JP2020183811A - Pipe joint seal for polymer piping - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a seal assembly which is configured to reliably withstand an insertion process without damage or degradation of a sealing structure and used at a PVCO pipe junction.SOLUTION: A seal assembly 20 includes a main seal body made of a monolithic resilient material, such as rubber, and a stiffener. The seal has a stiffener pocket sized and configured to accept the stiffener, such that the stiffener can be assembled to the seal body by hand. This assembly can be installed into a bell end 14 of a first PVCO pipe 12 and a spigot end of a second PVCO pipe and may be inserted into the bell end and engaged with a main sealing lobe of the seal assembly. The seal assembly is configured to reliably withstand an insertion process without damage or degradation to a sealing structure. Once installed, the seal assembly provides a robust fluid-tight seal along all potential leak paths between the seal assembly and the first and second pipes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Cross-reference with related applications This disclosure claims priority based on US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 842,045 filed May 2, 2019, under Article 119 of the US Patent Act. All of that disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to seals used in fittings, in particular seals used to connect molecularly oriented polyvinyl chloride (PVOC) tubing.

A PVOC tube formed of molecularly oriented polyvinyl chloride can feed liquids and other fluid materials. In particular, PVOC pipes are widely accepted for use in urban underground systems such as sewage / drainage and drinking water supply.

The PVOC tube is formed by stretching heated polyvinyl chloride and increasing its inner diameter. The stretching referred to here is performed by forming a set of a plurality of mandrels that gradually increase in size and passing a PVC tube through the mandrel. As a result, the orientation of the molecules is enhanced, and a PVOC pipe suitable for high-strength applications such as a feeding system for underground sewage and water is produced.

Existing flexible seals and gaskets are known to seal PVOC tubes. When connecting the receiving end of the first pipe and the outlet end of the second pipe, the outlet end is inserted into the receiving end. The receiving end includes a flexible seal that is deformed or bent by the opening end so as to be a liquidtight seal. The flexible seal is generally installed in a groove formed in the side wall of the pipe and includes a sealing lobe that occupies a part of the cross-sectional area normally occupied by the spigot end before deformation. When the spigot end is inserted into the socket end, the sealing lobe deforms or bends to form a seal. However, due to the design of the known seal, it rolls out of the groove when the spigot end is engaged, so that it is completely useless as a seal.

Improvements in the above matters are required.

The present disclosure provides a seal assembly used at the joint of PVCO tubing. The seal assembly includes a main seal body formed of an integrated elastic material such as rubber, and a reinforcing material. The seal has a reinforcing material pocket sized to accommodate the reinforcing material, which allows the reinforcing material to be manually incorporated into the seal body. This assembly can be inserted into the socket end of the first PVCO tube and the outlet end of the second PVCO tube, and can be further inserted into the socket end and engaged with the main sealing lobe of the seal assembly. The seal assembly is configured to reliably withstand the insertion process without damaging or degrading the seal structure. After installation, the seal assembly forms a strong liquidtight seal along all possible leak paths between the seal assembly and the first and second pipes.

In one form, the present disclosure provides a seal assembly for polymer fittings. The seal assembly comprises: an annular flexible seal and an annular reinforcement; the seal is installed around the inner circumference of the polymer fitting so as to define a flow path along the flow axis. Will be done. The seal body is: with the outlet side seal surface; with the socket side seal surface at an angle with respect to the outlet side seal surface, and with the outlet side seal surface facing radially outward from the flow axis. Includes a main sealing lobe extending radially inward from the seal body; and a reinforcing material pocket extending from the socket side seal surface into the seal body. The annular reinforcing material is received in the reinforcing material pocket and has a size that occupies the reinforcing material pocket.

In another form, the present disclosure provides polymer fittings, including seal assemblies. The seal assembly comprises: an annular flexible seal body, the seal body is installed around the inner circumference of the polymer pipe joint so as to define a flow path along a flow axis, and the seal body is installed. : With the outlet side sealing surface; With the receiving side sealing surface at an angle with respect to the outlet side sealing surface and facing the outside of the flow axis in the radial direction together with the outlet side sealing surface; A main sealing lobe extending radially inward from the seal body; a nose end located at the end on the outlet side of the seal body; a first polymer tube, the first polymer tube having a groove for receiving the seal assembly inside. The socket end has a first radial region on the upstream side and the downstream side of the groove, and the groove has a second radial region larger than the first radial region. The seal body has a region, and the seal body is received in the groove extending inward in the radial direction of the first radial region and the main sealing lobe, and the nose end of the seal body is in the radial direction of the first radial region. It is characterized by being on the outside.

In yet another form, the present disclosure provides a method of constructing a seal assembly used to seal the socket of a first tube and the spigot of a second tube. The method: provides a seal assembly that includes a spigot side seal surface, a socket side seal surface, a main sealing lobe, and a stiffener pocket; two or more annulars, each stiffener having a different annular diameter size. Reinforcing material is provided; one or more of the annular reinforcing materials is selected based on the annular diameter of the socket and the annular diameter of the outlet; the selected annular reinforcing material is selected. Inserted into the reinforcing material pocket of the sealing body; after inserting the selected annular reinforcing material into the reinforcing material pocket, a watertight seal is formed between the receiving side sealing surface, the outlet side sealing surface, and the lobe. Includes determining what was done.

It should be understood that both the comprehensive description above and the detailed description below are exemplary and descriptive and do not limit the claimed invention. Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by the specification and implementation of the invention disclosed herein.

