WO2020167115A1 - Connecteur de tube à détection de fuite - Google Patents

Connecteur de tube à détection de fuite Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020167115A1
WO2020167115A1 PCT/NL2020/050073 NL2020050073W WO2020167115A1 WO 2020167115 A1 WO2020167115 A1 WO 2020167115A1 NL 2020050073 W NL2020050073 W NL 2020050073W WO 2020167115 A1 WO2020167115 A1 WO 2020167115A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
channel
tube
tube connector
circumferential
slider member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2020/050073
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Hans Siccama
Original Assignee
K.Z. Meet- En Regelapparatuur B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by K.Z. Meet- En Regelapparatuur B.V. filed Critical K.Z. Meet- En Regelapparatuur B.V.
Publication of WO2020167115A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020167115A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
    • F16L37/084—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking
    • F16L37/092—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of elements wedged between the pipe and the frusto-conical surface of the body of the connector
    • F16L37/0925—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of elements wedged between the pipe and the frusto-conical surface of the body of the connector with rings which bite into the wall of the pipe
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
    • F16L37/084—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking
    • F16L37/092—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of elements wedged between the pipe and the frusto-conical surface of the body of the connector
    • F16L37/0926—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of elements wedged between the pipe and the frusto-conical surface of the body of the connector with an inner support sleeve arranged within the pipe
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
    • F16L2201/10—Indicators for correct coupling

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tube connector in particular a push-fit tube connector with leak detection for indicating correct insertion of a tube into the tube connector.
  • European patent application EP 1 039 204 A2 discloses a push-fit connector for use as an attachment to connect two pipes.
  • the connector comprises at least one hollow connecting portion adapted to receive, when the connector is in use, a pipe through an opening at an end of the connecting portion comprising an outer tubular body containing connection means comprising a grab ring to engage and resist removal of the inserted pipe inserted through the opening into the connector.
  • the grab ring has gripping teeth at its inner periphery which grip into a wall of the inserted pipe to resist its withdrawal from the connector.
  • the connecting portion further comprises a seal ring for, when the connector is in use, sealed engagement around a pipe wall of the inserted pipe preventing passage of fluid from the pipe out of the connector.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved tube connector, in particular a tube connector of the push-fit or push-in type, wherein the tube connector is easy to use without specialized tools and which provides feedback as to whether a tube has been properly inserted into the connector for achieving a reliable fluid tight seal between the tube and the tube connector.
  • the tube connector of the present invention is particularly advantageous for tubes carrying a fluid such as a gas, e.g. natural gas.
  • the tube connector comprises for push-fit connection to a tube, i.e. a push-fit tube connector, comprising a hollow connecting body having a channel with open end configured to receive a tube being inserted into the connecting body;
  • a grab ring arranged in the channel and configured for clamping engagement on a circumferential outer surface of the tube to prevent removal thereof from the connecting body when the tube connector is in use;
  • a resilient seal ring arranged in the channel configured for sealing engagement on a circumferential inner sealing surface of the channel and on the circumferential outer surface of the tube when the connecter is in use; further comprising
  • an elongated slider member longitudinally arranged in the channel and longitudinally movable with respect thereto between a first position and a second position, wherein the slider member comprises a prong end and an opposing hook end, wherein the prong end is in a wedged position between the seal ring and the
  • the hook end comprises an abutment face configured to engage a circumferential end face of the tube when the tube is inserted into the channel for moving the slider member from the first position toward the second position, wherein
  • the prong end is in an unwedged position with respect to the seal ring and the circumferential inner sealing surface of the channel in the second position of the slider member when the tube connector is in use.
  • providing clear and reliable feedback for an incorrectly installed push-fit tube connector may be achieved by deliberately causing a strongly leaking tube connector when a tube is or remains incorrectly installed.
  • a deliberately leaking tube connector is provided by the tube connector as claimed, and in particular by the sliding member of which the prong end is in a wedged position between the seal ring and the circumferential inner sealing surface of the channel in the first position of the slider member when the tube connector is not in use. Because the prong member is wedged between the seal ring and the circumferential inner sealing surface in the first position of the slider member, a mere partial circumferential seal is obtained as substantial gaps are present on both sides of the prong member as the seal ring will not exactly follow contours of the prong member. Therefore, in the first position, the prong member causes a dislocation of the seal ring and as such denies a circumferential seal by the seal ring.
