FR2492944A1 - ARTICULATED COUPLING FOR TUBES - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO AN ARTICULATED COUPLING FOR TUBES OF THE TYPE CONSTITUTED BY TWO HALVES OF SPHERICAL CAPS 6 WHICH ENGAGE ABOVE AN INNER RING 3 AND ARE HELD TOGETHER BY EXTERNAL ORGANS. THE TECHNICAL PROBLEM POSED CONSISTS OF MAKING SUCH A WATERPROOF COUPLING ALLOWING ANGULAR ADJUSTMENT OF THE TUBES. FOLLOWING THE INVENTION, IN THE SPHERICAL CURVED SURFACE 1 OF THE INTERNAL RING, AT LEAST TWO SEALING RINGS 4 ARE PROVIDED AGAINST WHICH ARE APPLIED THE HALVES OF THE CAP 6 FIXED ON THE ENDS OF THE TUBES 5 TO BE CONNECTED, THE TWO HALVES OF CAP 6 BEING CLOSED AGAINST THE INTERNAL RING 3 WITH THE HELP OF A WRAPPING SHELL 7 IN TWO ELEMENTS 7 ADAPTED TO THE OUTER CONTOUR OF THE HALVES OF THE CAP AND COVERING THEIR MAJOR PART. THE INVENTION IS PRIMARILY USED FOR TIGHTLY CONNECTING TUBES CONTAINING LIQUIDS.

Description

Articulated coupling for tubes.

  The invention relates to an articulated coupling

  for tubes, especially for pipes intended for

  The invention relates to a process for producing high pressure fluids of the type consisting of two spherical cap halves which engage over a suitably shaped inner ring and which are arranged to be held together by external holding members. For example, according to German Utility Model No. 6,950,149, articulated couplings are known.

for tubes of the type indicated.

  This is a coupling that also allows to absorb angular variations of the pipes

  tubular, that connects them. The whole of the coupling

  However, it represents a particular type of coupling inasmuch as it constitutes in the end only a pure support structure for a continuous and elastic plastic tube mounted inside, without any fluids being able to be conveyed in any way through this material. coupling, since the latter itself is not waterproof. In addition to the free cross-section of transport, it is necessary to have connection flanges of a disproportionately large size, since it is indeed still necessary to mount on these flanges the connection members themselves which maintain together the two flanges and therefore also the half of cap that are permanently welded on

the flanges.

  A tube coupling, which is considerably lighter in construction and does not require a continuous transport line, is furthermore known from German Patent Application No. 2,001,221.

  that it is possible to bring together non-identical elements

  However, it is necessary to have a ring which can be affixed externally and which is adapted to the shape of the

  caps and an entourage collar which holds together

  the raised edges of a cap and the ring, including a seal ring. Regardless of the dissymmetry of the parts,

  this coupling can only be loaded with

  weakly weak. A coupling according to French Patent No. 1,061,950 includes halves of symmetrical caps, but it requires special elements forming spacers for holding the shell halves, in any position,

  in a sealed manner in the non-identical peripheral caps

ticks between them.

  The remainder of the state of the art relating to this subject is represented for example by the following printed documents: German Patent No. 60,112, German Patent Application Laid Open to the Public under No. 1,060,203, German Patent Application published under the number

  1,947,863, British Patent Number 978,656, British Patent

  that number 1 097 267, patent filed in the United States of America

under number 3 038 743.

  Apart from the mating described in the patent filed in the United States of America, it is in these documents

  couplings which consist of non-identical parts

  between them and in which one end of a tube

  is thickened with a shape of a sphere, to which are associated

  ciëes other parts surrounding this sphere end to

the way of a ring.

  The patent filed in the United States of America

  under the number 3 038 743 describes

  symmetry to a large extent, but in the case of this mating, only a certain reciprocal mobility of

  parts to be assembled is possible as a result of the agency-

  and the realization of the sealing members, and further the walls of the cooperating elements are maintained at corresponding thicknesses so as to accommodate the sealing members. In addition, the individual components of all these previously known couplings must be fastened to one another by clamping or held together so that the actual closing of the coupling is effected essentially transversely to the direction of flow. The present invention aims to create an articulated coupling for tubes, angularly adjustable

  in an axial direction and which can be formed by the

  symmetrical parts between them in pairs and in which the sealing members can be inserted without the use of the cap-shaped elements, so that the thickness of the walls can be maintained at low value - naturally taking into account requirements for pressure resistance -, the elements intended to hold together or to clamp the entire coupling

  to be carried out in such a way that, on the one hand, they are

  almost completely tighten the elements of caps and that, on the other hand, they are directly detachable elements

  of caps or the whole of the coupling.

  This problem is solved with the aid of a

  articulated joint for tubes of the type indicated above

  to the invention, because in the spherical curved surface

  of the inner ring which has an opening of

  approximately corresponding to the trans-

  of the tube, there are at least two sealing rings against which the shell halves attached to the ends of the tubes to be connected are applied, and in that the two halves of the cap are held tight against

  the inner ring with a wraparound shell

  in two parts and can be tightened by being mounted laterally in the manner of clamping jaws, the elements

  of shell being made with a suitable cross-section

  the outside contour of the shell halves and being

  laid in such a way as to cover the latter for the most part.

