ES1274689U - CONNECTOR DEVICE FOR FLUID CONDUCTION INSTALLATIONS (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Connector device for fluid conduction installations which, applicable to screw a first tube (T) with a second tube (t), correcting possible position deviations between both tubes (T, t), is characterized by comprising - a connector element (2, 2'), which at one end has a thread (2a), suitable for screwing at the end of the first tube (T), and which at the opposite end has a tubular extension with, at the less, a straight distal section (2c) that can be eccentric (2) or non-eccentric (2') in order, in case of being eccentric (2), to vary the lateral position between the center of said first tube (T) and the second tube (t) to be joined in a radius around said center, and - an additional regulation bushing (3) that at one end has a thread into which the second tube (t) to be connected is screwed and which at the other end is snapped and hermetically fitted onto the straight distal section (2c) of the connector element (2, 2') with the possibility of movement along it to vary the distance with the thread (2a) and, in turn, regulate the distance between the position of the first tube (T) and the of the second tube (t). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Connector device for fluid conduction installations

Object of the invention

The invention, as expressed in the wording of the present specification, refers to a connector device for fluid conduction installations that provides, for the function for which it is intended, advantages and characteristics that are described in detail below and that entail an improvement of the current state of the art.

The object of the present invention lies in a connector device of the type that is used in a fluid conduction installation to connect pipes, for example in plumbing to connect the ends or mouth of the embedded pipes of the water installation of a room with the faucet pipes that are fixed to the wall such as those of a shower, bathtub or sink, correcting possible differences in position, which, in addition to comprising a connector or fitting that may or may not be of the eccentric type, to correct a possible Lateral deviation between the center of the mouth of the embedded tube and the position that the tube to be joined must have, it is distinguished by comprising at least one regulating bushing that allows correcting a possible difference in depth or distance between the position of the tube recessed and that of the pipe to be joined, allowing this correction to be made in a quick and easy way ensuring tightness, also contemplating, in an option of reali Preferred option is the use of a protective cap that covers the connector during the completion works of the wall where the pipeline is installed, prior to the incorporation of said regulating bushing, avoiding any deterioration thereof on site.

Field of application of the invention

The field of application of the present invention is framed within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of tools and tools, focusing particularly on the field of tube connectors.

Background of the invention

The existence of eccentric connectors is known on the market, which, for example in the plumbing field, are used to correct a possible lateral deviation between the center of two tube ends to be joined. This problem usually occurs in the case of recessed or pre-installed water or gas pipes to connect with the taps of the different elements of a kitchen or bathroom or with the pipes of a heater.

To do this, said connectors are made up of a piece that, at one end has a conventional thread, which is the part that is threaded to the embedded tube, and on the other side it has an extension with an angled elbow to thread the tube. the tap to be connected and which, depending on the position in which it is placed, allows said pipe to be connected to be laterally deviated from the recessed pipe at any point around its center.

The problem is that, in addition to possible lateral deviations, which are corrected with the existing eccentric connectors, it also often happens that the distance between the mouth of the embedded tube and that of the tube to be spliced is not correct, for which these connectors are not serve, the essential objective of the present invention being the development of an improved connector device that allows solving in a practical and simple way both correction options, greatly expanding the versatility and functionality of the connector.

In addition, during the completion of the wall finishing works in which this type of recessed installations are incorporated, usually with mortar or cement and subsequent tiling, it is frequent that the ends of the tubes are stained or covered with said materials or, what is worse, they suffer blows that can cause unwanted deterioration, especially of external threaded parts, being a secondary objective of the present invention to avoid said inconveniences by developing a device that comprises a protection means specifically designed for this.

On the other hand, and as a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although other eccentric connectors are known in the market, at least by the applicant, the existence of any connector device that presents technical and structural characteristics is unknown. The same or similar to those presented by the one claimed here and that allows, among other uses, to make a pre-installation of a tap, only missing the bushings on which the rosette and the tap will be installed, thus considerably reducing the assembly time of the tap.

Explanation of the invention

The connector device for fluid conduction installations that the invention proposes is configured as the ideal solution to the aforementioned objectives, the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

Specifically, what the invention proposes, as noted above, is a connector device of the type that is used in a fluid conduction installation to join pipes, for example in plumbing, between a fixed or embedded pipe and a single element pipe. of service, such as a faucet that is fixed to the wall such as those of a shower, bathtub or sink, which comprises a connector element, which may or may not be eccentric, correcting any lateral deviations between the center of the the mouth of the embedded tube and the position that the tube to be connected must have, furthermore comprises at least one adjustment sleeve that allows correcting a possible difference in depth and adjusting the distance between the position of the embedded tube and that of the tube to be joined, allowing said correction to be made quickly and easily, ensuring the tightness of the connection.

