DE20000888U1 - Device for sealing a corrugated pipe - Google Patents

Description

PATENT ATTORNEY Fasanenstr. 7

DR.-ING. WERNER LORENZ D-89522 Heidenheim

19.01.2000 Se/ul

File: AER 4683GM/DE
Applicant:

Roland Baumann
Gleisselstetten 125/1
89081 Ulm

Device for sealing a corrugated pipe

The invention relates to a device for the sealing connection of a corrugated pipe through which a fluid flows and which has wave crests and wave troughs to a connecting element, a flange, a fitting or the like.

Corrugated pipes are pipe elements which are composed of wave troughs and wave crests in their cross-section, whereby the waves in a so-called ring corrugated pipe are formed in a ring shape in the walls of the pipe and whereby in a so-called spiral corrugated pipe the wave crests or wave troughs are formed in

in the form of a helix around the corrugated pipe in its walls. Corrugated pipes offer a very high level of flexibility and are therefore preferred for systems that require a high level of flexibility in the pipes.

The sealing connection of such corrugated pipes with connecting elements, such as flanges, fittings or the like, is problematic because conventional screwing and sealing mechanisms cannot be used due to the corrugated design.

The state of the art therefore provides the possibility of using special, suitable tools to press flange elements, for example made of several corrugated crests, onto the ends of corrugated pipes in order to be able to create a connection between two corrugated pipes or between a corrugated pipe and a corresponding connecting element by pressing these flange elements together to form a seal. However, this possibility of creating a sealing connection using pressed-on flanges or the like requires a deformation of the pipe end of the corrugated pipe to be connected.

This deformation, e.g. flanging and/or pressing on a flange, places additional stress on the pipe material, which has already been strain-hardened by the attachment of the corrugations, so that leaks often occur in the area of the connections due to material failure in the corrugated pipes or in the seals which are inserted between the flanges.

Another serious disadvantage of the described options for sealing connections is the considerable effort involved, which is particularly time-consuming when processing on site at a construction site or similar. In this case, the corrugated pipes must either be prefabricated to the required connection length or they must be further processed on site using a mobile device to attach the flange element. This effort in terms of material and the installation time for such corrugated pipes is considerable and therefore makes their use more expensive.

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The state of the art knows another sealing option, which can only be used with so-called spiral corrugated pipes, i.e. when the corrugation valleys or crests run around the pipe in the form of a helix. With this type of connection, a corresponding sealing sleeve or cone seal that fits the respective corrugated pipe is screwed onto the corrugation crests of the spiral corrugated pipe and can be inserted into a corresponding screw adapter, i.e. a counterpart that fits the cone seal.

However, this requires the use of spiral corrugated pipes, which are not nearly as common on the market, and also requires a special, corresponding cone seal for each diameter of the corrugated pipe, which must fit together with its respective counterpart, e.g. a screw adapter. In addition to the corrugated pipe, the corresponding screw adapter is required for each connection, which can then be screwed onto the respective connection element in the conventional and known manner. This intermediate piece, which fits the respective cone seal, is very complex and expensive.

In addition, DE 299 23 057.0 describes a flexible pipeline which is made up of axially arranged elements, each of which has an alternating corrugated pipe-like and at least approximately cylindrical structure. Such a corrugated pipe has a certain degree of flexibility and, if it is deflected in the cylindrical areas, allows the attachment of conventional sealing elements intended for cylindrical pipelines. However, this has the disadvantage that reduced flexibility must be accepted and that the pipeline must be cut to length in one of the cylindrical areas, which means that the length of the flexible pipeline cannot be selected completely freely.

It is therefore the object of the invention to create a corresponding possibility for the sealing connection of corrugated pipes through which a fluid flows with a connecting element, a flange, a fitting or the like, which can be used quickly, easily and inexpensively during assembly on site and which allows a high degree of flexibility of the respective

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This allows for different cable lengths when installing the corrugated pipes on site.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that an end of the corrugated pipe to be connected has a nut and an insert ring arranged between the nut and the end, wherein a connecting element is screwed into the nut and wherein the connecting element encloses the corrugated pipe in a tubular manner.