  • Figure 1 shows a cross section of a tube connector with a partially inserted tube according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a cross section of a tube connector with a fully inserted tube according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 shows a three dimensional view of a slider member according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4 shows a three dimensional view of a slider member arranged in a channel groove according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 shows a cross section of a tube connector with a fully inserted tube according to another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 shows a three dimensional view of a grab ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 shows a cross section of a grab ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 and 2 each show a cross section of a tube connector 1 of the push-fit type with a partially and fully inserted tube 5, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the tube connector 1 comprises a hollow connecting body 2 having a channel 3, e.g. round/cylindrical channel, with open end 4 configured to receive a tube 5 for insertion into the connecting body 2, i.e. the channel 3.
  • the channel 3 comprises an inner diameter Di and the tube 5 has an outer diameter D 0 , where it is understood that the inner diameter Di is larger than the outer diameter D 0 to allow smooth insertion of the tube 5 in the channel 3.
  • a grab ring 6 is arranged in the channel 3 and configured for clamping engagement on a circumferential outer surface 7 of the tube 5 to prevent removal thereof from the connecting body 2 when the tube connector 1 is in use.
  • the grab ring 6 is in wedged engagement with the connecting body 2 such that a pull force on the tube 5 increases the clamping engagement resisting removal of the tube 5 from the connecting body 2.
  • the tube connector 1 further comprises a resilient seal ring 8 arranged in the channel 3 and wherein the seal ring 8 is configured for sealing engagement on a circumferential inner sealing surface 9 of the channel 3 and on the circumferential outer surface 7 of the inserted tube 5.
  • the seal ring 8 may have a substantially circular cross section with radius“R”.
  • the seal ring 8 is a resilient O-ring of e.g. elastomeric material, e.g. (Hydrogenated) Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, (H)NBR, which is advantageous for (natural) gas applications.
  • an elongated slider member 10 is provided and longitudinally arranged in the channel 3 and longitudinally movable with respect thereto between a first position P1 and a second position P2.
  • the slider member 10 as shown comprises a prong end 1 1 and an opposing hook end 12.
  • the prong end 1 1 of the slider member 10 is in a longitudinally wedged position, i.e. wedged in longitudinal direction, between the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 of the channel 3 in the first position P1 of the slider member 10 when the tube connector is not in use 1 .
  • the prong end 1 1 may be envisaged as a thin, longitudinally pointed part of the slider member 10.
  • the hook end 12 of the slider member 10 comprises an abutment face 13 configured to engage a circumferential end face 14 of the tube 5 when the tube 5 is inserted into the channel 3, as indicated by the arrow“I”, such that the slider member 10 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2.
  • the first position P1 corresponds to a configuration of the tube connector 1 when it is not (yet) in use, e.g. when it is ready to be used by an installer for the first time.
  • the second position P2 corresponds to a configuration of the tube connector 1 when the tube 5 has been inserted deep enough, e.g. to a deepest possible insertion depth in the channel 3 when the tube 5 cannot be pushed any deeper into the connecting body 2.
  • Figure 2 further shows that, in the second position P2, the prong end 1 1 is in a longitudinally unwedged position with respect to the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 of the channel 3. That is, in the second position P2 of the slider member 10, the prong end 1 1 is in a longitudinally retracted position away from the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 of the channel 3.
  • clear and reliable feedback for an incorrectly installed push-fit tube connector may be achieved by deliberately causing/maintaining a strongly leaking tube connector 1 when a tube 5 is incorrectly installed.
  • Such deliberate leakage of the tube connector 1 is achieved by the tube connector 1 as described above, particularly by the sliding member 10 wherein the prong end 1 1 remains in a wedged position between the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 of the channel 3 as long as the slider member 10 has not reached the second position P2.
  • the unwedged/retracted position of the prong member 1 1 corresponds to a longitudinally retracted position away from the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 wherein the resilient seal ring 8 is able to completely engage the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 for blocking passage of fluid (gas or liquid) from the tube 5 and the connecting body 2 when the tube connector 1 is properly installed.
