US20080203722A1

US20080203722A1 - Device for connecting pipes in a suction system

Info

Publication number: US20080203722A1
Application number: US12/029,359
Authority: US
Inventors: Philippe CHAPOTARD
Original assignee: GERLON SA
Current assignee: GERLON SA
Priority date: 2007-02-28
Filing date: 2008-02-11
Publication date: 2008-08-28
Also published as: FR2913087A1; EP1964502A1; CA2620705A1; EP1964502B1; ATE546081T1; FR2913087B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for connecting pipes, of universal types, in a suction system including a first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe has a first proximal end and a first distal end, the first proximal end being slaved to the suction system. The second pipe has a second proximal end and a second distal end, the second proximal end being connected to the first distal end. The device also includes tight assembly of the first distal end and the second proximal end. The tight assembly includes a connector being cooperative with the suction system during the vacuum created.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for connecting pipes in a suction system.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for connecting pipes in a suction system including at least a first pipe slaved by its proximal end to the suction system, and a second pipe whereof the proximal end is connected to the distal end of said first pipe. The device exhibits a means for keeping assembled, and tightly, the distal end of said first pipe and the proximal end of said second pipe.
With regard to a suction device and a suction system, various interchangeable working elements can be used, such as brushes or suction cups, and possibly certain Do-It-Yourself (DIY) tools. These elements generate dust themselves dust, when in use, such as for instance sanding machines.
In the field of the devices for connecting pipes in a suction system, devices formed of two pipes are known, each pipe including one of its moulded ends, of male/female type so that both ends nest into one another tightly.
This type of device is adapted for each pipe and cannot be used when it is decided to connect a pipe to another pipe which has not been provided specifically for such connection.
For easier more universal connection, it is also known to provide either end of the pipes to be connected in a conical shape. However, it is consequently necessary to increase the diameter of said pipes.
Connection devices formed of a sleeve more or less adapted to the terminal ends of the pipes are also known, which are held thereon by means of screw-type collars.
However, such connection devices are rarely totally universal, complex in construction and are rarely satisfactory with regard to tightness.
Document GB 2.273.752 divulges a universal connection system between two pipes. One of the pipes is inserted in the other and provides for the tightness by means of a deformable cylindrical seal. This pipe of smaller diameter is hence provided with a deformable seal and an actuation ring, truncated in shape. When connecting, the pipe of smaller diameter is inserted in the pipe of greater diameter. The actuation ring is then screwed so as to compress the deformable seal, thereby increasing its diameter until the seal contacts the internal diameter of the pipe of larger diameter. The tightness between both pipes is provided. According to this document, the truncated portion of the actuation ring engages into the edge of the pipe of greater diameter so as to ensure stable connection between the pipes.
It should be noted however that a continuous circular contact between the truncated portion of the actuation ring and the edge of the pipe of larger diameter can only be made possible in the case of a edge perfectly smooth and circular, in particular without the presence of a jag, key, groove or other conformations, as they maybe observed at the ends of the flexible hoses of the suction systems for easier connection.
The purpose of the present invention is to remedy these shortcomings while offering a universal connection device, simple in its build, of low production cost and which may be used for any type of pipe.
Other aims and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description which is given only by way of example and without being limited thereto.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for connecting pipes, of universal types, in a suction system including at least a first pipe slaved by its proximal end to the suction system, and a second pipe whereof the proximal end is connected to the distal end of said first pipe. The device exhibits means for keeping assembled, and tightly, the distal end of said first pipe and the proximal end of said second pipe.
According to the invention, said means for keeping assembled, and tightly, both said ends include connection means capable of cooperating with the suction system during the vacuum created. The connection means is formed by both ends of said pipes and by an element in the form of a stop acting as a seal for said first pipe, in the form of a washer situated around said proximal end of said second pipe.
The present invention also relates to the use of such a connection device, in a suction system, fitted with interchangeable working elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be understood better when reading the following description, accompanied by the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 represents a schematic view of an illustration of a suction system comprising a device for connecting pipes according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 represents a sectional view of the device for connecting pipes as implemented in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a device for connecting pipes implemented according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device 1 for connecting pipes, of universal types, for a suction system 2 including at least, a first pipe 3 slaved by its proximal end 4 to the suction system 2, and a second pipe 5 whereof the proximal end 6 is connected to the distal end 7 of said first pipe 3. Moreover, said device 1 exhibits means for holding assembled and tight the distal end 7 of said first pipe 3 and the proximal end 6 of said second pipe 5.
According to the invention, said means for keeping assembled, and tightly, both said ends 6, 7 include connection means capable of cooperating with the suction system 2 during the vacuum created.
Suction system 2 is meant to include any system capable of creating a vacuum inside. Byway of non-limiting example, domestic suction systems used during household tasks may be mentioned, such as conventional vacuum cleaners.