The insert ring, which should be arranged in a corrugation valley of the corrugated pipe, makes it possible for the nut to fit firmly against the corrugated pipe or against the insert ring engaging in one of the corrugation valleys of the corrugated pipe. This allows the corrugated pipe to be pushed into the connecting element that at least almost completely encloses the corrugated pipe, whereupon the connecting element can then be screwed onto the nut, creating a force-fitting, sealing connection.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the corrugated pipe is inserted into a central opening of the connecting element, whereby the central

tral opening tapers conically towards its end facing away from the corrugated pipe.

The corrugated pipe is pushed into the connecting element and is pressed into the tapered section of the connecting element by the nut held against the insert ring, which can be screwed onto the connecting element. This results in numerous possibilities for a sealing contact between the corrugated pipe and the connecting element in the area of the contact points and surfaces thus created, from which further connections can then be made using conventional angle elements, connecting pieces, union nuts or the like.

In another very inexpensive and easy-to-use embodiment, a sealing material is also introduced into at least one of the corrugation valleys in the area between the insert ring and the end of the corrugated pipe. The end of the corrugated pipe is then inserted together with this sealing material into the tapered central opening of the connection element and the connection element is screwed to the nut held on the corrugated pipe for the insert ring. The end

The corrugated pipe is then pressed together with the sealing material into the connecting element in such a way that a sealing connection is reliably created.

In particular, when using a corrugated ring pipe, a conventional O-ring can be used as a sealing material, which is simply inserted into one of the corrugation valleys between the insert ring and the end of the corrugated pipe before the corrugated pipe with the attached nut and the insert ring is screwed to the connection element.

This device for sealing the corrugated pipe is particularly easy and inexpensive to use. In addition, it does not require any changes to the corrugated pipe itself, such as reshaping the corrugated pipe material, which is already under high stress due to the introduction of the corrugations.

The materials used are comparatively inexpensive and can be used particularly advantageously on a construction site when assembling the

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flexible pipes made from corrugated pipe can be easily used for sealing connections.

A further solution to the problem according to the invention is achieved in that an end of a corrugated pipe designed as a ring corrugated pipe has a clamping ring which is designed in its axial extension such that it encompasses at least two of the corrugation peaks and at least one of the corrugation troughs of the corrugated pipe.

In principle, this clamping ring functions like a conventional clamping ring of a clamping ring screw connection. However, the clamping ring is designed to be comparatively larger in its axial extension, so that it encompasses at least two of the corrugation peaks and at least one of the corrugation valleys of the corrugated pipe. This results in two ring-shaped contact lines between the corrugated pipe and the clamping ring, which means that the clamping ring can be tightly clamped onto at least two corrugation peaks of the corrugated pipe.

It is also possible to use a corrugated pipe which does not meet the usual requirements, which in cross-section at least

almost sinusoidal waveforms, but at least flattened wave crests, which are then roughly shaped like a rectangular or trapezoidal oscillation. The very flat, comparatively wide wave crests result in an even larger contact surface for the clamping ring, which in turn can lead to improved sealing without severely restricting the flexibility of the corrugated pipe.

Further embodiments of this solution according to the invention provide that appropriate sealing materials are introduced between the clamping ring and the corrugated pipe.

Of course, this particularly favorable solution of the invention requires a ring corrugated pipe, since in the case of a spiral corrugated pipe, the clamping ring cannot be clamped in a sealing manner. However, if the ring corrugated pipe, which is used much more frequently anyway, is used, a very favorable, very

A quick, easy and safe way to connect pipe ends or to insert a pipe end into a connecting element, flange, fitting or the like.

The work steps required for assembly differ only slightly from the work steps required when using a conventional clamp ring connection, which is already known to the appropriate, trained specialists.

This means that devices for sealing the ends of a corrugated pipe using the clamping ring described above can be implemented very easily and without great effort and can be carried out by the relevant specialists on site.

A further solution to the problem according to the invention is achieved in that a connecting sleeve is placed on the end of the corrugated pipe to be connected, wherein the connecting sleeve is pressed sealingly onto the corrugated pipe by means of a force.

This particularly favorable and advantageous solution to the problem according to the invention therefore provides that a simple connecting sleeve is placed on the end of the corrugated pipe, whereby in further embodiments of the invention sealing materials can also be arranged between the corrugated pipe and the connecting sleeve, which is then applied by means of an appropriate force, for example by means of special pliers or a small, easily transportable device, after which the connecting sleeve is pressed directly onto the corrugated pipe.

