SE543095C2

SE543095C2 - Connector

Info

Publication number: SE543095C2
Application number: SE1950459A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Leif Nyfelt
Original assignee: Cejn Ab
Priority date: 2018-04-20
Filing date: 2019-04-12
Publication date: 2020-10-06
Also published as: GB201806454D0; GB2573103A; DE102019110060A1; SE1950459A1; GB2573103B

Abstract

A connector for connecting to a pipe, the connector comprising a central body (10), the body being cylindrical with an inner side (12), an outer side (14), a first axial end (16) and a second axial end (18), and the central body (10) comprising a passage (40). The connector further comprising a first body (20) connected to the central body (10); a second body (30) connected to the central body (10); and an elastic member (50) comprising a first end (52) of the elastic member (50) and a second end (54) of the elastic member (50). The first end (52) of the elastic member (50) is attached to the first axial end (16) of the central body (10) and the second end (54) of the elastic member (50) is attached to the second axial end (18) of the central body (10), the elastic member (50) is detached from the inner side (12) of the central body, and the passage (40) being in fluid communication with a volume (70) between the inner side (12) and the elastic member (50). A method for attaching such a connector to a pipe (200), the pipe having any diameter between X and X/2, and the connector having an inner diameter (d) equal to X.

Description

P194236.SE.O1 Connector Technical FieldThe present disclosure relates to a connector and a method for attaching aconnector to a pipe of various diameters. More particularly, the connector may be an air bag connector. More particularly, two connectors may be used to splice pipes.

Background ln the industry, such as for example testing equipment, there is a need to fastand easily make a connection to pipes of various diameters. For example, in the carindustry where a few hundred car engines are made and tested per day, if a fewminutes or even seconds can be saved in making connections, then time savings ofseveral hours per day can be made. Materials such as hose clamps and tubes arealso wasted during such connections where tubes are attached and removed. Thepipes to which connections must be made may vary in sizes and in shapes.Ergonomic aspects for Workers When making connections are also importantconsiderations. lt is desirable to provide a connector that can easily and fast connect to pipesof various diameters and shapes, and that can overcome the above mentionedproblems, but that is also inexpensive to manufacture, is easy to manufacture, easyto use, and is robust. The connector must also be able to be used with existingequipment in the industry. Parts that are worn out must easily be replaceable. Thepresent disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.

Summary of the lnventionlt is an object of the present invention to provide a connector for connectingto a pipe and a method for connecting the connector to a pipe. This object can beachieved by the features as defined by the independent claim. Furtherenhancements are characterised by the dependent claims.

According to one embodiment, a connector for connecting to a pipe isdisclosed. The connector comprises a central body (10), the body being cylindricalwith an inner side (12), an outer side (14), a first axial end (16) and a second axialend (18), and the central body (10) comprising a passage (40). The connector comprises a first body (20) connected to the central body (10), a second body (30) P194236.SE.O1 connected to the central body (10), and an elastic member (50) comprising a firstend (52) of the elastic member (50) and a second end (54) of the elastic member(50). The first end (52) of the elastic member (50) is attached to the first axial end(16) of the central body (10) and the second end (54) of the elastic member (50) isattached to the second axial end (18) of the central body (10), the elastic member(50) is detached from the inner side (12) of the central body, and the passage (40)being in fluid communication with a volume (70) between the inner side (12) and theelastic member (50). Fluid entering the passage (40) into the volume (70) expandsthe elastic member (50) and allows, for example, a pipe to be held by the connector.

According to one embodiment, the first end (52) of the elastic member (50) isclamped between the first axial end (16) of the central body (10) and the first body(20), and wherein the second end (54) of the elastic member (50) is clampedbetween the second axial end (18) of the central body (10) and the second body(30). According to one embodiment, the elastic member (50) extends in a cylindricaland circumferential direction over the entire inner side (12) of the central body (10).

According to one embodiment, the first body (20) or the second body (30) isin the shape of a cylinder (34) with a flange (32) at one end, the flange beingconnected to the central body (10). According to one embodiment, the flange (30)extends inwardly of the inner side (12) of the central body (10) for stopping a pipe(200) to be inserted in the connector.

