GB2088505A - A flexible pipe coupling with hemispherical coupling elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A flexible pipe line coupling for interconnecting two sections 5 of a pipe line comprises two hemispherically shaped section halves 6 cooperating with the outer surface of an inner ring 3, which halves 6 are kept together by outer holding elements. Disposed in the outer surface of the inner ring are at least two gaskets 4,4' placed against the hemispherically shaped section halves 6 mounted to the pipe ends to be interconnected. The two hemispherically shaped section 6 halves are held against the inner ring 3 by a two-piece embracing cup 7. The two cup sections are shaped to conform in cross-section to the outer contours of the hemispherically shaped section halves 6. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A flexible pipe coupling with hemispherical coupling elements This invention relates to a flexible pipe line coupling and more particularly to a flexible pipe coupling suitable for use with large-diameter pipes carrying fluids at high pressure.

Pipe joint couplings of the afore-mentioned type are, for example, known from German Gebrauchsmuster No. 6950 149.

The prior art coupling is one that can also receive angular changes of the pipe lines connected thereto.

However, the entire coupling arrangement represents a coupling of a special type inasmuch as virtually it only forms a mere support structure for an interiorly disposed continuous and flexible pipe of plastic material, it being not at all possible to conduct fluids through that coupling as the coupling as such is not fluid-tight. Moreover, as compared with the free carrying cross-section, unproportionately large connecting flanges are required as the actual connecting elements will have to be mounted thereto that hold together the two flanges and hence also the hemispherical sections that are firmly welded to the flanges.

Another pipe coupling of a substantially lighter construction and formed with no continuous feed line is disclosed by German Offenlegungsschrift 200 12 21, in which non-identical hemispherical sections are adapted to be assembled together; however, to hold them together, a ring shaped so as to conform to the hemispherical sections and adapted to be mounted externally and an embracing bracket are required, with latter holding together the flanged-up edges of the one hemispherical section and of the ring under insertion of a gasket. Apart from the dissymmetry of the sections, the coupling can be loaded with relatively low pressures only.

Symmetrical hemispherical sections are provided in a coupling according to French Patent 1061 950; however, it requires special spacer elements to hold the hemispherical sections tightly in any position in the in the peripheral spherical caps non-identical with respect to one another.

It is an object of this invention to provide a pipe joint coupling angularly adjustable in the axial direction for high pressures of up to 100 bar that can be assembled from pair-wise symmetrical sections and in which the sealing elements are adapted to be accommodated without using the spherical sections so that the wall strengths - by complying, of course, with the mere compressive strength requirements can be kept relatively thin, with the elements for holding or clamping together the coupling being so formed that, on the one hand, they embrace the spherical sections as far as possible and, on the other hand, they are directly removable from the spherical sections and from the whole of the coupling, respectively.

A further object of this invention is to provide a coupling means adapted to prevent - under consideration of the sealing arrangement - the coupling from being adjusted at excessive angles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means conveying an additional rigidity to the cups holding together the coupling.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a pipe line coupling getting along with only one pair of internal coupling sections approximately hemispherical in shape.

In the coupling according to the invention, that will be described in further detail, the inner ring alone longitudinally extending substantially along the entire spherical section of the coupling thus advantageously having a free passage cross-section approximately corresponding to that of the pipe line, receives the ring-shaped sealings and, on the one hand, serves as a bearing for the spherical pipe ends, and on the other hand, as an abutment against which the former can be clamped by means of the two-piece embracing cup, with the two sections of the cup, in a chuck-type manner so to speak, being laterally mounted to the pipe line and the spherical sections thereof, respectively.This, on the one hand, means an extremely simple and easy assembly and disassembly and, on the other hand, the peripheral cup serving as a "bandage" embracing almost the whole coupling thus takes over substantial parts of the compressive strength.

In summary, the pipe line coupling of the invention that with respect to its structural length is very compact and easily mounted that by all means is appliable with nominal widths of, for example, 150 mm and internal pressures in the order of magnitudes of, for example, 100 bar, envolves the following additional advantages: The spherical sections and the cup halves are symmetrical. Despite a high loadability through the inner pressure on account of the shift of the sealings into the interior ring and the cup halves serving as a substantially full support relatively thin wall strengths and hence a low material expenditure will do. The inner passage remains utterly smooth.

