GB2607188A

GB2607188A - Pipe coupling system and a method of connecting a metal pipe to a pipe coupling

Info

Publication number: GB2607188A
Application number: GB2205840.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fardon Mark; Luke Allen Josef
Original assignee: Wavin BV
Current assignee: Wavin BV
Priority date: 2021-05-20
Filing date: 2022-04-21
Publication date: 2022-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2042-04-21
Also published as: GB202205840D0; GB2607188B; NL2028259B1

Abstract

A pipe coupling system, comprising a metal pipe 30 having a first end and a circumferential groove 32 arranged in the outer surface of the pipe, the groove is disposed at a first distance L1 from the first end, the metal pipe is provided with a layer of chrome or chrome alloy, the coupling system further comprises a pipe coupling 20 comprising a body portion defining a bore for receiving a part of the metal pipe including said first end and the circumferential groove, a first internal shoulder 27 disposed within the bore, and a gripping element 24 for engaging an outside surface of the metal pipe, the gripping element is disposed at a second distance L2 from the first internal shoulder 27 along an axial direction of the bore. Aspects include: the gripping element engages the circumferential groove to secure the metal pipe within the pipe coupling; the second distance is greater than the first distance; the pipe coupling system is for a radiator system. It may provide tactile feedback when inserting the metal pipe into the pipe coupling and therefore allow an easy determination of when the metal pipe is secured in the pipe coupling.

Description

PIPE COUPLING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF CONNECTING A METAL PIPE TO A PIPE COUPLING

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pipe coupling system, a radiator comprising said pipe coupling system and a method of connecting a metal pipe to a pipe coupling.

Background of the Invention

Pipe couplings are connecting elements which allow two or more pipes to be joined together.

They are used extensively in domestic plumbing applications such as for water supply, heating and sanitation as well as in industrial applications.

Specifically, in domestic plumbing applications, push-fit pipe couplings are widely used. Push-fit pipe couplings are simple to use and quick to install, as they only require the end of the pipe to be pushed into the pipe coupling in order to achieve a secure fit with the coupling. This greatly reduces the time required and complexity of laying pipework compared to other types of couplings. Push-fit couplings generally comprise a coupling body in which a bore is provided for receiving an end of the pipe to be connected, and gripping a gripping element comprising teeth that grip the surface of the pipe so as to prevent the pipe from being withdrawn from the pipe coupling.

Some known push-fit pipe couplings are releasable and allow the pipe coupling to be detached from the pipe so that the pipe and pipe coupling can be reused. One such pipe coupling is disclosed in WO 2010/136606.

Presently known push-fit pipe couplings are generally used with plastic pipes, as the gripping element can engage with the outer surface of the plastic pipe by piercing it to hold the plastic pipe in place within the pipe coupling. In certain applications, however, for example for a radiator upstand, it can be beneficial to use a chrome-plated metal pipe which is more durable, rigid and impact resistant. The chroming process provides improved corrosion resistance and increased surface hardness. These chrome-plated metal pipes, however, cannot presently be used with push-fit pipe couplings, as the teeth of the gripping element slide along the surface of the pipe and do not hold the pipe in place.

There is hence a need in the art for an improved pipe coupling system, with a simple and secure connection between a chromed metal pipe and a pipe coupling.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe coupling system, comprising a metal pipe having a first end and a circumferential groove arranged in the outer surface of the pipe. The circumferential groove is disposed at a first distance from the first end. The metal pipe including the circumferential groove is provided with a layer of chrome or chrome alloy. The pipe coupling system further comprises a pipe coupling comprising a body portion defining a bore for receiving a part of the metal pipe including said first end and the circumferential groove, a first internal shoulder disposed within the bore, and a gripping element for engaging an outside surface of the metal pipe. The gripping element is disposed at a second distance from the first internal shoulder along an axial direction of the bore.

The first internal shoulder may in particular be an internal shoulder that is suitable for engaging the first end of the metal pipe during insertion of the metal pipe into the pipe coupling. In other words, the first internal shoulder may limit the maximum insertion distance of the metal pipe into the pipe coupling.

The gripping element may be for engaging the circumferential groove of the metal pipe.

In some embodiments, this may result in a pipe coupling system with a simple and secure connection between the metal pipe and the pipe coupling.

In some embodiments, this may further result in a long-lasting secure fit between the metal pipe and the pipe coupling and allows the metal pipe to be reusable The second distance may be greater than the first distance.

