FR2494395A1 - FITTINGS IN PARTICULAR FOR PLASTIC PIPES, ESPECIALLY TE CONNECTIONS, AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION THEREFOR - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION CONCERNS FITTINGS, IN PARTICULAR FOR PLASTIC PIPES AND A PROCESS FOR CONSTRUCTING SUCH FITTINGS. THE FITTING ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION IS CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT IT INCLUDES IN COMBINATION A CENTRAL BODY 12-14 IN PARTICULAR TE OF WHICH AT LEAST ONE END CONTAINS AN END TERMINATION 20, A BLOCKING JUNCTION SYSTEM 40 AND A BELL 22- 24-26 CAN BE CONNECTED TO THE SAID END 20 ON THE SELF-LOCKING LINK TO MAKE AN ADAPTER FOR A LENGTH OF PIPE TO BE CONNECTED; A JOINT 34 BEING PROVIDED BETWEEN THE END OF THE CENTRAL BODY 20 AND COMING AGAINST THE SAID BELL 26 TO MAKE A SELF-SEALING CONNECTION. THE FITTING IS FOUND ITS MAIN APPLICATION IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PIPING NETWORKS.

Description

The present invention is generally in the field of pipe fittings

  plastics and deals more particularly with a system

  pipe construction construction having certain characteristics

  incorporated blocking and sealing characteristics.

  In piping systems in general and in

  plastic piping in particular, the practice usually consists of

  This is to provide suitable progressive lengths of piping such as 3 m 04 (10 feet) or 6 m 08 (20 feet) for use in constructing a pipeline of the desired size. Each length of pipe is manufactured to the inner diameter of calculation, usually by an extrusion process, and then its ends are shaped in the manner necessary to make a male end and a female end (interlocking joint) of a predetermined shape in an interlocking manner. -relation, to bring together

  lengths of pipes adajacentes in a safe and waterproof way.

  Common fittings, such as tee and tee fittings

  are used when the project criteria so require, and in particular

  these connections which are the subject of the invention. The small size fittings are generally molded or shaped to be used with pipe sections of equivalent diameter. In the case of larger diameter pipes, it is not possible economically to use the molding procedure and it is therefore common practice to manufacture large diameter fittings from separate molded or extruded plastic elements. For example, when making an oblique tee 30.48 cm (12 inches) in diameter, the central part of the oblique tee is first shaped. Each of the three ends of the tee is then provided with a male or female member of suitable forma to receive and seal the male end of a length of plastic connecting pipe. In order to obtain sufficient resistance in each female element and to make a leaktight connection, a solvent weld or a chemical seal is first made.

  between a female part and a free end of the central body of the oblique tee.

  When all the female parts have been welded in position to the solvent, then a hot peripheral seal or a second plastic weld z is performed on each connected female element. These operations were found to be time-consuming, expensive, and frequently subject to rejection during quality control. The purpose of the construction of the connections that are the subject of the invention is to remedy all the problems arising from the current techniques for constructing pipe connections. The present intention therefore relates in a general manner to the field of plastic pipe fittings and more particularly to a new construction of fittings characterized by

  by self-locking and self-sealing elements.

  The central body element of the coupling is made in the usual manner in the desired form, such as, for example, a straight or oblique tee of a conventional, predetermined internal diameter adapted to the current dimensions.

of pipes.

  Each end of the central body of the connector is shaped with a locking junction member for receiving and blocking an element.

  female tightly. The female elements are usually of usual shape

  and may or may not have a peripheral groove and an internally housed seal for connecting the male end of an adjacent pipe length. Each female element comprises an appropriately shaped inwardly projecting thrust member adapted to slide on the junction and locking member of the central body and to lock it in such a manner as to

  thus achieve a self-locking construction.