It should be noted that the first pipe 3 may be, as illustrated, the flexible hose connected at its proximal end to the suction system, or still, directly, the rigid orifice of the suction system whereon the flexible hose is connected.
As shown on FIG. 1, the suction 20 includes a first flexible pipe 3 connected at its proximal end 4, and generally a second pipe 5, having in particular, a so-called extension, fitted at its distal end with a working element 21. It should be noted, here that the working element 21 may also be any interchangeable working element such as brushes or suction cups, possibly certain DIY tools generating themselves dust when in use, such as for instance sanding machines.
As shown on FIG. 2, said connection means consist of both said ends of said pipes 3, 5 and an element 8 in the form of a stop acting as a seal for said first pipe 3.
According to a particular embodiment of the present invention and as shown on FIG. 3, the element 8 in the form of a stop, acting as a seal for said first pipe 3, is in the form of a washer situated around said pipe 5. The contour of the washer may be, but not necessarily, circular, or may still exhibit any other shape. The washer may exhibit an adjusted through-orifice for ensuring tightness, possibly a removable fixture, between the second pipe and said washer. The diameter of this orifice may thus be slightly smaller than the external diameter of the end of the second pipe. In the case of an element 8 of flexible matter, in particular, the flexible matter may be polyurethane foam. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the washer may be provided as a single-piece with the second pipe 5.
As shown on FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the outer diameter 9 of said second pipe 5 is smaller than the inner diameter 10 of said first pipe 3, the diameter of said element 8 being for its own part greater than the outer diameter of said first pipe 3.
The difference in diameter between the pipe 5 and the pipe 3 enables to arrangement and partial insertion of said second pipe 5 inside said first pipe 3 during said connection.
The assembly also defines a so-called suction ring 11, at said element 8, acting as a seal. The height is determined by the difference between the lower diameter of the pipe 3 and the outer diameter of the pipe 5, and the surface enables, thanks to the suction, maintenance of the ends of the pipes in a tight relationship. The element 8, thanks to this load being pressed against the distal end 7 of said first pipe 3, carries the suction flux represented schematically on FIG. 2 by the arrows 12.
The extension of the pipe 5 introduced inside the pipe 3 may vary, but it should take into account the value of the vacuum created, as well the length of said pipes 3 and 5, in particular, the length of said pipe 5. In particular, according to the dimensions, sufficient length should be inserted inside the pipe 3 so as to provide for better connection.
According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the element g is made of foam, in particular derived from polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane. Any other material capable of acting as a seal may be used.
It should be noted that the selection of the use of a matter of foam type or the like enables moreover to break free from the geometrical dimensions of the end 7 of the pipe 3 since, for instance, thanks to the load created by the load of the suction system, said end is able to penetrate the matter of said element 8.
Also, the device of the present invention may enable the connection of a jagged pipe insert, or equipped with various guides. Similarly, the shape of said insert remaining free, the device of the invention will enable without any problems to connect out of round pipes.
For instance, good results have been obtained with said first pipe 3 having an internal size on the order of 30 mm, and one of said second pipe 5 of external dimension having an internal size on the order of 25 mm. The second pipe 5 penetrates said first pipe over a distance of the order of 100 mm. Naturally, these dimensions are presented to illustrate the invention, but without being limited thereto.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least the second pipe 5 is a flexible hose to allow for good hold of said element 8 thanks to the vacuum of the suction system.
According to the invention, the device for connecting pipes as described in the present invention may be used in any suction system and, in particular, in a suction system for cleaning the floors and/or curtains.
Advantageously, the use of the device for connecting pipes, according to the present invention, will be particularly suited in a suction system fitted with interchangeable working elements such as described previously.
Naturally, other embodiments, understandable to the man of the art could have been contemplated without departing from the framework of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for connecting pipes, of universal types, in a suction system, said device comprising:

a first pipe having a first proximal end and a first distal end, said first proximal end being slaved to the suction system;

a second pipe having a second proximal end and a second distal end, said second proximal end being connected to said first distal end of said first pipe; and

means for tight assembly of said first distal end of said first pipe and said second proximal end of said second pipe, said means for for tight assembly comprising: a connection means being cooperative with the suction system during vacuum, and being formed by said first distal end, said second proximal end and an element a, said element being a stop, being in a sealing relationship to said first pipe and being a washer located around said second proximal end.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said element is comprised of foam.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said washer has an adjusted through-orifice for ensuring tightness, being a removable fixture, between said second pipe and said element.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said first distal end and said second proximal end of said means for tight assembly are connected by a vacuum created by the suction system.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second pipe has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said first pipe.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second pipe is arranged partially inside said first pipe during connection.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second pipe is comprised of a flexible hose.

8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

interchangeable working elements connected to said second distal end of said second pipe.