I some embodiments, this may provide tactile feedback when inserting the metal pipe into the pipe coupling and therefore allowing an easy determination of when the metal pipe is secured in the pipe coupling to be made.

The cross section of the circumferential groove may be U-shaped, V-shaped, rectangular-shaped or trapezoidal shaped.

In some embodiments, this may result in a more secure fit between the pipe coupling and metal pipe.

The metal pipe including the circumferential groove may be plated with the layer of chrome or chrome alloy.

The circumferential groove may have a width in the range of 0.5mm to 2mm.

Throughout this disclose, the term 'in the range of' includes the end points of the range and all of the values between those two end points.

Preferably, the width of the circumferential groove may be in the range of 1mm to 1.5mm.

The circumferential groove may have a depth in the range of 0.2mm to 1mm.

Preferably, the circumferential groove may have a depth in the range of 0.2mm to 0.5mm.

The first distance may be in the range of 10mm to 25mm.

Preferably, the first distance may be in the range of 15mm to 18mm.

The gripping element may comprise a plurality of teeth extending radially inwardly into the bore of the pipe coupling.

The plurality of teeth may be inclined in a direction of pipe insertion.

The circumferential groove may be shaped for accommodating the teeth.

3r The cross-section of the circumferential groove may be rectangular shaped and inclined in a pipe insertion direction at the same angle as the plurality of teeth.

The cross-section of the circumferential groove may be square shaped.

The pipe coupling may further comprise a sealing element for sealing a space between the pipe coupling and an outer surface of the metal pipe.

The metal pipe may be made from copper or a copper alloy.

The metal pipe may have a length in the range of 300mm to 900mm.

The metal pipe may have a diameter in the range of 10mm to 40mm.

The pipe coupling system may be for a radiator system.

The pipe coupling system may be a pipe upstand for a radiator.

The outer surface of the metal pipe may be tubular.

The outer surface of the metal pipe may be smooth.

The outer surface of the metal pipe between the first end and the circumferential groove may be smooth.

The circumferential groove is recessed into the outer surface of the metal pipe.

The outer surface of the metal pipe may not comprise any projections or ridges.

The outer surface of the metal pipe between the first end and the circumferential grove may not comprise any projections or ridges.

The pipe coupling may further comprise a pipe release element configured to disengage the gripping element from the surface of the pipe upon axial movement of the pipe release element.

The pipe coupling may further comprise a rotatable sleeve which is arranged at least partially around the body portion and which is rotatable around the axis of the bore with respect to the 3r body portion; and a release collar coupled to an end of the rotatable sleeve. Axial rotation of the rotatable sleeve in a first direction may cause the release collar to move axially from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the release collar can be moved axially in a pipe insertion direction to cause the pipe release element to disengage the gripping element from the surface of the pipe.

In some embodiments, this may result in an easier to use pipe coupling which does not require a pipe release tool.

Axial rotation of the rotatable sleeve in a second direction may causes the release collar to move axially from the unlocked position to the locked position.

The pipe release element may have a threaded outer surface which engages with a threaded inner surface of the release collar.

The release collar may be coupled to the rotatable sleeve such that the release collar rotates together with the rotatable sleeve.

The release collar may be coupled to the rotatable sleeve such that the release collar can move axially with respect to the rotatable sleeve.

The release collar may comprise a number of axial grooves or ridges to engage a number of axial ridges or grooves of the rotatable sleeve.

A radiator system may comprise a heating element for allowing a heating fluid to flow through the heating element; a valve disposed at an input to the heating element for regulating the fluid flow through the heating element; and the pipe coupling system according to any of the above for connecting the valve to a supply of heating fluid. A second end of the metal pipe may be connected to the valve.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting a metal pipe to a pipe coupling comprising: providing a metal pipe haying a first end and a circumferential groove arranged in the outer surface of the pipe, the groove disposed at a first distance from the first end. The metal pipe including the circumferential groove is provided with a layer of chrome or chrome alloy. The method further comprising providing a pipe coupling comprising a body portion defining a bore for receiving the metal pipe; a first internal shoulder disposed within the bore; and a gripping element for engaging an outside surface of the pipe, the gripping element disposed at a second distance from the first internal shoulder along an axial direction of the bore.

The method further comprises inserting the metal pipe into the bore of the pipe coupling such that the gripping element engages the circumferential groove to secure the metal pipe within the pipe coupling.

In some embodiments, this may result in a simple and secure method of connecting a chromed metal pipe with a pipe coupling.

The second distance may be greater than the first distance.