  The blocking junction member generally comprises a

  collar protruding radially outwards, spaced internally from each end

  chamfered mite of the central body of the fitting. An inwardly angled circular lock is thus formed near the chamfered end for receiving and locking above the inwardly projecting circularly projecting member radially inwardly protruding into the female assembly. associated. A radially outwardly opening peripheral groove is formed in each central body between the outwardly protruding collar and the inwardly inclined lock. In the preferred embodiment, the groove has a rectangular cross-section to receive and firmly hold a resilient seal to provide a self-sealing fit between the respective ends of the hub body of the fitting and each corresponding associated female member. The seal used may preferably be similar to the seal disclosed in a US patent application entitled "Pipe Bell and Seal" filed on

  June 23, 1980 under the serial number 162 377.

  The blocking junction device and the device

  co-operating projection, inclined inward realize a self-arranged

  blocking and self-sealing between the central body of the connector and the female ends, eliminating the need to perform additional operations law of the assembly of parts, for example heat sealing and ground sealing One of the objects of The present invention is therefore to provide an improved pipe coupling construction of the type defined herein. Another object of the present invention is to provide a new pipe joint construction where the central body of said coupling and the female ends is formed. are assembled without the use of solvent welding o

chemical bonding of the pieces.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a new construction of pipe coupling where the central body of said coupling and the female ends are assembled without the need for recourse.

  plastic welding or heat sealing of parts.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel pipe jointing arrangement wherein the central body of said coupling the female ends includes self-locking constructional details and

cooperating self-sealing.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a new construction of pipe coupling comprising a central body provided with a locking junction at each of its ends and bells (or pa) which are connected to each of said ends, each female part being provided with a circular inclined protrusion coming to bear on and to lock in one of the locking junctions in order to adapt the bell to the central body of the

  3) tightly and self-locking connection.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a new pipe joint construction where the inlet and the outlet of the central body of the coupling are individually shaped with an outer collar cir

4 2494395

  a circular locking device and a peripheral groove for a seal, a bell covering said end and bearing against the collar, each bell being made to include a circular projection while a seal is positioned in the groove to seal the junction between a central body and the blocked bell, associated. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel construction of pipe coupling of simple design, of manufacturing

  cheap and trouble free to use.

  Other objects and a more complete understanding of

  the invention will become apparent with reference to the following description and claims

  cations of a preferred embodiment of said invention which will be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings where the same reference numerals designate similar parts in all the views in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the construction

  of the pipe connection object of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view, partly in section, taken

  along the axis 2-2 of fig.1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

  Figure 3 is an exploded view, enlarged, taken in perspective.

  of one of the blocking junctions and the associated bell, showing the

  interior construction details.

  Although some specific terms are used in

  the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to

  refer to the particular structure of the invention chosen for illustration

  in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the purpose of the in-

vention.

  Referring now to the drawings, there can be seen a pipe coupling, generally designated 10, of a type suitable for the use of common plastic pipes, for example for discharge pipes or discharge. In the illustrative example, there is described a 30.48-ohm (12-inch) diameter connector. It is possible, however, to

  to construct connections of larger or smaller diameter and, consequently,

  all the usual dimensions of fittings are considered

  - entering the spirit and the scope of this invention.

  The connector 10 comprises a central body 12 of the desired shape, such as the Y-shape shown (oblique tee). The central body 12 comprises the main tube 13 and the bypass tube 14, these tubes comprising the inlet ends of the coupling 16-20 and the outlet of the connector 18. The inlet bells 22-26 respectively fit above and connect the central body 12 to the inputs 16-20. Similarly, an outlet bell 24 of the same configuration fits above and connects the central body 12 to the outlet of the connector 18. The essence of the invention is to provide a self-sealing connection and self-locking between the respective ends of the central body and the bells 16,22, 18, 24 and 20-26. As indicated above, the respective bells 22, 24, 26 may be of any shape and design with or without an interlocking or seal-fitting inner groove as required to connect the fitting to the lengths of pipes. (not shown

network).

  Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that each end 16, 18, 20 of the central body 12 is molded or shaped in any other way to form a circumferential collar 28 radially outwardly. As best seen in Figure 2, each bell 22, 24, 26 fits on its corresponding end of the central body 16,18,21 and is compressed inwardly until its extremlt4 comes wear and As can be seen, the flanges 28 are spaced inwards from a corresponding end 46 of the central body 12 and thus serve to fix and define the recovery distance of each bell -22 , 24,26 on the corresponding end of the central body 16,18,20 when assembling the connector 10. Each collar 28 ends in ut plane located at right angles to the axis of the main tube or branch 13-14 central cost. Each central body end 16-18-20 is molded, machined or otherwise shaped using known forming techniques used for plastic pipes to provide a secure junction for automatically and securely receiving and securing the corresponding bell 22-24-26. The blocking junction 40 is internally spaced apart from the end 46 of the central body and is disposed between said end 46 and the circular collar 28. The locking junction 40 comprises a circular block 42 defined by a circular face, inclined inwards and a circular face, extended radially outwards and forming a stop 52. As can be seen better in FIG. 2, each central body end 16, 18, 20 is further provided with a recess 32 or circular groove , open outward, spaced inwardly with respect to the termination within the inclined face 50 of the lock 42. As can be seen, the circular groove 32 is preferably shaped with sides parallel 54-56 extending perpendicularly to the bottom of the groove 58 to receive inside, safely, the elastic seal 34. As indicated above, the seal 34 is designed in accordance with the teachings of the co-pending application. The seal preferably comprises two integral, inwardly spaced, circular seal rings 36-38, said rings being

  extended radially outward to cover part of the

  outdoor phérie 60 of a bell. 22-24,26 and seal it. The seal 34 is preferably shaped to the same general configuration as the circular recess 32 so as to carry firmly inside to pocket any displacement.

when fitting the fitting.

  Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, each bell 22-24-26 has a hollow cylindrical connecting end 62 dimensioned to fit closely on the peripheral portion.

  from the end of the associated central body 16-1-20. The connecting end

  It ends in the bell end 30 and has an inwardly inclined inner projection 44 of circular shape, similar to that of an arrow, to slide on the corresponding end 46.

  the central body of the fitting. As illustrated, the projection inclined towards the interior

  44 interferes with the block 42 of the central body and locks inside thereof to prevent the disassociation of the bells 22-24-26 of the central body 42 when the connector 10 has been fully assembled. Each inwardly inclined projection 44 includes an inclined face 64 whose dimensions, position, and inclination are substantially identical to the dimensions, position, and inclination of the corresponding inclined face 50 of the lock 42.

  from the end of the central body. Likewise, each projection inclined towards the in-

  The inner wall 44 further comprises a face 66 extending radially inwards, the dimensions and position of which are substantially identical.

  to the dimensions and position of the corresponding face 52 extended radial-

  outwardly of the block 42 of the end of the central body. The corresponding faces 52,66, extended radially engage with intervei rust as can be seen better in Figure 2 to prevent the bells 22-24-26 are torn off or separated in any other way of the central body of the fitting 12 once the connector 10 has been assembled. Each end 46 of the central body of the connector 12 is preferably angularly shaped to provide the lowest possible resistance to the flow of liquids (not shown) when they enter the connector 10 in the direction indicated.

by the arrow 48.

  In one embodiment, the central body of the connector 12 has been made to the nominal dimension of 30.48 oms (12 inches) for an outer diameter of 31.75 oms (12.5 inches) and a thickness of wall d 9.92 mm (0.39 inch) approx. The circular collars 28 were similarly sized to protrude outwardly from the periphery of the outer central body a distance of about 0.99 mm (0.39 inch).

  to thereby engage and receive the connecting end 62 of conventional bells

  22-24-26. In this configuration, the bells 22-24-26 were manufactured in the usual manner with an inner diameter of 31.75 mm (12.5 inches)

  so that the bell can be applied to the end of the central body 16.

