Abstract:
A device ( 1 ), for sealing untight couplings and press connections consists of a pressing piece ( 2 ) which encompasses the periphery of the pipe, with which an additional seal ( 6 ) is pressed onto the intermediate space between the coupling ( 4 ) and the pipe ( 5 ), and of a counter-piece ( 3 ) which encompasses the coupling body and by way of which the pressing piece ( 2 ) is pulled in the direction of the coupling body and fixed with a form- and force-fit. The pressing piece ( 2 ) has essentially the shape of a hollow cylinder with an outer thread with an inner diameter which is equally large as the outer diameter of the pipe ( 5 ), and an outer diameter which is larger than the maximal diameter of the coupling ( 4 ). The counter-piece ( 3 ) likewise has essentially the shape of a hollow cylinder. The inner diameter over a part of the length of the counter-piece ( 3 ) corresponds to the diameter of a coupling ( 4 ) between the outer beads. The counter-piece over the remaining length has an inner thread with the same diameter as the outer thread of the pressing piece ( 2 ). After a new seal ( 6 ) has been attached by way of wrapping a sealing cord around the pipe ( 5 ), the pressing piece ( 2 ) is screwed into the counter-piece ( 3 ), and thus presses the seal ( 6 ) onto the gap between the pipe ( 5 ) and the coupling ( 6 ).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates to a device for sealing untight couplings and untight press connections. More particularly, this invention relates to such a device with a pressing piece which may be attached around a pipe and with a counter-piece which may be attached around a coupling connected to the pipe, wherein the pressing piece and the counter-piece are connectable to one another with a form-fit and/or force-fit. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    On installation, pipes for the transport of gases and fluids as a rule are coupled by way of couplings. With traditional technology, sealing material e.g. hemp fibers, is wound around the pipes, and the pipes inserted into the coupling. The sealing material swells due to the absorption of moisture and seals the coupling connection. With a modern solution for pipes of plastic, the coupling and the pipe are heated and welded by way of a current conductor applied into this so-called welding coupling. 
         [0005]    Today, the pipes as a rule are connected by press couplings for the efficient installation of pipe conduits. A metal pipe is inserted into a plastically deformable metal coupling with such press connections or press fittings. This coupling at the longitudinal ends comprises a hollow bead into which a sealing ring of an elastomer is applied. Such a press connection is shown for example in EP 1,505,329 A2. 
         [0006]    Subsequently, the coupling is pressed with the pipe by way of a tool which is specially envisaged for this purpose. On the one hand, this leads to a form-fit and force-fit connection of the coupling and pipe, and on the other hand to a tight sealing of the connection by way of an elastic deformation of the sealing ring in the bead. 
         [0007]    The sealing ring of the press coupling may become damaged by way of incorrect handling. The press connection is then not tight after the pressing. It is just as possible for a pipe to unnoticeably get damaged, for example on cutting to length by way of a saw, which likewise may lead to a leaky coupling connection. The plastic of the sealing rings may furthermore age, and thereby become brittle and fractured. In the near future therefore, one has to reckon with an increase in untight press connections. 
         [0008]    Since a conduit system is usually filled only until after the final creation, any leakage is often not discovered and repaired only until after the completion of the assembly. Whereas solutions are known for the repair of leakages of pipes during operation, thus without the exchange of the defective pipe, defective coupling connections, in particular press connections must be completely exchanged. For this, the conduit system needs to be emptied, which may take time with larger systems, such as heating installations of larger buildings for example. With certain systems, for example air conditioning systems, the contents of the conduit may furthermore not be simply let out into the canalization, since it contains toxic substances, and for this reason must be collected. After the emptying, the defective coupling must be removed, which is only possible by sawing off. Then, even in the simpler cases, two press couplings and an intermediate pipe piece are required for the repair. With more complex cases, for example with T-pieces, the material and time expense is even greater. The conduit system must be filled again after the repair of the leakage, and thereby it must also be bled, which likewise may take some time. It is therefore indeed possible for the repair of one single untight press coupling to take several hours. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sealing device of the initially mentioned type, with which untight couplings and press connections may be rapidly and permanently sealed and repaired during the operation of the conduit system and without a complex exchange of the connection. 