Inserting the metal pipe may comprise inserting the metal pipe into the bore of the pipe coupling such that the first end abuts the first internal shoulder; and pulling the metal pipe in a direction opposite the pipe insertion direction such that the gripping element engages the circumferential groove to secure the metal pipe within the pipe coupling The method may further comprise connecting a second end of the metal pipe to a radiator valve.

Brief Description of the Drawings

To enable better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a pipe coupling system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A and 2B show side views of the metal pipe of the pipe coupling system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-D show side views of variations in the shape of the circumferential groove of the pipe.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of connecting the metal pipe to the pipe coupling to form the pipe coupling system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a radiator comprising the pipe coupling system of FIG. 1.

Detailed Description 3r

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a pipe coupling system 10. The pipe coupling system 10 comprises a pipe coupling 20 into which a metal pipe 30 is inserted in a pipe insertion direction.

The pipe coupling 20 comprises a coupling body 21 defining a bore into which the metal pipe 30 is inserted, a sealing element 22 in the form of an 0-ring, a connector element 23, a gripping element 24, a sleeve 25 and a release element 26. The coupling body 21 has an internal shoulder 27 disposed within the bore.

The metal pipe 30 may be made from copper, for example, and is plated with a layer of chrome or chrome alloy. The layer of chrome or chrome alloy provides improved corrosion resistance and increased surface hardness. The metal pipe 30 has a first end 31 which is the end which is inserted into the pipe coupling 20. The metal pipe 30 also comprises a circumferential groove 32 which is formed in the outer surface of the metal pipe 30 and disposed a first distance Li from the first end 31. A layer of chrome or chrome alloy is also deposited inside the circumferential groove 32. This hardens the surface of the groove and provides corrosion resistance such that the circumferential groove 32 does not become worn out and provides a long-lasting secure fit between the metal pipe 30 and the pipe coupling 20. Furthermore, the layer of chrome or chrome alloy results in no sharp edges or burrs on the circumferential groove 32 and therefore allows easy insertion of the metal pipe 30 into the pipe coupling 20 and prevents damage to the internal components of the pipe coupling 20.

When the metal pipe 30 is inserted into the pipe coupling 20, the sealing element 22 forms a fluid-tight seal between the outside of the pipe 30 and the pipe coupling 20. The gripping element 24 comprises a plurality of teeth 28 which extend radially inwards and are inclined in a pipe insertion direction. When the pipe 30 is correctly inserted into the pipe coupling 20, the teeth 28 engage the circumferential groove 32 of the pipe 30 to secure the metal pipe 30 within the pipe coupling 20. The circumferential groove 32 is shaped to accommodate the teeth 28. The gripping element 24 is disposed at a second distance L2 from the internal shoulder 27 along an axial direction of the bore and the second distance L2 is greater than the first distance Ll. There is hence a small gap in the range of 1mm to 4mm, preferably 2mm to 3mm, between the first end 31 and the internal shoulder 27.

In order to release the metal pipe 30 from the pipe coupling 20, a pipe release tool (not shown) is used to axially move the release element 26 in a pipe insertion direction which causes the teeth 28 of the gripping element 24 to disengage from the circumferential groove 32 of the metal pipe 30 and allows the metal pipe 30 to be removed from the pipe coupling 20. 3r

FIG. 1 also shows an enlarged section of the pipe coupling system 10 which shows in more detail how the teeth 28 of the gripping element 24 engage the circumferential groove 32 to hold the metal pipe 30 securely within the pipe coupling 20.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of the metal pipe 30 with the first end 31 and the circumferential groove 32 disposed a first distance Ll from the first end 31. As shown in FIG. 2A, the metal pipe 30 has a smooth tubular outer surface and the groove 32 is recessed into the smooth tubular outer surface. No ridges or projections are present on the outer surface of the pipe, and specifically the outer surface between the first end 31 and the circumferential groove 32, to allow the first end 31 of the metal pipe 30 to be inserted into the pipe coupling 20 without excess resistance.

FIG. 2B shows an enlarged side view of the first end 31 and the circumferential groove 32. The first end has 31 a chamfered or rounded edge which extends a distance a along the length of the pipe. The chamfered or rounded edge reduces friction between the pipe end 31 and the internal components of the pipe coupling 20, such as sealing element 21 and gripping element 24, and thereby allows easier insertion of the pipe 30 into the pipe coupling 20.

