Abstract
A device for connecting a water pipe to a component having a passage, in particular a fitting for changing and/or controlling a water flow, with a connecting piece having a passage channel for passing water in the direction of the component. The connecting piece having a first end to be connected to the component, a second end to be connected to the water pipe and an outwardly projecting stop in the form of a collar or flange formed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the connecting piece is provided on its outer side with an annular groove or is designed as a socket for receiving a sealing ring. A sealing ring preferably being arranged in the annular groove or on the socket, and with a fastening element for fastening the connecting piece to the component, at least one projection engaging behind the stop. The stop defining a stop surface which interacts with a seating surface of the component when the connecting piece is fastened to the component by defining a position of the connecting piece relative to the component. The device according to the invention is characterized in that the stop or the seating surface facing the stop has at least one recess or projection by means of which an annularly closed surface contact between the stop surface of the stop and the seating surface is interrupted or prevented. This makes a leak due to a damaged or missing sealing ring visible when the device is put into operation, so that the leak can be eliminated by inserting a faultless sealing ring if necessary.
Claims
1. A device for connecting a water pipe to a component having a passage, in particular a fitting for changing and/or controlling a water flow with a connecting piece having a passage channel for the passage of water in the direction of the component, wherein the connecting piece has a first end to be connected to the component, a second end to be connected to the water pipe and an outwardly projecting stop in the form of a collar or flange formed between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end of the connecting piece is provided on its outer side with an annular groove or is formed as a socket for receiving a sealing ring, wherein a sealing ring is preferably arranged in the annular groove or on the socket, and with a fastening element for fastening the connecting piece to the component, at least one projection engaging behind the stop being formed on the fastening element, the stop defining a stop surface which, when the connecting piece is fastened to the component, interacts with a seating surface of the component by defining a position of the connecting piece relative to the component, wherein the stop or the seating surface of the component facing the stop has at least one recess or projection, by means of which an annularly closed surface contact between the stop surface of the stop and the seating surface of the component is interrupted or prevented.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed in the stop, the recess being formed in the form of a gap which extends from an outer edge of the stop to a circumferential outer surface of the first end of the connecting piece or ends at a radial distance from this outer surface, wherein this outer surface defines a fillet with the stop, and wherein the radial distance, if any, is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, particularly preferably less than 1 mm.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the gap extends over the entire axial thickness of the stop.
4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the gap has a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional profile and/or a flattened gap base.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the projection is formed on the side of the stop facing the component.
6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the projection is designed in the form of at least one rib or thickening.
7. The device according to claim 5, wherein the projection is elongated and extends radially on the stop.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed in the stop, the recess being formed in the form of a through-hole which extends over the entire axial thickness of the stop.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the through-hole is adjacent directly or at a distance to a circumferential outer surface of the first end of the connecting piece, wherein this outer surface defines with the stop a fillet lying aside from the through-hole, and wherein the distance, if any, is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, particularly preferably less than 1 mm.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed in the seat surface of the component facing the stop, the recess being formed in the form of a groove which extends inwards from an outer circumference of the seat surface to an inner circumference of the seat surface.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the projection is formed on the seat surface side of the component facing the stop.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the connecting piece is designed as a plug-in nipple.
13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element is designed as a union nut.
14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the connecting piece is connected to a water pipe in the form of a hose, preferably an armoured hose.
15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the component is a fitting for changing and/or controlling a water flow, preferably a valve, particularly preferably an angle valve or a filling valve for a cistern, in particular a WC cistern, wherein the seating surface of the component is preferably formed on the end face of a plug-in seat for receiving the connecting piece.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The terms Fig., Figs., Figure, and Figures are used interchangeably in the specification to refer to the corresponding figures in the drawings.
