BRPI0614463A2

BRPI0614463A2 - connector for a flexible tube, and connector system for a flexible tube

Info

Publication number: BRPI0614463A2
Application number: BRPI0614463-2A
Authority: BR
Inventors: Melchor Mittersteiner; Sergio Barrientos
Original assignee: Thc International Llc
Priority date: 2005-08-05
Filing date: 2006-08-04
Publication date: 2011-03-29
Also published as: WO2007019270A2; MX2008001725A; WO2007019270A8; CA2617762A1; WO2007019270A3

Abstract

CONECTOR PARA UM TUBO FLEXìVEL, E, SISTEMA DE CONECTOR PARA UM TUBO FLEXìVEL Um conector para um tubo flexível inclui um corpo de conector que tem uma porção de extremidade para acoplar a um tubo flexível. A porção de extremidade inclui uma porção tronco-cónica e uma porção cilíndrica adjacente. A porção tronco-cónica tem sua porção mais larga adjacente à porção cilíndrica e tem um diâmetro maior que o diâmetro da porção cilíndrica e forma um ressalto que estende radialmente substancialmente transversal com a porção cilíndrica para forçar o tubo a formar uma protuberância ao redor do ressalto. A porção tronco-cónica tem sua porção mais estreita com um diâmetro ligeiramente menor que o diâmetro interno do tubo para facilitar a inserção no tubo. Um anel tem uma superficie interna cilíndrica com um diâmetro interno substancialmente igual ao diâmetro externo do tubo. O anel é posicionado para sobre-jazer o ressalto de modo a comprimir a protuberância contra o ressalto e vedar o tubo ao corpo de conector.CONNECTOR FOR A FLEXIBLE TUBE, AND CONNECTOR SYSTEM FOR A FLEXIBLE TUBE A connector for a flexible tube includes a connector body that has an end portion for coupling to a flexible tube. The end portion includes a trunk-conical portion and an adjacent cylindrical portion. The trunk-conical portion has its widest portion adjacent to the cylindrical portion and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion and forms a shoulder that extends radially substantially transversal with the cylindrical portion to force the tube to form a protuberance around the shoulder . The trunk-conical portion has its narrowest portion with a slightly smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the tube to facilitate insertion into the tube. A ring has a cylindrical inner surface with an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the tube. The ring is positioned to overlap the boss in order to compress the protrusion against the boss and seal the tube to the connector body.

Description

"CONECTOR PARA UM TUBO FLEXÍVEL, E, SISTEMA DECONECTOR PARA UM TUBO FLEXÍVEL""FLEXIBLE PIPE CONNECTOR AND FLEXIBLE DECONECTOR SYSTEM"

Pedido correlatoRelated request

Este é um pedido não-provisório, que reivindica o benefício deprioridade do pedido provisório 60/705.555, depositado em 5 de agosto de 2005.This is a non-provisional claim claiming the benefit of the overdue provisional claim 60 / 705.555 filed on August 5, 2005.

Campo da invençãoField of the invention

A presente invenção refere-se geralmente à montagem detubos flexíveis, como polietileno, polibutileno, polipropileno, poliésteresflexíveis, poliamidas, PVC flexível, ou o equivalente, e, particularmente a umconector para a conexão rápida a um tubo.The present invention generally relates to the assembly of flexible pipes such as polyethylene, polybutylene, polypropylene, flexible polyesters, polyamides, flexible PVC, or the like, and particularly to a connector for quick connection to a pipe.

Fundamentos da invençãoFundamentals of the invention

A presente invenção se aperfeiçoa sobre a patente US5.178.423.The present invention improves upon US 5,178,423.

Objetivos e sumário da invençãoObjectives and Summary of the Invention

E um objetivo da presente invenção prover um conector paratubulações flexíveis ou semi-rígidas que possa ser instalado relativamenterapidamente, exigindo somente uma força axial em relação ao comprimentodo tubo.It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector for flexible or semi-rigid pipelines that can be relatively quickly installed, requiring only axial force relative to the pipe length.