The circumferential groove 32 has a width w which is in the range of 0.5mm to 2mm, preferably 1mm to 1.5mm. The circumferential groove 32 has a depth d in the range of 0.2mm to lmm, preferably 0.2mm to 0.5mm. The first distance Li from the first end 31 to the circumferential groove 32 is in the range of 10mm to 25mm, preferably 15mm to 18mm. These dimensions of the circumferential groove 32 allow the teeth 28 of the gripping element 24 to be accommodated such that a secure fit between the pipe coupling 20 and metal pipe 30 is achieved whilst still allowing the pipe release element 26 to disengage the gripping element 24 from the circumferential groove 32 to release the pipe 30 from the pipe coupling 20.

As noted above, the second distance L2 between the internal shoulder 27 and the gripping element 24 is greater than the first distance Li and is in the range of 11mm to 29mm, preferably 16mm to 22mm.

The metal pipe 30 has a length in the range of 300mm to 900mm and a diameter in the range of 10mm to 40mm.

3r FIGS. 3A-3D show variations of the cross-sectional shape of the circumferential groove 32 which may be formed in the pipe 30 described above.

FIG. 3A shows a circumferential groove 32A with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. This shape of groove can be easily formed and provides a secure fit between the pipe 30 and the pipe coupling 20. FIG. 38 shows a circumferential groove 328 with a U-shaped cross-sectional shape. This shape of groove can also be easily formed, and the rounded corners can help to prevent cracks in the circumferential groove 32B from propagating. FIG. 3C shows an alternative circumferential groove 32C having a V-shaped cross-sectional shape. FIG. 3D shows a circumferential groove 32D having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. Similar to FIG. 3B, the rounded corners of circumferential groove 32D can also help to prevents cracks in the circumferential groove 32D from propagating.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of connecting the pipe coupling system 10. The metal pipe 30, which has been provided with circumferential groove 32 at a first distance Li from the first end 31, is inserted with the first end 31 into the bore of the pipe coupling 20. The metal pipe 30 is first fully inserted such that the first end 31 engages the internal shoulder 27. The metal pipe 30 is then pulled out in a direction opposite the pipe insertion direction until the teeth 28 of the gripping element 24 engage the circumferential groove 32 to securely hold the metal pipe 30 within the pipe coupling 20 and prevent any relative axial movement between the metal pipe 30 and the pipe coupling 20. The engagement of the teeth 28 of the gripping element 24 with the circumferential groove 32 when pulling the pipe back out produces tactile feedback in the form of a 'click' which allows an installer to easily and reliably determine that the metal pipe 30 is correctly and securely connected to the pipe coupling 20.

No further steps are required to connect the metal pipe 20 to the pipe coupling 30. The pipe coupling system 10 is therefore much quicker and simpler to connect than prior art metal pipe connection systems which often comprise press fittings or compression fittings and require specialised tools to compress the pipe coupling around the pipe to hold the pipe in place.

FIG. 5 shows the pipe coupling system 10 as a radiator upstand for a radiator system 40. The pipe coupling 20 is connected to the first end 31 of the metal pipe 30, as described with respect to FIG. land FIG. 4 above. A second end 33 of the metal pipe is connected to a radiator valve 41 which is connected to a heating element 42. The pipe coupling 20 is connected to a supply of heating fluid, for example water or steam, which can flow from the pipe coupling 20 through the metal pipe 30 to the radiator valve 41. The radiator valve 41 can be selectively opened and closed, for example by turning the knob, to allow the heating fluid to flow from the metal pipe 30 into the heating element 41.

The present pipe coupling system 10 allows such a radiator upstand to be quickly assembled to provide a durable and secure connection.

Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the metal pipe 30 may be made from a metal other than copper, such as steel, brass or iron.

The circumferential groove 32 is not limited to a U-shape, V-shape, rectangular shape or trapezoidal shape. Other cross-sectional shapes of the circumferential groove 32 are possible. For example, the cross-section of the circumferential groove may be rectangular shaped and inclined in a pipe insertion direction at the same angle as the plurality of teeth 28.

The second distance L2 may be greater than the first distance Ll or they may be the substantially the same.

The dimensions of the circumferential groove are not limited to a width of 0.5mm to 2mm and a depth of 0.2mm to 1mm but may be smaller or larger.

The first distance Ll is not limited to a range of 10mm to 25mm but may be smaller or larger.

Th first end 31 of the metal pipe 30 may not have a chamfered or rounded edge.

The pipe coupling 20 may not comprise a sealing element 22, a connecting element 23, a sleeve 25 and/or a release element 26.