According to one embodiment, the first body (20) and the second body (30)are each connected by fastening means (e.g. bolts) to the central body (10).According to one embodiment, the elastic member is made out of rubber or silicon.

According to one embodiment, the connector further comprises a valve (100)for controlling fluid flow to the passage (40). According to one embodiment, theconnector further comprises a port (60) attached to the central body (10), and a tube(90) between the port (60) and the valve (100). The valve (100) may be removableattached to the connector.

According to one embodiment, two connectors are combined and the twoconnectors are joined and facing away from each other.

According to one embodiment, a method for attaching a connector to a pipeis disclosed, the pipe having any diameter between X and X/2, and the connectorhaving an inner diameter (d) equal to X. According to one embodiment, a method forattaching a connector according to any one of the embodiments above to a pipe having any diameter from and including 0.635 cm (1/4 inch) to and including 5.08 cm P194236.SE.01 (2 inches) may comprise providing three such connectors. The first connectorhaving an inner diameter (d) of (about) 5.08 cm and being suitable for pipes of thediameter of 5.08 cm (2 inches) to 2.54 cm (1 inch); the second connector having aninner diameter (d) of (about) 2.54 cm and being suitable for pipes of the diameter of2.54 cm (1 inch) to 1.27 cm (1/2 inch); and the third connector having an innerdiameter (d) of (about) 1.27 cm and being suitable for pipes of the diameter of 1.27cm (1/2 inch) to 0.635 cm (1/4 inch). The method may comprise further selectingone of the three connectors that has the same or a larger diameter and is closest indiameter to the pipe; inserting the pipe into the connector; and providing fluid to thepassage to inflate the elastic member. The providing of fluid to the passage maycomprise providing compressed fluid of 150000 Pa (1 .5 bar) or more.

According to one embodiment, the method of using the two connectors maycomprise using the two connectors to splice a pipe orjoin pipes.

At least one of the above embodiments provides one or more solutions to theproblems and disadvantages with the background art. Other technical advantages ofthe present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from thefollowing description and claims. Various embodiments of the present applicationobtain only a subset of the advantages set forth. No one advantage is critical to theembodiments. Any claimed or described embodiment may be technically combined with any other claimed or described embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings illustrate presently exemplary embodiments ofthe disclosure, and together with the general description given above and thedetailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain, by way ofexample, the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a cut of the connector according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the connector according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of the connector according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a part of the connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and P194236.SE.01 FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a cut of the connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed DescriptionFIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a cut through of a connector accordingFlGs. 2 and 3 are a diagrammatic illustration of the connector according to an exemplary embodiment of to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of the connectorFIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of the connector according to a further exemplary according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. embodiment of the present disclosure where a protector is used. The connector issuitable to be connected to pipes, such as posts, hose posts, nipples, sleeves,spigots, couplings, etc. For example, testing parts of a motor, such as test benchesfor engines, involves making connections to pipes of the motor and these pipes varyin shape and diameters. With at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theconnector can connect to a variety of diameters and shapes. With just a fewconnectors with each a different diameter a large variations of pipe diameters fromand including 0.635 cm (1/4 inch) to and including 5.08 cm (2 inches) can beconnected to. Not using, and not be limited by a connector using, balls, hooks,screws, clamps, etc. allows for adaptation and connections to any kind of pipe.

The easy use and operation of the connector using a fluid such as, forexample, air or liquid allows for a flexible integration into existing industry. Usingcompressed air or hydraulic fluid to expand the elastic member to engage the pipe isvery convenient because it is normally readily available. The easy handling andoperating of the connector result in a very ergonomic connector.

According to FlGs. 1 to 5, and at least one embodiment disclosed herein, aconnector for connecting to a pipe is disclosed. The connector comprises a centralbody (10), the central body (10) being cylindrical with an inner side (12), an outerside (14), a first axial end (16), and a second axial end (18). The central body (10) issubstantially cylindrical in shape. The central body may have a rectangular profileand may be made out of metal. The central body (10) may have openings forattachment means, such as for example bolts. The openings may be symmetricallyand circumferentially arranged around the central body (10) facing each of the firstaxial end (16) and the second axial end (18). The central body (10) comprising a passage (40). The passage (40) may be for a fluid, such as air, compressed air, oil, P194236.SE.O1 hydraulic fluid, etc. The passage (40) may extend all the way through the centrallt may lead fluid through the central body (10), between the inner side (12) and the outer side (14). body (10) in the radial direction.