         [0010]    The principle of a sealing device according to the invention is based on the fact that an unsealed coupling connection at the entry location of the pipe into the coupling is newly sealed over the complete pipe periphery. For this purpose, the device according to the invention consists of a pressing piece which encompasses the pipe periphery and with which an additional seal is pressed onto the intermediate space between the coupling and pipe, and of a counter-piece encompassing the coupling body, by way of which the pressing piece may be pulled in the direction of the coupling body and fixed with a form fit and force fit. 
         [0011]    The pressing piece of a sealing device according to the invention essentially has the shape of a hollow cylinder with an outer thread with an inner diameter which is equally large or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe, and with an outer diameter which is larger than the maximal diameter of the coupling. 
         [0012]    The counter-piece likewise has essentially the shape of a hollow cylinder. Over a part of the length of the counter-piece, the inner diameter corresponds to the diameter of a coupling between the outer beads. This region later encloses the coupling. Over the remaining length, the counter-piece has an inner thread with the same diameter as the outer thread of the pressing piece. After a new seal has been attached, by way of wrapping the pipe with sealing cord in the region of the coupling bead or by mounting a suitably modified sealing ring, the pressing piece is screwed into the counter-piece and thus presses the seal onto the gap between the pipe and the coupling. 
         [0013]    In order for the pressing piece and the counter-piece of a sealing device according to the invention to be able to be assembled around the finished installed pipe or around the coupling, they must in each case consist of at least two semi-shells which have an opening angle of maximal 180 degrees. The at least two parts of the counter-piece must be connected to one another with a form-fit and/or force-ft. With regard to the pressing piece which is screwed into the counter-piece, the at least two parts do not necessarily need to be connected to one another since these are fixed onto one another alone by way of the screwing-in. 
         [0014]    It is additionally advantageous to equip the pressing piece and counter-piece with means which permit a torque to be exerted onto these. Recesses for example are possible, onto which pliers may engage, or coupling locations for special keys or tools. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    These and other objects, advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods, operation and function of related elements of structure, and the combination of parts and economies of deployment, will become apparent upon consideration of the following description and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  in a longitudinal section shows a press connection, consisting of a press coupling with an inserted pipe, with which liquid or gas escapes through a leak in the seal of the press coupling. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  in a longitudinal section, shows the untight press connection of  FIG. 1 , sealed by a sealing device according to the invention, essentially consisting of a pressing piece and a counter-piece. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3   a  in a longitudinal section, shows the counter-piece of the sealing device according to the invention, of  FIG. 2 , wherein the section plane lies perpendicular to the section plane in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   b  shows the counter-piece of  FIG. 3   a , seen from the longitudinal end which is opposite to the pressing piece. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  in a longitudinal section shows the pressing piece of the sealing device according to the invention of  FIG. 2 , wherein the section plane lies perpendicular to the section plane in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4   b  shows the pressing piece of  FIG. 4   a , seen from the longitudinal end lying opposite to the pressing piece. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  shows a further embodiment of a counter-piece for a sealing device according to the invention, in the longitudinal section and seen from a longitudinal end opposite to a pressing piece. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5   a  shows a drawing of a sealing device according to the invention, in the dismantled condition, consisting of pressing piece, counter-piece and pins. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5   b  shows a counter-piece and the pressing piece of  FIG. 5   a , in a partly assembled condition. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5   c  shows a further drawing of the sealing device according to the invention of  FIG. 5   a , in the assembled condition. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5   d  shows a drawing of a press coupling with an inserted pipe, sealed by the sealing device according to the invention, of the  FIGS. 5   a  to  5   c.    