As the cup halves do not form annular elements seated on the pipes but can rather be mounted laterally in chuck-type manner the advantage arises that the pipe lengths at the two ends thereof can be provided with the hemispherical sections by the manufacturer directly with no need for the cup halves to be provided already.

In the preferred embodiment equally to be described in further detail, that will get along with only one pair of approximately hemispherical coupling sections, the internal ring of the former embodiment has been remodeled by dividing the same into two and mounting it directly to the pipe ends to be connected. The two ring sections between which is disposed a flexible gasket, are then seated directly in the two-piece embracing cup so that no additional hemispherical halves according to the former embodiment in that case will be required.

Here, too, additional gaskets are directly seated in the two ring sections while the central gasket disposed between the ring sections on account of its shaping and flexibility permits angular adjustments of the ring sections.

Advantageously, the said sealing ring for centering purposes, is provided with a centering ring vulcanized thereto that engages a corresponding groove on the two-piece embracing cup. if need be, the gasket can be secured by means of adhesive or otherwise with the side flanks thereof to the corresponding flanks of the two ring sections.

It should be noted that the "flexibility" of the coupling will, of course, be given only if the cup halves have not yet been fully clamped together or if sufficient clearance or tolerance is provided between the critical sections so as to permit a certain movability. However, the clearance provided does not exceed one tenth of a millimeter. This means that the coupling when under a high internal pressure, is self-arresting so to speak.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing which shows sectional views of symmetrical, flexible pipe couplings constructed in accordance with the instant invention, wherein Figure l is a longitudinal section through the pipe line coupling; Figure 2 shows the pipe line coupling of Figure 1, half of it as a cross-sectional view along the line II - Figure 3 is an internal view of one cup half; Figure 4 is a longitudinal section through a preferred embodiment, and Figure 5 is a partial section through another embodiment.

As disclosed by Figure 1, the inner ring 3 in the curved surface 1 thereof is provided with four circumferential grooves for gaskets 4,4'.

The hemispherical sections 6 having connecting pieces to which the pipe ends 5 of the pipe line (not shown) are suitably connected, at both sides are put over the inner ring 3, as shown in the drawing, after which the embracing cup 7 in the form of the two cup sections 7' (see Figure 3) is laterally mounted.

The two flange faces 13 of the cup sections 7' are provided with bores so as to permit the two cup sections 7' to be clamped together by means of screwings 14.

The marginal edges of the hemispherical sections 6 are formed as radially outwardly extending cranks 10, and the inner ring 3 is provided centrally on its circumferential face 1 with a circumferentially disposed stop ring collar 11. Moreover, the two cup sections 7' include stop cranks 8 at the outer sides thereof and a channel-type structure 9 disposed in the center which - as shown in the drawing embraces or covers stop ring collar 11 and the two radial cranks 10 of the hemispherical sections 6.

The cup halves 7' that on account of the spherical configuration, the channel-type structure 9, the cranks 8 and the reinforcing cranks 12 at the upper and lower longitudinal edges 12 are particularly rigid and stable, are, of course, so dimensioned that upon the provision of the screwings 14 relative to the hemispherical sections 6 and against the inner ring 3 a clamping effect can be caused in the axial direction, i.e. flange faces 13 relative to the longitudinal central planes (drawing plane), are slightly offset.

As the hemispherical sections are bail-shaped in configuration, angular associations or adjustments of the hemispherical halves are possible in any direction or as shown in dotted/broken lines.

The size of the possible angular adjustment, on the one hand may be determined by cranks 10 in cooperation with the ring collar 11 of the inner ring 3, and, on the other hand, by the stop cranks 8 in connection with the placings of the hemispherical halves on the pipe connections 6'.

The hemispherical sections 6' with the pipe connections 6' thereof are formed of tubular steel between mould and counter mould of a corresponding shaping. The two spherical cup halves 7' according to Figure 3 can be cast or compression moulded from a high-strength aluminum alloy. The same applies to the inner ring 3.