  • the connecting body 2 and the slider member 10 are made from a plastic material, thereby increasing durability of the tube connector 1 and keeping weight and manufacturing costs down.
  • Figure 3 shows a detailed three dimensional view of a slider member 10
  • Figure 4 shows a three dimensional view of a slider member 10 arranged in the channel according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • the channel 3 of the connecting body 2 may comprise an inner channel surface 15 provided with a longitudinal channel groove 16 having a predetermined groove depth Dg and wherein the slider member 10 is moveably arranged in the channel groove 16.
  • the channel groove 16 it is possible to allow the tube 5 and the slider member 10 to be arranged side- by-side in the connecting body 2 without interference.
  • the channel groove 16 has an upper groove portion 17 and a lower groove portion 18, wherein the upper groove portion 17 is narrower than the lower groove portion 18, and wherein the slider member 10 has an upper slider portion 19 (longitudinally) extending through the upper groove portion 17 and a lower slider portion 20 (longitudinally) extending through the lower groove portion 18, wherein the upper slider portion 19 is thinner than the lower slider portion 20.
  • the upper groove portion 17 has an upper groove width Wu which is smaller than a lower groove width WL of the lower groove portion 18, and wherein the upper slider portion 19 has an upper slider thickness Tu which is smaller than a lower slider thickness TL of the lower slider portion 20.
  • the slider member 10 is longitudinally moveable, e.g.
  • the hook end 12 of the slider member 10 has a hook height Hi which is larger than the groove depth D g of the channel groove 16.
  • the hook end 12 protrudes radially inward beyond the inner channel surface 15 allowing the hook end 12 to be caught/engaged by the circumferential end face 14 of the tube 5 when the tube 5 is inserted into the connecting body 2.
  • the slider member 10 further comprises an intermediate slider part 21 extending between the hook end 12 and the prong end 11 , wherein the intermediate slider part 21 has an intermediate height F equal to or smaller than the groove depth D g .
  • the intermediate slider part 21 is thus fully received within the channel groove 16 and as such cannot interfere with the tube 5 as it is inserted into the channel 3.
  • the intermediate slider part 21 may further provide increased stiffness to the slider member 10 such that deformation (e.g.
  • the prong end 11 longitudinally projects from the intermediate slider part 21 and has a prong length Lp equal to or larger than the radius R of the seal ring 8.
  • the prong length Lp is at least equal to the radius R of the seal ring 8. This allows the prong end 11 to at least reach an engagement point Ps (see Figure 2) of the seal ring 8 at which the seal ring 8 would touch the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 to achieve sealed engagement.
  • the prong end 11 is then able to adequately extend underneath the seal ring 8 and locally push/separate the seal ring 8 away from the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 for creating leakage through the aforementioned gaps.
  • the prong end 11 has a prong height or thickness Hp equal to or smaller than half of the radius (e.g. R/2) of the seal ring 8.
  • This embodiment provides a sufficiently deformed radius Rd of the seal ring 8 when the prong end 11 is in the wedged position between the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 to achieve a leaking tube connector 1.
  • the prong end 11 may be seen as a longitudinally extending/projecting thin needle part of the slider member 10 compared to the height Fh of the intermediate slider part 21. Then to prevent breaking the prong end 11 from the intermediate slider part 21 and to minimize bending stresses where the prong end 11 attaches to the intermediate slider part 21 , an embodiment is provided wherein a tapered connection“S” is provided between the prong end 11 and the intermediate slider part 21.
  • the tapered connection S may be shaped in conformal fashion, e.g. having a similar radius, with respect to the seal ring 8, so that the prong end 11 can be as short as possible yet allow for the longitudinally wedged position/engagement between the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 to be obtained in the first position P1.
  • the prong end 11 is in the longitudinally unwedged position with respect to the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9, i.e. in a retracted position away from the seal ring 8 and the
  • a tip distance L between the abutment face 13 of the hook end 12 and a prong tip K of the prong end 1 1 is smaller than a seal distance Q between the seal ring 8 and the abutment face 13 of the hook end 12 at the second position P2 of the slider member 10.
  • the seal distance Q may be taken from a side of the seal ring 8 which his longitudinally most proximal to the abutment face 13 when the slider member 10 is in the second position P2.