           [0027]      FIG. 5   e  shows a further embodiment of a counter-piece for a sealing device according to the invention, seen in side view and in the longitudinal direction from a longitudinal end opposite to the pressing piece. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5   f  shows a further embodiment of a pressing piece for a sealing device according to the invention, seen in side view and in the longitudinal direction from a longitudinal end opposite to the counter-piece. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6   a  in cross section, shows one possible embodiment of the connection between the two parts of a counter-piece for a sealing device according to the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6   b  in cross section, shows a further possible embodiment of the connection between two parts of a counter-piece for a sealing device according to the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  shows a further possible embodiment of a counter-piece for a sealing device according to the invention, seen in the longitudinal direction from a longitudinal end opposite to the pressing piece. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  shows a further possible embodiment of a pressing piece for a sealing device according to the invention, seen in the longitudinal direction from a longitudinal end opposite to the counter-piece. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  in a longitudinal section, shows an untight press coupling with two inserted pipes, sealed by way of a further embodiment of a sealing device according to the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  in a longitudinal section, shows a press coupling which is untight at two ends with two inserted pipes, sealed by a further embodiment of a sealing device according to the invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  in a longitudinal section, shows a press coupling which is untight at two ends, with two inserted pipes, sealed by a further embodiment of a sealing device according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    The problems of an untight press connection are evident in  FIG. 1 , which shows such a press connection in a longitudinal section. On creating such a connection, a pipe  5  is inserted into a press coupling  4 , also called press fitting. This press fitting  4  which at its ends comprises a bead  8  with a sealing ring  9  applied therein, is subsequently irreversibly pressed with the pipe  5  by way of a tool suitable for this. Thereby, the sealing ring  9  is pressed flush onto the pipe  5  and the press connection is sealed. If however the sealing ring  9  is damaged, for example on assembly, a leakage  11  may occur. Fluid or gas under pressure may then flow through the leaky location out of the inside of the pipe  5  between the pipe and the coupling, and exit at the front side  10  of the coupling  4 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a longitudinal section showing one possible design of a sealing device  1  according to the invention, with a pressing piece  2  and a counter-piece  3 . Before assembly of the sealing device  1  according to the invention, a seal  6  is attached on the front side of the coupling  4 . 
         [0038]    This seal cannot be a closed sealing ring since it indeed may not be pushed onto the pipe  5 . Most simply, the seal  6  is created by wrapping sealing cord around the pipe  5 , for example rubber cord or Teflon cord with e.g. 2 mm diameter. 
         [0039]    Alternatively a modified sealing ring may be used, consisting of a cut through sealing ring. The sealing ring is cut in such a way that the cut surface of the two ends overlap. If such a sealing ring is mounted on the pipe and compressed during the assembly of the sealing device, the overlapping surfaces are pressed together, thereby closing the sealing ring. 
         [0040]    In a further variant two or more cut sealing rings, with or without overlapping cut surfaces, can be mounted on the pipe in a way that the cut zones are evenly distributed along the circumference of the pipe. 
         [0041]    The pressing piece  2  which encompasses the pipe  5 , is screwed into the counter-piece  3  encompassing the coupling  4 . On the inner side of the counter-piece  3 , this stands on the bead  8  of the coupling  4 . The previously attached seal  6  is pressed against the pipe  5  and the front side of the coupling  4  by way of rotating into the pressing piece  2 . This pressure results in sealing the intermediate space between the bead  8  and the pipe  5 . The press connection is thereby permanently sealed and repaired. The pressing piece  2  and the counter-piece  3  are advantageously manufactured of metal, in particular aluminum, steel, brass or chrome steel. However, a manufacture of suitable plastic is also possible. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show the counter-piece  3  of  FIG. 2  in a longitudinal section and seen from the longitudinal end opposite the pressing piece  2 . The section plane of  FIG. 3   a  thereby is perpendicular to the section plane in  FIG. 2 . The counter-piece is composed of a first part  12   a  and of a second part  12   b . In the region of the smaller inner diameter  13 , the two parts  12   a ,  12   b  comprise teeth  15 ,  15   a  which mutually engage and thus fix the position of the two parts to one another in the longitudinal direction. The teeth  15  have perpendicular walls which are shown in  FIG. 3   b  by way of the dashed lines, in order for the second part  12   b  to be able to be pushed over a coupling. A bore  20  is incorporated on both sides continuously through the teeth  15 ,  15   a  through which in each case a pin  14  is inserted after the attachment to the pipe coupling, for the form-fit and force-fit connection of the two parts  12   a ,  12   b  transverse to the longitudinal axis. This pin, in an advantageous variant and at the outer lying end, is designed such that it may be removed again as the case may be. The diameter  16  of the inner thread  7  must always be larger than the maximal diameter of a coupling on the bead. Two recesses  17  are incorporated at the end of the counter-piece  3  which is opposite to the inner thread  7 , on which for example joint pliers may engage. 
