GB1512961A - Tube couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

1512961 Pipe couplings R J WAKELIN 3 March 1976 [4 Dec 1974] 52375/74 Heading F2G A socket 1 which has inserted thereinto a tube 2 to define therebetween a capillary gap 3, the gap then being filled with solder or an adhesive, is formed with internally projecting longitudinal flutes 4 which are spaced from the end 5 of the socket, the flutes engaging the outer surface of the tube 2 to hold it in spaced relationship from the socket whereby to define and maintain the capillary gap 3. The flutes 4 which are preferably three, four (as shown in Fig. 2b) or six in number may be formed by insertion of a mandrel into the end 5 of the socket and the axial extent x of the flutes 4 is preferably greater than 10% of the spacing y of the flutes 4 from the socket end 5. Also the distance x is preferably greater than 12% of the internal diameter of the socket end 5. The flutes 4 need not extend axially, and if desired they may be replaced by a plurality of point protrusions. In a further alternative flutes 24, Fig. 7, are formed as outward protrusions on a tube 22, and the socket 31 may be plain cylindrical or be formed with a shoulder 36, as shown. The flutes 24 may also be formed by insertion of a mandrel from the end of the tube 22.