  • a longitudinal separation distance Z can be defined between the seal ring 8 and the prong tip K as shown in Figure 2.
  • the separation distance Z may be viewed as the distance between the depicted engagement point Ps of the seal ring 8 and the prong tip K. So as long as the separation distance Z in the second position P2 of the slider member 10 does not lead to contact engagement between the prong end 1 1 and the seal ring 8, then a longitudinally unwedged position of the prong end 1 1 is achieved in the second position P2.
  • the longitudinal separation distance Z yielding an unwedged position/configuration of the prong end 1 1 depends on the prong height Hp, wherein the separation distance Z must increase for a higher prong height Hp to avoid contact between the prong end 1 1 and the seal ring 8, whilst the separation distance Z can decrease for a smaller prong heights Hp.
  • the tube 5 may be inserted into the channel 3 so that the slider member 10 can be moved from the first position P1 as shown in Figure 1 to the second position P2 of Figure 2, thereby undoing the wedged position/engagement of the prong end 1 1 with respect to the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9. Due to the resiliency of the seal ring 8, a complete circumferential sealed engagement is achieved between the seal ring 8 and the circumferential inner sealing surface 9 once the prong member 1 1 is retracted away from underneath the seal ring 8. Note that when the longitudinally unwedged position of the prong end 1 1 is achieved, the tube 5 need not be inserted any further and further tube insertion may be blocked once the second position P2 of the slider member 10 has been reached.
  • the channel 3 of the connecting body 2 is provided with a channel abutment face 22 extending between two inner channel surfaces 15, 23 of the channel 3 with different diameters Di, Db, wherein the channel abutment face 22 is configured to engage the circumferential end face 14 of the tube 5 when the slider member 10 is in the second position P2, thereby blocking further insertion of the tube into the channel 3 of the connecting body 2.
  • the channel abutment face 22 defines a transition face/surface between the two inner channel surfaces 15, 23 of the channel 3 with different inner diameters Di, Db, wherein the depicted diameter Db may be seen defined as a tube“blocking” diameter.
  • the channel abutment face 22 extends between the inner channel surface 15 with inner diameter Di and a further inner channel surface 23 of the channel 3 with further inner (blocking) diameter Db.
  • the inner diameter Di of the inner channel surface 15 is larger than the further inner diameter Db of the further inner channel surface 23.
  • the channel abutment face 22 may be a straight face substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis O of the connecting body 2.
  • the channel abutment face 22 is a bevelled channel abutment face, i.e. arranged at an angle between 0° and 90° degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis O of the connecting body 2.
  • the channel abutment face 22 may be used to further increase safe and reliable operation of the tube connecter 1 .
  • the tube connector 1 may be adapted to deny a fluid tight seal when the circumferential end face 14 of an inserted tube 5 does not have a required geometry.
  • Figure 1 and 2 each show an embodiment of a tube 5 that comprises an inner support sleeve 24 extending through an end part 25 of the tube 5 inserted in the connecting body 2.
  • the inner support sleeve 24 may be advantageous to prevent a collapse of the tube 5 as the seal ring 8 and the grab ring 6 could impose a large circumferential clamping force onto the tube 5 which it may not withstand for extended periods of time.
  • By providing the tube 5, e.g. its end part 25, with an inner support sleeve/bush 24 allows such a collapse of the tube 5 to be prevented.
  • a tube 5 made of plastic material e.g. polyethylene (PE)
  • PE polyethylene
  • the inner support sleeve 24 may be used to provide a circumferential end face 14 to the tube 5 with a particular geometry for allowing the second position P2 of the slider member 10 to be reached.
  • the tube connecter 1 may therefore be adapted to only allow for a particular circumferential end face 14 for moving the slider member 10 to the second position P2 when the tube 5 is inserted.
  • the tube 5 comprises a inner support sleeve 24 providing a circumferential end face 14 having a bevelled end face portion 26 for engagement with a bevelled channel abutment face 22 as mentioned earlier.
  • This bevelled end face portion 26 is adapted for conformal engagement with the bevelled channel abutment face 22, thereby blocking further insertion of the tube 5 yet allow the slider member 10 to reach the second position P2 for obtaining the unwedged/retracted position of the prong member 1 1 .