The connector has a first body (20) connected to the central body (10) and asecond body (30) connected to the central body (10). The first body (20) and thesecond body (30) are each substantially cylindrical in shape. The first and secondbodies may have a rectangular profile and may be made out of metal. The first andsecond bodies may have openings for attachment means, such as for example bolts.The openings may be symmetrically and circumferentially arranged around each thefirst body (20) and the second body (30). Hereby the first body (20) and the secondbody (30) can be connected to the central body (10), for example by attachmentmeans, such as for example bolts.

The connector has an elastic member (50) comprising a first end (52) of theelastic member (50) and a second end (54) of the elastic member (50). The first end(52) of the elastic member (50) is attached to the first axial end (16) of the centralbody (10) and the second end (54) of the elastic member (50) is attached to thesecond axial end (18) of the central body (10). The elastic member (50) is detachedfrom the inner side (12) of the central body, and the passage (40) being in fluidcommunication with a volume (70) between the inner side (12) and the elasticmember (50). ln this way the elastic member may be inflated, expanded, by fluidentering the passage (40) and filling the volume (70) between the inner side (12) andthe elastic member (50). ln this way the elastic member (50) is expanded inwardlyand the connector may clamp onto a pipe, as for example illustrated in FIG 4. Fromthis FIG 4 it may be taken that the pipe (200) has an irregular shape and thattherefore the elastic member (50) expands, moves away from the inner side (12)differently over the axial length of the connector.

A technical effect of having the first end (52) of the elastic member (50)attached to the first axial end (16) of the central body (10) and the second end (54)of the elastic member (50) attached to the second axial end (18) of the central body(10), is that the elastic member (50) does not roll when inflated and when an axialforce acts on the connected pipe. lf the elastic member (50) would be in the shapeof, for example, a tube or a ball, then such an elastic tube tends to roll, rotate, inrelation to the central body (10) and this does not allow for a good clamping force, especially not for holding the clamped pipe against axial forces. Consequently, P194236.SE.01 embodiments of the present disclosure have an improved axial holding force andclamping force compared with other air bag connectors.

According to one embodiment, the first end (52) of the elastic member (50)may be clamped bet\Neen the first axial end (16) of the central body (10) and the firstbody (20), and the second end (54) of the elastic member (50) may be clampedbetween the second axial end (18) of the central body (10) and the second body(30). Fastening means, such as bolt or clamps, may be used to hold the first andsecond ends of the elastic member (50) between the first body (20) and the centralbody (10) on one side and the second body (30) and the central body (10) on theother side. Such clamping holds the elastic member in the connector in an easy andeffective was, and allows for convenient exchange of worn features, especially theelastic member (50).

According to one embodiment, the elastic member (50) may extend in acylindrical and circumferential direction over the entire inner side (12) of the centralbody (10). A radial cut through the elastic member (50) may show the U-shape asillustrated by FlGs 1, 4, and 5. The centre of the U may cover the inner side (12) ofthe central body (10), while the two sides of the U may extend in the radial direction,being clamped as described above. By covering the complete inner side (12),instead of only partly, the connector may effectively connect to pipes.

According to one embodiment, the first body (20) or the second body (30)may be in the shape of a cylinder (34) with a flange (32) at one end, the flange beingconnected to the central body (10). ln FIG. 1 this is illustrated by the second body(30) being in the shape of a cylinder (34) with a flange (32). According to a furtherembodiment, the flange (30) may extend inwardly of the inner side (12) of the centralbody (10) for stopping a pipe (200) to be inserted in the connector. This allowsproper alignment and positioning of the connector to a pipe (200).

According to one embodiment, the first body (20) and the second body (30)may each be connected by fastening means to the central body (10). The fasteningmeans may be, for example, bolts, screws, clamps, holders, plugs, etc.

According to one embodiment, the elastic member (50) may be made out ofrubber or silicon. The elastic member (50) may be made of entirely, or party of,Nitrile rubber, NBR.