As revealed by Figures 4,5, in these forms of embodiment the spherical halves 15 are mounted in the form of two correspondingly profiled rings 15' to (Figure 4) or onto (Figure 5) the ends of the pipes to be connected, and disposed between the two rings 15' is a flexible annular gasket 16 of an approximately U-shaped configuration open toward the interior.

Here, too, the entire unit is held together by a two-piece embracing cup 17 that is laterally mounted in chuck-type and clampable manner, as already described in connection with the embodiment according to Figure 1.

Advantageously, the outer circumferential surface 18 of gasket 16 is provided with a centering ring 19 vulcanized thereto, with a groove 20 shaped so as to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the centering ring being provided in the two-piece embracing cup 17. The cross-sectional shape of centering ring 19 as shown is not binding. It could also be, for example, triangular in shape. Moreover, gasket 16 at the leg ends thereof is provided with enlarged material portions 16'.

Irrespective of whether rings 15' are butt-welded as shown in Figure 4 or mounted bywelding as shown in Figure 5, ends 21 of legs 22 of gasket 16 relative to the passage inner space 23 are disposed behind shield extensions 24.

In the case of Figure 4, the same are formed from rings 15' as such, while in the event of Figure 5 they are formed from the projecting ends of pipes 5.

Incidentally, Figure 5 does not show gaskets 4, central gasket 16 or the centering 19 thereof.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that numerous modifications or alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

CL AIMS 1. A flexible pipe line coupling interconnecting two sections of a pipe line, comprising two hemispherically shaped section halves overlapping an inner ring conformed in shape, that are disposed to be held together by holding elements, wherein at last two gaskets mounted to the hemispherically shaped section halves placed upon the pipe ends to be interconnected are disposed in the spherically

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (10)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. vulcanized thereto that engages a corresponding groove on the two-piece embracing cup. if need be, the gasket can be secured by means of adhesive or otherwise with the side flanks thereof to the corresponding flanks of the two ring sections. It should be noted that the "flexibility" of the coupling will, of course, be given only if the cup halves have not yet been fully clamped together or if sufficient clearance or tolerance is provided between the critical sections so as to permit a certain movability. However, the clearance provided does not exceed one tenth of a millimeter. This means that the coupling when under a high internal pressure, is self-arresting so to speak. Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing which shows sectional views of symmetrical, flexible pipe couplings constructed in accordance with the instant invention, wherein Figure l is a longitudinal section through the pipe line coupling; Figure 2 shows the pipe line coupling of Figure 1, half of it as a cross-sectional view along the line II - Figure 3 is an internal view of one cup half; Figure 4 is a longitudinal section through a preferred embodiment, and Figure 5 is a partial section through another embodiment. As disclosed by Figure 1, the inner ring 3 in the curved surface 1 thereof is provided with four circumferential grooves for gaskets 4,4'. The hemispherical sections 6 having connecting pieces to which the pipe ends 5 of the pipe line (not shown) are suitably connected, at both sides are put over the inner ring 3, as shown in the drawing, after which the embracing cup 7 in the form of the two cup sections 7' (see Figure 3) is laterally mounted. The two flange faces 13 of the cup sections 7' are provided with bores so as to permit the two cup sections 7' to be clamped together by means of screwings 14. The marginal edges of the hemispherical sections 6 are formed as radially outwardly extending cranks 10, and the inner ring 3 is provided centrally on its circumferential face 1 with a circumferentially disposed stop ring collar 11. Moreover, the two cup sections 7' include stop cranks 8 at the outer sides thereof and a channel-type structure 9 disposed in the center which - as shown in the drawing embraces or covers stop ring collar 11 and the two radial cranks 10 of the hemispherical sections 6. The cup halves 7' that on account of the spherical configuration, the channel-type structure 9, the cranks 8 and the reinforcing cranks 12 at the upper and lower longitudinal edges 12 are particularly rigid and stable, are, of course, so dimensioned that upon the provision of the screwings 14 relative to the hemispherical sections 6 and against the inner ring 3 a clamping effect can be caused in the axial direction, i.e. flange faces 13 relative to the longitudinal central planes (drawing plane), are slightly offset. As the hemispherical sections are bail-shaped in configuration, angular associations or adjustments of the hemispherical halves are possible in any direction or as shown in dotted/broken lines. The size of the possible angular adjustment, on the one hand may be determined by cranks 10 in cooperation with the ring collar 11 of the inner ring 3, and, on the other hand, by the stop cranks 8 in connection with the placings of the hemispherical halves on the pipe connections 6'. The hemispherical sections 6' with the pipe connections 6' thereof are formed of tubular steel between mould and counter mould of a corresponding shaping. The two spherical cup halves 7' according to Figure 3 can be cast or compression moulded from a high-strength aluminum alloy. The same applies to the inner ring 3. As revealed by Figures 4,5, in these forms of embodiment the spherical halves 15 are mounted in the form of two correspondingly profiled rings 15' to (Figure 4) or onto (Figure 5) the ends of the pipes to be connected, and disposed between the two rings 15' is a flexible annular gasket 16 of an approximately U-shaped configuration open toward the interior. Here, too, the entire unit is held together by a two-piece embracing cup 17 that is laterally mounted in chuck-type and clampable manner, as already described in connection with the embodiment according to Figure 1. Advantageously, the outer circumferential surface 18 of gasket 16 is provided with a centering ring 19 vulcanized thereto, with a groove 20 shaped so as to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the centering ring being provided in the two-piece embracing cup 17. The cross-sectional shape of centering ring 19 as shown is not binding. It could also be, for example, triangular in shape. Moreover, gasket 16 at the leg ends thereof is provided with enlarged material portions 16'. Irrespective of whether rings 15' are butt-welded as shown in Figure 4 or mounted bywelding as shown in Figure 5, ends 21 of legs 22 of gasket 16 relative to the passage inner space 23 are disposed behind shield extensions 24. In the case of Figure 4, the same are formed from rings 15' as such, while in the event of Figure 5 they are formed from the projecting ends of pipes 5. Incidentally, Figure 5 does not show gaskets 4, central gasket 16 or the centering 19 thereof. It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that numerous modifications or alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. CL AIMS