  • the circumferential end face 14 of the inner support sleeve 24 may further comprise a forward protruding end face portion 27 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis O. From Figure 2 it is seen that as the tube 5 is inserted in the connecting body 2, the forward protruding end face portion 27 engages the abutment face 13 of the hook end 12 and as such allow the slider member 10 to reach the second positioned P2. Most notably, the forward protruding end face portion 27 protrudes into a deeper part of the channel 3 with the further inner diameter Db which is smaller than the outer diameter Do of the tube 5. This allows the tube connecter 1 to deliberately leak when the tube 5 does not comprise the inner support sleeve 24.
  • a further aspect of the present invention relates to a combination of the tube connector 1 and the inner support sleeve 24, wherein the inner support sleeve 24 is configured for insertion into an end part 25 of a tube 5, wherein the end part 25 of the tube 5 is receivable in the channel 3 of the connecting body 2 of the tube connector 1 .
  • the inner support sleeve 24 then provides the circumferential end face 14 to the tube 5 for engagement with the abutment face 13 of the hook end 12 of the slider member 10.
  • the circumferential end face 14 may comprise the forward protruding end face portion 27 as mentioned earlier, which is then specifically adapted for engagement with the abutment face 13. This prevents that a tube 5 without the inner support sleeve 24 cannot fully move the slider member 10 toward the second position P2, thus maintaining a leaking tube connector 1 as the tube 5 will not be properly installed.
  • the circumferential end face 14 may be further provided with the bevelled end face portion 26 for engagement with the bevelled channel abutment face 22.
  • This bevelled end face portion 26 of the inner support sleeve 24 is then adapted for conformal engagement with the bevelled channel abutment face 22, thereby blocking further insertion of the tube 5 yet allowing the slider member 10 to be pushed to the second position P2 for achieving the unwedged/retracted position of the prong member 1 1 by virtue of the forward protruding end face portion 27.
  • Figure 5 shows an example wherein the tube connector 1 can prevent leak free operation, i.e. causing leakage, when a tube 5 is inserted which is not provided with a required
  • the tube 5, without the inner support sleeve 24, is inserted into the channel 3 at a maximum inserted depth X at which the inner diameter Di of the inner channel surface 15 of the channel 3 changes to a smaller further inner diameter Db of the further inner channel surface 23.
  • the slider member 10 is at an intermediate position Pi and has not yet reached the second position P2 for retracting the prong end 1 1 from underneath the seal ring 8. Therefore, by providing the tube 5 with the inner support sleeve 24, the circumferential end face 14 of the inner support sleeve 24 is able to move the slider member 10 toward the second position P2.
  • a length of the hook end LH (see Figure 3) and/or a longitudinal length of the channel groove 16 in conjunction with the tip distance L can be used to determine the second position P2 at which the prong end 1 1 is in the unwedged/retracted position.
  • the tube connector 1 of the present invention should be safe to use, particularly for natural gas application, and as such the grab ring 6 plays an important role to maintain insertion of the tube 5 when it is subjected to a pulling force. To that end the grab ring 6 is provided with features that facilitate safe and reliable operation of the tube connector 1 when in use.
  • Figure 6 and 7 show a three dimensional view and a cross section, respectively, of a grab ring 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the grab ring 6 comprises a circumferential conical outer surface 28 configured for wedged engagement with a corresponding circumferential conical inner surface 29 of the channel 3 of the connecting body 2.
  • the grab ring 6 is further provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged resilient spring plates 30 each of which comprises an outward facing surface 31 , configured for resilient (wedged) engagement with the circumferential conical inner surface 29 of the channel 3, and an opposing inward facing surface 32 provided with one of more grabbing teeth 33 for engagement on the circumferential outer surface 7 of the tube 5 when the tube connector 1 is in use.
  • the one or more grabbing teeth 33 grab into the tube 5 as the outward facing surface 31 of the spring plate 30 resiliently engages the circumferential conical inner surface 29.
  • the outward facing surface 31 of each resilient spring plate 30 engages the circumferential conical inner surface 29 more strongly, which in turn increases the grabbing force of the one or more grabbing teeth 33.