By referring to the following description of the embodiments of the present invention together with the accompanying drawings, the above-mentioned and other features and purposes of the present invention, and a method for realizing the same will be clarified, and the present invention itself will be further understood. Will be done.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seal assembly created based on the present disclosure, and is shown along an installation path to a receiving end of a pipe. FIG. 2 is a perspective sectional view of the seal assembly shown in FIG. 1, showing the second pipe in the initial stage of assembling to the first pipe after installation at the receiving end of the first pipe. FIG. 3 is an elevation sectional view showing a state in which the seal assembly is installed at the receiving end of the pipe as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an elevation sectional view of the seal assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 5 is an elevationally developed cross-sectional view of the seal assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an elevation cross-sectional view of the pipe assembly according to FIG. 2, showing how the outlet end of the pipe is approaching the seal assembly but not in contact with it. FIG. 7 is another elevation cross-sectional view of the pipe assembly according to FIG. 6, showing how the outlet end of the pipe begins to contact the main sealing lobe of the seal assembly. FIG. 8 is yet another elevation cross-sectional view of the pipe assembly according to FIG. 6, showing how the spigot end is completely engaged with the seal assembly. 9 is another elevation cross-sectional view of the pipe assembly according to FIG. 8 showing resistance to removal of the spigot end by the seal assembly. FIG. 10 is an elevation sectional view of the seal assembly according to FIG. 8, showing variations in the diameter of the reinforcing material in the seal assembly.

In each drawing, the corresponding reference numerals represent the corresponding parts. The examples shown here represent embodiments of the invention, but in each embodiment the following embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive and limit the scope of the invention to the disclosed embodiments. It is not intended to be interpreted.

The present disclosure is intended for the seal assembly 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, and the seal assembly 20 is installed by a user in a groove 15 formed in a receiving end 14 of the first pipe 12. It is designed to be (Fig. 1). As described in detail below, a part of the seal assembly 20 is resistant to the force applied to the seal assembly 20 when the socket end 14 is connected to the outlet end 18 of the second PVCO pipe 16. This provides an effective, reliable and durable liquidtight seal between the tubes 12 and 16 (FIGS. 2, 6 and 8).

As can be best seen from FIG. 2, the receiving end 14 has an expanded diameter as compared with the main body of the pipe 12, whereby the receiving end 14 becomes the outlet end 18 of the second pipe 16. To accept. In a normal installation, the tubes 12 and 16 have similar shapes, each with a socket end and a spout end. In the receiving end 14, the expansion portion has a first radial region upstream and downstream of the groove 15, and the groove 15 has a second radial region larger than the first radial region, whereby the seal assembly A space large enough to accommodate 20 is provided. The other radial region of the pipe 12 is a flow path along the longitudinal flow axis A (FIG. 1), and the diameter of this flow path is the nominal diameter of the pipe assembly 10. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the axial direction is along or parallel to the axis A, and the radial direction is orthogonal to the axis A. The inner side and the radial inner side refer to those relatively close to or toward the axis A, while the outer side and the radial outer side refer to those relatively far from or far from the axis A.

As can be best seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, the seal assembly 20 is a two-piece fitting including the seal body 22 and the reinforcing member 24. As shown in FIG. 1, the seal body 22 and the reinforcing member 24 have an annular structure. The seal body 22 is made of a flexible material such as rubber, and has a constant density and durometer hardness in the cross-sectional area of the seal body 22. As shown in FIG. 5 and described below, the reinforcing material 24 is configured to be sized to be accommodated in the reinforcing material pocket 32 of the sealing body 22 and is made of a material that is harder than the sealing body 22. As a result, machine support and force distribution are realized when the seal body 22 is used. The reinforcing material 24 and the sealing body 22 can be arranged so that the reinforcing material 24 can be manually installed in the pocket 32 of the sealing body 22, and the assembly 20 can be manually installed in the groove 15 of the receiving end 14 of the pipe 12. Designed with flexibility (Fig. 1).

In embodiments, the seal 22 can be made of SBR, EPDM, TPE, or other suitable elastic material and has a durometer hardness of shore 50A to shore 65A. The reinforcing material 24 can be formed from any of various brands of designed and manufactured thermoplastic resins such as PP, HDPE and PE, and various different fillers and additives are added as required in order to realize desired operating characteristics. Can include. The stiffener 24 may have durometer hardness from shore D65 to shore D90. Due to these materials and material properties, it is possible to realize a shape and configuration that elastically deforms so that the pocket 32 of the main seal body 22 accepts the insertion of the reinforcing material 24, and the assembled seal assembly 20 is sufficient. It functions at a position in the groove 15 of the receiving end 14 of the tube 12 in an elastically deformed state while maintaining a flexible flexibility (FIG. 2).

Referring again to FIG. 3, the seal assembly 20 is installed in the groove 15, which has an inwardly inclined surface that is approximately orthogonal to each other and a rounded transition portion between the surfaces. As shown, the outlet gutter sealing surface 26 engages with one of these inclined surfaces in the groove 15, while the pair of receiving gutter sealing surfaces 28, 29 are the other inclined surfaces of the groove 15. Engage with. The outlet side surface 26 and the socket side surfaces 28 and 29 are provided at an angle to each other and have a rounded transition portion that matches the shape of the inner surface of the groove 15, thereby, as shown in the drawing. The radial outward facing sealing surfaces 26, 28, and 29 are integrated to match the shape of the groove 15. This agreement, combined with the action of the reinforcing material 24 described in detail below and other properties of the seal body 20, causes the radial outward facing surfaces 26, 28, and 29 of the seal body 22 and the grooves 15 in contact with the seal body 22. Liquid tightness with the radial inward surface is ensured.

