PRESS FITTING DEVICE

Abstract

A press fitting device (1) for establishing a fluid-tight connection with at least one pipe section (10), the press fitting device being configured to generate a sound when a gaseous fluid flows along or through the press fitting device a) in a pre-press fit condition, in which a connection with the at least one pipe section is established and before the connection is press-fit; and/or b) in a press fit condition, in which the connection is press-fit, if the connection is not fluid-tight.

Claims

1. A press fitting device for establishing a fluid-tight connection with at least one pipe section, the press fitting device being configured to generate a sound when a gaseous fluid flows along or through the press fitting device a) in a pre-press fit condition, in which a connection with the at least one pipe section is established and before the connection is press-fit; and/or b) in a press fit condition, in which the connection is press-fit, if the connection is not fluid-tight.

2. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the press fitting device is configured to generate the sound in the form of density fluctuations in the gaseous fluid flowing along or through the press fitting device.

3. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the sound comprises at least one of a whistling sound, a rattling sound, a squeaking sound, a humming sound; a hissing sound, a rumbling sound, and a crackling sound.

4. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the sound comprises, preferably consist of, at least one frequency lying in a range of 16 Hz to 20 kHz, preferably 30 Hz to 19 kHz.

5. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the press fitting device comprises a fluid vibration member positioned such that a gaseous fluid flowing through the press fitting device is incident on the fluid vibration member so that the fluid is caused to vibrate.

6. The press fitting device according to claim 5, wherein the press fitting device comprises a fluid guide channel and the fluid vibration member is positioned such that a fluid flowing through the fluid guide channel is incident on the fluid vibration member so that the fluid and is caused to vibrate.

7. The press fitting device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid vibration member is configured to separate a flow of the fluid into at least two flows when being hit by the fluid.

8. The press fitting device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid vibration member comprises an edge positioned so as to separate a flow of the fluid into at least two flows when the fluid impinges on the edge.

9. The press fitting device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid vibration member comprises a guide surface along which the fluid is guided, wherein said guide surface comprises a hole with an edge which is configured to separate a flow of the fluid into at least two flows.

10. The press fitting device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid vibration member is made from a rigid material.

11. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the press fitting device comprises a mechanical vibration member which is configured to be vibrated by a gaseous fluid flowing along or through the press fitting device.

12. The press fitting device according to claim 11, further comprising at least one sleeve member, and wherein the mechanical vibration member is a surface or a rod-shaped element configured to at least partially extend into a gap between the sleeve member and a pipe section when positioned so as to establish a connection with the press fitting device.

13. The press fitting device according to claim 12, wherein the mechanical vibration member is a separate ring-shaped element configured to be attached at one of its axial ends to the sleeve member.

14. The press fitting device according to claim 11, the mechanical vibration member comprising a flow obstruction element.

15. The press fitting device according to claim 1, the press fitting device comprising a ring member to be fit to at least one pipe section and a sleeve member for being at least partially inserted into the pipe section such that a fluid passage is formed between the sleeve member and the pipe section in the pre-press fit condition.

16. The press fitting device according to claim 1, further comprising a sleeve member for being at least partially inserted into a pipe section.

17. The press fitting device according to claim 1, the press fitting device further comprising a cap element configured to be fit to at least one pipe section and configured to be pressed by a press fitting tool.

18. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the press fitting device is configured to promote an increased volume of generated sound.

19. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein a leakage-susceptible portion of the press fitting device, where fluid is prone to leak if the connection is in a pre-press fit condition, or in a press fit condition but not fluid-tight, comprises a shape promoting an increased volume of generated sound.

20. The press fitting device according to claim 19, wherein the leakage-susceptible part of the press fitting device comprises a flute member, shaped like at least a part of a flute and configured to whistle upon passage of a fluid, and/or a flexible member configured to be moved by passing fluid so as to rattle, squeak, hum, hiss, rumble, and/or crackle.

21. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the sound generated by the press fitting device is audible to the human ear, preferably at a distance from the press fitting device of at least half a meter, preferably at least one meter, even more preferably at least two meters.

22. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the press fitting device is configured to actively generate a sound when a gaseous fluid flows along or through the press fitting device c) in a pre-press fit condition, in which a connection with the at least one pipe section is established and before the connection is press-fit; and/or d) in a press fit condition, in which the connection is press-fit, if the connection is not fluid-tight.

23. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the sound is louder than background noise, the sound preferably having a sound pressure which is at least by 10 dB(A) higher than the sound pressure of background noise measured at a distance of 1 meter from the press fitting.

24. The press fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the sound has a sound pressure of 70 dB(A) or higher, preferably 73 dB(A) or higher, when measured at a distance of one meter from the press fitting and at an air pressure of 0.2 bar.

25. Use of a press fitting device according to claim 1 for establishing a fluid-tight connection with at least one pipe section.

26. Use of a press fitting device according to claim 1 for determining whether a connection between the press fitting device and at least one pipe section is fluid-tight.

27. Method for identifying a leak in a pre-press fit or a press fit connection involving at least one pipe section and a press fitting device, the press fitting device being configured to generate a sound when a gaseous fluid flows along or through the press fitting device a) in a pre-press fit condition, in which a connection with the at least one pipe section is established and before the connection is press-fit; and/or b) in a press fit condition, in which the connection is press-fit, if the connection is not fluid-tight, the method including the steps of: establishing a connection with at least one pipe section using the press fitting device; letting a gaseous fluid flow through the connection; and detecting whether a sound is generated by the press fitting device.

28. Method for identifying a leak in a pre-press fit or a press fit connection according to claim 27, including the steps of: establishing a plurality of connections in a pipe system, each of the connections being established with at least one pipe section using the press fitting device; performing a press fitting operation on at least one of the connections; letting a gaseous fluid flow through the pipe system; detecting whether a sound is generated by any of the press fitting devices; and identifying the press fitting device generating the sound.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a press fitting device connected with a pipe section;

[0059] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a press fitting device connected with a pipe section;

[0060] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a press fitting device fit to a pipe section;

[0061] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of a press fitting device;

[0062] FIG. 5 is a top view of a part of a press fitting device;

[0063] FIG. 6 it a cross-sectional view of a part of a press fitting device;

[0064] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a press fitting device fit to a pipe section;

[0065] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of a press fitting device;

[0066] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view on a part of a press fitting device;

[0067] FIG. 10 depicts a top view of a ring member comprising a mechanical vibration member;

[0068] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a ring member comprising a mechanical vibration member;

[0069] FIG. 12 is a side view of a ring member with a mechanical vibration member;

[0070] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a press fitting device fit to a pipe section;

[0071] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical vibration member as a separate ring element; and

[0072] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mechanical vibration member as a separate ring element.

[0073] In the following description accompanying the various figures, like parts are denoted with like reference signs.

[0074] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a press fitting device 1 connected to a pipe section 10. This particular embodiment is configured to establish a fluid-tight connection between two pipe sections. However, only one pipe section 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0075] The press fitting device 1 comprises a first cap element 20 and a second cap element 21. The first cap element 20 is placed around a part of the pipe section 10. The second cap element 21 is configured to be placed around a part of a second pipe section (not shown). The first and second cap elements 20, 21 are configured to be pressed by a press fitting tool so as to transform a connection in pre-press fit condition into a press fit connection.

[0076] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a press fitting device 1 fit to a pipe section 10, and FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view along the line B-B shown in FIG. 2.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3, this press fitting device 1 comprises a sleeve member 30 which is partially inserted into the pipe section 10 and is also configured to be partially inserted into another pipe section (not shown). However, the disclosure also relates to embodiments of press fitting devices wherein a sleeve member is merely configured to be inserted into a single pipe section. In the case of some embodiments, two separate sleeve members may be provided, wherein each of them is configured to be inserted into a pipe section.

[0078] The press fitting device 1 further comprises a first ring member 40 which is fit to the pipe section 10 and a second ring member 41 which is configured to be fit to another pipe section (not shown).