  • each resilient spring plate 30 engages the circumferential conical inner surface 29 of the channel 3 independently from the circumferential conical outer surface 28 of the grab ring 6. This allows the spring plates 30 to grab onto the tube 5 with a locally higher force than the grab ring 6 itself.
  • each resilient spring plate 30 is a U-shaped spring plate 30 extending in longitudinally direction (see longitudinal axis O) of the grab ring 6 and wherein each U-shaped spring plate 30 has an open end 34 that connects to or engages the grab ring 6.
  • the U-shape of each spring plate 30 provides radial resiliency in the radial direction Y as depicted.
  • the resilient behaviour of each U-shaped spring plate 30 is achieved as each U-shaped spring plate 30 comprises an outward leg 35 and inward leg 36, wherein the outward leg 35 comprises the outward facing surface 31 and wherein the inward leg 36 comprises the inward facing surface 32 provided with the one of more grabbing teeth 33.
  • each U-shaped spring plate 30 may be a convex outward facing surface 31 .
  • each U-shaped spring plate 30 may be pivotally connected to the grab ring 6, so that each spring plate 30 is able to rotate for improved alignment of the inward leg 36, particularly the inward facing surface 32 with grabbing teeth 33, with respect to the circumferential outer surface 7 of the tube 5.
  • each resilient U-shaped spring plate 30 extends around a
  • Embodiment 1 A tube connector (coupling/fitting) for push-fit connection to a tube, comprising a hollow connecting body (2) provided with a channel (3) having an open end (4) configured to receive a tube (5) being inserted into the connecting body (2);
  • a grab ring (6) arranged in the channel (3) and configured for clamping engagement on a circumferential outer surface (7) of the tube (5) to prevent removal thereof from the connecting body (2) when the tube connector (1) is in use;
  • an elongated slider member (10) longitudinally arranged in the channel (3) and longitudinally movable with respect thereto between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein the slider member (10) comprises a prong end (1 1) and an opposing hook end (12), wherein the prong end (1 1) is in a longitudinally wedged position between the seal ring (8) and the circumferential inner sealing surface (9) of the channel (3) in the first position (P1) of the slider member (10), and
  • hook end (12) comprises an abutment face (13) configured to engage a circumferential end face (14) of the tube (5) when the tube (5) is inserted into the channel (3) for moving the slider member (10) from the first position (P1 ) toward the second position (P2),
  • prong end (1 1) is in a longitudinally unwedged/retracted position with respect to the seal ring (8) and the circumferential inner sealing surface (9) of the channel (3) in the second position (P2) of the slider member (10).
  • Embodiment 2 The tube connector according to embodiment 1 , wherein the channel (3) of the connecting body (2) comprises an inner channel surface (15) provided with a longitudinal channel groove (16) with a predetermined groove depth (Dg) in which the slider member (10) is moveably arranged.
  • Embodiment 3 The tube connector according to embodiment 2, wherein the channel groove (16) has an upper groove portion (17) and a lower groove portion (18), wherein the upper groove portion (17) is narrower than the lower groove portion (18), and wherein the slider member (10) has an upper slider portion (19) extending through the upper groove portion (17) and a lower slider portion (20) extending through the lower groove portion (18), wherein the upper slider portion (19) is thinner than the lower slider portion (20).
  • Embodiment 4 The tube connector according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the hook end (12) of the slider member (10) has a hook height (H1) larger than the groove depth (Dg) .
  • Embodiment 5 The tube connector according to any of embodiments 2-4, wherein the slider member (10) further comprises an intermediate slider part (21) extending between the hook end (12) and the prong end (1 1), wherein the intermediate slider part (21) has a height (H2) equal to or smaller than the groove depth (Dg).
  • Embodiment 6 The tube connector according to embodiment 5, wherein the prong end (1 1) longitudinally projects from the intermediate slider part (21) and has a prong length (LP) equal to or larger than a radius (R) of the seal ring (8).
  • Embodiment 7 The tube connector according to embodiment 6, wherein the prong end (1 1) has a prong height (HP) equal or smaller than half of the radius (R) of the seal ring (8).
  • Embodiment 8 The tube connector according to any of embodiments 5-7, wherein an tapered connection (S) is provided between the prong end (1 1) and the intermedia slider part (21).