As can be best seen from FIG. 5, the reinforcing material pocket 32 interferes with the receiving side sealing surface of the sealing body 22, so that the first and second sealing surfaces 28 and 29 are on the opposite side of the reinforcing material pocket 32, that is, , It is on the opposite side of the reinforcing material 24 after installation (FIG. 4). As can be best seen from FIG. 3, this arrangement provides a liquid-tight seal to the reinforcing material pocket 32 from both the outlet side and the receiving side, and as described below, the reinforcing material 24 is provided. The seal body 22 is firmly mechanically supported while being in direct contact with the inward surface of the groove 15. Further, this mechanical support cooperates with the alignment of the sealing surfaces 26, 28, and 29 with the surface of the groove 15, and the fluid outflow from the flow path (FIG. 2) partitioned by the pipe assembly 10 and its flow path. Ensure protection by the seal assembly 20 for both fluid inflows into.

The reinforcing material pocket 32 has a shape and size similar to the shape and size of the reinforcing material 24, whereby when installed on the seal body 22, the reinforcing material 24 covers the entire volume of the reinforcing material pocket 32. Occupy (Fig. 4). In particular, referring to FIG. 5, the reinforcing member 24 has an outer shape composed of three parts, a central portion 24A, a spigot end portion 24B, and a receiving end portion 24C, and the central portion 24A has a substantially axial direction (for example,). Axial line AC extending along the axis line A) is defined, while the outlet end portion 24B extends radially inward from the central portion 24A along the axis line AS and has an angle of 20 to 30 degrees. Make β. For example, the angle β is about 25 degrees and in the illustrated embodiment it is 24 degrees. The opposite receiving end portion 24C extends from the central portion 24A to the outside of the release term along the axis AB and forms an angle γ of 30 to 50 degrees, which is larger than the angle β. For example, the angle γ is about 40 degrees, and in the illustrated embodiment it is 42 degrees. As mentioned above, the reinforcing material pocket 32 has the same size and shape as the reinforcing material 24 in cross section, whereby the reinforcing material pocket 32 has the axes AC, AS, and AB, as well as Determine the angles β and γ.

As can be best seen from FIG. 4, the spatial arrangement of the reinforcing material 24 and the reinforcing material pocket 32 allows the material thickness of the sealing body 22 to be relatively constant, and the minimum nominal thickness of the sealing body 22 in the cross-sectional area. Can be maintained. In particular, referring to FIG. 4, the seal body 22 has three minimum thicknesses T1, T2, and T3, all of which are about the same as each other. The thickness T1 is formed between the shaft end of the outlet side portion 24B of the reinforcing member 24 and the closest exterior surface of the seal body 22 near the nose end. The thickness T2 is formed between the radial outer surface of the outlet side portion 24B of the reinforcing member 24 and the outlet side sealing surface 26. The thickness T3 is formed between the radial inner surface of the central portion 24A of the reinforcing member 24 and the closest exterior surface of the seal body 22 adjacent to the sealing lobe 30. Sealed robe 30. In the illustrated embodiments, the thicknesses T1, T2, and T3 are all in the range of 15% to 20% of each other, thereby facilitating even distribution of the forces that the seal 22 receives during use. Will be done. The force received by the seal body 22 during use includes an external force generated by deformation and bending of the seal and an internal force exerted by the reinforcing member 24 on the seal body 22. For example, in the illustrated embodiment (as described herein as an exact scale), the thickness T1 is about 0.1251 inches, the thickness T2 is about 0.1493 inches, and the thickness T3 is about 0.1468 inches. The maximum variation amount is about 16%.

As described above, the seal body 22 and the reinforcing member 24 are configured to be assembled by hand. A relatively small angle β formed between the outlet end portion 24B and the central portion 24A of the reinforcing material 24, and a portion of the reinforcing material pocket 32 formed to match the angle, which is easy to insert. It is said. However, the angle β is also sized so that the stiffener 24 does not come off or move from the seal 22 after installation, which is a machine between the two parts due to their relative geometry. Contributes to geometrical coupling. Further, a relatively large angle γ between the socket end 24C and the central 24A also enhances this mechanical coupling, allowing the stiffener 24 to be manually incorporated into the stiffener pocket 32.

The two-piece fitting of the seal assembly 20 makes it easy for the stiffener 24 to be completely and accurately located within the stiffener pocket 32 so that the stiffener 24 completely occupies the pocket 32. , Achieve steady and reliable positioning of the reinforcing material 24 in the seal body 22. Further, during installation and during use as the seal assembly 20, the stiffener 24 can remain within the seal 22 without the use of adhesives or other chemical bonds. On the other hand, the conventional seal structure used for the PVOC tube generally uses an adhesive, a chemical bond, or an overmold structure, which is more expensive and complicated.

Furthermore, by mass-producing the seal body 22 and the reinforcing material separately and shipping them to customers and workplaces as separate parts, the two-piece structure of the seal assembly 20 can be efficiently produced with minimal waste. To facilitate. If a manufacturing defect is found in either part, the seal assembly 20 can be assembled by replacing only that part. In the sealed body 22 which is integrated and has a structure in which the density is kept constant, high production resistance can be realized at a relatively low cost by performing separate production as described above. Similarly, the stiffener 24 may also have a structure that is integrated and the density is kept constant, thereby being efficiently manufactured to a high resistance standard.

