pipe to move the transfer element (22) and the transfer element (22) indicates, via movement, that the sealing element (30) is performing its function. The push coupling comprises an element (26) which together with the transfer element (22) produces a sound when the transfer element (22) is moved. For example, a movement of the transfer element (22) gives an audial confirmation that the sealing element (30) has direct contact with a pipe in the push coupling and that the pipe is then fixed by the locking element (44). A method for ensuring that a pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling, the method comprising the step of the push coupling producing a sound when the pipe has been correctly coupled with the push coupling.

Description

PUSH COUPLING

Technical field

This invention concerns a push coupling and a method for ensuring that a pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling. Push couplings are used, for example, to couple pipes that convey water.

The prior art

Push couplings are used, for example, to couple pipes in heating systems and tap water systems. They are often concealed behind walls or under floors. The pipes that are coupled are often plastic pipes. In a push coupling, a pipe is coupled with the coupling by being pushed into the push coupling. The coupling with the pipe is not shrunk. EP2706278 and US2004/0245766 may be helpful in understanding couplings.

One of many problems associated with current push couplings is how far the pipe must be pushed in. The pipe must be pushed in far enough to ensure that the push coupling creates a good seal. Incorrect handling or coupling normally results in leakage. Pipes that are pushed in a good way but not far enough only start to leak after the coupling is tested after installation, or later when the pipes are in use, for example two months later. It is desirable to solve one or more of these problems.

Push couplings cannot be used, or can only be used poorly, with chromium-plated pipes. This is on account of the chromised surface that chromium-plated pipes have. Leakage is one problem as a result of chromium-plated pipes being used. It is desirable to solve one or more of these problems.

It is desirable for a coupling to be able to indicate when a pipe has been coupled correctly so that no leakage occurs. It is desirable for such an indication to be clear, unambiguous and easily accessible. The indication should preferably be provided when the installation takes place. The indication should preferably be reliable. It is desirable to solve one or more of these problems.

What is required is a push coupling that is easy to manufacture. What is required is that the push coupling is inexpensive to manufacture. A coupling that is complicated and intricate should be avoided. These characteristics are also desirable for a method for ensuring that a pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling.

Abstract

The task of the present invention is to provide a push coupling for pipes and a method for ensuring that a pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling. This task is accomplished via the features specified in the subsequent independent claims. More features are characterised by the dependent claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of a push coupling for pipes, the push coupling comprises a housing (10) with at least one opening (12) for a pipe, at least one sealing element (30) to seal between a pipe and the housing (10) and at least one locking element (44) to fix a pipe in the housing (10). The push coupling also comprises at least one transfer element (22) inside the housing (10). The transfer element (22) is arranged to move axially to permit a pipe to move the transfer element (22), and the transfer element (22) indicates, via movement, that the sealing element (30) is performing its function, i.e. is sealing. The housing has only openings for pipes, and in certain cases for a valve, but no other openings such as windows. This produces a coupling that does not leak. A coupling is also achieved that indicates that the pipe has been correctly coupled with the push coupling and is performing its function. Good water flow is obtained as the sealing element is arranged on the inside of the housing (10) and arranged to seal against the outside of a pipe.

In accordance with one embodiment of a push coupling for pipes, the push coupling comprises an element (26) which, with the transfer element (22), produces a sound when the transfer element (22) is moved. In accordance with one embodiment, the transfer element (22) comprises a spring part (24) which snaps over the element (26) when the transfer element (22) is moved and thus produces the sound.

In accordance with one embodiment of a push coupling for pipes, the push coupling comprises the feature that movement of the transfer element (22) produces auditory confirmation that the sealing element (30) is in direct contact with a pipe in the push coupling and that the pipe is fixed by the locking element (44).

One embodiment is a method for ensuring that a pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling. The method comprises the step of the push coupling producing a sound when the pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling. As a result, no visual confirmation is required that the pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling. Moreover, it also means that it is not necessary to test that the pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling. In accordance with one embodiment of the method for ensuring that a pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling, the method comprises a push coupling as described here.

At least one embodiment example solves one or more of the problems of the prior art. For example, chromised raw copper pipes may be coupled with the push coupling. Several technical advantages of the present description will be obvious to a person skilled in the art from the following description and claims. No technical advantage is critical for the examples of the embodiments. Each embodiment and claim may be technically combined with the preceding embodiment and claim.

Figures

Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the push coupling.

Figure 2 shows an example of an embodiment of the push coupling with two pipes.

Figure 3 shows an example of an embodiment of the push coupling for connection to a wall.