  • Embodiment 9 The tube connector according to any of embodiments 1 -8, wherein a tip distance (L) between the abutment face (13) of the hook end (12) and a prong tip (K) of the prong end (1 1) is smaller than a seal distance (Q) between the seal ring (8) and the abutment face (13) of the hook end (12) at the second position (P2) of the slider member (10).
  • Embodiment 10 The tube connector according to any of embodiments 1 -9, wherein the channel (3) of the connecting body (2) is provided with a channel abutment face (22) extending between two inner channel surfaces (15, 23) of the channel (3) with different inner diameters (Di, Db), wherein the channel abutment face (22) is configured to engage the circumferential end face (14) of the tube (5) when the slider member (10) is in the second position (P2).
  • the channel (3) of the connecting body (2) is provided with a channel abutment face (22) extending between two inner channel surfaces (15, 23) of the channel (3) with different inner diameters (Di, Db), wherein the channel abutment face (22) is configured to engage the circumferential end face (14) of the tube (5) when the slider member (10) is in the second position (P2).
  • Embodiment 1 1 The tube connector according to embodiment 10, wherein the channel abutment face (22) is a bevelled channel abutment face.
  • Embodiment 12 The tube connector according to any of embodiments 1 -1 1 , wherein the grab ring (6) comprises a circumferential conical outer surface (28) configured for wedged engagement with a corresponding circumferential conical inner surface (29) of the channel (3) of the connecting body (2), wherein the grab ring (6) is provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged resilient spring plates (30) each of which comprises
  • an opposing inward facing surface (32) provided with one of more grabbing teeth (33) for engagement on the circumferential outer surface (7) of the tube (5) when the tube connector (1 ) is in use.
  • Embodiment 13 The tube connector according to embodiment 12, wherein each resilient spring plate (30) is a U-shaped spring plate (30) extending in longitudinally direction of the grab ring (6) and wherein each U-shaped spring plate (30) has an open end (34) connecting to the grab ring (6).
  • Embodiment 14 The tube connector according to embodiment 13, wherein each resilient U- shaped spring plate (30) extends around a longitudinally extending grab ring portion (37).
  • Embodiment 15 The tube connector according to any of embodiments 1 -14, wherein the connecting body (2) and the slider member (10) are made from a plastic material.
  • Embodiment 16 A combination of a tube connector (1) according to any of embodiments 1 -15 and an inner support sleeve (24), the inner support sleeve (24) being configured for insertion into an end part (25) of a tube (5), wherein the end part (25) of the tube (5) is receivable in the channel (3) of the connecting body (2) of the tube connector (1),
  • the inner support sleeve (24) provides a circumferential end face (14) to the tube (5) for engagement with the abutment face (13) of the hook end (12) of the slider member (10).
  • Embodiment 17 The combination according to embodiment 16, wherein the circumferential end face (14) comprises a forward protruding end face portion (27) adapted for engagement with the abutment face (13).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un connecteur de tube destiné à une connexion par emboîtement sur un tube (5), comprenant : un corps de connexion creux (2) pour recevoir un tube (5), une bague de préhension (6) disposée dans le corps de connexion (2) et configurée pour un engagement par serrage sur le tube (5), et une bague d'étanchéité élastique (8) disposée dans le corps de connexion (2) pour un engagement étanche autour du tube (5). Un élément coulissant allongé (10) est disposé longitudinalement dans le corps de liaison (2) et mobile longitudinalement entre une première et une seconde position (P1, P2). L'élément coulissant (10) comprend une extrémité de broche (11) et une extrémité en crochet opposée (12). L'extrémité de broche (11) est configurée pour déboîter la bague d'étanchéité (8) dans la première position (P1) et l'extrémité du crochet (12) est configurée pour déplacer l'élément coulissant (10) vers la seconde position (P2) lorsque le tube (5) est inséré, rétablissant ainsi l'engagement étanche de la bague d'étanchéité (8).