The reinforcing member 24 also equalizes the distribution of force in the sealing body 22 during and after assembly of the second pipe 16 with respect to the first pipe 12. As shown in FIG. 6, in the insertion step, the outlet end 18 of the second pipe 16 is inserted into the receiving end 14 of the first pipe 12. As the outlet end 18 enters the socket end 14, the inclined surface 17 of the outlet end 18 first contacts the main sealing lobe 30 as shown in FIG. Then, the main sealing lobe 30 gradually bends outward in the radial direction as it advances upward on the inclined surface 17, and becomes a completely deformed and bent shape as shown in FIG. In this configuration, the portion of the sealing body 22 on the radial inner side of the reinforcing material 24 has a thickness T4, while the portion of the sealing body 22 on the radial outer side of the reinforcing material 24 has a thickness T5. As shown, the thicknesses T4 and T5 are about the same as each other, for example, the difference between them is in the range of about 15% to 25%. As a result, the boundary surface between the main sealing lobe 30 and the outlet end 18 of the pipe 16 and the boundary surface between the radial inner surface of the groove 15 and the radial outer surfaces 26, 28, and 29 of the seal body 22. The liquidtightness on the surface is ensured, and the reinforcing material 24 facilitates even distribution of the force in the sealing body 22. As a result, the pressurized fluid does not leak from any potential leak path between the pipes 12 and 16.

As described above and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the receiving side portion 24C of the reinforcing member 24 abuts on the inner surface of the groove 15 between the receiving side sealing surfaces 28 and 29. The direct contact between the reinforcing member 24 and the side surface of the pipe 12 enhances the strength and elasticity of the seal assembly 20. In particular, the outlet end 18 of the pipe 16 enters the receiving end 14 of the pipe 12, the seal body 22 bends and deforms, and the contact between the semi-hard material of the reinforcing material 24 and the hard material of the pipe 12 causes the seal body 22 to bend and deform. , The reinforcing member 24 applies a part of the insertion pressure to the side wall of the pipe 12. This reduces the overall pressure acting on the seal body 22 and thus reduces the possibility of the nose end 36 unintentionally flexing downward into the insertion path (detailed below).

The radial inner portion of the seal body 22 includes a main sealing lobe 30 that extends continuously along its inner circumference. Here, the main sealing lobe 30 serves as a primary sealing surface at the boundary surface between the outlet end 18 of the pipe 16 and the sealing assembly 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the main sealing lobe 30 extends radially inward of the inner wall of the receiving end 14. The outlet side of the sealed lobe 30 is concave, and the socket side of the lobe 30 is usually flat. The lobe 30 is oriented to determine the vertical lobe axis AL forming an angle α (FIG. 5) with respect to the axial direction. In an embodiment, the angle α is about 45 degrees, which allows entry from the outlet end 18 of the tube 16 to the first contact with the lobe 30 (FIG. 7) until it is fully installed (FIG. 8). As a result, the sealing lobe 30 is smoothly deformed and easily bent.

As can be best seen from FIG. 4, the outlet side end of the seal body 22 defines the nose end 36, which forms a transition portion between the seal surface 26 and the adjacent radial inner surface following the lobe 30. Along the radial inner surface of the seal body 22 adjacent to the nose end 36, the concave surface 38 forms an annular recess around the inner circumference of the seal body 22. Referring to FIG. 3, the nose end 36 and the concave surface 38 are located in the groove 15 radially outward of the inner wall of the receiving end 14. In particular, the tip of the nose end 36 has a distance of D1 from the inner wall of the receiving end 14. In an embodiment in which the pipe assembly 10 forms a flow path having a nominal diameter of 8 inches, D1 is at least 0.05 inch, whereby a step that prevents the pipe 16 from getting caught during insertion as described below. It becomes. In the illustrated, precise scale embodiment, D1 is about 0.189 inches. More generally, the seal assembly 20 produced by the present disclosure (provided that it has a smaller or larger nominal size, as described herein) is, for example, of thickness T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Can have a distance D1 that is at least 50% greater, or up to 20% greater than any of the thicknesses T1, T2, and T3.

The other surface of the seal assembly 20 is similarly pushed into the groove 15. For example, the distance D2 is formed between the deepest portion of the concave surface 38 and the inner wall of the receiving end 14, and the distance D3 is the innermost point in the radial direction of the reinforcing material 24 (the shaft end of the opening end 24B). It is formed between the receiving end 14 and the inner wall. That is, the entire nose end 36 including the innermost point in the radial direction and the reinforcing member 24 are installed in the groove 15 and outside in the radial direction of the insertion path of the pipe 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the distance D2 is smaller than the distance D1 and the distance D3 is smaller than the distance D2. In the illustrated, precise scale embodiment, the distance D2 is at least 0.171 inches and the distance D3 is at least 0.110 inches.