Detailed description

Different examples of embodiments of the invention are described. A push coupling normally has an axial direction, which is normally the direction in which a pipe is coupled with the push coupling. This means that the axial direction is normally the direction in which the fluid in the coupling can flow. If, for example, the push coupling is L or T shaped, the axial direction is accordingly in an L or T direction. A push coupling also has a radial direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction. In other words, a push coupling normally has the same mathematical layout as a cylinder. In this description, references are made to these axial and radial directions.

A push coupling for pipes means a coupling into which one or more pipes can be pushed without the use of tools. One or more pipes can be coupled together using such a push coupling and a route for a fluid can be rapidly and securely achieved. A coupling that is shrunk onto pipes is not a push coupling.

Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a push coupling. Figure 2 shows an example of an embodiment of the push coupling with two pipes. This push coupling is straight. In other words, this push coupling is I shaped. The push coupling is designed for pipes, to couple pipes, for example to couple one pipe with another pipe so that a liquid or gas can flow from one pipe to the other. Figure 3 shows an example of an embodiment of the push coupling for connection to a surface (78), for example a wall. In accordance with these three embodiment examples, the push coupling comprises a housing (10) with at least one opening (12) for a pipe. In figure 1, two openings (12, 14) have been illustrated. One pipe may be coupled with each opening (12, 14). The pipes that are coupled with the coupling are not included in the embodiment of the push coupling. This has been expressed in the claims by the coupling only being suitable for pipes. The figures illustrate embodiment examples of the push coupling in which the push coupling is displayed in section, and these embodiment examples are intended for round pipes. Other pipe shapes are conceivable, for example square. The exterior shape of the push coupling may, in itself, be round or another shape, for example triangular or square.

In one embodiment example, which may be combined with all embodiment examples, the housing (10) only has openings for pipes and, in certain cases, for a valve. Consequently, the housing (10) has no window or opening for observing the internal parts of the housing (10) (to indicate that the coupling is functioning). In other words, the housing (10) only has openings for pipes that are to be coupled.

The push coupling also comprises at least one sealing element (30) to seal between a pipe and the housing (10). This sealing element (30) may be an O-ring. The sealing element (30) may be directly connected to the housing (10). When a pipe has been inserted into the push coupling and the pipe has been coupled, the pipe may then be directly connected to the sealing element (30). The sealing element (30) may, for example, only be connected to the outside of the pipe and is then only directly between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the housing. An additional sealing element, for example on the inside of the pipe, is then not necessary. One problem that the embodiments described here solve is that the push coupling is able to indicate that the sealing element (30) is sealing the coupling, i.e. that a pipe that is inserted in the push coupling is connected to the sealing element (30). The sealing element (30) is arranged on the inside of the housing (10), i.e. a side facing the centre of the housing. This allows the sealing element (30) to connect to and seal against only the outside of a pipe, with the result that good flow through the push coupling is achieved.

The push coupling also comprises at least one locking element (44) to fix a pipe in the housing (10). The locking element (44) may be designed as a washer with inward-facing teeth. The teeth may engage with a pipe and permit a pipe to be pushed into the push coupling but not be withdrawn. The pipe cannot be withdrawn because the teeth engage obliquely in the opposite direction. The pipe may be withdrawn with another mechanism described below. The locking element (44) may be designed to be strong and/or be securely mounted in the push coupling, as described below, so that chromium-plated pipes may also be fixed. This allows chromium-plated pipes, for example chromium-plated copper pipes, to be coupled with the push coupling.

The push coupling also comprises at least one transfer element (22) inside the housing (10). The transfer element (22) is arranged to move axially to permit a pipe to move the transfer element (22), and the transfer element (22) indicates, via movement, that the sealing element (30) is performing its function. The transfer element (22) may be a circular element designed as a flange or a cylinder. The transfer element (22) may be of a thickness that a pipe that does not fit the push coupling does not move the transfer element (22). When the transfer element (22) is displaced or moved, the push coupling indicates that the sealing element (30) is performing its function, i.e. it is sealing. The function is performed by the sealing element (30) sealing directly (or indirectly) between a pipe and the housing (10). The transfer element (22) may therefore be moved by a pipe which, via the movement, takes the place of the transfer element at the sealing element (30). As a result, the transfer element (22) may permit a pipe to come into direct contact with the sealing element (30). Consequently, the push coupling is designed in such a way that the sealing element (30) only seals when the transfer element (22) has been removed from the sealing element (30).

In one embodiment example, the transfer element (22) may be arranged in a first position in contact with, together with, the sealing element (30), and arranged to be displaced, to move, axially to permit a pipe to displace, to move, the transfer element (22) to a second position. This second position is only reached when the pipe has moved the transfer element (22) away from the sealing element (30). The first position is illustrated in Figure 1 and the second position of the transfer element (22) is the position that the transfer element (22) occupies when the transfer element (22) has been moved away from the first position. In one embodiment example, the sealing element (30) seals in the push coupling only when the transfer element (22) has been moved from the first position to the second position of a pipe. The correct functioning of the push coupling may therefore be indicated by the transfer element (22) having been moved from the first position.

