The present invention concerns the connection of tubing components to pipes, and has particular relevance to air-conditioning systems.
The global market for air-conditioning systems has risen dramatically in the last decade and looks set to continue to expand, for example into Eastern Europe. Currently, the most advanced air-conditioning system in common use is the VRV or Variable Refrigerant Volume system. This system comes in two types: “cooling only” which is a two-pipe system, or a three pipe system which performs cooling and heating providing heating through recognised heat-pump technology.
A network of pipes is installed around the building to supply refrigerant to the relevant cooling coils (“air handlers”) in the required areas.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection kit and method which overcome the above problems. This is achieved by the use of cold jointing means with a correspondingly resized tubing component.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a tubing component having at least two in-line sections with different external diameters and a set of connection means, each connection means having dimensions such that it may be joined to the tubing component at a respective section.
Preferably, each connection means comprises a locking ring.
The kit of parts may be used in fabricating an air-conditioning system.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting a tubing component to a pipe comprising the steps of:
Preferably, each connection means comprises a locking ring.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following figures, in which:—
Referring now to
Connection between the component 1′ and pipe 2 is achieved by use of a connection means 3, which in the present embodiment comprises a locking ring. A suitable locking ring for this purpose is for example manufactured by Vulkan Lokring, Rohrverbindungen GmbH & Co. KG of Herne, Germany. Connection is achieved by inserting the ends of the pipe and component into the locking ring as shown, the ends being covered with a sealing preparation beforehand if necessary. A compression device is then used to squeeze the two end rings 4 of the locking ring together, which compresses the ends and holds them tightly and sealingly within the connection means. The compression device will preferably comprise a manually operable tool, which uses a ratchet arrangement to assist the user in forcing the rings together. A powered compression device is also available, and both of these devices are manufactured by Vulkan Lokring for example. The connected assembly is shown in
The advantage of using such a connection means is that the join can be done cold, i.e. without welding, thus reducing the complexity, time and cost of the assembly operation. Furthermore, no expensive or complex equipment is needed to fit the connection means.
A plurality of connection means of different sizes will be provided, allowing the tubing component to be fitted to a variety of sizes of pipe by appropriate selection of component width section and connection means.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments above, there are many other modifications and alternatives possible within the scope of the claims. For example, any suitable cold connection means may be used in place of the locking ring.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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0324700.4 | Oct 2003 | GB | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/GB2004/004436 | 10/21/2004 | WO | 00 | 5/6/2005 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2005/045297 | 5/19/2005 | WO | A |
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20060284412 A1 | Dec 2006 | US |