Further, the radial inner surface of the sealing body 22 on the receiving end side, including the surfaces on both sides of the valley formed by the concave surface 38, together with the inner surface of the receiving end 14 (substantially parallel to the flow axis A shown in FIG. 1). Make an angle Θ. In the embodiment, the angle Θ forms a relatively small approach angle of the outlet end 18 of the pipe 16 and the seal body 22 (FIG. 7). For example, the angle Θ is between 25 and 29 degrees, for example 27 degrees.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the distance D1 and the angle Θ work together to move downward into the path of the outlet 18 of the tube 16 as the nose end 36 advances in contact with the seal assembly 20. It works to prevent it from bending. When the nose end 36 bends downward (that is, radially inward) due to the insertion force of the tube 16, the concave surface 38 and the large nominal distance D1 prevent the nose end 36 of the seal body 22 from contacting the tube 16. Prevent or minimize its contact. As a result, the possibility that the nose end 36 is caught on the outer surface of the tube 16 can be reduced, and the possibility that the seal assembly 20 rolls out of the groove 15 during installation can be reduced. In a conventional seal structure, this type of defect during installation is caused by a cold ground environment where the material of the seal body 22 is less flexible, and insufficient lubrication between the spigot end of the pipe to be inserted and the seal. It is especially risky in the situation. Similarly, the concave surface 38 and the reinforcing member 24 are located on the radial outside of the insertion path of the pipe 16 with the above-mentioned distances D2 and D3, respectively. Therefore, these two elements are also protected from contact with the tube 16 during the insertion process, reducing the possibility of the seal assembly 20 getting caught on the outer surface of the tube 16.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, the seal body 22 also includes locking fins 34. The locking fin 34 is located on the receiving side of the seal body 22, and is radially inward in the insertion path of the outlet end 18 before the seal assembly 20 (FIGS. 3 to 6) is deformed. It extends substantially smaller than the main sealing lobe 30 in the configuration (FIGS. 8 and 9). As shown, the locking fin 34 includes a socket end face having a diameter larger than that of the adjacent outlet end point. On the opposite side of this point, the outlet end face of the locking fin 34 usually extends orthogonal to the flow axis A (FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 8, the outlet end point of the locking fin 34 comes into surface contact with the outlet end 18 on the outer surface of the tube 16 as the tube 16 moves along the insertion path shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Shows a small area. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the tube 16 is moved along the direction away from the receiving end 14, and the convex receiving end surface of the locking fin 34 comes into contact with the exterior surface of the outlet end 18. The locking fins 34 are designed to bend downward (ie, radially inward) for a large surface area. This increases the contact surface area and prevents the tube 16 from coming off.

In order to avoid contact with the locking fin 34 of the main sealing lobe 30 when the main sealing lobe 30 is bent and deformed due to the contact of the outlet end 18 (FIG. 8) of the pipe 16, the locking fin 34 is mainly sealed. It is located axially away from the lobe 30. Further, the locking fins support the vertical deformation of the main sealing lobe 30. That is, the main sealing lobe 30 can be deformed by a predetermined amount only in the vertical direction (that is, in the axial direction) until it comes into contact with the outlet end surface of the locking fin 34. The predetermined amount of deformation of the lobe 30 is set low enough to protect the main sealing lobe 30 from damage that may occur if the vertical deflection of the main sealing lobe 30 is allowed to be large. This protects the main sealing lobe 30 from sufficient lubrication between the pipe 16 and the main sealing lobe 30, for example, defects in the exterior surface of the pipe 16 where the adjacent surfaces of the sealing lobe 30 may get caught.

In the description of FIGS. 1 and 2 of the embodiment, the pipes 12 and 16 have a nominal flow path diameter of about 8 inches, which is a size generally adopted for feeding and transporting drinking water. As shown in the exact scale throughout the drawing, the size of the seal assembly 20 is suitable for this 8 inch diameter. However, the nominal dimensions of the seal assembly 20 including all the elements described and shown herein have been expanded to fit into the pipe assembly to which the seal assembly is applied, proportionally upsized or downsized. It is thought that it can be reduced or reduced. Other nominal diameters of tubes envisioned to be used to connect to seal assemblies having the elements and sizes of seal assembly 20 are, for example, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, or 6 inches. It can be as small as 10 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, or 24 inches.

Manufacture by different manufacturers and / or adoption of different manufacturing methods by the same manufacturer may result in slight diameter variations in the specified diameter of the pipe. For example, suppose a single manufacturer uses two different manufacturing processes to produce tubes of the same diameter. However, due to differences between these manufacturing processes, the diameter of one or more of the tubes (eg, inner diameter and / or outer diameter) may deviate slightly from the specified diameter during the manufacturing process.

FIG. 10 shows different diameters of the stiffener 24 (eg, 24, 24', and / or 24', which can tolerate variations in the inner diameter of the socket end 14 of the pipe 12 and / or the outer diameter of the outlet end 18 of the second pipe 16. 24'') is shown. By using the reinforcing material 24 having the correct size, the common seal assembly 20 provides a watertight seal in the groove 15 of the receiving end 14, taking into account variations in diameter of the pipe 12 and / or the second pipe 16. Can be kept.

Variations in inner and / or outer diameter of the pipe can occur in the pipe 12 and / or the second pipe 16. Due to these variations, it becomes difficult to maintain the watertight seal when the outlet end 18 of the second pipe 18 is inserted into the receiving end 14 of the pipe 12 by using the common seal 20. For example, the tube 12 can be defined as an 8-inch inner diameter tube, but variations that occur during the manufacturing process can cause the inner diameter to deviate by 0.05 inches from the specified (eg, 7.95 inches or 8.05 inches). There is. The seal assembly 20 may be designed to fit into the groove 15 of the tube 12 having an inner diameter of 8 inches. In that case, when the tube 12 (eg, 8.05 inch inner diameter) is too large, or the tube 12 (eg, 7.95 inch inner diameter) is too small, the watertight seal between the tube 12 and the second tube 16 is sealed. It is difficult to achieve with the assembly 20. These manufacturing variations can also occur in the outer diameter of the outlet end 18 of the second pipe 16. For example, the outlet 18 of the second pipe 16 can be defined as an 8-inch outer diameter tube, but due to variations that occur during the manufacturing process, the outer diameter of the outlet 18 is also 0.05 inches (eg, 7). There is a possibility of deviation (.95 inches or 8.05 inches). This makes it difficult for the seal 20 to maintain a watertight seal between the pipe 12 and the second pipe 16. In addition, variations may occur simultaneously in both the first pipe 12 and the second pipe 16, in which case it becomes more difficult to maintain a watertight seal between the two pipes by using the common seal 20. ..

