U.S. patent application number 17/610441 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-30 for pipeline connecting device, pipeline element coupling piece and coupling method therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Zhigang LU, Zhibing ZHAI.
Application Number | 20220205570 17/610441 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006269958 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220205570 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LU; Zhigang ; et
al. |
June 30, 2022 |
Pipeline Connecting Device, Pipeline Element Coupling Piece and
Coupling Method Therefor
Abstract
Disclosed are a pipeline connecting device, a pipeline element
coupling piece and a coupling method therefor. The pipeline element
coupling unit comprises a plurality of coupling units, a gasket
arranged at the coupling unit, and a fastening element. Each
coupling unit comprises two engaging keys located at two coupling
ends thereof, each engaging key has an engaging surface, and each
engaging surface has a variable curvature radius. The fastening
element is coupled to the coupling unit, wherein the pipeline
element coupling piece is adapted to be pre-mount onto the two
pipeline elements and be aligned with engaging keys and
corresponding grooves of the pipeline elements. When the fastening
element is operated to fasten together the coupling units, each
engaging surface is deformed to change the curvature radius to
substantially match the curvature radius of the groove
circumference of the bottom of the groove of the pipeline
element.
Inventors: |
LU; Zhigang; (Shanghai,
CN) ; ZHAI; Zhibing; (Shanghai, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd. |
Shanghai |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006269958 |
Appl. No.: |
17/610441 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
June 29, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2020/098869 |
371 Date: |
November 10, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 21/065 20130101;
F16L 21/005 20130101; F16L 17/04 20130101; F16L 37/082
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 37/08 20060101
F16L037/08; F16L 17/04 20060101 F16L017/04; F16L 21/00 20060101
F16L021/00; F16L 21/06 20060101 F16L021/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 29, 2019 |
CN |
201910581107.2 |
Apr 27, 2020 |
CN |
202010345015.7 |
Claims
1. A pipeline element coupling piece for coupling at least two
pipeline elements each having a groove and a groove circumference
at a groove bottom of the groove, wherein the pipeline connecting
device comprises: two or more coupling units, wherein each of the
two or more coupling units includes two engaging keys respectively,
wherein each of the engaging keys has an engaging surface having a
variable radius of curvature; a least one gasket disposed in a
cavity defined between the two or more coupling units; and at least
one fastening element configured for fastening the two or more
coupling units together for pre-sleeving at the at least two
pipeline elements while aligning the engaging keys with the grooves
of the at least two pipeline elements, such that when the at least
one fastening element is operated to fasten the two or more
coupling units together, the engaging keys are engaged in the
grooves of the at least two pipeline elements and each of the
engaging surfaces is deformed to vary the variable radius of
curvature so as to substantially match with a radius of curvature
of each of the groove circumference of the groove bottom of each of
the at least two pipeline elements.
2. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 1,
wherein each of the engaging surfaces of the two or more coupling
units defines a curve with variable radius of curvature selected
from a group consisting of one or a combination of a logarithmic
spiral curve, an Archimedes spiral curve, a pascal spiral curve, an
ellipse curve, and a high power curve.
3. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 1,
further comprising at least one pivot connecting element, wherein
the two or more coupling units include a first coupling unit and a
second coupling unit and the at least one pivot connecting element
is configured to pivotally connect the first and second coupling
units.
4. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 3,
wherein each of the two coupling units comprises a housing, a pivot
connecting end portion integrally extended from the housing and a
fastening end portion integrally extended from the housing, wherein
the pivot connecting end portions of the first and second coupling
units are pivotally connected with each other by the at least one
pivot connecting element, and the fastening end portions of the
first and second coupling units are configured to be fastened by
the at least one fastening element.
5. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 3,
wherein each of the engaging surfaces of the first and second
coupling units defines a curve with variable radius of curvature
which is a logarithmic spiral curve.
6. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 4,
wherein each of the engaging surfaces of the two coupling units has
a proximate end point adjacent to the pivot connecting end portion
thereof and a distal end point adjacent to the fastening end
portion thereof, wherein the radius of curvature of each of the
engaging surfaces gradually increases from the proximate end point
to the distal end point.
7. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 6,
wherein the radius of curvature at the proximate end point of each
of the engaging surfaces is configured for equaling to a radius of
curvature of the groove circumference of the groove of the pipeline
element.
8. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 7,
wherein each of the pipeline elements comprises an enlarged
coupling end portion, wherein the radius of curvature of the distal
end point of each of the engaging surfaces is not smaller than a
radius of curvature of the enlarged coupling end portion.
9. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 6,
wherein each of the engaging surfaces defines a logarithmic spiral
curve having an equation of .rho.=e.sup..theta., wherein .theta.
has a range of 0-180.degree., wherein .rho..sub.1 denotes the
radius of curvature at the proximate end point, .rho..sub.2 denotes
the radius of curvature at the distal end point, D1 denotes a
diameter of the groove circumference of the groove, and D2 denotes
a diameter of the enlarged coupling end portion, wherein
.rho..sub.1=D1/2, .rho..sub.2=D2/2+R, wherein R has a value range
of 0.3-1 mm.
10. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 6,
wherein a deformation of each of the engaging surfaces results in
deformed and varied radiuses of curvature thereof, wherein a
variation range thereof is 4.5% to 12%.
11. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 6,
wherein D denotes a distance between the proximate end point and
the distal end point, wherein a deformation of each of the engaging
surfaces results in variation of D, wherein a variation range
thereof is 4% to 15%.
12. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 6,
wherein the fastening element includes a bolt and a nut for
coupling with the bolt, wherein each of the pivot connecting end
portions has a connecting hole and the pivot connecting element is
a pivotal pin configured to pass through the connecting holes to
connect the pivot connecting end portions, wherein each of the
fastening end portions has a fastening hole and the fastening
element is configured to pass through the fastening holes of the
fastening end portions.
13. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 1,
further comprising a first pivot connecting element and a second
pivot connecting element, wherein the two or more coupling units
include a first coupling unit, a second coupling unit and a third
coupling unit, wherein the first pivot connecting element is
configured to pivotally connect the first coupling unit and the
second coupling unit and the second pivot connecting member is
configured to pivotally connect the second coupling unit and the
third coupling unit, wherein the fastening element is configured to
fasten the first coupling unit and the third coupling unit.
14. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 13,
wherein each of the engaging surfaces of the first coupling unit
and the third coupling unit defines a logarithmic spiral curve and
the engaging surface of the second coupling unit defines an ellipse
curve.
15. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 14,
wherein the engaging surface of the second coupling unit has a
middle point having a minimum radius of curvature which is equal to
the radius of curvature of the groove circumference of the groove
of the pipeline element.
16. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 15,
wherein each of the pipeline elements comprises an enlarged
coupling end portion, wherein each of the engaging surfaces of the
first coupling unit and the third coupling unit has a distal end
point, wherein a radius of curvature at the distal end point is not
smaller than a radius of curvature of the enlarged coupling end
portion.
17. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 16,
further comprising transition points between the second coupling
unit and the first coupling unit and between the second coupling
unit and the third coupling unit respectively, wherein the
transition points have the same radius or curvature.
18. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 14,
wherein a deformation of each of the engaging surfaces results in
deformed and varied radiuses of curvature thereof, wherein a
variation range thereof is 13% to 21%.
19. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 16,
wherein D' denotes a distance between the proximate end point and
the distal end point, wherein a deformation of each of the engaging
surfaces results in variation of D', wherein a variation range
thereof is 14% to 22%.
20. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 16,
wherein each of the engaging surfaces of the first coupling unit
and the third coupling unit defines a logarithmic spiral curve
having an equation of .rho.=e.sup..theta., wherein .theta. has a
range of 60.degree. to 200.degree., wherein .rho..sub.a denotes the
radius of curvature of the engaging surface of the second coupling
unit, .rho..sub.b denotes the radius of curvature of the engaging
surface of the second coupling unit, .rho..sub.A denotes the radius
of curvature of each of the engaging surfaces of the first and
third coupling units, .rho..sub.B denotes the radius of curvature
of each of the engaging surfaces of the first and third coupling
units, D1 denotes a diameter of the groove circumference of the
groove, and D2 denotes a diameter of the enlarged coupling end
portion, wherein .rho..sub.a=D1/2, .rho..sub.A=(Sp+R')/2,
.rho..sub.b=D2/2+R, and .rho..sub.B=D2/2, wherein R' has a value
range of 0.3-1 mm.
21. (canceled)
22. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 20,
wherein Da denotes a value of a minor axis of the ellipse curve of
the second coupling unit, Db denotes a value of a major axis of the
ellipse curve of the second coupling unit, Sp denotes a standard of
the pipeline element, D1 denotes a diameter of the groove
circumference of the pipeline element, and D2 denotes a diameter of
the enlarged coupling end portion, wherein Da=D1, Db=Sp+R', wherein
R' has value range of 0.3-1 mm.
23. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 13,
wherein the fastening element includes a bolt and a nut for
coupling with the bolt, wherein each of the first pivot connecting
element and the second pivot connecting element is a connecting
pin.
24. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 1,
wherein each of the pipeline elements has an enlarged coupling end
portion, wherein the at least one gasket includes a plurality of
protrusions spaced apart with each other, which is configured to be
pressed between the two enlarged coupling end portions of the two
pipeline elements.
25. The pipeline element coupling piece, as recited in claim 1,
wherein the at least one gasket comprises a base body, two biasing
elements integrally extended from the base body, and a retaining
element integrally extended from a middle portion of the base body,
wherein the retaining element includes a retaining body and a
plurality of protrusions integrally extended from the retaining
body and spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the biasing
elements includes an extending portion integrally extended from the
base body and a biasing portion inwardly and inclinedly extended
from the extending portion.
26-30. (canceled)
31. A coupling method for coupling two pipeline elements by a
pipeline element coupling piece, wherein each of the two pipeline
elements has a groove and a groove circumference of a groove bottom
of the groove, wherein the coupling method comprises step of: (a)
receiving an enlarged coupling end portions of the two pipeline
elements in two connecting end portions of the pipeline element
coupling piece and aligning engaging keys of two or more coupling
units of the pipeline element coupling piece, wherein each engaging
surfaces of the engaging keys has a radius of curvature; and (b)
deforming the engaging surfaces of the engaging keys to increase
contacting area around the corresponding grooves of the pipeline
elements and the engaging surfaces, so as to retain the engaging
keys in the corresponding grooves of the pipeline elements.
32. The coupling method, as recited in claim 31, wherein the
engaging surfaces define curves with different radiuses of
curvature, wherein each of the curves is selected from a group
consisting of one or a combination of a logarithmic spiral curve,
an Archimedes spiral curve, a pascal spiral curve, an ellipse
curve, and a high power curve.
33. A coupling method for coupling two pipeline elements by a
pipeline element coupling piece, comprising steps of: (A) sleeving
a first coupling end portion of the pipeline element coupling piece
on an enlarged coupling end portion of a first pipeline element of
the two pipeline elements, and inserting an enlarged coupling end
portion of a second pipeline element of the two pipeline elements
into a second coupling end portion of the pipeline element coupling
piece in such a manner that engaging keys of a plurality of
coupling units are respectively aligned with the grooves of the
first and second pipeline elements, wherein an engaging surface of
each of said engaging keys has a variable radius of curvature,
wherein a gap is defined between the engaging surfaces and a groove
circumference at a bottom of the groove; and (B) operating at least
a fastening element to fasten two fastening end portions of the
coupling units to reduce the gap between the engaging surfaces and
the corresponding groove circumference at the bottom of the groove,
so as to retain the engaging keys at the corresponding grooves.
34. The coupling method, as recited in claim 33, wherein the
engaging surfaces define curves with different radiuses of
curvature, wherein each of the curves is selected from a group
consisting of one or a combination of a logarithmic spiral curve,
an Archimedes spiral curve, a pascal spiral curve, an ellipse
curve, and a high power curve.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a non-provisional application that claims U.S.
National Stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 of the International Application
Number PCT/CN2020/098869, filed Jun. 29, 2020, which claims
priority to Chinese application numbers CN201910581107.2, filed
Jun. 29, 2019 and CN202010345015.7, filed Apr. 27, 2020, and a
Continuation-In-Part application that claims the benefit of
priority under 35U.S.C..sctn. 120 to a non-provisional application
Ser. No. 16/892,299, filed Jun. 4, 2020, which is a Continuation
application that claims the benefit of priority under
35U.S.C..sctn. 120 to a non-provisional application Ser. No.
16/660,825, filed Oct. 23, 2019, which are incorporated herewith by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a coupling device for
pipeline elements, and more particularly to a pipeline connecting
device, wherein the pipeline connecting device facilitates an easy
and fast installation with the pipeline elements.
Description of Related Arts
[0003] A pipeline connecting device is generally used for coupling
two pipeline elements which can be but not limited to two pipes, a
pipe and a pipe fitting such as an elbow, a valve, a reducer and a
tee, two pipe fittings, a pipe and a device with a pipe-like
component, two devices with pipe-like components, and etc.
[0004] In order for installation of the pipeline elements with the
pipeline connecting device, each of the pipeline elements is formed
with a groove end portion having an indented groove adjacent to a
coupling end portion thereof for coupling with an engaging key of
the pipe coupler. The coupling end portion of the groove end
portion of each of the pipeline elements is generally formed into
an enlarged portion having an increased diameter.
