Patent Application
20080238088
The present disclosure refers to a method for inserting a pipe into a socket for obtaining a pipe fitting arrangement and for removing the pipe out of the socket by making usage of a tool.
One example of a pipe fitting arrangement is known in particular from WO 2005/114031 A2 which is discussed in detail with respect to
As soon as the pipe is inserted into the housing 100 through the opening 109, a seal between the pipe and the housing 100 is obtained by a compression of the sealing ring 110, whereas retention of the pipe within the housing 100 is provided by the engagement of the teeth 114 upon the pipe.
WO 2005/114031 A2 also describes a release tool 200 that is shown in
In order to engage the release tool 200 of
An alternative release tool for disengaging teeth from a pipe in order to remove the pipe from a coupling is known from EP 1 521 027 B1. Said release tool comprises a first member in form of a pusher to be inserted into the coupling to urge the teeth radially outward and, thus, releasing the engagement thereof with the pipe, and a second member in form of a cap to be screwed onto the coupling for engaging the first member. In particular, the cap can be screwed onto the coupling as well as the pusher and thereby moving the pusher in the pipe insertion direction, whereas an unscrewing of the cap leads to a movement of the pusher in the pipe removal direction.
These release tools are difficult to handle by a user.
Further, it is a major problem of the known pipe fitting arrangements that they might have leak paths due to scratches or the like on the pipe surface as a result of the teeth of the grip ring urging against the pipe when inserting the same into the housing. This problem has been addressed for screw connections in DE 20 2005 001 100 U1. In fact, it is proposed by DE 20 2005 001 100 U1 to make usage of a grip ring, the internally extending teeth thereof defining with their free ends an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the tube in the relaxed state of the grip ring. As soon as all parts are screwed together, the grip ring is forced to lie between a pressure ring and a swivel nut with its diameter being reduced such that the teeth thereof are engaging the pipe. This leads to a very complicated structure as it requires, in addition to the housing, said pressure ring and swivel nut.
EP 07 002 188.6, not pre-published, refers to an insertion and release tool for a pipe fitting arrangement and addresses the problem of avoiding scratches on a pipe when assembling as well as disassembling the pipe fitting arrangement. In fact, the tool described in EP 07 002 188.6 allows a user to locate a socket, fitting or housing within the tool, whereupon by mechanical means the diameter of a grip ring within said housing can be opened such that a pipe, without being damaged, can be inserted into the housing and removed therefrom. The work of the user is further facilitated not only by the easy handling of the tool, but also by reducing the effort required by the user to manually push the pipe into the housing and thus complete the joint in order to obtain a fluid tight, even gas tight, pipe fitting arrangement. But such a pipe fitting arrangement can still be assembled without the help of such a tool which might lead to damaging the pipe surface and, thus, destroying gas tightness.
Disclosed herein is a method for inserting a pipe into a socket in a pipe fitting arrangement in which the pipe is retained within the socket by teeth of a grip ring placed within the socket, and for removing the pipe out of the socket by making usage of a tool. Also disclosed herein is a tool for assembling and disassembling a pipe fitting arrangement with such a method. In accordance with the methods described herein, the tool helps avoid damage to the pipe and, thus, helps to ensure a fluid or gas tight connection between the pipe and the socket, fitting or housing of the pipe fitting arrangement.
In at least one embodiment, a method for pipe insertion includes:
a) inserting the tool described herein at least partly into the socket mouth into which the pipe is to be inserted,
b) extending the internal diameter of the socket mouth at least over a part of its circumference being smaller than the external pipe diameter when inserting the tool,
c) inserting the pipe into the socket mouth through a tool opening,
d) withdrawing the tool out of the socket, and
e) disengaging the tool from the pipe.
Preferably, the free end of the socket at the socket mouth is, in particular elastically, forced outward and/or deformed, in particular bent, at least partly when inserting the tool into the socket.
It is also preferred that the free end of the socket comprises at least one extension extending into the socket mouth opening, preferably two opposing extensions, that is folded into the socket until engaging the grip ring.
In at least another embodiment, a method for pipe insertion may include:
a) inserting the tool described herein at least partly into the socket mouth into which the pipe is to be inserted,
b) extending the internal diameter of the grip ring at least over a part of its circumference being smaller than the external pipe diameter when inserting the tool, with at least one internal first tooth, preferably two opposing teeth, of the grip ring substantially preventing the insertion of the pipe without the use of the tool,
c) inserting the pipe into the socket mouth through a tool opening,
d) withdrawing the tool out of the socket, and
e) disengaging the tool from the pipe.