In this case, by using the reinforcing members 24 having different diameters together with the common seal body 22, it is possible to compensate for variations in the inner diameter of the pipe 12 and / or the outer diameter of the second pipe 16. By using the reinforcing members 24 having different diameters, sufficient compression between the receiving end 14 and the outlet end 18 can be realized in consideration of the variation in the diameter of the pipe, and the watertight seal can be formed. As described above, the seal assembly 20 is a two-piece fitting, includes a seal body 22 and a reinforcing material 24, and the seal body 22 is formed of a flexible material (for example, rubber). The elasticity of the material used for the seal body 22 allows the seal assembly 20 to receive the reinforcing material 24 having a plurality of diameters in the reinforcing material pocket 32. This allows the same (eg, shared) seal body 22 to be used with stiffeners 24 (eg, D1, D2, D3) of various diameters, with different inner diameters of tubes 12 and / or second tubes. An outer diameter of 16 can be accepted.

As described above, the size of the reinforcing material 24 is set so that the thicknesses T5 and T4 can be obtained when the outlet end 18 of the second pipe 16 is inserted into the receiving end 14 of the pipe 12. The seal body 22 is deformed. When the thicknesses T5 and T4 of the seal body 22 are sufficiently compressed, a watertight seal is formed between the pipe 12 and the second pipe 16. When the size of the reinforcing material 24 is accurately set with respect to the inner diameter of the pipe 12 and the outer diameter of the pipe 16 (for example, D1), the reinforcing material 24 is accurately compressed to deform the sealing body 22. Make a watertight seal between the two pipes.

However, when the inner diameter of the receiving end 14 is larger than the specified value, the reinforcing material 24 having the diameter D1 cannot sufficiently compress the sealing body 22, and the gap is so large that the watertight seal between the two pipes cannot be achieved. It exists between the second pipe 14 and the second pipe 14. In this case, a larger stiffener 24'with a larger diameter D2 is used to increase the size of the flexible seal 20. For example, the ceiling of the reinforcing material 24 can be increased by Δ1 so that the diameter D1 of the reinforcing material 24 is generally increased to the diameter D2 of the reinforcing material 24'. In this case, when the reinforcing material 24'is inserted into the reinforcing material pocket 32, the reinforcing material 24' having a large diameter D2 compresses the receiving end 14 more, so that the space between the receiving end 14 and the opening end 18 is reached. Sufficient compression is made and a watertight seal is made.

However, when the ceiling height of the reinforcing material 24 is increased by Δ1 (for example, the diameter D1 of the reinforcing material 24'), sufficient compression may not be performed between the pipe 12 and the second pipe 14. (For example, when there is an excessively large gap between the receiving end 14 and the opening end 18 even though the reinforcing material 24'is provided). In this case, a larger reinforcing material 24 ″ may be used where the ceiling height of the reinforcing material 24 ″ is also increased by Δ2 with respect to the diameter D3. In this case, the reinforcing material 24'' is inserted into the reinforcing material pocket 32, and sufficient compression of the sealing body 22 between the receiving end 14 and the outlet end 18 is realized, and the watertight seal between the two pipes is achieved. Be done. Although not shown, if sufficient compression is still not achieved between the two tubes, a reinforcing material 24 with a larger diameter is inserted into the reinforcing material pocket 32 until sufficient compression is achieved between the two tubes. , Make a watertight seal. The process of inserting the reinforcing material 24 having various diameters into the reinforcing material pocket 32 in consideration of the receiving end 14 having a larger inner diameter can also be utilized when compensating the receiving end 14 having a smaller inner diameter. In this case, a reinforcing material 24 having a smaller diameter is inserted into the reinforcing material pocket 32 until the sealing body 22 is sufficiently compressed and a watertight seal is made between the two pipes. Then, by inserting the reinforcing material 24 having various diameters into the reinforcing material pocket 32, the variation in the outer diameter of the outlet end 18 (the outer diameter is small or large) is compensated, and the seal body 22 is sufficiently compressed. , A watertight seal can be formed between the pipe 12 and the second pipe 16. Further, inserting the reinforcing material 24 having various diameters into the reinforcing material pocket 32 causes the seal body 22 to have variations in both the outer diameter of the outlet end 18 and the inner diameter of the receiving end 14 at the same time. It can also be applied when it is sufficiently compressed to form a watertight seal between two pipes.

The means for inserting the reinforcing material 24 having various diameters into the reinforcing material pocket 32, which is performed in consideration of the variation in diameter caused by the pipe 12 and the second pipe 16 during manufacturing, may be performed at any time before installation. But it may be at the time of installation. In this case, the timing of inserting the reinforcing material 24 into the reinforcing material pocket 32 shall minimize the influence on the time required for pipe installation at the site.

For example, it is assumed that the manufacturer of the pipe 12 manufactures the pipe 12 including the receiving end 14 having an inner diameter 0.05 cm larger than the specified value. In this case, before shipping the pipe to the installation site, the reinforcing material 24 having a diameter large enough to receive the larger receiving end 14 can be installed in the reinforcing material pocket 32 in advance. As a result, when the pipe 12 and the second pipe 16 are installed on-site, manufacturing variations are already taken into consideration (for example, when the reinforcing material 24 is installed in advance). If tube diameter variability is generally known, by pre-installing stiffeners 24 with different diameters, a similar process that takes into account known manufacturing variability can be performed with the smaller size socket ends 14 and / or larger. Alternatively, it can be applied to the outlet end 14 having a small size. However, variations in the inner and outer diameters of the pipe may not be generally known. In this case, a field technician may repeatedly install reinforcing members 24 having various diameters in consideration of variations in diameter of the pipe 12 and / or the second pipe 14. This process can be utilized for any stiffener 24 that does not have the exact size and was installed prior to pipe installation in the field.
(Aspect)

Aspect 1 is a seal assembly for a polymer fitting, wherein the seal assembly comprises an annular flexible seal body, the seal body defining a flow path along a flow axis. Installed around the inner circumference of the polymer pipe joint, the seal body is angled with the outlet side sealing surface; and is radially from the flow axis together with the outlet side sealing surface. With the receiving side sealing surface facing the outside; with the main sealing lobe extending radially inward from the sealing body; with the reinforcing material pocket extending from the receiving side sealing surface into the sealing body; in the reinforcing material pocket. Includes an annular stiffener that is accepted and has a size that occupies the stiffener pocket.