[0005] A conventional pipeline connecting device typically includes
two metal housings, a gasket adapted for being received in the
metal housings and a plurality of fasteners such as bolt and nut
fasteners for firmly fastening the metal housings with each other.
Accordingly, the two metal housings are formed with the engaging
keys which are adapted for engaging with the grooves of the
pipeline elements.
[0006] In order to ensure the stability of the engagement between
the engaging keys and the grooves, an engaging surface of each of
the engaging keys of the conventional pipeline connecting device is
formed into a circular engaging surface each having a diameter
matching with a diameter of a groove circumference at the bottom of
the corresponding groove of the pipeline element.
[0007] Actually, before installation, the two housings should be in
an open state that they are not engaged with each to form an inner
cavity, and during the installing process, the gasket is mounted on
the pipeline elements and then the two housings in the open state
are mounted on the pipeline element in such a manner that the
engaging keys are received in the corresponding grooves of the
pipeline elements, and finally the fasteners are mounted on the
metal housings to fasten the two metal housings.
[0008] It is thus can be seen that the components of the
conventional pipeline connecting device should be disassembled
before the installation, so that the installing process is
time-consuming and effort-consuming that it is not suitable for
convenient and fast installation of the pipeline connecting device
with the pipeline elements, and the cost is also relatively
high.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0009] The invention is advantageous in that it provides a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
pipeline connecting device can be installed on two pipeline
elements without requiring disassembling components such as a
gasket and a fastener for reducing installing steps as well as
saving installing time, so as to achieve a quick installation.
[0010] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
pipeline connecting device with preassembled components can be
directly pushed to be sleeved on the enlarged coupling end portions
of the pipeline elements during installation
[0011] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein when
the pipeline connecting device is directly preassembled on the
pipeline elements, only a step of operating on the fastener for
fastening the coupling units with each other is required, so as to
facilitate the installation process.
[0012] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
coupling units with the engaging keys are manufactured in a
foundry, no additional tools are required for increasing a radius
of curvature of each of the engaging keys.
[0013] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein each of
the engaging keys has an engaging surface that has varying radiuses
of curvature rather than a fixed radius of curvature, during
installation, each engaging surface with the varying radiuses is
deformed to form a substantially round curvature that a part of or
all of the engaging surface is attached to a groove circumference
at a bottom of a groove of the corresponding pipeline element, so
as to achieve a firmly and reliable coupling performance.
[0014] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
smallest radius of curvature at a position of the engaging surface
of each of the engaging keys is substantially the same as a radius
of curvature of the groove circumference of the corresponding
pipeline element, i.e. the smallest radius of curvature at the
position of the engaging surface of each of the engaging keys is
slightly larger than or equal to the radius of curvature of the
groove circumference of the corresponding pipeline element, while
positions of the engaging surface of each of the engaging keys
having a larger radius of curvature is deformed for engaging with
the groove circumference during installation of the pipeline
connecting device, so as to ensure the stable coupling
performance.
[0015] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein when
the engaging surface has two or more engaging sections having
different curves of varying radiuses of curvature, the two curves
have a same radius of curvature at transition points therebetween,
so as to ensure the reliability of the coupling performance.
[0016] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein when
the pipeline connecting device is preassembled on the pipeline
elements, a gap is formed between each of the engaging surfaces of
the pipeline connecting device and the corresponding groove
circumference of each of the pipeline elements, and the gap is then
reduced by deforming the engaging surface until a part of or all of
the engaging surface is attached to the groove circumference of the
corresponding pipeline element.
[0017] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
pipeline connecting device does not require to detach the gasket
and the the fastening element before installing to an outer side of
the pipeline element, that reduces the steps of installation and
save the installation time, so as to achieve quick
installation.
[0018] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
pipeline connecting device is capable of directly installing to an
outer side of the pipeline element at a pipe end portion of the
pipeline element, so as to speed up the installation.
[0019] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
coupling units, the fastening element and the gasket have no need
to disassemble and separate, wherein the coupling units and the
gasket are able to be install at the outer side of the pipeline
element together, that not only increases the installation speed,
but also avoids disposition between the coupling units and the
gasket so as to lower the technical requirement for manual
assembling.
[0020] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
pipeline connecting device includes at least one fastening element
for fastening between the coupling units, such that, during
installation, the fastening element has no need to disassemble from
the coupling unit, that is before and after the installation, the
fastening element is capable of retaining at the coupling unit, so
as to eliminate the disassemble step of the fastening element for
the user and thus save installation time.