For this, and more specifically, the connector, made up of a piece that has a thread at one end and has an extension that comprises a section of straight distal tube eccentric or non-eccentric with respect to the center of the thread, being able to contemplate two sections of tube, an initial one that emerges obliquely with respect to the axial axis of the thread and a straight end that is parallel and eccentric to said axis, and that presents in said section at least one O-ring inserted in a groove in which it fits the regulation bushing, allowing to choose its position along it to modify the separation of the area of the thread of the eccentric connector, as appropriate, in such a way that on said regulating bushing the tube to be connected can be fixed in the desired position, for which said bushing externally has the corresponding threading thread.

In a preferred embodiment, the regulation sleeve is moved along the final section of the connector by using a thread between both elements. Thus, in this preferred embodiment, to move the adjusting sleeve away from the connector, the adjusting sleeve will be unscrewed. adjustment and to bring the adjustment sleeve closer to the connector, screw the adjustment sleeve.

In addition, and to ensure the position of the cap, once it is located in the appropriate position, the existence of at least one fixing screw has been provided, which preferably consists of an Allen type headless screw with a conical tip that is threaded into a side hole provided for this purpose in the bushing to act as a prisoner on the surface of the straight section of the extension of the connector in which the bushing is incorporated, preventing it from moving out of position.

On the other hand, and to avoid that during the finishing works of the wall in which the pipe or pipes of the installation are embedded, said regulating bushing may suffer deterioration, either due to being stained or covered with mortar or cement or because it may suffer a blow during said operation or the subsequent application of tiling, the device of the invention comprises the existence of a protective cap that is fixed on the distal section of the connector, replacing the regulating sleeve while the tap is not to be installed. Optionally, said protective cap includes an internal threaded cap that makes it possible to ensure that the cap withstands the water pressure while the installation is not finished, and can also serve as a means of checking the tightness.

Additionally, and to ensure the correct placement of the tubes in the facilities that comprise two tubes, normally one for cold water and the other for hot water, the device includes the existence of a leveling tool that, once the protective tubes have been placed previously described on the distal section of each of the connectors of the respective tubes of the installation, it allows to maintain the correct relative position of the same while finishing the work of cementing to mortising the wall to fix said tubes by the operation in charge of it to be later withdrawn. Preferably, said tool is made up of two adjustable spacing parts, to be able to use it in different installation options, since in some the spacing between tubes is different from others. In addition, it preferably includes a level bubble to check at the same time the leveling of both tubes with respect to the horizontal. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the device object of the invention, it comprises, in addition to the eccentric connector or not:

- a regulating sleeve, to correct any possible difference in depth and to be able to vary, as appropriate, the distance between the position of the embedded tube and that of the tube to be connected, - a protective sealing cap, to temporarily protect the distal section of the connector in that the regulating bushing is incorporated, while said bushing is not in place, preventing it from deteriorating during the finishing work of the wall in which the pipe is embedded and allowing the installation to be watertight tests, and

- a leveling tool that allows checking and maintaining the correct relative and level position of two pipes in the installation, once they have been fitted with the respective connectors and protected with corresponding temporary protection caps.

With this, once the correct position of the aforementioned tubes has been verified with the aforementioned leveling tool, the tubes can be fixed to the wall using mortar or cement.

The process will be as follows:

The trowel or operator who carries out the work, will place mortar or cement up to the tubes with the respective connectors, eccentric or not, and will cover them with the temporary protection caps. In this way, the sealing joints of the distal section of the connectors are protected and dirt is prevented from entering the tubes already installed in the wall.

Then the wall will be tiled.

Subsequently, the plumber who must place the tap will remove the protection caps, connect the regulating bushings on the distal section of the connectors of the tubes embedded in the wall, screwing them with the depth of interest, depending on the tiling, so that they are flush .

And, finally, on the regulating bushings you will fix the tap in a conventional way.