Aspect 2 is the seal assembly according to the first aspect, characterized in that the seal body further includes a nose end at the outlet side end of the seal body.

Aspect 3 is the seal assembly according to Aspect 2, characterized in that a radial inner surface extending in a direction away from the nose end includes a concave surface.

Aspect 4 is the seal assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the seal body further includes locking fins on the receiving side of the seal body, and the locking fins are the main sealing lobe. It is characterized in that it extends radially inward from the seal body by an amount smaller than the radial inner width of the seal body.

Aspect 5 is the seal assembly according to aspect 4, which has a size such that the main sealing lobe deforms and bends so as not to contact the locking fins but to the rest of the seal. It is characterized by that.

Aspect 6 is the seal assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the annular reinforcing material is: a central portion; a spigot end portion extending radially inward away from the central portion; the central portion. It is characterized by including a receiving end portion extending outward in the radial direction so as to be separated from the above.

Aspect 7 is the seal assembly according to aspect 6, in which the reinforcing material pocket has a shape and size that match the shape and size of the annular reinforcing material so that the annular reinforcing material occupies the entire reinforcing material pocket. It is characterized by having.

Aspect 8 is the seal assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, characterized in that a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface are provided on both sides of the reinforcing material.

Aspect 9 is the seal assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that the seal body has a substantially constant durometer hardness in its cross-sectional area.

Aspect 10 is the seal assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the durometer hardness of the seal is between shore A55 and shore A70.

Aspect 11 is the seal assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, characterized in that the reinforcing material is mechanically bonded to the seal without using an adhesive or other chemical bonds. ..

Aspect 12 is the seal assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, and in connection with a first polymer tube having a socket end including a groove for receiving the seal assembly inside, the socket end is The groove has a first radial region on the upstream side and the downstream side of the groove, the groove has a second radial region larger than the first radial region, and the seal body has the first radial region. It is characterized in that it is received in the groove extending inward in the radial direction of the region and in the main sealing lobe.

Aspect 13 is the seal assembly according to the aspect 12, wherein the end of the seal body on the outlet side further includes a nose end, and the nose end is radially outside of the first radial region. It is a feature.

Aspect 14 is the seal assembly according to aspect 12 or 13, wherein the seal assembly further comprises a second polymer tube having a spigot end received within the socket end of the first polymer tube. Including, the outlet end is characterized in that the main sealing lobe is deformed and bent toward the sealing body side.

Aspect 15 is the seal assembly according to any one of aspects 12 to 14, characterized in that the reinforcing material comes into contact with an adjacent surface of the groove.

Aspect 16 is the seal assembly according to any one of aspects 12 to 15, wherein the receiving side sealing surface includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface on both sides of the reinforcing material, and the reinforcing material pocket. Is engaged with the adjacent surface of the groove so as to be sealed from the flow path.

Aspect 17 is a polymer fitting including a seal assembly, wherein the seal assembly comprises an annular flexible seal body, the seal body defining a flow path along a flow axis. Installed around the inner circumference of the polymer pipe joint, the seal body is angled with the outlet side sealing surface; and is radially from the flow axis together with the outlet side sealing surface. A receiving side sealing surface facing the outside; a main sealing lobe extending radially inward from the sealing body; a nose end located at the outlet side end of the sealing body; a first polymer tube. The first polymer tube has a socket end including a groove for receiving the seal assembly inside, and the socket end has a first radial region on the upstream side and the downstream side of the groove. The groove has a second radial region larger than the first radial region, and the seal body is received in the groove extending radially inward of the first radial region and in the main sealing lobe. The nose end of the seal body is radially outside of the first radial region.

Aspect 18 is the polymer pipe joint according to aspect 17, wherein the nose end defines a distance from the first radial region of the first polymer pipe, and the distance is at least the minimum thickness of the seal body. It is characterized by being 50% of the diameter.

Aspect 19 is a method of constructing a seal assembly used to seal the socket of the first pipe and the spigot end of the second pipe, wherein the method is: outlet side seal surface, socket side seal. Provide a seal assembly that includes a face, main sealing lobe, and reinforcement pocket; provide two or more annular reinforcements, each reinforcement having a different annular diameter size; the annular diameter of the socket and the difference. One of the one or more annular reinforcements is selected based on the annular diameter of the mouth; the selected annular reinforcement is inserted into the reinforcement pocket of the seal body; selected. After inserting the annular reinforcing material into the reinforcing material pocket, it is included to determine whether a watertight seal has been made between the receiving side sealing surface, the outlet side sealing surface, and the lobe.