  18-20 with a relatively tight engagement by exerting axially directed forces, given the natural elasticity of the horn's plastic material and bells. The circular, inwardly angled, bead 44 of each bell has been shaped to protrude radially inwards from the inner periphery of the bell for a maximum distance of 2.79 mu (0.11 inch). ). Also, the circular block 42 of the blocking junction has been made to extend radially inwardly from the outer periphery of the central body, up to a maximum distance of 2.79 (0.11 inches) and was shaped in a section of the same shape as that of the circular projection of the bell 44. As a result, when each bell is forced axially inward towards the corresponding end of the central body: the circular projections 44 are introduced by force The central plastic body and the bells are deformed as necessary in order to establish the blocking junction between the organs and are then naturally returned to shape and dimensions before constraint, after the protrusion 44 is fully engaged in the associated lock 42.

  In order to assemble the coupling 10 to realize a construction

  self-locking and self-sealing, all the ends 16-18-20 of the central body of the connector are shaped in the blocking and waterproof form shown in Figures 2 and 3. Then placed an elastic seal, circular, in the

  peripheral groove of the end of the central body 32 with the sealing rings

  gap 36-38 protruding peripherally beyond the outer periphery 68 of the ends of the central body 16-18-20. Each bell-shaped connection end is made with an inwardly sloping projection 44 intended to cooperate with the blocking 42 provided at the end of the central body. The inner periphery 60 of the bell end 62 retains substantially the same diameter as the outer periphery 68 of the end of the central body - 16-18-20. After forming the members 12-22-24-26 as illustrated, each bell 22-24-26 is placed in juxtaposition aligned axially with its end.

  16-18-20 associated with the central body, then the bells are constrained towards the

  on their respective associated ends of the central body. The natural elasticity of the plastic material composing both the central body 12 and the bells 22-24-26 allows or permits sufficient movement by bending either the ends of the radially inward central body 16-1820 or ends of connection to the bell 62 radially outwardly,

  or both to allow the inclined face of the bell protruding into the

  The outer edge 64 passes over the end of the connector 46 sufficiently that the protrusion of the bell engages and fully engages in the locking 42 end of the central body. In this position, the bell end 30 bears against the stop 28 by making a general circular engagement. The natural memory of the plastic material forming the central body 12 and the bells 22-24-26 act to quickly and naturally return the organs in their intended shapes and dimensions after the protrusion carries in the lock to thereby ensure

keeping the pieces together

  Although the invention has been described with some degree of peculiarity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example only and that many modifications in the construction details, combination and arrangement organs can be done without departing

  of the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

IU

Claims (22)