The special design of the corrugated pipe with the corrugation troughs and the corrugation crests also makes it possible to achieve at least a slight axial positive connection with an appropriately shaped device for pressing on, so that the connecting sleeve also forms a relatively firm mechanical connection with the corrugated pipe.

The connection sleeve pressed onto the corrugated pipe can then be used directly as the connection element or the cylindrical connection sleeve can be used to attach the

Pipelines are fitted with common and usually already existing connecting and sealing elements.

Of course, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, appropriate sealing materials can be applied between the connecting sleeve and the corrugated pipe. Pushing on the connecting sleeve and pressing it onto the corrugated pipe using a simple tool, e.g. an insert in a pair of pliers or the like that are usually available anyway, enables a quick, simple and cost-effective connection of the end of the corrugated pipe on site when assembling the corrugated pipes.

In this advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is again possible to use spiral corrugated pipes and annular corrugated pipes, since here only the shape of the corresponding pressing tool has to be provided with concentric or spiral-shaped attack beads.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining subclaims and

the embodiments shown in the drawing below.

It shows:

Fig. 1 shows a cross section through a device for the sealing connection of a corrugated pipe with a connecting element;

Fig. 2 an alternative embodiment of the device for sealingly connecting a corrugated pipe by means of a clamping ring, in cross section;

Fig. 3 the alternative embodiment of the device for the sealing connection of a corrugated pipe by means of the clamping ring and sealing materials, in cross section;

Fig. 4 shows the alternative embodiment of the device for the sealing connection of a corrugated pipe by means of the clamping ring and an alternative embodiment of a sealing material, in cross section;

Fig. 5 shows the alternative embodiment of the device for the sealing connection of a corrugated pipe by means of the clamping ring and a further alternative embodiment of a sealing material in cross section;

Fig. 6 shows the alternative embodiment of the device for the sealing connection of a corrugated pipe with an alternative embodiment of the clamping ring in cross section;

Fig. 7 a device for sealing a corrugated pipe with a connecting sleeve, in cross section; and

Fig. 8 shows a further alternative embodiment of the device for the sealing connection of a corrugated pipe by means of the connecting sleeve and a support sleeve, in cross section.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device for sealingly connecting one end of a corrugated pipe 1 through which a fluid flows. The corrugated pipe 1

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has wave crests la and wave troughs Ib. A connecting element 2 is connected to the end of the corrugated pipe 1. This connecting element 2 can either be a connecting element 2 for further connection to angle pieces, flanges, fittings or the like (all not shown) or the connecting element 2 can be directly the flange, the fitting, the angle piece or the like.

The corrugated pipe 1 is connected to the connecting element 2 in a sealing manner according to the device shown here. For this purpose, a nut 3 is placed on the corrugated pipe 1 and secured to the corrugated pipe 1 via a known insert ring 4, which must be arranged between the nut 3 and the end of the corrugated pipe 1 to be connected. The nut 3 can be supported on the insert ring 4 located in one of the corrugation troughs 1b and thus transmit forces between the corrugated pipe 1 and the connecting element 2.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the connecting element 2, as shown here, has a tapering region 5 in the region of a central opening 6. The end of the corrugated pipe 1 is inserted into this

tapered area 5. By means of the nut 3 held in place by the insert ring 4 , the end of the corrugated pipe 1 can then be pressed into the tapered area 5 of the central opening 6 by screwing the nut 3 onto an external thread 7 of the connecting element 2. Since the tapered area 5 becomes increasingly tapered the further the corrugated pipe 1 is pressed into the central opening 6 of the connecting element 2, a sealing connection is created between at least one of the corrugation peaks 1a and the wall of the tapered area 5.

This sealing effect can be additionally supported by the introduction of sealing materials 8. In the embodiment shown here, these are two known O-ring seals, each of which is inserted into one of the corrugation troughs 1b of the corrugated pipe 1.

Of course, the use of other sealing materials is also conceivable here, for example when in contact with air-curing sealing materials such as silicones or the like.

The device is also very easy to handle on site at a construction site, since the corrugated pipe 1 only has to be cut to the desired length and then provided with the nut 3, the insert ring 4 and, if necessary, the sealing materials 8. The corrugated pipe 1 prepared in this way can then be easily inserted into the connection element 2 and screwed tight using the nut 3.

Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a corresponding device for connecting the corrugated pipe 1 to a connecting element, flange or the like (not shown here). For this purpose, a clamping ring 9 is applied to the corrugated pipe 1. The clamping ring 9 must encompass at least two of the corrugation peaks 1a and thus at least one of the corrugation valleys 1b in its axial extent.

This clamping ring 9 is then applied to the corrugated pipe 1 in a sealing manner. The corrugated pipe 1 with the clamping ring 9 can then be connected in a known manner via a nut and a corresponding connecting element (both not shown).

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provided) to the connecting element, a flange, a fitting or the like.

With this design, it must be noted that it can only be used with so-called annular corrugated pipes. Spiral corrugated pipes with their wave crests la running around in the manner of a helical line would not allow a sealed connection here, because liquids could leave the screw connection through the wave troughs Ib, which also run around in a ring shape, despite the clamping ring 9.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section, here only the upper half of the corrugated pipe 1 is shown, of an alternative embodiment in which sealing materials, here two O-rings 10, are arranged in the at least one corrugation trough 1b, in the embodiment shown there are two corrugation troughs, which are enclosed by the clamping ring 9. The sealing connection between the corrugated pipe 1 and the clamping ring 9 can thus be improved or its creation made easier.

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Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment in which, instead of the O-rings 10, a sealing hose 11 is placed between the clamping ring 9 and the corrugated pipe 1.

Fig. 5 shows a further alternative embodiment which considerably facilitates the assembly, since here a layer 12 made of a suitable sealing material is applied directly to the surface of the clamping ring 9 facing the corrugated pipe 1.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the clamping ring 9. The clamping ring 9 has a radial constriction of its diameter at one end 13, so that the clamping ring cannot be pushed onto the corrugated pipe 1 as far as desired, but rests on the cut end of the corrugated pipe 1 via this constriction 13 in the manner of a stop. This also makes it easier to install the clamping ring 9, since it is brought directly into a suitable position when it is applied. This embodiment of the clamping ring 9 according to Fig. 6 can of course be combined as desired with the sealing materials according to the previous figures.

In order to ensure a perfect functioning of the clamping ring 9, in particular when the clamping ring 9 is clamped sealingly onto the corrugated pipe 1, the radial diameter constrictions 13 can be designed, for example, in the form of three protruding stop elements, since an annular design of the radial constriction 13 would unnecessarily increase the radial stability of the clamping ring 9.

Fig. 7 now shows another fundamentally different embodiment of a device for sealingly connecting the corrugated pipe 1 to a connecting element, here a connecting sleeve 14.

The connecting sleeve 14, which is designed, for example, cylindrically in its extension projecting beyond the corrugated pipe 1, can then be connected to corresponding flanges, angle pieces, further pipe elements or the like via conventional connecting elements.

The connecting sleeve 14 is pressed onto the corrugated pipe 1 by means of a specially shaped tool 15.

This tool 15 can, for example, be designed as an insert in a pair of pliers or a small pressing tool, and can thus also be used without any problem on site at a construction site.

The tool 15 is designed in such a way that it can press the connecting sleeve 14 in its end region into one of the corrugation valleys 1b of the corrugated pipe 1. In the area between the end of the connecting sleeve 14 and the end piece of the corrugated pipe 1, here the tool 15 engages the connecting sleeve 14, the connecting sleeve 14 is pressed onto the corrugated pipe 1, which should also be designed here as a ring corrugated pipe if possible. This pressing results in a sealing connection between at least one of the corrugation peaks 1a and the connecting sleeve 14. For this purpose, it can be very advantageous to form two or more projections 16 on the tool 15, which correspond in size and position to the corrugation valleys 1b of the corrugated pipes 1 to be processed. In addition, as in the illustrated embodiment, the use of sealing materials, here O-rings 17, may be useful, which are each inserted into the corrugation troughs 1b in the area of the connecting sleeve 14.

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By applying force to the tool 15, the connecting sleeve 14 can then be pressed sealingly onto the corrugated pipe 1. The areas of the connecting sleeve 14 pressed on in this way, which at least partially protrude into the corrugation valleys 1b, not only provide a sealing connection but also enable the connection to be axially loaded with a corresponding, rather low, force.