A presente invenção provê um conector para um tubo flexívelcompreende um corpo de conector tendo uma porção de extremidade para seacoplar a um tubo flexível. O corpo de conector inclui uma porção tronco-cônica e uma porção cilíndrica adjacente. A porção tronco-cônica se afila deampla primeira estreita para dentro do tubo. A porção tronco-cônica tem suaporção mais ampla adjacente à porção cilíndrica e tem um diâmetro maior doque o diâmetro da porção cilíndrica e forma um ressalto se estendendoradialmente substancialmente transversal com a porção cilíndrica para forçaro tubo a formar uma protuberância ao redor do mencionado ressalto. A porçãotronco-cônica tem sua porção mais estreita com um diâmetro ligeiramentemenor do que o diâmetro do tubo, facilitando, desse modo, a inserção daporção tronco-cônica para dentro do tubo. Uma luva tem uma superfícieinterna cilíndrica com um diâmetro interno substancialmente igual aodiâmetro externo do tubo. A luva é posicionada para se sobrepor ao ressaltopara, desse modo, comprimir a protuberância contra o ressalto e vedar o tuboao corpo de conector.The present invention provides a hose connector comprising a connector body having an end portion for coupling to a hose. The connector body includes a frusto-conical portion and an adjacent cylindrical portion. The trunk-tapered portion tapers the first narrow one into the tube. The frusto-conical portion has wider swelling adjacent to the cylindrical portion and is larger in diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical portion and forms a shoulder extending substantially substantially transversely with the cylindrical portion to force the tube to form a protrusion around said shoulder. The truncated conical portion has its narrowest portion with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the tube, thus facilitating the insertion of the trunk-conical portion into the tube. A sleeve has a cylindrical inner surface with an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the tube. The sleeve is positioned to overlap the shoulder thereby compressing the protrusion against the shoulder and sealing the pipe to the connector body.

A presente invenção também provê uma ferramenta que podeser usada para instalar o conector descrito aqui.The present invention also provides a tool that can be used to install the connector described herein.

Estes e outros objetivos da presente invenção se tornarãovisíveis a partir da descrição detalhada a seguir.These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

Breve descrição dos desenhosBrief Description of Drawings

A Figura 1 é uma vista em perspectiva parcialmente em seçãotransversal de um conector de tubo feito de acordo com a presente invenção.Figure 1 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a pipe connector made in accordance with the present invention.

A Figura 2 é uma vista em seção transversal longitudinal doconector da Figura 1.Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 1.

As Figuras 3-5 são desenhos de montagem em perspectiva doconector da Figura 1.Figures 3-5 are perspective mounting drawings of the connector of Figure 1.

A Figura 6 é uma vista em perspectiva de uma ferramenta quepode ser usada para instalar o conector da Figura 1, mostrado antes deempurrar o anel de preensão para dentro do corpo de conector.Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tool that can be used to install the connector of Figure 1, shown before pushing the gripping ring into the connector body.

A Figura 7 é uma vista em seção transversal da ferramenta daFigura 6, mostrando a ferramenta depois de ter empurrado o anel de preensãopara dentro do corpo de conector.Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tool of Figure 6 showing the tool after pushing the gripping ring into the connector body.

A Figura 8 é uma vista de extremidade da ferramenta daFigura 6, mostrada na posição aberta.Figure 8 is an end view of the tool of Figure 6, shown in the open position.

Descrição detalhada da invençãoDetailed Description of the Invention

Um conector de tubo 2 feito de acordo com a presenteinvenção é revelado na Figura 1. O conector compreende um corpo deconector 4 e um anel de preensão 6. Um tubo 8 é visto preso ao corpo 4 deuma maneira que será descrita abaixo. O corpo 4 e o anel 6 são feitos, depreferência, de um material plástico que é mais duro do que o material a partirdo qual é feito o tubo.A tube connector 2 made in accordance with the present invention is disclosed in Figure 1. The connector comprises a deconector body 4 and a gripping ring 6. A tube 8 is viewed attached to the body 4 in a manner which will be described below. The body 4 and the ring 6 are preferably made of a plastic material which is harder than the material from which the tube is made.