According to one embodiment, the connector may further comprise a valve (100) for controlling fluid flow to the passage (40). Such a valve (100) may be an P194236.SE.O1 electric valve or it may be a hand operated valve, such as a rotating valve. Such avalve allows for swift and ergonomic handling of the connector to connect to pipes.

According to one embodiment, the connector may further comprise a port(60) attached to the central body (10), and a tube (90) between the port (60) and thevalve (100). The tube (90) may be long so that the valve (100) is far away from theconnector, or the tube may be short so that the valve (100) is close to the connector.The tube (90) and the valve (100) may be arranged such that the operation of theconnector can be made with one single hand. This would allow for a very efficienthandling and ergonomics of connecting the connector to pipes. According to oneembodiment, the valve (100) may be removable attached to the connector.According to one embodiment, the valve may be on the central body (10), forexample directly attached to the passage (40).

According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG 5, the connector mayfurther comprise a cylindrical protector (80) and a spring (82). The cylindricalprotector (80) may be axially movably inside the central body (10) and the secondbody (30). The spring (82) may connect the protector (80) with the second body(30), the spring urging the protector (80) towards the first body (20). The spring (82)may be fastened to one end of the protector (80) and to one end of the second body(30), such as the end of the cylinder (34) opposite the flange (32). The cylindricalprotector (80) may have a flange, preferably extending outwards, at the end towardsthe first body (20). This embodiment provides protection for the elastic member (50),because the protector (80) lines up on the inside of the elastic member (50) due tothe spring (82). When a pipe is inserted, then the protector (80) is pushed inwardspast the elastic member (50), allowing the elastic member (50) to engage the pipe.

According to one embodiment, a method for attaching a connector to a pipe(200) is disclosed. The connector may be any one embodiment of the connectordescribed herein. The pipe may have any diameter between and/or including X andX/2, the connector having an inner diameter (d) being equal to X (or slightly larger).The inner diameter (d) is illustrated in FIG 1 and is the diameter between the insideof the elastic material when the elastic material is against the inner side (12) of thecentral body (10). X may be any number. For example, if X is 3, then the pipe (200)has a diameter of 3 (for example 3 cm). A connector having an inner diameter (d) of3 may then connect, clamp on to, pipes with any diameter from and including 1.5 to and including 3.

P194236.SE.01 According to one embodiment, a method, according to the embodiment givenabove, or according to any one embodiment of the connector described herein, forattaching the connector to a pipe (200) having any diameter from and including0.635 cm (1/4 inch) to and including 5.08 cm (2 inches). The method comprisesproviding three connectors as follows. The first connector having an inner diameter(d) of, about, 5.08 cm and being suitable for pipes of the diameter of 5.08 cm (2inches) to 2.54 cm (1 inch). The second connector having an inner diameter (d) of,about, 2.54 cm and being suitable for pipes of the diameter of 2.54 cm (1 inch) to1.27 cm (1/2 inch). The third connector having an inner diameter (d) of, about, 1.27cm and being suitable for pipes of the diameter of 1.27 cm (1/2 inch) to 0.635 cm(1/4 inch). The method may further comprise selecting one of the three connectorsthat has the same or a larger diameter and is closest in diameter to the pipe;inserting the pipe into the connector; and providing fluid to the passage to inflate theelastic member. The fluid provided may be air or liquid. When inserting the pipe intoto connector, the pipe may be inserted all the way in so that the pipe contacts theflange (32) of the first or second body (20, 30). This provides for a swift and easyway of making a connection with any size of pipe with a diameter of 1/4-4 inches withonly three connectors.

According to one embodiment, the providing of fluid to the passagecomprises providing compressed fluid of 150000 Pa (1 .5 bar) or more. The fluid maybe air or liquid.