In clarification, the transfer element (22) may be in contact with the sealing element (30) before the push coupling is used, and the transfer element (22) may be moved by a pipe that is coupled with the push coupling. The sealing element (30) may then only connect to the outside of the pipe. For example, the sealing element (30) may be in direct contact with the pipe and the housing (10) when the pipe has been coupled with the push coupling.

In one embodiment example, the push coupling comprises an element (26) which, with the transfer element (22), produces a sound when the transfer element (22) is moved. It is this sound that indicates that the push coupling is coupling the pipe correctly and that there is no leakage. It may be advantageous for a sound to indicate that the sealing element (30) in the push coupling is performing its function as the push coupling may be located in a position such that the installer is unable to see the push coupling. A sound is produced when the transfer element (22) is moved, indicating that the sealing element (30) is performing its function.

In one embodiment example, the transfer element (22) comprises a spring part (24) which snaps over the element (26) when the transfer element (22) is moved and thus produces the sound. When the spring part (24) is pressed over and past the element (26), the spring part (24) snaps shut and/or the element (26) snaps shut and produces a sound. The element (26) and the transfer element (22) produce a sound when the transfer element (22) is moved from the first position to the second position. In one example, the transfer element (22) is in contact with the sealing element (30), and the spring part (24) clamps the transfer element (22) in place with the element (26) and/or the sealing element (30). When a pipe pushes the transfer element (22) away, a sound is produced that indicates that the push coupling is sealing against the pipe that has been inserted into the housing (10).

In one embodiment example, the push coupling produces auditory confirmation that the transfer element (22) has moved and that the sealing element (30) is in direct contact with a pipe in the push coupling and that the pipe is fixed by the locking element (44). It is then impossible for the pipe to be removed from the push coupling unless the locking element (44) is released. This is described later. In this way, the push coupling ensures that the pipe is correctly coupled to the push coupling and that the correctly coupled pipe remains correctly coupled.

In one embodiment example, the push coupling comprises a transfer element housing (20). The transfer element (22) is arranged to move axially in a transfer element housing (20). The transfer element housing (20) may prevent axial movement of the sealing element (30). The transfer element housing (20) is arranged in the housing (10) and may comprise a number of transfer elements (22). The transfer element housing (20) may be adapted to fit firmly in the housing (10).

In one embodiment example, the push coupling comprises no window or similar opening in the housing (10), for example where the window is arranged so that the transfer element (22) is only visible through the window or opening when the transfer element (22) is not in the first position, illustrated in Figure 1. The embodiment examples described have the advantage that the housing (10) does not need a window to indicate and ensure that the push coupling is functioning. Windows lead to additional costs and a further risk of leakage, particularly in cases in which the sealing element (30) is only between and in contact with the outside of a pipe and the inside of the housing, as described above.

In one embodiment example, the push coupling comprises a release element (42) arranged to release the locking element (44) by bending the locking element (44) radially outwards. This allows a pipe to be removed from the push coupling. In one embodiment example, the push coupling comprises a release element (42), a support element (46) and a holder (48). The locking element (44) may be arranged between the support element (46) and the holder (48). The locking element (44) may be directly held by the support element (46) and the holder (48). The holder (48) may hold the release element (42) in the housing (10). The holder (48) and the release element (42) may be hooked to each other. When the pipe is to be removed from the push coupling, the release element (42) may be pushed in so that the locking element (44) or its teeth are released from the pipe.

In one embodiment example, the push coupling comprises two openings (12, 14), each for one pipe, and the housing (10) may be I or L shaped. In one embodiment example, the push coupling comprises three openings, each for one pipe, and the housing (10) may be T shaped. The housing of the push coupling (10) may be shaped so that it fits the pipes to be coupled. For example, a push coupling may be straight, I shaped, and such an embodiment example is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. This push coupling has two openings (12, 14), each for one pipe (60, 62). A similar push coupling may be angled, for example perpendicular, L shaped. Such a push coupling has two openings, each for one pipe. A push coupling may, for example, have three openings, each for one pipe. Such a push coupling may be T shaped and may comprise three parts of the housing (10) that are at right angles to each other. As described above, all of these embodiment examples have no window, i.e. the housing only has openings for pipes that are to be coupled.