1. A flexible pipe line coupling interconnecting two sections of a pipe line, comprising two hemispherically shaped section halves overlapping an inner ring conformed in shape, that are disposed to be held together by holding elements, wherein at last two gaskets mounted to the hemispherically shaped section halves placed upon the pipe ends to be interconnected are disposed in the spherically

curved surface of the inner ring provided with a passage opening approximately corresponding to the pipe cross-section, and wherein the two hemispherically shaped section halves are clampably held against the inner ring by a two-piece embracing cup laterally mounted ciampably and in chuck-type manner and wherein the cup sections are shaped to conform in cross-section to the outer contours of the hemispherically shaped section halves and disposed to overlap the major part thereof.

2. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the spherically shaped wall of each cup section along the two outer edges is provided with stop cranks.

3. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the spherically shaped wall of each cup section is provided with a central channel-type structure.

4. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the marginal edges of the hemispherically shaped section halves are formed as radially outwardly extending cranks.

5. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the inner ring on the circumferential surface thereof is provided with a circumferentially disposed stop ring collar.

6. The coupling according to claim 1,wherein each cup section at the top and bottom edges thereof is provided with reinforcing crank.

7. A pipe joint coupling for use with pipe lines for carrying fluid therein at a high pressure, comprising two hemispherically shaped section halves held together by outer holding elements and mounted in the form of two correspondingly profiled rings to or on the ends of the pipes to be interconnected and wherein a known per se flexible gasket of approximately U-shaped configuration and open inwardly is disposed between the former and wherein the two rings and the central gasket are surrounded by a two-piece clampable circumferential cup laterally mounted in chuck-type manner.

8. The coupling according to claim 7, wherein the outer circumferential face of the gasket is provided with a centering ring vulcanized thereto and wherein disposed in the tow-piece circumferential cup is a groove shaped to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the centering ring.

9. The coupling according to claims 7 and/or 8 wherein the approximately U-shaped gasket at the leg ends thereof is provided with enlarged material portions.

10. The coupling according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the ends of the legs of the gasket relative to the passage inner space are disposed behind the shield extensions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~