In the latter embodiment, it is preferred that the first tooth is, in particular elastically, forced outwardly and/or deformed, preferably bent, at least partly when inserting the tool into the socket, with the first tooth most preferably extending radially inwardly prior to being bent.
It is also preferred that the first tooth is folded into the socket until engaging the socket internal surface, preferably provided by an internal projection, most preferably a chamfer of said projection.
In another aspect, second internal teeth of the grip ring are, in particular elastically, forced outwardly and/or deformed, in particular bent at least partly, when inserting the tool into the socket, preferably until engaging the projection, most preferably its chamfer.
Still further it is proposed that the grip ring is formed from a flat, e.g., metal, plate by cutting, pressing or stamping out or wire eroding the first and second teeth, with the first tooth being cut, pressed, stamped or wire eroded longer than the second teeth and/or the second teeth being bent after cutting, pressing, stamping or wire eroding such that the internal free end of the first tooth is internally projecting the internal free ends of the second teeth.
It is preferred that the free end, the first tooth and/or the second teeth, preferably at least the second teeth, are at least partly relaxed when the tool is withdrawn out of the socket, most preferably until engaging the outer surface of the pipe in step d) above.
It is also proposed that a first engagement means of the tool is inserted into the socket while a second engagement means of the tool supports the socket, preferably by engaging the socket outer surface, most preferably abutting against an outer step, shoulder, projection or bend of the socket.
The following steps for pipe withdrawal are proposed herein:
f) placing the first engagement means in engagement with the pipe and the second engagement means in engagement with the socket,
g) inserting at least a part of the first engagement means into the socket mouth thereby disengaging the free end and/or the first tooth and the second teeth from the pipe by forcing them outwardly until the pipe can be withdrawn,
h) withdrawing the pipe out of the socket and the tool and
i) disengaging the first engagement means from the socket.
Still further embodiments of the invention can be characterized in that in step a), b), f) and/or g), the distance between the first engagement means and the second engagement means is reduced, in particular by closing the tool, and/or in step d) and/or i) the distance between the first engagement means and the second engagement means is enlarged, in particular by opening the tool.
It is preferred that a third engagement means of the tool is formed in connection with the second engagement means via a handle and for at least temporarily engaging the first engagement means.
A tool for assembling or disassembling a pipe fitting arrangement is also provided, said tool comprising first engagement means for engaging at least partly around the pipe, said first engagement means having at least one part adapted to enter the socket around the pipe in order to force at least a part of the free end of the socket and/or at least a part of the first internal tooth and at least a part of the second internal teeth outwardly to enable an insertion and withdrawal of the pipe, second engagement means for engaging the socket as well as third engagement means for engaging the first engagement means in order to locate the socket relative to the tool, in particular within the tool, and a handle connected with the second and third engagement means and suited to be actuated, in particular via actuation means, to urge the second engagement means either to engage the socket or disengage the socket and the first engagement means either to be inserted into the socket or to be withdrawn from the socket such that insertion of the pipe into the socket and removal of the pipe from the socket without the free end and/or the first tooth and the second teeth touching the pipe is ensured.
Embodiments of the tool of the invention are characterized in that the first engagement means is connected to and/or at least partly displaceable relative to the third engagement means, preferably via a first joint, in particular in form of a pivot and/or first spring means.
Preferably, in at least one embodiment, the first engagement means comprises a main body, in particular in form of a ring, having at least one face or shoulder adapted to engage the mouth of the socket into which the pipe is to be inserted and from which the pipe is to be removed, and a first opening for the pipe, said first opening preferably being defined by the face or shoulder and/or being variable and/or adjustable, most preferably via the actuation means and/or second spring means, in particular the second spring means and the first spring means being formed together.
Further proposed herein is that the main body is deformable, preferably being formed at least partly from elastic or spring material, and/or can be opened, preferably by comprising at least one split, most preferably two opposing splits, and/or by providing a plurality of fingers or claws between recesses.
It is also proposed that the main body comprises at least one, in particular angled, extension next to one split, preferably two such extensions one on each side of the split, to facilitate entering of the pipe into the first engagement means through the split.
Further embodiments can be characterized in that the main body is formed by two halves being connected to each other, preferably at a second joint, in particular in form of a pivot, arranged next to a split, most preferably the split opposite the extension(s), in particular the second joint being identical to the first joint.