Description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the present specification is attached, as an integral part thereof, to a set of drawings in which for illustrative purposes and non-limiting, the following has been represented:

Figure number 1.- It shows a schematic side elevation view of an example of the main elements that the connector device for fluid conduction installations that is the object of the invention comprises, specifically the connector element, in an eccentric example, the regulating bushing and the fixing screw of said bushing, said elements having been represented separately to appreciate the external configuration of each one of them;

Figure number 2.- Shows a plan view of the elements of the device of the invention shown in figure 1;

Figure number 3.- Shows a sectional view of the set of elements of the device of the invention shown in figures 1 and 2, in this case represented once they have been coupled to each other and in the phase of being incorporated into an embedded tube of a installation, appreciating their disposition;

Figure number 4.- Shows a sectional view, similar to that shown in figure 3, of the device according to the invention, in this case represented in greater detail and including some additional options of the invention;

Figure number 5.- Shows a schematic side elevation view of another example of several of the elements that comprise the device, according to the invention, in this case a non-eccentric example of the connector, the regulating sleeve, the temporary protection cap and the bushing fixing screw and! cap, appreciating the external configuration thereof;

Figure number 6.- Shows a sectional view of the connector and plug shown in figure 5, in this case represented once they have been coupled together and in the phase of being incorporated into a built-in tube of an installation, appreciating the arrangement of the themselves;

Figure number 7.- Shows a schematic perspective view of an example of two embedded pipes of an installation with the connector of the device incorporated and in phase of receiving the protection cap, having been represented next to the level tool that comprises the device of the invention to check and maintain the correct position of the same while fixing the tubes to the wall;

Figures 8 and 9.- Again show respective sectional views of the connector of the device with the temporary protection cap, in this case in an option thereof that includes a threaded inner cap, respectively represented unassembled and once assembled; Figure number 10.- Shows a sectional view similar to the previous ones, in which the threaded inner cap is integrally incorporated inside the temporary protection cap; Y

Figures 11 and 12.- They show views, in side and front elevation, of another example of the connector in its eccentric variant with the distal section of the tube off-center instead of provided with an elbow.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a non-limiting embodiment of the connector device equipment for fluid conduction installations of the invention can be observed, which comprises what is described in detail then.

Thus, as seen in said figures, the device (1) of the invention, applicable to screw a first tube (T), for example a tube embedded in a wall (p), with a second tube (t ), for example of a service element such as a tap, correcting possible differences in position between the two tubes (T, t), essentially comprises:

- a connector element (2, 2 '), which threads in the first tube (T) and which can be eccentric (2) or non-eccentric (2') in order, in case of being eccentric (2), to vary the lateral position between the center of said first tube (T) and the second tube (t) to be connected in a radius around said center, and - a regulation sleeve (3) into which the second tube (t) to be connected is screwed and which, in turn, makes it possible to regulate the separation distance between the position of the first tube (T) and that of the second tube (t).

To do this, preferably, the connector (2, 2 ') consists of a piece that at one end has a thread (2a), carrying a sealing gasket (4 "), suitable for screwing at the end of the first tube ( T), and at the opposite end it has a tubular extension with at least one straight distal section (2c) on which the regulation sleeve (3) fits tightly and hermetically with the possibility of displacement along it to vary the distance with the thread (2a).

Considering Figures 1 to 4, it is observed how, in an option in which the connector is eccentric (2), the tubular extension thereof on the opposite side of the thread (2a) has an angled elbow that defines an initial section oblique (2b) with respect to the axial axis of the thread (2a) and a straight distal section (2c) that is parallel and eccentric to said axis, on which the regulation sleeve (3) fits tightly and hermetically with the possibility of displacement along it to vary the distance with the thread (2a).

However, taking into account figures 11 and 12, it is observed how, in another option in which the connector is eccentric (2), the tubular extension thereof on the opposite side of the thread (2a) has a distal section (2c) straight that is eccentric to the axial axis of said thread (2a).

On the other hand, in Figures 5 to 7 it is observed how, in the option in which the connector is not eccentric (2 ') the tubular extension thereof on the opposite side of the thread (2a) presents only the distal section (2c ) straight and centered with respect to the axial axis of the thread (2a).

In any case, to achieve said pressure fit and tightness in the fit between the regulation sleeve (3) and said distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 '), in said distal section (2c) there has been provided , preferably, the existence of at least one O-ring (4) inserted in a groove made for this purpose on the cylindrical surface of said section (2c).