         [0043]    In one possible variant, instead of two, one may also use four or six recesses  17 . In the later case, the one end of the counter-piece  3  would have the shape of a hexagonal nut. It is also conceivable to design the counter-piece in a hexagonal manner over the entire length. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show the pressing piece  2  of  FIG. 2  in a longitudinal section and seen from the longitudinal end opposite to the counter-piece  3 . The section plane of  FIG. 4   a  thereby is again perpendicular to the section plane in  FIG. 2 . The pressing piece  2  consists of two essentially identical parts  19 ,  19 ′. These are not connected to one another. However, these are automatically fixed in position to one another on screwing into the counter-piece  3 . The diameter  7   a  of the outer thread corresponds to the inner thread of the counter-piece  3 . The inner diameter  18  corresponds essentially to the outer diameter of the pipe. Both parts are provided with a bore  21 , into which a key with corresponding cams may engage, in order to rotate the pressing piece  2  into the counter-piece  3 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows a further embodiment for a counter-piece  3  for a sealing device according to the invention, in a longitudinal section and seen from the end opposite the pressing piece. In the depicted example, both parts  12 ,  12 ′ of the counter-piece  3  are essentially formed identically, with only one tooth  15 ,  15   a  on each side. The pins  14  are arranged continuously through the teeth  15 ,  15   a  lying symmetrically opposite one another. The teeth  15 ,  15   a  are again provided with straight walls. The recesses  17  protract over the large part of the threaded region. The thread-less region as well as the thread  7  are shorter in comparison to the diameter of the counter-piece, than in the example depicted  FIGS. 2 ,  3   a  and  3   b . The transition region between the threaded region and the thread-less region is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and is not conical. 
         [0046]    One advantage of the counter-piece  3  in  FIG. 5  is the fact that two identical parts  12 ,  12 ′ may be used, in the case that a fitting thread is selected. Furthermore, the shortened construction permits an assembly with restricted spatial conditions. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5   a  shows a sealing device according to the invention in the dismantled condition, with a pressing piece  2  consisting of two parts  19 ,  19 ′, with an outer thread (not visible), with a counter-piece  3  consisting of two parts  12   a ,  12   b , and two pins  14 . The teeth  15 ,  15   a  are designed analogously to the counter-piece in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b.    
         [0048]      FIGS. 5   b  and  5   c  show the same sealing device  1  in a partly assembled condition. The recesses  17  on the pressing piece  2  and on the counter-piece  3  are clearly visible in  FIG. 5   c.    
         [0049]      FIG. 5   d  shows a press connection consisting of a press coupling  4  and pipe  5 , sealed by way of the sealing device  1  according to the invention, of  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b ,  5   c.    