O corpo 4 tem uma abertura central 10 em comunicação com ointerior do tubo 8. O corpo 4 inclui uma porção de extremidade tronco-cônicaexterna 12 unida a uma porção cilíndrica adjacente 14. A porção tronco-cônica 12 tem uma porção de diâmetro menor 16 que é ligeiramente menor doque o diâmetro interno do tubo 8 para facilitar a inserção da porção 12 paradentro do tubo. A porção tronco-cônica 12 tem uma porção de diâmetro maior18 que é maior do que o diâmetro interno do tubo 8. A porção cilíndrica 14tem um diâmetro ligeiramente maior do que o diâmetro interno do tubo 8 emenor do que o diâmetro da porção 18, de modo que um ressalto seestendendo radialmente substancialmente transversal 20 seja formado najunção entre a porção cilíndrica 14 e a porção tronco-cônica 12. O ressalto 20inclui uma superfície radial 21 que forma uma borda periférica 23 com aporção de diâmetro maior 18 da porção de extremidade tronco-cônica 12. Aporção cilíndrica 14 é, de preferência, longa suficiente para permitir à bordade tubo se estender para além do ressalto 20, onde ela é esticada para fora,para onde a borda de tubo seja capaz de retornar a seu diâmetro original.The body 4 has a central opening 10 in communication with the interior of the tube 8. The body 4 includes an external frusto-conical end portion 12 joined to an adjacent cylindrical portion 14. The frusto-conical portion 12 has a smaller diameter portion 16 than It is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe 8 to facilitate insertion of the portion 12 into the pipe. The frusto-conical portion 12 has a larger diameter portion18 which is larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 8. The cylindrical portion 14 has a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of pipe 8 and smaller than the diameter of the portion 18 of such that a substantially transverse radially extending shoulder 20 is formed at the junction between the cylindrical portion 14 and the frusto-conical portion 12. The shoulder 20 includes a radial surface 21 that forms a peripheral edge 23 with larger diameter 18 of the trunk-end portion The tapered rod 14 is preferably long enough to allow the pipe edge to extend beyond the shoulder 20 where it is extended outward to where the pipe edge is able to return to its original diameter.

O anel 6 tem um diâmetro interno substancialmente igual aodiâmetro externo do tubo 8. O anel 6 tem uma superfície cilíndrica interna 22.Uma nervura 24 pode ser provida em uma área ao redor e acima do ressalto20 na posição instalada para prover maior rigidez na resistência às forças parafora exercidas pela porção do tubo no ressalto 20 quando ele é comprimidopelo anel 6. Entretanto, alguém experiente na técnica entenderá que a nervura24 pode não ser exigida, se o anel 6 for adequadamente projetado para umaespessura para resistir às forças compressivas envolvidas durante o uso.Ring 6 has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of tube 8. Ring 6 has an inner cylindrical surface 22. A rib 24 may be provided in an area around and above shoulder 20 in the installed position to provide greater rigidity in resistance to forces exerted by the portion of the tube on shoulder 20 when it is compressed by ring 6. However, one skilled in the art will understand that rib 24 may not be required if ring 6 is suitably designed for a thickness to withstand the compressive forces involved during use. .

O corpo 4 também inclui uma porção rosqueada 26 paracooperar com uma porca, como aquela mostrada na patente US 5.178.423,que pode ser usada em lugar do anel 6. A porção rosqueada 26 também formaum flange 28 na fronteira com a porção cilíndrica 14 que, vantajosamente,serve como um batente para a extremidade da mangueira 8 quando inseridadentro do corpo de conector 4. O flange, vantajosamente, também provê afunção de um guia quanto mais longe o anel 6 é inserido por cima do corpo 4.The body 4 also includes a threaded portion 26 for operating with a nut, such as that shown in US Patent 5,178,423, which may be used in place of ring 6. The threaded portion 26 also forms a flange 28 bordering the cylindrical portion 14 which advantageously serves as a stop for the hose end 8 when inserting into the connector body 4. The flange also advantageously provides a guide function as the farther ring 6 is inserted above the body 4.