In one embodiment example, the push coupling may couple a pipe that may be laid along a surface (78) to a pipe that emerges from a surface (78), for example a wall. These two pipes may be at right angles to each other. Such an embodiment example is illustrated in Figure 3. The push coupling may comprise an attachment device (76) to attach the push coupling to a surface (78). Such a surface may, for example, be a wall. The attachment device (76) may, for example, be a panel that may be attached, for example screwed, to a wall over a pipe that emerges from the wall. The push coupling may comprise an opening (50) for a pipe from the surface (78). The opening (50) may be further from the surface (78) than the centre of the opening (12) is from the surface (78). This has been illustrated in Figure 3. The opening (50) is at distance D1 from the surface (78). The centre of the opening (12) is at distance D2 from the surface (78). Distance D1 is longer than distance D2. The push coupling conducts the flow (F) in the housing (10) through the push coupling, first out through the opening (50) and then back, towards the surface (78), out through the opening (12). The technical effect of this is that the push coupling is able to couple a pipe to the opening (12) in the housing (10) so that the pipe is near the surface (78) without the pipe having to be bent down to the right distance, 20 mm, from the surface (78). The distance between a pipe that travels along a wall and the wall is usually predetermined, mainly 20 mm for example. The embodiment example of the push coupling is able to ensure that the pipe has the correct distance from a surface, for example a wall.

In one embodiment example, the push coupling comprises a seal (52) for the housing (10) and a coupling (54) for the pipe from the surface (78). The task of the seal (52) and the coupling (54) is to ensure that the push coupling couples with the pipe from the wall, from the surface (78).

In one embodiment example, the push coupling may comprise a valve (70, 72). This allows the flow of a fluid through the push coupling to be shut off. The valve may be a ball valve (72) that may be opened or closed using a handle (70). A valve may be included in all embodiment examples described.

One embodiment example is a method for ensuring that a pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling. The method comprises the step of the push coupling producing a sound when the pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling. This permits the push coupling to confirm that a leak-proof connection has been made, i.e. the sealing element (30) is in contact with or is connected to the pipe fitted with the push coupling. This is done auditorily and no visual or mechanical inspection is required. This is advantageous where, for example, the push coupling cannot be clearly observed, as is the case with concealed installation in a heating system or tap water system, for example behind a wall or under a floor.

One embodiment example of the method is to use a push coupling as described above. All embodiment examples described here may use this method to ensure that a pipe has been correctly coupled with a push coupling.

Claims

A pressure coupling for a pipe, the pressure coupling comprising: a housing (10) having at least one opening (12) for a pipe, at least one sealing element (30) for sealing between a pipe and the housing (10) and at least one locking element (44) for fixing a tube in the housing (10) characterized by at least one transfer element (22) within the housing (10), said transfer element (22) being in contact with at least one of the sealing elements (30) and arranged to move axially for allowing a tube to move the transfer member (22) away from the sealing member (30) and the transfer member (22) marking upon movement that the sealing member (30) fulfills its function; and characterized in that the pressure coupling comprises an element (26) which together with the transfer element (22) produces a sound as the transfer element (22) is moved, in that the transfer element (22) comprises a spring part (24) shaped as a flexible finger, slamming over the element (26) as the transfer element (22) moves, thus producing the sound.

Pressure coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that movement of the transfer element (22) produces an audible confirmation that the sealing element (30) is in direct contact with a tube in the pressure coupling and that the tube is fixed by means of the locking element (44). ).

Pressure coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (44) is formed as a packing disc with inwardly facing teeth and the pressure coupling comprises a release element (42) adapted to release the locking element (44). ) by bending the locking member (44) radially outward.

Pressure coupling according to claim 3, characterized in that the pressure coupling comprises a release element (42), a support element (46) and a holder (48); and that the locking member (44) is disposed between the supporting member (46) and the holder (48); and that the holder (48) holds the release member (42) in the housing (10).

Pressure coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure coupling comprises a transfer element housing (20), that the transfer element (22) is arranged to move axially in the transfer element housing (20) and that the transfer element housing (20) prevents the sealing element (30) from moving axially.

Pressure coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure coupling comprises two openings (12, 14), each for one pipe and the housing (10) being I- or L-shaped.

Pressure coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure coupling comprises three openings, each for one pipe and that the housing (10) is T-shaped.

Pressure coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure coupling comprises a fastening device (76) for securing the pressure coupling to a surface (78).

Pressure coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that the pressure coupling comprises an opening (50) for a pipe from the surface (78), the opening (50) being located further from the surface (78) than the center of the opening (12). is from the surface (78).

Pressure coupling according to claim 9, characterized in that the pressure coupling directs the flow (F) in the housing (10) through the pressure coupling, first out through the opening (50) and then back, towards the surface (78), out through the opening (12). .

Pressure coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure coupling comprises a valve (70, 72).

A method for ensuring that a pipe has been properly coupled to a pressure coupling according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the method comprises a step wherein the pressure coupling produces a sound when the pipe has been correctly connected with the pressure coupling.