[0034] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing illustrating several embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 1a shows a component in the form of an angle valve with a water pipe connected to it using a connecting piece according to the prior art, in a perspective view;
[0036] FIG. 1b shows the component (angle valve) from FIG. 1 with the water pipe connected to it using the connecting piece and a sealing ring, in a partial axial sectional view;
[0037] FIG. 1c shows the component according to FIG. 1b, but without the sealing ring;
[0038] FIG. 2a shows a component (angle valve) according to FIG. 1a with a water pipe connected to it using a connecting piece according to the invention, in a perspective view;
[0039] FIG. 2b shows the component from FIG. 2a with the water pipe connected to it using the connecting piece according to the invention, without sealing ring, in a partial axial sectional view;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a partial axial sectional view of the component shown in FIG. 2b with a water pipe connected thereto using a connecting piece according to the invention designed in accordance with a second embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 4 shows the component (angle valve) according to FIG. 2b with a water pipe connected thereto using a connecting piece according to the invention designed according to a third embodiment, in a partial axial sectional view;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a partial axial sectional view of the component according to FIG. 2b with a water pipe connected thereto using a connecting piece according to the invention designed according to a fourth embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a component according to a fifth embodiment according to the invention, e.g. an angle valve, with a water pipe connected thereto using a conventional connecting piece, in a partial axial sectional view; and
[0044] FIG. 7 is a partial axial sectional view of a component designed according to a sixth embodiment according to the invention, e.g. angle valve, with a water pipe connected thereto using a conventional connecting piece.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] FIGS. 1a to 1c show a component 1 having a passage, namely a fitting for changing and/or controlling a water flow. The fitting or component 1 is, for example, an angle valve for a sanitary cistern, e.g. WC cistern. The angle valve has a connection pipe socket 1.1 for a water pipe 2. The water line 2 is, for example, a hose line, preferably an armored hose. A rotary handle of the angle valve is marked 1.2.
[0046] To connect the water pipe 2 to the angle valve, a connecting piece 3 is provided, which has a through channel 30 for the passage of water in the direction of the angle valve. The connecting piece 3 comprises a first end 3.1 to be connected to the angle valve or its connection pipe socket 1.1, a second end 3.2 to be connected to the water pipe 2 and an outwardly projecting stop 3.3 in the form of a collar or flange formed between the first end 3.1 and the second end 3.2. The first end 3.1 of the connecting piece is inserted into the connection pipe socket 1.1 of the fitting or component 1. The connecting piece 3 can also be referred to as a connection nipple. It is usually made of plastic.
[0047] The first end 3.1 of the connecting piece 3, which can be inserted into the connection pipe socket 1.1 of the fitting or component, is provided on its outer side with an annular groove 3.11 for receiving a sealing ring (e.g. a so-called O-ring) 4. In other known devices for connecting a water line 2, in particular a hose line, to a fitting or a component 1, the first end of the connecting piece is designed as a socket (spout), whereby a flat sealing ring is usually arranged on the socket (spout).
[0048] The water line (hose line) 2 is pushed or slipped onto the second end 3.2 of the nipple-shaped connecting piece 3 and connected to the connection piece 3 in a force-fit and watertight manner by means of a plastically deformable crimp sleeve 5. The end 3.2 of the connecting piece connected to the water pipe 2 can also be referred to as a hose nozzle or hose nipple. As is known per se, this end 3.2 of the connecting piece has a saw-tooth profile 3.21 on its outside, which, after plastic compression of the crimp sleeve 5, also creates a positive connection between the connecting piece 3 and the deformable hose line.
[0049] Furthermore, devices known from the prior art of the type shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c comprise a fastening element 6 for fastening the connecting piece 3 to the fitting or the component 1, wherein at least one projection 6.1 engaging behind the stop (collar or flange) 3.3 is formed on the fastening element. The projection 6.1 is preferably designed as a circumferential, radially inwardly directed projection. The stop 3.3 defines a stop surface 3.31, which interacts with a seating surface 1.11 of the component 1 when the connecting piece 3 is fastened to the component 1 by defining a position of the connecting piece 3 relative to the component 1.
[0050] In the examples shown here, the fastening element 6 is designed as a union nut 6. Accordingly, the connection pipe socket 1.1 of the fitting or component 1 has an external thread 1.12 that matches the internal thread 6.2 of the union nut. In FIG. 1a, the union nut 6 is merely indicated by dashed edge lines. For example, the union nut 6 has an essentially circular cylindrical circumferential surface with a knurled surface.
[0051] The end 3.2 of the connecting piece 3 to be connected to the water pipe 2 has a radial projection 3.4 axially spaced from the stop 3 between the saw-tooth profile 3.21 and the stop 3 in the form of a collar or flange, which is engaged behind by the union nut 6. The projection 3.4 serves as an axial stop for the water pipe 2 pushed onto the connecting piece 3 and/or as a positive locking element for axially fixing the plastically deformed crimp sleeve 5. The projection 3.4 is preferably designed as a circumferential projection, for example in the form of a circumferential rib.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the connecting piece 3 connected to the water pipe 2 is inserted together with the sealing ring (O-ring) 4 into the connection pipe socket 1.1 of the fitting or component 1. The union nut 6 is screwed onto the external thread 1.12 of the connection pipe socket 1.1 and tightened. The union nut 6 thus prevents the connecting piece 3 from being pressed out of the connection pipe socket 1.1, for example by the water pressure prevailing in the connection pipe socket 1.1. For this purpose, the circumferential collar on the connecting piece 3 is designed as a stop (3.3).