E preferível que a nervura 24 ou a porção média do anel 6 seja posicionadaacima do ressalto 20 quando o anel 6 é instalado.It is preferable for rib 24 or the middle portion of ring 6 to be positioned above shoulder 20 when ring 6 is installed.

Na operação, o anel 6 é inserido em uma extremidade do tubo8, como mais bem mostrado na Figura 3. O tubo é, então, inserido por cimado corpo de conector 4. O ressalto 20 cria uma protuberância circunferencial30, como mais bem mostrado na Figura 4. A extremidade do tubo é impelidacontra o flange 28. O anel de preensão 6 é deslizado sobre a porção tronco-cônica 12 e a porção cilíndrica 14, como mais bem mostrado nas Figuras 1 e5. O anel 6, de preferência, é posicionado substancialmente centralmente noressalto 20. O flange 28, vantajosamente, provê um marcador de quão longe oanel 6 é deslizado por cima do corpo de conector 4. O anel 6 pressiona parabaixo sobre a protuberância 30 contra a borda 23, provendo, desse modo, umavedação.In operation, the ring 6 is inserted into one end of the tube 8, as best shown in Figure 3. The tube is then inserted over the connector body 4. The shoulder 20 creates a circumferential protrusion 30, as best shown in Figure 4. The end of the tube is driven against the flange 28. The gripping ring 6 is slid over the frusto-conical portion 12 and the cylindrical portion 14, as best shown in Figures 1 and 5. Ring 6 is preferably positioned substantially centrally on the shoulder 20. Flange 28 advantageously provides a marker of how far ring 6 is slid over connector body 4. Ring 6 presses downwardly over protrusion 30 against edge 23, thereby providing an enclosure.

O conector 2 pode ser integrado dentro de qualquer conexãoque exija encaixe a um tubo, tal como um encaixe em T mostrado na Figura 3,um encaixe reto para conectar duas seções de um tubo, um encaixe de válvulaetc.Connector 2 can be integrated into any fitting that requires a pipe fitting, such as a T-fitting shown in Figure 3, a straight fitting for connecting two sections of a pipe, a valve fitting etc.

Uma ferramenta 32 que pode ser usada para instalar o anel 6por cima do tubo 8 é revelada na Figura 6. A ferramenta 32 inclui uma basepor cima da qual são presos os apoios angulares opostamente dispostos 36 e38. Um par de trilhos tubulares paralelos suporta de maneira deslizante umcorpo de suporte de tubo 42. As superfícies de topo do apoio 36 e o corpo 42são providos de depressões semi-cilíndricas 44 e 46, respectivamente, paraembalar a porção rosqueada do corpo de conector 4 e o tubo 8,respectivamente, como mais bem mostrado na Figura 7. Um membropivotante 48 é articuladamente preso ao apoio 36 e é provido de umadepressão semi-cilíndrica 50. Um outro membro pivotante 52 éarticuladamente preso ao corpo deslizante 42 e é provido de uma depressãosemi-cilíndrica complementar 54. Os eixos de pivô dos membros 48 e 52 sãoalinhados de modo que ambos os membros possam ser pivotados ao mesmotempo por meio de um manipulo 58.A tool 32 that can be used to install the ring 6 above the tube 8 is shown in Figure 6. The tool 32 includes a base over which the oppositely disposed angle supports 36 and 38 are attached. A pair of parallel tubular rails slidingly supports a pipe support body 42. The top surfaces of the support 36 and the body 42 are provided with semi-cylindrical depressions 44 and 46, respectively, to pack the threaded portion of the connector body 4 and tube 8, respectively, as best shown in Figure 7. A pivoting member 48 is pivotally attached to the support 36 and is provided with a semi-cylindrical depression 50. Another pivoting member 52 is particularly attached to the sliding body 42 and is provided with a semi-depressed - complementary cylindrical 54. The pivot axes of members 48 and 52 are aligned so that both members can be pivoted at the same time by means of a handle 58.