In a preferred embodiment, the regulation sleeve (3) moves along the distal section (2c) of the eccentric connector (2) by using a thread between both elements. Thus, to move the adjustment sleeve (3) away from the connector (2, 2 '), unscrew the adjustment sleeve and to bring the adjustment sleeve (3) closer to the connector (2, 2'), screw the adjustment sleeve (3 ).

In addition, and to ensure the position of the adjustment cap (3), once it is in position, the existence of at least one fixing screw (5) has been provided.

Preferably, said fixing screw (5) consists of an Allen type headless screw with a conical tip that is threaded into a lateral hole (3a) provided for this purpose in the wall of the adjustment sleeve (3) to act as a prisoner on the surface. of the distal section (2c) of the extension of the connector (2, 2 ') and which will preferably remain embedded without protruding so as not to interfere with the threading of the tube (t) on the regulation sleeve (3).

Furthermore, preferably, in the device (1) of the invention the existence of stops (2d) and (3b) is provided which, respectively provided in the distal section (2c) of the eccentric connector (2) and the interior of the regulation (3) as can be seen in figure 4, they serve to prevent the fixing screw (5) of the regulation sleeve (3) from tightening on top of the O-ring (4) of the distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 ') and, in turn, also serve to prevent said regulation sleeve (3) from attempting to fix in a weak position of said connector (2, 2').

Preferably, the existence of roughnesses (2e) on the external surface of the distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 ') is also foreseen to facilitate the fixation of the regulation sleeve (3) through the fixation screw (5 ).

Likewise, preferably, the existence of a hexagonal or similar shape (2f) on the internal surface of the distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 ') such that it fits with an Allen key or the like is also foreseen for the purpose of facilitate its tightening in the first tube (T) that comes out of the wall. On the other hand, as can be seen in Figures 5 to 7, the device (1) further comprises a temporary protection cap (6), to temporarily close and protect the connector (2, 2 ') in which the cap is incorporated. regulator (3), while finishing fixing the recessed tube (T) and not placing said cap (3) to couple the tube (t) of the tap to be installed, preventing it from deteriorating, for which said cap (6) It is preferably dimensioned to snap and hermetically fit over the distal portion (2c) of the connector (2, 2 '). The cap (6) is preferably made of plastic.

Furthermore, preferably, to fix said plug (6) on the distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 '), the existence of at least one fixing screw (5) has been provided.

Preferably, said fixing screw (5) similar or identical to the fixing screw (5) of the cap (3) and consists of a screw with a conical tip that is threaded into a lateral hole (6a) provided for this purpose in the wall of the plug. (6) to act as a prisoner on the surface of the distal section (2c) of the extension of the connector (2, 2 ').

Optionally, and to avoid the use of said fixing screw (5), in addition to the temporary protection cap (6), the inclusion of an internal threaded cap (6b) is contemplated, preferably with a sealing gasket, which is threaded into the end of the distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 ') to guarantee that it withstands the pressure of the fluid, and on which, in turn, the temporary protection plug (6) is incorporated, as observed in the Figures 8 and 9. The threaded inner cap (6b) is preferably made of metal Preferably, to tighten and loosen the threaded inner cap (6b) a screwdriver is used.

Attending to figure 10 it is observed how, optionally, said threaded inner cap (6b) is integrally integrated into the interior of the temporary protection cap (6).

Preferably, the internal threaded cap (6b) is metallic and the temporary protection cap (6) that is externally adjusted is made of plastic material, with the advantage of being a more economical option for its manufacture.

Finally, taking into account figure 7 it is observed how, in a preferred embodiment, the device (1) also includes a leveling tool (7) to check and maintain the correct relative and level position of two tubes (T) embedded in the installation, which, once equipped with respective connectors (2, 2 ') and protected with corresponding temporary protection caps (6), allows this check to be carried out to finish the work of fixing said tubes (T) in the correct position to the subsequent installation of the tap pipes (t) by removing the plugs (6) and fitting the regulating bushings (3) in their place.

For this, preferably, said leveling tool (7) is made up of two rectangular plates (7a) with respective circular openings (7b), and centrally joined by a bridge (7d) of adjustable width "to choose the required distance between said openings ( 7b) for the installation of the tap, and whose diameter is suitable to be able to receive the plugs (6) of the device tightly through it, preferably having a level bubble (7c) that allows knowing if said plate (7a) is exactly in a horizontal position.This will allow a correct position between the tubes and the connectors, whether they are eccentric (2) or, as shown in figure 7, non-eccentric connectors (2 ').

Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages derived from it.

Claims (20)

1. Connector device for fluid conduction installations that, applicable to screw a first tube (T) with a second tube (t), correcting possible position deviations between both tubes (T, t), is characterized by comprising: - a connector element (2, 2 '), which at one end has a thread (2a), suitable for screwing at the end of the first tube (T), and which at the opposite end has a tubular extension with, at the less, a straight distal section (2c) that can be eccentric (2) or non-eccentric (2 ') in order, in case of being eccentric (2), to vary the lateral position between the center of said first tube (T) and the second tube (t) to be joined in a radius around said center, and - an additional regulation bushing (3) that at one end has a thread into which the second tube (t) to be connected is screwed and which at the other end is snapped and hermetically fitted onto the straight distal section (2c) of the connector element (2, 2 ') with the possibility of movement along it to vary the distance with the thread (2a) and, in turn, regulate the distance between the position of the first tube (T) and the of the second tube (t). 2. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector is eccentric (2) and the tubular extension thereof on the opposite side of the thread (2a) has a straight distal section (2c) that it is parallel and eccentric to the axial axis of the thread (2a), on which the regulation bushing (3) fits tightly and hermetically with the possibility of movement along it to vary the distance with the thread (2a). 3. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector is not eccentric (2 ') and the tubular extension thereof on the opposite side of the thread (2a) has only the distal section (2c) straight and centered with respect to the axial axis of the thread (2a). 4. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 ') there is provided at least one O-ring (4) inserted in a groove practiced for this purpose on the cylindrical surface of said section (2c), to achieve a pressure fit and tightness between the regulation sleeve (3) and said distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 '). 5. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one fixing screw (5) to ensure the position of the adjustment sleeve (3), once it is in position. 6. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to claim 5, characterized in that the fixing screw (5) consists of a captive screw on the surface of the distal section (2c) of the extension of the connector (2, 2 ') . 7. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the existence of stops (2d) (3b) to prevent the fixing screw (5) of the regulation sleeve (3) from tightening on top of the O-ring (4) of the distal section (2c) of the eccentric connector (2) and to prevent said regulation sleeve (3) from trying to fix in a weak position of the connector (2, 2 '). 8. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that it comprises roughnesses (2e) in the external surface of the distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 ') to facilitate the fixation of the regulation sleeve (3) through the fixation screw (5). 9. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the existence of a hexagonal or similar shape (2f) on the internal surface of the connector (2, 2 ') such that it fits with a key Allen or similar and thus facilitate its tightening in the first tube (T) that comes out of the wall. 10. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (2, 2 ') comprises a sealing gasket (4 ") at the end where it threads into the first tube (T) . 11. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regulation sleeve (3) moves along the distal section (2c) the connector (2, 2 ') by using a thread between both elements. 12. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a temporary protection cap (6), to temporarily close and protect the connector (2, 2 ') while the cap ( 3). 13. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temporary protection cap (6) is dimensioned to snap and hermetically fit on the distal section (2) of the connector (2, 2 ' ). 14. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to claim 13, characterized in that to fix the plug (6) on the distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 ') the existence of at least one screw has been provided fixing (5). 15. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to claim 14, characterized in that said fixing screw (5) consists of a conical-tipped screw that is threaded into a lateral hole (Ga) provided for this purpose in the wall of the plug. (6) to act as a prisoner on the surface of the distal section (2c) of the extension of the connector (2, 2 '). 16. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to claim 13, characterized in that it also comprises an internal threaded plug (6b) that is screwed into the end of the distal section (2c) of the connector (2, 2 ') and onto the which, in turn, incorporates the temporary protection plug (6). 17. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to claim 16, characterized in that the threaded inner plug (6b) is integrally integrated inside the temporary protection plug (6). 18. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to any of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a leveling tool (7) to check and maintain the correct relative and level position of two embedded tubes (T), once fitted of respective connectors (2, 2 ') and protected with caps (6) for temporary protection. 19. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to claim 18, characterized in that the leveling tool (7) made up of two rectangular plates (7a), with respective circular openings (7b), which are centrally connected by means of a bridge (7d ) of adjustable width to choose the distance required between said openings (7b) for the installation of the tap, and whose diameter is suitable to be able to receive the plugs (6) of the device tightly through it. 20. Connector device for fluid conduction installations, according to claim 19, characterized in that the leveling tool has a level bubble (7 c).