Depending on the sealing materials used, spiral corrugated pipes can of course also be used here, in which case the tool 15 must be adapted to this configuration. In addition, when using spiral corrugated pipes, a corresponding sealing material is absolutely necessary in order to prevent liquid from leaking out along the spiral-shaped corrugation valleys 4.

Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the possibility of sealing connection by means of a connecting sleeve 14 just described in Fig. 7.

Since the corrugated pipes 1 generally do not have a great deal of mechanical strength due to their manufacturing process, i.e. in particular due to the corrugation crests introduced by cold forming, it may be useful to mechanically support the area of the corrugated pipe 1 onto which the connecting sleeve 14 is pressed by means of the tool 15. A support sleeve 18 can be used for this purpose, which can be introduced into the interior of the corrugated pipe 1.

For better processing on site and to fix its position, it is advisable for the support sleeve 18 to have a collar 19 so that the support sleeve 18 comes to rest in a defined position in the end area of the corrugated pipe 1 and cannot slip further into the interior of the corrugated pipe 1 than intended. This somewhat complex method of fastening makes it possible to ensure a better and more secure seal between the connection sleeve 14 and the corrugated pipe 1 by using higher forces applied by the tool 15, without running the risk of mechanically overloading the corrugated pipe 1 and provoking leaks by causing cracks or similar.

Claims (17)

1. Device for sealingly connecting one end of a corrugated pipe through which a fluid flows and which has wave crests and wave troughs to a connecting element, a flange, a fitting or the like, characterized in that
an end of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ) to be connected has a nut ( 3 ) and an insert ring ( 4 ) mounted between the nut ( 3 ) and the end,
wherein a connecting element ( 2 ) is screwed into the nut ( 3 ), and wherein the connecting element ( 2 ) encloses the corrugated pipe ( 1 ) in a tubular manner. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ) can be inserted into a central opening ( 6 ) of the connecting element ( 2 ), wherein the central opening ( 6 ) of the connecting element ( 2 ) tapers conically in the direction of its end facing away from the corrugated pipe ( 1 ). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the area between the insert ring ( 4 ) and the end of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ) a sealing material ( 8 ) is introduced into at least one of the corrugation valleys ( 1b ) or between the insert ring ( 4 ) and the end of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ). 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the sealing material ( 8 ) is designed as an O-ring. 5. Device for sealingly connecting one end of a corrugated pipe through which a fluid flows and which has wave crests and wave troughs to a connecting element, a flange, a fitting or the like, characterized in that an end of a corrugated pipe ( 1 ) designed as an annular corrugated pipe has a clamping ring ( 9 ) which is designed in its axial extension in such a way that it encompasses at least two of the wave crests ( 1a ) and at least one of the wave troughs ( 1b ) of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping ring ( 9 ) clamps sealingly on the at least two corrugation peaks ( 1a ) of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ). 7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a sealing material is introduced between the clamping ring ( 9 ) and the corrugation peaks ( 1a ) of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ). 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sealing material is designed as a coating ( 12 ) of the clamping ring ( 9 ). 9. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sealing material is designed as a sealing hose ( 11 ) introduced between the clamping ring ( 9 ) and the corrugated pipe ( 1 ). 10. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a sealing material is introduced into the at least one corrugation trough ( 1b ) of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ) which is enclosed by the clamping ring ( 9 ). 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the sealing material is designed as an O-ring ( 10 ). 12. Device for sealingly connecting one end of a corrugated pipe through which a fluid flows and which has wave crests and wave troughs to a connecting element, a flange, a fitting or the like, characterized in that a connecting sleeve ( 14 ) is placed on the end of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ) to be connected, the connecting sleeve ( 14 ) being pressed sealingly onto the corrugated pipe ( 1 ) by means of a force. 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the connecting sleeve ( 14 ) is at least partially pressed in a form-fitting manner onto the corrugated pipe ( 1 ). 14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a support sleeve ( 18 ) is mounted in the interior of the corrugated pipe ( 1 ). 15. Device according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that a sealing material is introduced between the corrugated pipe ( 1 ) and the connecting sleeve ( 14 ). 16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the sealing material is designed as at least one O-ring ( 17 ). 17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one O-ring ( 17 ) is arranged in at least one of the wave troughs ( 1b ).