         [0050]      FIG. 5   e  shows a further embodiment of a counter-piece  3  for a sealing device according to the invention, seen in side view and in the longitudinal direction from a longitudinal end opposite to the pressing piece. As in  FIG. 5  both parts  12 ,  12 ′ of the counter-piece  3  are essentially formed identically. The two parts  12 ,  12 ′ are connected by screws  23 . In the depicted embodiment Allen/hex screws are used, but any other suitable screw may be used. The teeth  15 ,  15   a  have perpendicular walls. The transition zone between the threaded region with thread diameter  16  and the thread-less region with inner diameter  13  is conically shaped. Six radial bores  21  are arranged along the outer circumference of the counter-piece  3 . Said bores can be used to hold the counter-piece  3  in position during assembly of the sealing device, or to apply a torque on the counter-piece  3 , by inserting a suitable rod or simply a screw driver into one of the bores. The same solution is of course applicable for the pressing piece  2 . The counter-piece  3  in  FIG. 5   e  is well adapted for couplings and press fittings with larger diameters, for example 10 cm. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5   f  shows a further embodiment of a pressing piece for a sealing device according to the invention, seen in side view and in the longitudinal direction from a longitudinal end opposite to the counter-piece. The two parts  19 ,  19 ′ are essentially identical. These, parallel to the separating plane of the parts, are undisplaceably fixed by cams  22  which engage into corresponding recesses of one part. The cams may all be attached distributed on one part or on both parts. The cams  22  may be arranged on one single part. However, it is of advantage to have a cam on each part, since then both parts  19 ,  19 ′ are exactly identical. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  schematically in cross section, show two further possibilities for the form-fit and force-fit connection of two parts  12   a ,  12   b  of a counter-piece  3 . In  FIG. 6   a , the two parts are connected by screws  23 . Teeth are not necessary in such a design. In  FIG. 6   b , the screw  23  runs through two outer mountings which are integrally formed on identical parts  12 ,  12 ′. The screw is secured with a nut. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  shows a further embodiment of a counter-piece  3  for a sealing device according to the invention, seen from the end opposite the counter-piece. The two parts  12 ,  12 ′ are essentially identical. These, parallel to the separating plane of the parts, are undisplaceably fixed by cams  22  which engage into corresponding recesses of one part. The cams may all be attached distributed on one part or on both parts. One or more U-bolts or clamps are attached encompassing both parts, and hold together the parts perpendicular to the plane of separation. Even the use of the cable binders is possible. The embodiment has the advantage that it may be manufactured in a simple and therefore inexpensive method. 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  in a longitudinal section shows a further embodiment for a pressing piece  2  of a sealing device according to the invention. The two parts are mutually protected against a displacement parallel to the separating plane between the two same parts  19 ,  19 ′ with cams  22 . 
         [0055]    Such a fixation in principle is not necessary, since the two parts are fixed anyway on insertion into the counter-piece. This variant however simplifies the handling on assembly. 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  in the longitudinal section schematically shows a further embodiment of a sealing device  1  according to the invention. In this example, the roles of the counter-piece  3  and the pressing piece  2  are reversed. The pressing piece  2  has an inner thread, and the counter-piece  3  has an outer thread. In this case, the at least two parts of the pressing piece  2  must be connected with a form- and force-fit. The depicted variant for the counter-piece and the pressing piece may in this context also be used for the depicted design of a sealing device according to the invention. 
         [0057]      FIG. 10  in a longitudinal section shows a sealing device  1  according to the invention, for sealing a coupling or a press connection with two untight seals  9 . The two pressing pieces  2 ,  2 ′ attached on the opposite ends of the coupling  4  are designed equally and differ only by way of the opposite running direction of the outer thread  7   a  and  7   b . The counter-piece  3  at its opposite ends has a corresponding, counter-running inner thread. 
         [0058]      FIG. 11  in a longitudinal section shows another embodiment of a sealing device  1  according to the invention, for sealing a joint or press connection with two untight seals  9 . In this variant, the counter-piece  3  simultaneously serves as a second pressing piece  2 ′. 
         [0059]    With restricted spatial conditions, for example with couplings on branches and arched pieces, it is advantageous to construct the sealing device that saves as much space as possible. In such a case, the pressing piece for example may be designed to be very short, for example with a length of only 5 mm. The outer thread then only has a few flights. The counter-piece may analogously be designed to be very short. 
         [0060]    With sealing devices for larger couplings or press connections, it may be advantageous to design the pressing piece or the counter-piece of three or more parts In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention longitudinal ribs are arranged along the outer surface of the counter-piece and/or the pressing piece. This allows one to easily hold said pieces and to turn them manually. A user may then complete the assembly of the sealing device without a tool. 
         [0061]    The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiment described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  sealing device 
           2 ,  2 ′ pressing piece 
           3  counter-piece 
           4  coupling 
           5  pipe 
           6  seal 
           7  thread 
           7   a  thread diameter 
           7   b  counter thread 
           8  bead 
           9  sealing ring 
           10  front side 
           11  leak 
           12 ,  12 ′ part 
           12   a  first part 
           12   b  second part 
           13  inner diameter 
           14  pin 
           15 ,  15   a  tooth 
           16  thread diameter 
           17  recess 
           18  inner diameter 
           19 ,  19 ′ part 
           20 ,  21  bore 
           22  cams 
           23  screw 
           25  bolt/clamp