[0053] In practice, it has been found that in some installation cases, connection devices as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b have been installed without an O-ring or with a damaged O-ring 4. The installers have sometimes tightened the union nut 6 very tightly so that the collar (stop 3.3) of the plastic connecting piece 3 could seal briefly on the seating surface (end face) 1.11 of the connection piece 1.1 of the brass fitting or component 1. However, such a connection without an O-ring, as shown in FIG. 1c, is not permanently watertight. It was found that water dripped or even splashed from the connection made without an O-ring 4 after some time. These faulty connections have caused water damage in buildings.
[0054] In FIGS. 2a to 7 several embodiments of the device according to the invention are shown, each of which is characterized by the fact that the stop 3.3 designed as a collar or flange or the seating surface 1.11 facing the stop 3.3 of the fitting or of the component 1 having a passage has at least one recess 3.32, 3.33, 3.34 or 1.111 or at least one projection (elevation) 3.35 or 1.112, by means of which an annularly closed surface contact between the stop surface 3.31 of the stop 3.3 and the seat surface 1.11 is interrupted or prevented. This ensures that the connection between the connecting piece 3 and the sanitary fitting 1 is immediately and permanently leaking if the sealing ring is missing or damaged, for example in the form of a flat sealing ring (annular washer seal) or O-ring 4, so that the permanent leakage and thus the absence or damage of the sealing ring is immediately or as early as possible noticeable when the fitting or component 1 is put into operation due to the immediate escape of leakage water.
[0055] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b show a first embodiment of the invention. For the sake of clarity, the union nut 6 is not shown in FIG. 2a; however, it is shown in FIG. 2b in a partial axial sectional view. In this embodiment, a recess 3.32 in the form of a gap is formed in the stop 3.3, which is designed as a collar or flange. Starting from the outer edge 3.30 of the stop 3.3, the gap 3.32 extends radially in the direction of the circumferential outer surface 3.12 of the end 3.1 of the connecting piece 3 inserted into the connection pipe socket 1.1 of the fitting or component (angle valve) 1, with the gap 3.32 ending at a radial distance from the outer surface 3.12. The outer surface 3.12 defines a fillet 3.13 with the stop 3.3, wherein the radial distance of the gap 3.32 from the outer surface 3.12 is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, particularly preferably less than 1 mm. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to form the gap 3.32 so deep that it ends directly, i.e. without distance, at the outer surface 3.12.
[0056] The nipple-shaped connecting piece 3 has a circumferential chamfer 3.14 on the outer circumference of its end to be inserted. The connection pipe socket 1.1 of the fitting or component 1 associated with the connecting piece 3 opens at the seating surface 1.11 facing the stop 3.3, whereby the receptacle defined by the connection pipe socket 1.1 has an essentially circular-cylindrical inner section into which the essentially circular-cylindrical axial section (plug-in nipple) of the connecting piece 3 with the annular groove 3.11 for the sealing ring is received. The circular cylindrical inner section of the connection pipe socket 1.1 is adjoined by a conically increasing orifice section 1.13 in the direction of the seating surface 1.11. FIG. 2b shows that the gap (recess 3.32) formed in the collar (stop 3.3) partially overlaps with the mouth section 1.13 of the connection pipe socket 1.1, so that an annular closed surface contact between the stop surface 3.31 of the collar and the seating surface 1.11 of the connection pipe socket 1.1 is interrupted.
[0057] FIG. 2a shows that the gap (recess 3.32) extends over the entire axial thickness of the stop 3.3. The gap has a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional profile, for example. Furthermore, the gap can have a flattened gap base. The gap can also be significantly wider in the circumferential direction of the stop 3.3, which is designed as a collar, than shown in FIG. 2a. For example, the width of the gap measured in the circumferential direction of the collar at the gap base 3.321, i.e. at the deepest point of the gap, can be in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm. Larger gap widths are also possible.