Aspect 20 is the method according to aspect 19, wherein after inserting the selected annular stiffener, the socket side seal surface, the outlet side seal surface, and the watertight seal between the lobes. The first annular reinforcing material is taken out from the reinforcing material pocket; and one or more annular reinforcing materials are taken out based on the annular diameter of the socket and the annular diameter of the outlet. The second annular reinforcing material is selected from the above; the selected second annular reinforcing material is inserted into the reinforcing material pocket of the seal body; and the selected second annular reinforcing material is inserted into the reinforcing material pocket. Further including determining whether a watertight seal has been made between the socket side sealing surface, the outlet side sealing surface, and the lobe.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to representative examples, the present invention can be further modified within the gist and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this application includes all variations, uses, or applications of inventions using general principles. The application is also intended to embrace new developments from the present disclosure, based on the practice of known or practice in the art to which the invention belongs, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A seal assembly for polymer fittings, said seal assembly is:
The seal body is provided with an annular flexible seal body, and the seal body is installed around the inner circumference of the polymer pipe joint so as to define a flow path along a flow axis.
The seal body is:
With the seal surface on the outlet side;
With the receiving side sealing surface which is angled with respect to the outlet side sealing surface and faces radially outward from the flow axis together with the outlet side sealing surface;
With a main sealing lobe extending radially inward from the seal body;
With a reinforcing material pocket extending from the receiving side sealing surface into the sealing body;
A seal assembly that includes an annular reinforcing material that is received in the reinforcing material pocket and has a size that occupies the reinforcing material pocket. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the seal body further includes a nose end at the outlet side end of the seal body. The seal assembly according to claim 2, wherein the radial inner surface extending in a direction away from the nose end includes a concave surface. The seal body further includes locking fins on the receiving side of the seal body, and the locking fins extend radially inward from the seal body by an amount smaller than the radial inner width of the main sealing lobe. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the seal assembly is characterized in that. The seal assembly according to claim 4, wherein the main sealing lobe has a size that deforms and bends so as to contact the rest of the seal without contacting the locking fins. .. The annular reinforcing material is:
With the central part;
With the outlet end extending radially inward away from the center;
The seal assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving end portion extending radially outward so as to be separated from the central portion. The seal according to claim 6, wherein the reinforcing material pocket has a shape and a size matching the shape and size of the annular reinforcing material so that the annular reinforcing material occupies the entire reinforcing material pocket. Assembly. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the receiving side sealing surface includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface on both sides of the reinforcing material. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the seal body has a substantially constant durometer hardness in its cross-sectional area. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the durometer hardness of the seal body is between the shore A55 and the shore A70. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing material is mechanically bonded to the seal body without using an adhesive or other chemical bonds. In connection with a first polymer tube having a socket end including a groove for receiving the seal assembly inside, the socket end has a first radial region on the upstream side and the downstream side of the groove. The groove has a second radial region larger than the first radial region, and the seal body is received in the groove extending radially inward in the first radial region and in the main sealing lobe. The seal assembly according to claim 1. The 12th aspect of the invention, wherein the seal body further includes a nose end at the end of the seal body on the outlet side, and the nose end is radially outside of the first radial region. Seal assembly. The seal assembly further includes a second polymer tube having a socket end received within the socket end of the first polymer tube, which transforms the main sealing lobe toward the seal body. The seal assembly according to claim 13, further comprising bending and bending. The seal assembly according to claim 12, wherein the reinforcing material comes into contact with an adjacent surface of the groove. The receiving side sealing surface is provided with a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface on both sides of the reinforcing material, and engages with the adjacent surface of the groove so that the reinforcing material pocket is sealed from the flow path. The seal assembly according to claim 15, wherein the seal assembly is characterized in that. A polymer fitting that includes a seal assembly, said seal assembly is:
The seal body is provided with an annular flexible seal body, and the seal body is installed around the inner circumference of the polymer pipe joint so as to define a flow path along a flow axis.
The seal body is:
With the seal surface on the outlet side;
With the receiving side sealing surface which is angled with respect to the outlet side sealing surface and faces radially outward from the flow axis together with the outlet side sealing surface;
With a main sealing lobe extending radially inward from the seal body;
With the end of the nose located at the end of the seal body on the outlet side;
Equipped with a first polymer tube
The first polymer tube has a socket end including a groove for receiving the seal assembly inside, and the socket end has a first radial region on the upstream side and the downstream side of the groove. The groove has a second radial region larger than the first radial region, and the seal body is received in the groove extending radially inward of the first radial region and in the main sealing lobe.
A polymer pipe joint characterized in that the nose end of the seal body is radially outside of the first radial region. 17. The nose end defines a distance from the first radial region of the first polymer tube, and the distance is at least 50% of the minimum thickness of the seal body, claim 17. The polymer pipe fittings described. A method of constructing a seal assembly used to seal the socket of the first pipe and the spigot end of the second pipe.
A seal assembly is provided that includes the outlet side sealing surface, the receiving side sealing surface, the main sealing lobe, and the reinforcing material pocket;
Provide two or more annular reinforcements, each reinforcement having a different annular diameter size;
One or more of the annular reinforcing materials is selected based on the annular diameter of the socket and the annular diameter of the outlet end;
The selected annular stiffener is inserted into the stiffener pocket of the seal body;
A method comprising inserting the selected annular reinforcing material into the reinforcing material pocket and then determining whether a watertight seal has been made between the receiving side sealing surface, the outlet side sealing surface, and the lobe. The method is:
After inserting the selected annular reinforcing material, it is determined that the watertight seal is not formed between the socket side sealing surface, the outlet side sealing surface, and the lobe;
The first annular reinforcing material is taken out from the reinforcing material pocket;
A second annular reinforcing material is selected from one or more of the annular reinforcing members based on the annular diameter of the socket and the annular diameter of the outlet end;
The selected second annular reinforcing material is inserted into the reinforcing material pocket of the sealing body;
After inserting the selected second annular reinforcing material into the reinforcing material pocket, it further includes determining whether the watertight seal has been made between the receiving side sealing surface, the outlet side sealing surface, and the lobe. , The method of claim 19.