O manipulo 58 é preso pivotadamente ao membro 52. Umbraço 60 adicionalmente conecta pivotadamente o manipulo 58 ao membro48. O manipulo 58 provê a alavancagem necessária para empurrar o anel 6por cima do corpo de conector 4 e do tubo 8.Handle 58 is pivotally attached to member 52. Umbra 60 additionally pivotably connects handle 58 to member48. Handle 58 provides the leverage necessary to push ring 6 over connector body 4 and tube 8.

Na operação, os membros 48 e 52 são pivotados para a posiçãoaberta empurrando-se o manipulo 58 para a direita na Figura 8. A porçãorosqueada 26 e o tubo 8 são, então, assentados sobre as respectivas depressões44 e 46, com o anel 6 posicionado entre o apoio 36 e o corpo 42. Os membrospivotantes 48 e 52 são fechados, como mostrado na Figura 8, e o manipulo 58puxado na direção afastando-se a partir do corpo de conector 4, empurrando,desse modo, o membro deslizante 42 e o membro anexo 52 em direção àextremidade do tubo 8. O anel 6, que é encaixado à face vertical dos membros42 e 52 é, desse modo, empurrado e desliza por cima do tubo até que a bordade ataque do anel 6 encaixe a face oposta do apoio 36 e o membro 48, comomais bem mostrado na Figura 7. Nesse ponto, a instalação está completa e omanipulo é novamente empurrado para a direita na Figura 8 para liberar otubo 8 e o conector. A porção rosqueada 26 é presa no lugar por meio de umflange 62, enquanto o anel 6 está sendo empurrado, como mais bem mostradona Figura 8.In operation, members 48 and 52 are pivoted to the open position by pushing handle 58 to the right in Figure 8. Threaded portion 26 and tube 8 are then seated on respective depressions44 and 46, with ring 6 positioned between the support 36 and the body 42. The pivoting members 48 and 52 are closed as shown in Figure 8 and the handle 58 pulled in direction away from the connector body 4, thereby pushing the sliding member 42 and annex member 52 toward end of tube 8. Ring 6, which engages with the vertical face of members 42 and 52, is thereby pushed and slips over the tube until the leading edge of ring 6 engages the opposite face of the tube. support 36 and member 48, as best shown in Figure 7. At this point, the installation is complete and the knob is again pushed to the right in Figure 8 to release tube 8 and the connector. The threaded portion 26 is held in place by a flange 62 while the ring 6 is being pushed, as best shown in Figure 8.

Embora esta invenção tenha sido descrita como tendo projetopreferido, é entendido que ela é capaz de modificação, usos e/ou adaptaçõesadicionais, seguindo, em geral, o princípio da invenção e incluindo essaspartidas a partir da presente revelação como vindo dentro da práticaconhecida ou costumeira na técnica à qual a invenção pertence, e comopodem ser aplicadas às características essenciais apresentadas, e recaemdentro do escopo da invenção ou dos limites das reivindicações anexas.Although this invention has been described as having preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of modification, additional uses and / or adaptations, generally following the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as coming within the known or customary practice in the art. technique to which the invention belongs, and may apply to the essential characteristics set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Connector for a flexible tube, characterized in that it includes: a) a connector body for coupling to a flexible tube, b) said connector body including a frusto-conical portion and an adjacent cylindrical portion, said frusto-conical portion. drawing narrow to narrow in the tube to be coupled c) said frusto-conical portion having its widest portion adjacent said cylindrical portion and having a diameter larger than the diameter of said cylindrical portion and forming a shoulder extending radially substantially transverse with said cylindrical portion to force the coupled tube to form a protrusion around said shoulder d) said stem-conical portion having its narrower portion with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tube to be coupled thereby facilitating insertion of said trunk portion -conical in the coupled aser tube; ee) a ring having a cylindrical inner surface with a uniform inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the coupling to be coupled, said cylindrical inner surface is positioned over said cylindrical portion and said shoulder so as to compress the protuberance against said shoulder and to seal it. tube to be coupled to deconector body.