According to one embodiment, two connectors may be joined and facingaway from each other. That is, the openings of the two connectors where a pipemay be inserted are facing in opposite directions. Hereby a broken pipe can bespliced, by joining the broken pipe by inserting each broken end in one of the twoopening of the two connectors. According to one embodiment, the two connectorsmay be used to splice a pipe or join pipes. ln this way two interconnectedconnectors, facing away from each other, may be used to repair a broken pipeswiftly. lt will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications andvariations can be made to the embodiments disclosed above. Other embodimentswill be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification andlt is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope practice of the disclosed connectors and methods. being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

P194236.SE.01 List of elements cenﬂalbody 12 innersme 14 omeràde 16 fkstaﬂalend 18 second axial end20 fkstbody second body 32 ﬂange34 cyﬁnder40 passage 50 ebsmzmember 52 ﬁßtendoﬁheebsmzmember 54 smmndendoﬁheemsmzmember60 poﬁ 70 vdume 80 protector 82 spﬂng90 tube100 vawe200 mpe

Claims

1. P194236.SE.01 Claims 1 A connector for connecting to a pipe, the connector comprising a central body (10), the body being cylindrical with an inner side (12), an outer side(14), a ﬁrst axial end (16) and a second axial end (18), the central body (10)comprising a passage (40); a ﬁrst body (20) connected to the central body (10); a second body (30) connected to the central body (10); and an elastic member (50) comprising a ﬁrst end (52) of the elastic member (50) and asecond end (54) of the elastic member (50); characterised in that the ﬁrst end (52) of the elastic member (50) is attached to theﬁrst axial end (16) of the central body (10) and the second end (54) of the elasticmember (50) is attached to the second axial end (18) of the central body (10), theelastic member (50) is detached from the inner side (12) of the central body, and thepassage (40) being in ﬂuid communication with a volume (70) between the inner side(12) and the elastic member (50).

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first end (52) of the elasticmember (50) is clamped between the ﬁrst axial end (16) of the central body (10) andthe ﬁrst body (20), and wherein the second end (54) of the elastic member (50) isclamped between the second axial end (18) of the central body (10) and the secondbody (30).

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic member (50) extendsin a cylindrical and circumferential direction over the entire inner side (12) of thecentral body (10).

4. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ﬁrstbody (20) or the second body (30) is in the shape of a cylinder (34) with a flange (32)at one end, the ﬂange being connected to the central body (10).

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the flange (32) extends inwardly ofthe inner side (12) of the central body (10) for stopping a pipe (200) to be inserted inthe connector. P194236.SE.01 6 The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ﬁrstbody (20) and the second body (30) are each connected by fastening means to thecentral body (1 O). 7 The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic member (50) is made out of rubber or silicon. 8 The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising avalve (100) for controlling ﬂuid flow to the passage (40). 9 The connector according to claim 8, further comprising a port (60) attached to thecentral body (10), and a tube (90) between the port (60) and the valve (100); and/orwherein the valve (100) is removable attached to the connector. 10 The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising acylindrical protector (80) axially movably inside the central body (10) and the second body (30); and a spring (82) connecting the protector (80) with the second body (30),the spring urging the protector (80) towards the ﬁrst body (20). 11 Two connectors, each according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein thetwo connectors are joined and facing away from each other. 12 Method for attaching a connector according to claim 1 to a pipe (200), the pipehaving any diameter between X and X/2, the connector having an inner diameter (d)equal to X. 13 Method for attaching a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to a pipehaving any diameter from and including 0.635 cm (1/4 inch) to and including 5.08 cm(2 inches), the method comprising: providing three connectors according to any one of claims 1 to 10 as follows: the first connector having an inner diameter (d) of (about) 5.08 cm and being suitablefor pipes of the diameter of 5.08 cm (2 inches) to 2.54 cm (1 inch); the second connector having an inner diameter (d) of (about) 2.54 cm and beingsuitable for pipes of the diameter of 2.54 cm (1 inch) to 1.27 cm (1/2 inch); and P194236.SE.01 the third connector having an inner diameter (d) of (about) 1.27 cm and beingsuitable for pipes of the diameter of 1.27 cm (1/2 inch) to 0.635 cm (1/4 inch);selecting one of the three connectors that has the same or a larger diameter and isclosest in diameter to the pipe; inserting the pipe into the connector; and providing ﬂuid to the passage to inﬂate the elastic member. 14 The method according to claim 13, wherein the providing of ﬂuid to the passagecomprises providing compressed ﬂuid of 150000 Pa (1.5 bar) or more. 15 A method of using the two connectors according to claim 11, wherein the twoconnectors are used to splice a pipe or pipes.