[0079] FIG. 3 shows a connection between the press fitting device 1 and the pipe section 10 in a pre-press fit condition, i.e., in a condition before a press fitting tool has been applied to the pressure receiving surface of the cap element 20 so as to press fit the connection.

[0080] The press fitting device 1 comprises a sleeve member 30 for being at least partially inserted into a first pipe section 10 and a second pipe section (not shown). The press fitting device 1 further comprises a fluid vibration member 60 comprising an edge 61 and made from a rigid material. In the pre-press fit condition, a small gap G exists between the sleeve member 30 and the pipe section 10. When a gaseous fluid is flown through the connection, for example, from left to right in FIG. 3, then some fluid will flow through the gap G. Some gaseous fluid flowing through the gap G will reach a fluid guide channel 50 and then impinge on the edge 61 of the fluid vibration member 60.

[0081] When gaseous fluid (e.g. air) impinges on the edge 61 of the fluid vibration member 60, it is separated into (at least) two flows. This is similar to what happens when air hits the labium of a flute. The splitting of the fluid flow into two flows causes the fluid to vibrate. More specifically, it generates density fluctuations in the gaseous fluid.

[0082] In the case of this embodiment, this produces a sound which is carried outside through an outside-facing opening 70 and lies in the bearable range (16 Hz to 20 kHz). This embodiment is in fact designed to produce a whistling sound. Someone can thus easily hear whether this press fitting device 1 is fluid-tightly connected to the pipe section 10 by simply listening whether the press fitting device 1 produces a whistling sound.

[0083] FIG. 3 shows the press-fitting device 1 and the pipe section 10 in a pre-press fit condition. However, the press fitting device 1 is also suited to generate a sound after the connection has been press-fit, in case the press fitting operation has not been adequately/fully successfully performed. In other words, if fluid can still leak out of the opening 70, then it will pass through the potentially remaining gap G and thus be vibrated by the fluid vibration member 60 and, hence, generate a sound.

[0084] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the press fitting device 1 of FIG. 3. In fact, what is shown in FIG. 4 happens to coincide with a part of the embodiment of a press fitting device shown in FIG. 3. What is shown in FIG. 4 is, however, itself also an example of a press fitting device in the sense of the present disclosure. Such a press fitting device is then used together with further parts such as, e.g., the ones shown in addition to the corresponding part of the press fitting device 1 of FIG. 3.

[0085] The part of the press fitting device 1 shown in FIG. 4 comprises a ring member 40. Further, FIG. 4 shows a part of the fluid guide channel 50 and the labium-type fluid vibration member 60.

[0086] FIG. 5 is an enlarged top view of the ring member 40 and the fluid vibration member 60, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the line B-B in FIG. 5.

[0087] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a press fitting device 1 connected to a pipe piece 10. This particular embodiment is configured to establish a fluid-tight connection between two pipe sections. However, only one pipe section 10 is illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0088] The press fitting device 1 of FIG. 7 comprises a first cap element 20 and a second cap element 21 for being connected to a first pipe section 10 and a second pipe section (not shown), respectively.

[0089] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the press fitting device 1 along the line B-B of FIG. 7. This embodiment of a press fitting device 1 comprises a sleeve member 30 which is partially inserted into the pipe section 10 and is also configured to be partially inserted into another pipe section (not shown).

[0090] The press fitting device 1 further comprises a first ring member 40 which is fit to the pipe section 10 and a second ring member 41 which is configured to be fit to another pipe section (not shown).

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a connection between the press fitting device 1 and the pipe section 10 in a pre-press fit condition, i.e., in a condition before a press fitting tool has been applied to the pressure receiving surface of the cap element 20 so as to press fit the connection.

[0092] The press fitting device 1 comprises a sleeve member 30 for being at least partially inserted into a first pipe section 10 and a second pipe section (not shown).