  Other advantageous embodiments

  will emerge from the description given below.

  In the case of this solution according to

  the invention, only the inner ring, which extends practically

  longitudinally along the entire portion provided with the coupling caps and which therefore preferably has substantially equal free-flow cross-section corresponding to that of the tubular conduit, houses the seals in the form of rings and serves, on the one hand, to support the ends of the tubes together caps, and secondly, as a stop, against which these ends of the tubes can be

  clamped by means of the enveloping shell

  the two parts of the shell being applied to a certain extent in the manner of the clamping jaws, laterally, against the tubular pipe or the cap-shaped elements thereof. On the one hand, this means extraordinarily simple and convenient assembly and disassembly and, on the other hand, the enveloping shell takes on an important contribution to the resistance.

  to pressure, as an approximate 'bandage' surrounding

the entire coupling.

  The characteristic known per se, according to

  the elements of the shell are made with a sec-

  cross-section adapted to the outer contour of the shell halves and that these shell elements and the shell halves are arranged so as to overlap on their major

  part of it, is indicated in the patent already mentioned

  placed in the United States of America under number 3 038 743.

  To summarize, the coupling for tubes con-

  form to the invention, a very short overall length and easy assembly, and which can be perfectly used and designed for nominal ranges of for example 150 mm and

  internal pressures of the order of, for example, 100 bar,

  furthermore, the following advantages: - The caps and shell halves are symmetrical. Despite the high load capacity due to the action of the internal pressure, thanks to the installation of the seals in the inner ring and thanks to

  the support or almost total support of the

  When used as a shell, one is satisfied with relatively thin walls and consequently with a low expense of material. The interior passage remains fully accessible and clear. Since the shell halves are not ring-like elements on the tubes, but can be applied laterally in the manner of clamping jaws, the advantage is that the

  tube ends can even be equipped by the manufacturer

  halves of caps, without the shell halves having to be already mounted. The problem posed can also be solved in another way according to the invention, thanks to the fact that the inner ring is made in two parts and that each part is assembled to a respective ring correspondingly shaped, that the rings are mounted against or affixed to the ends of the tubes to be joined together and

  there is provided between said rings an elastic seal

  tick known per se, opening towards the approximate

  with the shape of a U. To a certain extent, the operation of the inner ring of the first solution is modified, in

  what this ring is divided into two parts and is direct-

  mounted against or affixed to the ends of

  to be connected. The two ring parts, between which is disposed an elastic sealing ring, then rest directly in the enveloping shell constituted in two elements so that additional halves of the caps in accordance with the first solution are not necessary in

this case.

  Here also additional sealing rings rest directly in the two ring parts, while the middle sealing ring, disposed between the ring parts allows, due to its conformation and elasticity, angular positions between the elements. of ring. This sealing ring is advantageously equipped,

  for its centering, a centering ring fixed by vulcanization

  and which engages in a corresponding groove arranged

  in the enveloping shell made in two elements. Even-

  the sealing ring can be glued by its side flanks to the corresponding lateral flanks of the two

  annular rings or can be connected to another

Niere.

  The coupling for tubes according to the

  vention and its advantageous variants of realization will be

  explained in detail below, with reference to the following

  annexed forms of an embodiment of the invention on which

  FIG. 1 shows a long sectional view of

  tudinal coupling for tubes.

  FIG. 2 shows the tube coupling of FIG. 1, half in section and half according to

  a view along line II-II of FIG. 1.

  FIG. 3 shows a "flange-side" view of a shell half, and FIGS. 4 and 5 represent sections

  of two independent embodiments.

  As can be seen in FIG. 1, the inner ring 3 is provided in its curved surface 1. with four continuous grooves intended to receive sealing rings

4, 4 '.

  The cap halves 6 provided with the connecting pipes, to which the ends 5 of the tubular pipe (not shown) are appropriately connected, are, as shown, fitted to a certain extent,

  on both sides, on the inner ring 3 and the inner shell

  7 in the form of the two elements of co-

  keel 7 '(Fig. 3) is then placed laterally. The two flange surfaces 13 of the shell members 7 'are provided with holes so that the two shell members 7' can be joined by clamping by means of screw members 14. The end edges of the cap halves

  6 are in the form of curved portions 10 direc-

  the inner ring 3 is provided, in its middle part, on its peripheral surface 1, with a continuous annular flange of abutment 11. In addition, the two shell halves 7 'comprise parts curved 8 on their outer faces, and in their middle, a hollow stamped portion 9 in the form of channel which encloses or covers, as can be seen, the annular abutment collar 11 and the

  two radial curved portions of the cap halves 6.