The gripping element 24 may not comprise any teeth 28 but may have other gripping mean which can engage with the circumferential groove 32.

The pipe coupling 20 may be a different type of pipe coupling. For example, the pipe coupling may, in addition to a pipe release element, further comprise a rotatable sleeve which is arranged at least partially around the body portion and which is rotatable around the axis of the bore with respect to the body portion; and a release collar coupled to an end of the rotatable sleeve. Axial rotation of the rotatable sleeve in a first direction may cause the release collar to move axially from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the release collar can be moved axially in a pipe insertion direction to cause the pipe release element to disengage the gripping element from the surface of the pipe.

All of the above are fully within the scope of the present disclosure and are considered to form the basis for alternative embodiments in which one or more combinations of the above described features are applied, without limitation to the specific combination disclosed above.

In light of this, there will be many alternatives which implement the teaching of the present disclosure. It is expected that one skilled in the art will be able to modify and adapt the above disclosure to suit its own circumstances and requirements within the scope of the present disclosure, while retaining some or all technical effects of the same, either disclosed or derivable from the above, in light of his common general knowledge in this art. All such equivalents, modifications or adaptations fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claims 1. A pipe coupling system, comprising: a metal pipe having a first end and a circumferential groove arranged in the outer surface of the metal pipe, the circumferential groove disposed at a first distance from the first end, wherein the metal pipe including the circumferential groove is provided with a layer of chrome or chrome alloy; and a pipe coupling comprising: a body portion defining a bore for receiving a part of the metal pipe including said first end and the circumferential groove; a first internal shoulder disposed within the bore; and a gripping element for engaging an outside surface of the metal pipe, the gripping element disposed at a second distance from the first internal shoulder along an axial direction of the bore.
2. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.
3. The pipe coupling system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross section of the circumferential groove is U-shaped, V-shaped, rectangular-shaped or trapezoidal shaped.
4. The pipe coupling system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the metal pipe including the circumferential groove is plated with the layer of chrome or chrome alloy.
5. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim, wherein the circumferential groove has a width in the range of 0.5mm to 2mm.
6. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim, wherein the circumferential groove has a depth in the range of 0.2mm to 1mm.
7. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim, wherein the first distance is in the range of 10mm to 25mm.
8. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coupling system is for a radiator system.
9. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim wherein the outer surface of the metal pipe is tubular.
10. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim, wherein the outer surface of the metal pipe is smooth.
11. The pipe coupling system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the circumferential groove is recessed into the outer surface of the metal pipe.
12. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim, wherein the outer surface of the metal pipe does not comprise any projections or ridges.
13. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim, wherein the gripping element comprises a plurality of teeth extending radially inwardly into the bore of the pipe coupling.
14. The pipe coupling system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of teeth are inclined in a direction of pipe insertion.
15. The pipe coupling system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the cross-section of the circumferential groove is rectangular shaped, preferably square-shaped, and inclined in a pipe insertion direction at the same angle as the plurality of teeth.
16. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coupling system is a pipe upstand for a radiator.
17. The pipe coupling system of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coupling further comprises a pipe release element configured to disengage the gripping element from the surface of the metal pipe upon axial movement of the pipe release element.
18. A radiator system comprising: a heating element for allowing a heating fluid to flow through the heating element; a valve disposed at an input to the heating element for regulating the fluid flow through the heating element; and the pipe coupling system according to any preceding claim for connecting the valve to a supply of heating fluid, wherein a second end of the metal pipe is connected to the valve.
19. A method of connecting a metal pipe to a pipe coupling comprising: providing a metal pipe haying a first end and a circumferential groove arranged in the outer surface of the metal pipe, the groove disposed at a first distance from the first end, wherein the metal pipe including the circumferential groove is provided with a layer of chrome or chrome alloy; providing a pipe coupling comprising a body portion defining a bore for receiving the metal pipe; a first internal shoulder disposed within the bore; and a gripping element for engaging an outside surface of the metal pipe, the gripping element disposed at a second distance from the first internal shoulder along an axial direction of the bore; inserting the metal pipe into the bore of the pipe coupling such that the gripping element engages the circumferential groove to secure the metal pipe within the pipe coupling.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, and wherein inserting the metal pipe comprises: inserting the metal pipe into the bore of the pipe coupling such that the first end abuts the first internal shoulder; and pulling the metal pipe in a direction opposite the pipe insertion direction such that the gripping element engages the circumferential groove to secure the metal pipe within the pipe coupling.