[0093] FIG. 9 depicts an enlarged perspective view of a part of the press fitting device 1 of FIG. 8. In particular, FIG. 9 depicts the first ring member 40. Further, FIG. 9 shows that the press fitting device 1 of FIG. 8 comprises a mechanical vibration member 80. The mechanical vibration member 80 is a straw-shaped member oriented in a substantially tangential direction with respect to the ring member 40 and, hence, with respect to the first pipe section 10 when the latter is connected with the press fitting device 1. However, the disclosure also relates to press fitting devices wherein the mechanical vibration member 80 is oriented in an axial or in a radial direction.

[0094] The mechanical vibration member 80 is configured to be vibrated by a gaseous fluid flowing through the press fitting device 1. The straw-shaped mechanical vibration member 80 is made of a flexible material such as PE, PP, PA, nylon, or any combination of two or more of these materials.

[0095] Because the mechanical vibration member 80 of FIG. 9 is oriented such that a gaseous fluid flow flowing through the press fitting device 1 flows in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the mechanical vibration member 80, the flow impinges on a long side of the mechanical vibration member 80 and the latter is efficiently made to vibrate. The vibrations of the mechanical vibration member 80 in turn generate vibrations in the fluid and lead to the generation of a sound.

[0096] The sound lies in the bearable range (16 Hz to 20 kHz). This embodiment is in fact designed to produce a whistling sound. Someone can thus easily hear whether this press fitting device 1 is fluid-tightly connected to the pipe section 10 by simply listening whether the press fitting device 1 produces a whistling sound.

[0097] FIG. 8 shows the press-fitting device 1 and the pipe section 10 in a pre-press fit condition. However, the press fitting device 1 is also suited to generate a sound after the connection has been press-fit, in case the press fitting operation has not been adequately/fully successfully performed. In other words, if fluid can still leak out of the connection, then it will pass through the potentially remaining gap G and thus be vibrated by the mechanical vibration member 60 and, hence, generate a sound.

[0098] FIG. 10 is an enlarged top view of the ring member 40 and the mechanical vibration member 80. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the line A-A in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a side view of the ring member 40 with the mechanical vibration member 80.

[0099] FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a press fitting device 1 connected to a pipe piece 10. This particular embodiment is configured to establish a fluid-tight connection between two pipe sections. However, only one pipe section 10 is illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0100] The press fitting device 1 of FIG. 13 comprises a first cap element 20 and a second cap element 21 for being connected to a first pipe section 10 and a second pipe section (not shown), respectively. The press fitting device 1 also comprises a sleeve member 30 which is partially inserted into the pipe section 10 and is also configured to be partially inserted into another pipe section (not shown).

[0101] The press fitting device 1 further comprises a first ring member 40 which is configured to be fit to the pipe section 10 and a second ring member 41 which is configured to be fit to another pipe section (not shown).

[0102] FIG. 13 shows a connection between the press fitting device 1 and the pipe section 10 in a pre-press fit condition, i.e., in a condition before a press fitting tool has been applied to the pressure receiving surface of the cap element 20 so as to press fit the connection.

[0103] The press fitting device 1 of FIG. 13 further comprises a mechanical vibration member 90 in the form of a separate ring-shaped element attached to the sleeve member 30 at its one axial end 91 (see FIG. 14). The other end 92 as well as the part leading up towards the one axial end 91 are flexible and are e.g. vibrateable by a gaseous fluid flowing along the press fitting device 1. The straw-shaped mechanical vibration member 90 is made of a flexible material such as TPE, e.g., TPE-V (or TPV).

[0104] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the mechanical vibration member 90 in the form of a separate ring element.

[0105] FIG. 13 shows the press-fitting device 1 and the pipe section 10 in a pre-press fit condition. However, the press fitting device 1 is also suited to generate a sound after the connection has been press-fit, in case the press fitting operation has not been adequately/fully successfully performed. In other words, if fluid can still leak out of the connection, then it will pass through the potentially remaining gap G and thus vibrate the mechanical vibration member 90 which in turn vibrates the fluid, and, hence, generates a sound.

[0106] Many additional variations and modifications are possible and are understood to fall within the framework of the invention.