Still further embodiments can be characterized in that the part of the first engagement means to be inserted into the socket has a tube like form, preferably having at least one split, most preferably two opposing splits, and/or is provided with a chamfer or tapering off towards its free end for facilitating its insertion into the socket.
It is also proposed that the outer surface of the first engagement means is provided with at least one abutment shoulder, projection or bend for engaging the socket mouth and/or the first tooth, preferably defining a deformation of at least a part of the free end, in particular in the region of an extension, and/or the first tooth. The shoulder, projection or bend may be provided on the chamfer, preferably next to a step. Preferably, the part of the first engagement means is formed as a projection of the main body surrounding the first opening at least partly.
It is additionally preferred that the second engagement means comprises first holding means for engagement with the socket and the third engagement means comprises second holding means for engagement with the first engagement means, the socket being preferably locatable between the two holding means and/or the holding means being preferably moveable relative to each other, most preferably via the actuation means.
Further it is proposed that the first holding means comprises a substantially U-shaped first body, preferably in form of a first jaw, and/or the second holding means comprises a substantially U-shaped second body, preferably in form of a second jaw.
Still further it is proposed that the first holding means has a second opening for the socket and/or the second holding means has a third opening for the pipe, the second and/or third opening being preferably variable and/or adjustable, in particular via the actuation means and/or third spring means for facilitating the insertion of the pipe and/or socket, the third spring means most preferably being formed together with the first and/or second spring means.
Various embodiments described herein can be characterized in that the second opening is provided between two halves of the first holding means being pivotably connected to each other, preferably via a third pivot, most preferably being identical to the first joint, and/or the third opening is provided between two halves of the second holding means being pivotably connected to each other, preferably via a fourth joint, most preferably being identical with the third joint.
Various embodiments described herein can also be characterized in that the first, second and/or third spring means comprise(s) at least one elastic ring, in particular a rubber O-ring, arranged substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first, second and/or third opening, preferably the first spring means being arranged within at least one recess of the main body and the second holding means.
The first holding means may be adapted to engage the socket outer surface between a first internal projection or shoulder or bend of the socket for limiting insertion of the pipe into the socket and a second internal projection or shoulder or bend of the socket for limiting movement of a sealing ring in the pipe insertion direction, or between said second internal projection or shoulder or bend and a third internal projection or shoulder or bend of the socket for limiting movement of the grip ring in the pipe insertion direction and/or limiting movement of the sealing ring in the pipe removal direction.
A tool as described herein can be further characterized in that the third internal shoulder is provided by the internal projection limiting movement of the first internal tooth and the second internal teeth when inserting the tool into the socket. The internal projection may have a shoulder facing the grip ring, preferably provided with a chamfer, said chamfer most preferably running substantially parallel to the chamfer of the tool when inserted.
Yet further embodiments described herein may be characterized in that the first holding means is adapted to engage the socket outer surface next to at least one external shoulder or projection and/or within a recess or groove.
In at least one embodiment, the handle and the actuation means are formed as a plier's and/or ratchet's handle and actuation means. The handle, preferably in U-shape, may be connected to the first and the second holding means, most preferably with a holding means provided at each free end.
Furthermore it is proposed that the free ends of the handle are moveable towards each other and away from each other via the actuating means, preferably by moving a slider bar, in particular within a slot provided in each arm of the U-shaped handle, to the free ends and away therefrom.
Finally, the slider bar may be positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first, second and/or third opening and/or is fixable in at least two positions.
Advantageously, with the present disclosure, insertion of a pipe into a socket that is housing a grip ring without employing a tool as described herein can be made impossible. This is achieved by providing the socket mouth and/or the grip ring with an internal diameter that is smaller than the outer pipe diameter such that the pipe insertion requires the tool extending or expanding said internal diameter(s).
Thus, in accordance with various embodiments described herein, the present disclosure refers to a method for inserting a pipe into a socket for obtaining a pipe fitting arrangement in which the pipe is retainable within the socket by teeth of a grip ring placed within the socket and for removing the pipe out of the socket by making usage of a tool, characterized by the following steps for pipe insertion:
The present disclosure also refers to a tool for assembling or disassembling a pipe fitting arrangement with such a method as described above.