  The shell halves 7 ', which are naturally

  extremely rigid and stable due to the mounting of the caps, the presence of the stamped portion 9, the curved portion 8 and curved portions of stiffening 12 on

  the upper and lower longitudinal edges, are naturally

  dimensioned in such a way that, during the tightening of the screw members 14, a clamping action can be exerted in the axial direction with respect to the shell halves

  6 and against the inner ring 3, that is to say that the

  flanged faces 13 are slightly reduced in direction

  longitudinal median plane (drawing plane).

  Since the caps are applied

  with the shape of spheres, associations or angular adjustments

  of the halves of the cap are possible in all

  directions, as indicated by mixed lines.

  The degree of angular adjustment possible can be predetermined, on the one hand, by the curved parts 10 coagulating with the annular collar 11 of the inner ring 3 and, on the other hand, by the bent abutment portions 8 in connection with the appendages protrusions of the halves of cap

  mounted on the tubing 6 connecting the tubes.

  The cap halves 6 provided with the tubings of their connection 6 'are made by forming from a steel tube between a punch and a die having appropriate shapes. The two shell halves 7 'in the form of caps, according to FIG. 3, can be realized by

  for example, by casting or pressing from an alloy of aluminum

  highly resistant. The same goes for the ring

inside 3.

  As can be seen in Figs. 4 and 5, in the case of this independent embodiment, the shell halves 15 made in the form of two correspondingly profiled rings are mounted against (Fig. 4) or affixed to (Fig. tubes to be joined together and an approximately U-shaped and open inner elastic seal ring 16 is disposed between the two rings 15 '. The assembly is also maintained by an enveloping shell 17 made in two parts and can be tightened by being mounted laterally to

  the way of clamping jaws, as it already has

  has been described with reference to the embodiment of the

Fig. 1.

  It is advantageous that the enveloping surface

  outer pylon 18 of the sealing ring 16 is equipped with a centering ring 19 fixed by vulcanization, and it is

  provided in the enveloping shell 17, made in two parts.

  a groove 20 adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the centering ring. The shape of the cross section

  represented by the centering ring 19 is not imperative.

  For example, this form could be triangular as well.

  In addition, the sealing ring 16 is equipped with

  materials 16 'at the ends of its branches.

  Regardless of the fact that the rings 15 'are butt welded, in accordance with FIG. 4, or are welded by being fitted over the tube, according to FIG. 5, the ends 21 of the branches 22 of the ring

  16 are arranged behind projection projections.

  24, with respect to the internal flow space 23.

  In the case of FIG. 4, as can be seen, these extensions are made by machining on the rings 15 'themselves, whereas in the case of FIG. 5, they are formed by the protruding parts of the tubes 5. Moreover, in FIG. 5, the sealing rings 4, the middle sealing ring 16 and its centering ring 19 are not

not represented.

Claims (4)

  1) - Articulated coupling for tubes, in particular   for pipes intended to convey fluids   under high pressure, of the type consisting of two halves of   spherical lotters (6) which engage over an inner ring   (3) of suitable shape and which are arranged so   to be held together by external   characterized in that in the spherical curved surface (1) of the inner ring (3) which has a circulation opening (2) corresponding approximately to the section   cross-section of the tube, are arranged at least two   seals (4) against which the   (6) fixed on the ends of tubes (5) to   to connect, and that the two halves of the cap (6) are   held tight against the inner ring (2) by means of a wraparound shell (7) made in two parts and which can be tightened by being mounted laterally in the manner of clamping jaws, the shell elements (7 ') being made with   a cross-section adapted to the external contour of the   with a cap and being arranged so as to cover those this on their major part.   ) - Coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap-shaped wall of each   shell element (7 ') is provided with bent parts of bu-   tee (8) along its two outer edges.   30) - Coupling according to any one of   Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the shaped wall   of each shell element (7 ') is provided with a   middle portion repoussée (9) channel-shaped.   ) - Coupling according to any one   Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the edges of ex-   hem of the shell halves (6) are made in the form   curved portions (10) directed radially outwardly.    ) - Coupling according to any one   Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ring   the upper part (3) is provided in its middle part on its surface   casing (1), of a continuous annular collar of abutment (11).   6) - Coupling according to any one   Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each element   shell (7 ') is provided on its upper edge and on its   lower edge of a bent stiffening portion (12).   ) - Coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner ring (3) is made in two parts and each part, comprising a cap half (15) is arranged in respective ring (15e) so profiled   corresponding to these rings (15 ') being mounted against or   worn on the ends (5) of the tubes to be joined, while a resilient sealing ring (16) opening approximately U-shaped inwardly is disposed between said rings. 8>) - Coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that the outer peripheral surface (18) of the seal ring (16) is equipped with a central ring (19) fixed on it by vulcanization and that is provided in the two-piece peripheral shell (17), a groove (20)   adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the center ring. trage (19).   9) - Coupling according to any one of   7 and 8, characterized in that the sealing ring   (16), approximately U-shaped, is provided with over-   materials (16 ') at the ends of its branches.    ) - Coupling according to any one of   Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the ends (21)   branches (22) of the sealing ring (16) are mounted behind protective projections (24) with respect to the space internal flow (23).