PCT/NL2020/050073 2019-02-14 2020-02-12 Connecteur de tube à détection de fuite WO2020167115A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2022580A NL2022580B1 (en) 2019-02-14 2019-02-14 Tube connector with leak detection
NL2022580 2019-02-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020167115A1 true WO2020167115A1 (fr) 2020-08-20

Family

ID=66166506

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NL2020/050073 WO2020167115A1 (fr) 2019-02-14 2020-02-12 Connecteur de tube à détection de fuite

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NL (1) NL2022580B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020167115A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116989959A (zh) * 2023-09-25 2023-11-03 徐州汇力金属材料检测有限公司 一种金属管件密封性检测装置

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2683019A1 (fr) * 1991-10-28 1993-04-30 Legris Sa Procede de controle de la qualite de la connexion entre un tube et le corps d'un organe de raccordement a connexion instantanee, et dispositifs faisant application.
EP1039204A2 (fr) 1999-03-19 2000-09-27 Delta Capillary Products Limited Connecteur à fixation par pression
EP1296089A1 (fr) * 2001-09-19 2003-03-26 Voss Automotive GmbH Dispositif de raccord pour tuyaux pour fluide
WO2006037962A1 (fr) * 2004-10-01 2006-04-13 Norgren Limited Accouplement de tube
DE202011103877U1 (de) * 2010-08-31 2011-09-29 Geberit International Ag Fitting für Wasserrohre
FR3048051A1 (fr) * 2017-05-22 2017-08-25 Parker Hannifin Mfg France Sas Dispositif de raccordement, procede et outil pour la mise en place d'un tel dispositif

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2683019A1 (fr) * 1991-10-28 1993-04-30 Legris Sa Procede de controle de la qualite de la connexion entre un tube et le corps d'un organe de raccordement a connexion instantanee, et dispositifs faisant application.
EP1039204A2 (fr) 1999-03-19 2000-09-27 Delta Capillary Products Limited Connecteur à fixation par pression
EP1296089A1 (fr) * 2001-09-19 2003-03-26 Voss Automotive GmbH Dispositif de raccord pour tuyaux pour fluide
WO2006037962A1 (fr) * 2004-10-01 2006-04-13 Norgren Limited Accouplement de tube
DE202011103877U1 (de) * 2010-08-31 2011-09-29 Geberit International Ag Fitting für Wasserrohre
FR3048051A1 (fr) * 2017-05-22 2017-08-25 Parker Hannifin Mfg France Sas Dispositif de raccordement, procede et outil pour la mise en place d'un tel dispositif

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116989959A (zh) * 2023-09-25 2023-11-03 徐州汇力金属材料检测有限公司 一种金属管件密封性检测装置
CN116989959B (zh) * 2023-09-25 2023-12-22 徐州汇力金属材料检测有限公司 一种金属管件密封性检测装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL2022580B1 (en) 2020-08-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6073510B2 (ja) コネクタアセンブリ
US8196970B2 (en) Connector device for media conduits
US20170254461A1 (en) Crown seal with integral sealing projections for undersea hydraulic couplings
US5064227A (en) Connector for hoses and the like
EP2227650B1 (fr) Collier de serrage pour raccord
US11802643B2 (en) Fluid connector
US5947532A (en) Stab-type coupling for conduit
WO2020167115A1 (fr) Connecteur de tube à détection de fuite
KR960023979A (ko) 관 죠인트
WO2023043568A1 (fr) Raccord de tuyau à bague de préhension
US20220178479A1 (en) Pipe fitting with grip ring
BRPI0808318A2 (pt) "acoplamento macho conectável e separável de um acoplamento fêmea"
CN110594508A (zh) 一种可拆卸的单扣式连接器
CN211951818U (zh) 一种快速连接接头
US20220178475A1 (en) Pipe fitting with grip ring
JP7400288B2 (ja) 管継手および管の取り外し方法
JP2014142049A (ja) 管継手構造
JP5401063B2 (ja) 差込式管継手
CN210950339U (zh) 一种可拆卸的单扣式连接器
MX2009001316A (es) Acoplamiento macho para conectarse a un acoplamiento hembra roscado.
JP2012112451A (ja) 差込式管継手
CN219549884U (zh) 一种快速安装的液体管路接头
JP2004125129A (ja) 配管接続具
JP6490910B2 (ja) 取外し冶具
CN108644504B (zh) 一种内扩式软管连接组件

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 20705534

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 20705534

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1