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
a is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a housing of a known pipe fitting arrangement;
b is a perspective view of a known release tool;
a is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first socket of a pipe fitting arrangement, prior to insertion of a pipe;
b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second socket of a pipe fitting arrangement, prior to insertion of a pipe;
a is a part perspective view of a first tool described herein;
b is a different perspective view of the first tool of
a to 5d are part perspective views, with parts cut away, demonstrating a method with the first tool shown in
a to 8c are part perspective views, with parts cut away, demonstrating a method making usage of the second tool of
In accordance with at least one embodiment described herein, a method can be employed for assembling a socket 1 with a pipe 18 shown in
The sealing ring 10 is arranged within a groove 4 defined not only by the shoulder 1e but also by a shoulder 1f provided by a projection 2 and limiting the movement of the sealing ring 10 in the pipe withdrawal direction. The projection 2 in addition limits the movement of a grip ring 12 in the pipe insertion direction, said grip ring 12, being arranged within a further groove 5, has external teeth 13 as well as internal teeth 14. The internal teeth 14 are elastically deformable, that is they can be forced outwardly until engaging the projection 2, in particular its shoulder 2a. The groove 5 is provided by a further shoulder 2b of the projection 2 and a shoulder 2c of a socket mouth 3.
The external teeth 13 of the grip ring 12 engage the socket 1, in particular in the region of the groove 5. The socket mouth 3 is provided by a folded end 3a of the socket 1 and defines a socket mouth opening 6 having a diameter D1 being less than the outer diameter D2 of the pipe 18. Thus, the pipe 18 cannot be inserted into the socket 1 without deforming, in particular expanding, the folded end 3a with a tool, for example the tool described below with reference to
Other socket geometries can be used with a method as described herein, as long as its socket mouth opening diameter D1 is smaller than the outer pipe diameter D2. Such a further geometry of a socket 1′ is shown in
Such a tool 20 is now described with reference to
The ring 24 is also provided with a front face 24d for engaging a socket mouth 3″ as will be described with reference to
The first engagement means 24, 26 is connected with second and third engagement means 34, 36. The second engagement means comprises a U-shaped jaw 34 with an opening 34a for the socket 1″. In fact, in this embodiment, the jaw 34 can grip the outer circumference of the socket 1″ in the region of the step 1″b as best shown in
The closing of the tool 20 and, thus, the approaching of the two jaws 34, 36 is shown in
The folded end 3″a is, thus, arranged in the region of a step 26g such that further movement of the projection 26 into the socket 1″ will not only force the internal teeth 14 of the grip ring 12 outwardly until abutting against the projection 2″, but also further expanding the socket mouth 3″ to enhance the opening 6″, see
During the insertion of the tube 18 into the socket 1″ neither the folded end 3″a, with its extensions 3″c, nor the internal teeth 14 touch the outer circumference of the pipe 18 and, therefore, any damage thereof is avoided. In order to finalize the pipe fitting arrangement, the projection 26 has to be withdrawn out of the socket 1″ by opening the tool 20. See, e.g.,
When the projection 26 passes the grip ring 12, the internal teeth 14 will relax into a position in which they engage the outer circumference of the pipe 16. Finally, the assembled pipe fitting arrangement can be disengaged from the tool 20, not shown.
To summarize, the socket mouth diameter being less than the pipe outer diameter ensures that until the prescribed tool 20 is employed, a joint between the socket 1″ and the pipe 18 cannot be made.
In an alternative method for ensuring pipe insertion solely with a tool as described herein, a grip ring 12′ as shown in
The pliers-like tool 20′ is provided with a first engagement means 24′, 26′ for engaging a socket (not shown) and/or a pipe (not shown), a second engagement means 34′ for engaging the socket and a third engagement means 36′ for engaging the first engagement means 24′, 26′ as explained in detail in the following, also making reference to
With respect to
To release a previously fitted joint, that is the pipe fitting arrangement which has just been described, by removing the pipe 18, the following sequence of steps can be conducted:
Thus, the tool 20′ of the invention not only facilitates assembling as well as disassembling of a pipe fitting arrangement and is easy to handle, but also avoids any damaging of the different components of the pipe fitting arrangement, in particular the pipe 18 thereof, such that the pipe fitting arrangement, even after having been connected and released for several times, still is fluid tight. As with the present disclosure, the usage of such a tool 20′ cannot be avoided due to the internal teeth 15′ hindering an entering of the pipe 18 into the socket 1′″, it is, in fact, assured that a fluid tight pipe fitting arrangement is assembled.
Although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art, it is the intention of the present application to embody within the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably come within the scope of this contribution to the art. The features disclosed in the description, the figures as well as the claims, may be implemented alone or in every combination for the realization of the present invention in its different embodiments.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07006842.4 | Apr 2007 | EP | regional |