Connector for a flexible tube according to Claim 1, characterized in that said cylindrical portion has a substantially longer length than said transverse shoulder height.

Connector for a flexible pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that said cylindrical portion has a diameter slightly larger than the narrowest portion diameter of the frusto-conical diperspray.

Connector for a flexible pipe according to Claim 3, characterized in that said cylindrical portion has a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the pipe to be coupled.

Connector for a flexible tube according to claim 1, characterized in that said shoulder includes a radial surface forming a peripheral edge with said wider portion.

Connector for a flexible pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that said connector body includes a threaded portion adjacent to said cylindrical portion.

Connector for a flexible pipe according to claim 6, characterized in that said threaded portion forms a flange at a junction with said cylindrical portion.

Connector for a hose according to Claim 1, characterized in that said connector body is made of plastic.

Connector for a flexible tube according to claim 1, characterized in that said ring is made of plastic.

Connector for a flexible pipe according to Claim 1, characterized in that: (a) said ring includes an outer cylindrical surface; and b) a rib disposed about the cylindrical surface said between opposite edge portions of said ring.

11. Connector system for a flexible tube, characterized in that it comprises: a) a connector body for coupling to a flexible tube, b) said connector body including a frusto-conical portion and an adjacent cylindrical portion, said frusto-conical portion tapering narrowly within the tube to be coupled, c) said frusto-conical portion having its widest portion adjoining said cylindrical portion and having a diameter larger than the diameter of said cylindrical portion and forming a substantially transverse shoulder extending radially with said a cylindrical portion to force the tube to be coupled to form a protrusion around said shoulder, d) said tapered portion having its narrower portion with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tube to be coupled, thereby facilitating the insertion of trunk-conical portion in the tube to be coupled; e) a ring having a cylindrical inner surface with a uniform inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the hub to be coupled, said cylindrical inner surface is positioned over said cylindrical portion and said shoulder thereby to compress the protuberance against said shoulder and seal the tube to be coupled to said deconector body; and f) a tool including a retainer for retaining said connector body and a sliding member for pushing said ring over said connector body, thereby positioning said ring to overlap said cylindrical portion and said shoulder.

Connector system according to claim 11, characterized in that said tool further comprises: a) a base, b) said retainer is secured to said base, c) a guide operably fastened to said base, d) said sliding member is slidably attached to said guide, said sliding member having an opening through which the tube to be coupled passes said sliding member including a vertical face by engaging a rim of said ring; ee) a lever for moving said sliding member towards said retainer and pushing said ring over said connector body.

Connector system according to claim 11, characterized in that: a) said retainer includes a support attached to said base, said support includes a first top surface having a first half-cylindrical depression; pivotally attached to said support, said first member having a second half-cylindrical depression on a first bottom surface facing said first top surface, said second half-cylindrical depression which is complementary to said first half-cylindrical depression; and c) said first and second half-cylindrical depressions to receive and retain said connector body while said ring is being impacted by said sliding member.

Connector system according to claim 13, characterized in that said sliding member includes: a) a sliding base member attached to said guide, said sliding member includes a second top surface having a third half-cylindrical pressure; ) a second member pivotally attached to said sliding member, said second member having a fourth half-cylindrical depression on a second bottom surface facing said second detective surface, said fourth half-cylindrical depression which is complementary to the third half-cylindrical depression; said third and fourth half-cylindrical depressions are adapted to surround the pipe to be coupled; and d) said sliding base member and said second member include said vertical face.

Connector system according to claim 14, characterized in that said first and second members are connected to each other.

Connector system according to claim 12, characterized in that: a) said lever includes a handle pivotably connected to said sliding member; and b) a pivotal arm connected to said retainer and an intermediate portion of said crank such that pulling or pushing on said crank causes said sliding member to move to or away from the detent, respectively.