  1) Connection especially for plastic pipes characterized in that it comprises in combination: - a central body 12-14 of predetermined configuration and at least one end has an end terminal 20, - a blocking junction system 40 provided in said end for making a self-locking connection, - a bell 22-24-26 connectable to said end on the self-locking link, to provide an adapter for the adjacent pipe length to be connected and, - a 34 joint attached between the end of the central body and coming against   said bell for making a self-sealing connection.   2) pipe coupling according to claim 1 characterized in that the end of the central body 20 terminates in an end termination 46 and o the locking junction comprises a flange 28 extended radially protruding outwardly from the periphery outside of the central body,   said collar being spaced internally with respect to said face 46.   3) pipe coupling according to claim 2 characterized in that the collar 28 comes into contact with a portion 62 of the end bell 26. 4) Pipe coupling according to claim 3, characterized   in that the collar 28 is in contact with a portion of an arc of a circle.   Pipe connection according to Claim 4, characterized   in that the arc 30 extends over 3600.   6) Pipe connection according to one of claims 1 to 5   characterized in that the blocking junction 40 comprises a radially inclined block 50 and the end bell has a radially inclined projection 64, the projection and the blocking being of similar cooperating dimensions so that the projection fits within the blocking and be fixed in this one to tighten   the end bell on the central body.   7) pipe coupling according to any one of revendicatio 1 to 6 characterized in that the inclined locking 50 is peripherally extended   around the end of the central body 20.   8) pipe coupling according to any one of revendicati 1 to 7 characterized in that the inclined locking 64 is extended radially towards   inside from the outer periphery of the end.   9) Pipe connection according to one of claims 1 to 8   characterized in that the projection 64 is peripherally extended beyond the bell 26.   10) Pipe coupling according to any one of revendicati (1 to 9 characterized in that the projection 64 extends radially inwardly   from the inner periphery of the bell 26.   11) Pipe connection according to any one of the claims   1 to 10 characterized in that the locking junction 40 comprises a perimeter collar   28 extends radially outwardly and spaced internally relative to the termination 52 and an inwardly inclined block 50 disposed between the collar and the termination and a groove 32 projecting radially inwardly between the blocking and the collar, said groove being adapted to   receive and maintain the seal 34 inside.   12) pipe coupling according to claim 11 characterized in that the collar 28 extends circularly around the outer periphery   of the end 20 of the central body 14.   13) pipe coupling according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the blocking 50 extends peripherally.   around the end 20 of the central body.   14) hose coupling according to any one of revendicatior 11 to 13 characterized in that the groove 32 is extended peripherally autoi   of the end 20 of the central body.   Pipe connection according to claim 11 characterized in that the blocking comprises an inclined face 50 and a contiguous face 52 aligned radially.   16) Pipe coupling according to one of the claims   1 to 15 characterized in that the end bell 26 comprises a projection 64 inclined inward, the projection being defined by an inclined face and a   continuous face 66 aligned radially.   17) pipe coupling according to claim 16 characterized in that the face 66 aligned radially of the projection abuts against the face 52 aligned radially of the blocking to prevent the separation of the bell 26   end of said central section 20.   18) Pipe connection according to one of the claims   1 to 17 characterized in that the inclination and the length of the projecting inclined face 64 are identical to the inclination and the length of the inclined face of the blocking 50.   19) Pipe connection according to one of the claims   1 to 18 characterized in that the respective inclined faces 50-64 and the faces   radially aligned 52-66 of the blocking and the protrusion are in essential contact with each other. generally.   Pipe joint according to claim 1 characterized in that the end bell 26 terminates inwardly at an inner end 62 and the locking junction comprises a circular collar 28, the inner end of the bell being in contact with each other. against and relating to circular collar.   21) Pipe connection according to any one of the claims   1 to 20 characterized in that the locking connection comprises a circular block inclined radially towards Y inside and o the end bell 26 has a circular projection 64 inclined radially inwards, said protrusion   being adapted to bear on and lock in the lock 40.   22) Pipe connection according to one of the claims   1 to 21 characterized in that the block 50 and the projection 64 are formed essentially   in the same section configuration.   23) Pipe coupling according to claim 22 characterized   in that the blocking 40 is spaced towards the end from said collar 28.   24) Pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 23 characterized in that the projection 64 is spaced towards the end from   of the inner end of the bell 26.   Pipe connection according to any one of claims 1 to 24 characterized in that the spacing of the block 40 relative to the collar 2E is equal to the spacing of the projection 64 relative to the inner end 30 of said bell 26.   26) A method of manufacturing a pipe coupling comprises a central body and an end bell according to any one of claims 1 to 25 characterized in that it consists in: - forming at the outer periphery of the central body A circular block 50 extended radially inwardly near an end 46 of the central body 20, forming in the inner periphery of the end bell 26 a circular projection 44 protruding radially inwards, - forcing the bell end 26 on the end 20 of the central body and to bring said projection 44 into the block 40 in question to achieve a self-locking connection and - interpose an elastic seal 34 between said end of the central body and the inner periphery of the end bell to achieve a   self-sealing junction between the two.   27) Method according to claim 26 characterized in that subsequent operations consist in forming a circular recess 32 in the outer periphery of the end of the central body 20 and to make   carry a portion of the seal in the recess.   28. The method of claim 26 and the additional operation   characterized in that it consists in providing a flange 28 which protrudes radially   near the end of the central body 20 and bringing the collar into contact   with the end zone 30 of the bell 26.