[0058] The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b in that the at least one gap or the at least one recess 3.33 does not extend over the entire axial thickness of the stop 3.3. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the at least one recess 3.33 is in the form of a groove in the stop surface 3.31 of the stop 3.3 facing the seating surface 1.11 of the fitting or the component. The groove (recess 3.33) extends inwards from the outer circumference 3.30 of the stop 3.3, which is designed as a collar, whereby the groove ends at a radial distance from the outer surface 3.12 of the insertion section of the nipple-shaped connecting piece 3. The outer surface 3.12 in turn defines a fillet 3.13 with the stop 3.3, wherein the radial distance of the groove from the outer surface 3.12 is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, particularly preferably less than 1 mm. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to form the inner end of the groove (recess 3.33) so deep that it ends directly, i.e. without distance, at the outer surface 3.12.
[0059] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment example of the invention. This example differs from the examples shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3 in that the at least one recess 3.34 in the stop (collar) 3.3 is formed in the form of a through hole which extends over the entire axial thickness of the stop 3.3. Two such recesses 3.34 can be seen in FIG. 4. The two through holes (recesses 3.34) are, for example, in the form of bores and are arranged in the collar (3.3) at a distance of approx. 1800 from each other.
[0060] The through hole (3.34) can adjoin the circumferential outer surface 3.12 of the first end 3.1 of the connecting piece 3 directly or at a radial distance, whereby this outer surface 3.12 defines with the collar a fillet 3.13 lying next to the through hole. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the through hole (3.34) is almost directly adjacent to the circumferential outer surface 3.12 of the first end 3.1 of the connecting piece 3. The through hole (3.34) is aligned with the conically increasing mouth section 1.13 of the connection pipe socket 1.1 and with the rear opening 6.3 of the union nut 6, which is limited by the circumferential projection (web) of the union nut 6.
[0061] FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment example of the invention. This example differs from the examples shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3 and 4 in that the stop 3.3 designed as a collar has at least one projection (elevation) 3.35, by means of which an annularly closed surface contact between the stop surface 3.31 of the stop 3.3 and the seating surface 1.11 of the connection pipe socket 1.1 of the fitting or the component 1 is interrupted or prevented. The at least one projection 3.35 is formed on the stop surface 3.31 of the stop 3.3 facing the fitting or the component 1. The projection (elevation) 3.35 is designed, for example, in the form of at least one rib or thickening. Preferably, the projection 3.35 is elongated and extends radially on the circumferential stop 3.3.
[0062] FIG. 5 shows two such projections (elevations) 3.35. The two projections 3.35 are designed, for example, in the form of ribs extending radially on the collar (3.3), which are spaced apart from each other by approx. 1800 on the collar (3.3). Leaking water, which escapes from the plug-in seat due to a missing O-ring in the annular groove 3.11, flows along the ribs (3.35) to the internal thread 6.2 of the union nut 6 and through the thread along the external thread 1.12 of the connection pipe socket 1.1 to the outside, where it can be perceived when the fitting or component 1 is put into operation.
[0063] FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment example of the invention. This example differs from the examples shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3, 4 and 5 in that the seating surface 1.11 of the connection pipe socket 1.1 of the fitting or component 1 facing the stop 3.3 has at least one recess 1.111, by means of which an annularly closed surface contact between the stop surface 3.31 of the stop 3.3 and the seating surface 1.11 of the connection pipe socket 1.1 is interrupted or prevented. The at least one recess 1.111 is formed in the seating surface 1.11, which faces the stop surface 3.31 of the stop 3.3 designed as a collar.
[0064] Two such recesses 1.111 can be seen in FIG. 6. The recesses 1.111 are designed, for example, in the form of grooves that extend radially in the seating surface 1.11 of the connection pipe socket 1.1 and are spaced apart, for example, by approximately 180.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows a sixth embodiment example of the invention. This example differs from the examples shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3 to 6 in that the seating surface side 1.11 of the connection pipe socket 1.1 of the fitting or component 1 facing the stop (collar) 3.3 has at least one projection (elevation) 1.112, by means of which an annularly closed surface contact between the stop surface 3.31 of the stop 3.1 and the seating surface of the connection pipe socket 1.1 is interrupted or prevented.
[0066] FIG. 7 shows two such projections (elevations) 1.112. The projections 1.112 are designed, for example, in the form of crenellated or tooth-shaped projections that protrude axially on the end face of the connection pipe socket 1.1.
