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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.
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.
The invention will be understood better when reading the following description, accompanied by the appended drawings.
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
As shown on
According to a particular embodiment of the present invention and as shown on
As shown on
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
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.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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07/01449 | Feb 2007 | FR | national |