[0021] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
radius of curvature of the engaging surface of the pipeline
connecting device is not fixed, but varying, and that during the
installation process, the engaging surface deforms for ensuring the
engaging surface to partially attach or fully attach to a bottom of
a groove of the pipeline element so as to facilitate the
installation at the pipeline element.
[0022] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
pipeline connecting device includes at least two coupling units,
wherein the curvature shapes of the engaging surfaces of the
coupling units are the same or different, that is a curve with
variable radius of curvature, and that a minimum value of the curve
with variable radius of curvature is equal to or slightly larger
than the radius of curvature of the bottom of the groove of the
corresponding pipeline element, such that a predetermined position
of the engaging surface having a radius of curvature larger than
that of the bottom of the groove of the pipeline element deforms to
attach at the bottom of the groove of the pipeline element during
installation.
[0023] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein the
curve with variable radius of curvature includes, but not limited
to, one of logarithmic spiral, Archimedes spiral, Pascal snail,
ellipse, high power curve, or a combination thereof.
[0024] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein
adjacent different curves of variable radius of curvature have the
same curvature radius at a junction thereof, so as to ensure
coupling reliability.
[0025] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, wherein when
the pipeline connecting device is pre-sleeved at the outer side of
the pipeline element and to connect and seal the pipeline element,
the engaging surface of the pipeline connecting device is able to
deform by reducing the gap to partially attach or fully attach at
the bottom of the groove of the pipeline element, so as to ensure
coupling reliability.
[0026] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a pipeline
element coupling piece and coupling method thereof, which structure
is simple and is pre-adjustable for installation for facilitating
manual operation, that increases the assemble efficiency so as to
ensure connection reliability.
[0027] Additional advantages and features of the invention will
become apparent from the description which follows and may be
realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations
particularly pointing out in the appended claims.
[0028] According to the present invention, the foregoing and other
objects and advantages are attained by a pipeline connecting device
for coupling two pipeline elements each having a groove and a
groove circumference at a bottom of the groove, wherein the
pipeline connecting device comprises a plurality of coupling units,
a gasket and a fastening element. Each of the coupling units
comprises two engaging keys at two coupling end portions thereof,
wherein each of the engaging keys has an engaging surface having
varying radiuses of curvature. The gasket is disposed in the
coupling units. The fastening element is mounted on the coupling
units, wherein the pipeline connecting device is adapted for being
preassembled on the two pipeline elements to align the engaging
keys with the corresponding grooves, wherein when the fastening
element is operated to fasten the coupling units together, each of
the engaging surfaces is deformed to change the varying radiuses of
curvature, so as to substantially match a radius of curvature of
the groove circumference.
[0029] The present invention further provides a pipeline element
coupling piece for coupling two pipeline elements each having a
groove and a groove circumference at a bottom of the groove,
wherein the pipeline connecting device comprises two or more
coupling units, each having an arc-shape, arranged to be coupled
end-to-end to define an inner cavity, a gasket, and a fastening
element. Each of the coupling units comprises two engaging keys
extended from two sides thereof respectively and two engaging
surfaces defined at the engaging keys respectively. The gasket is
disposed in the coupling units within the inner cavity thereof. The
fastening element is mounted at the coupling units to move the
coupling units between a preassembled position and an assembled
position, wherein at the preassembled position, the coupling units
are arranged for encircling the pipeline element to align the
engaging keys with the grooves respectively, wherein at the
assembled position, the coupling units are fastened with each other
for engaging the engaging keys with the grooves respectively in
such a manner that each of the engaging keys is deformed to
self-adjust a curvature thereof for matching with a curvature of
the groove circumference so as to tightly couple the coupling units
at the pipeline elements to couple the pipeline elements
end-to-end.
[0030] The present invention further provides coupling method for
coupling two pipeline elements by a pipeline element coupling
piece, wherein each of the two pipeline elements has a groove, a
groove circumference at a bottom of the groove, and comprises an
enlarged coupling end portion, wherein the method comprises the
following steps.
[0031] (a) Receive the two enlarged coupling end portions of the
pipeline elements at two engaging end portions of the pipeline
connecting device to align engaging keys of a plurality of coupling
units with the corresponding grooves, wherein an engaging surface
of each of the engaging keys has varying radius of curvature.
[0032] (b) Deform the engaging surface of each of the engaging keys
to increase a contacting area between the engaging surface and the
corresponding groove circumference to retain each of the engaging
keys at the corresponding groove.
[0033] The present invention further provides a coupling method for
coupling two pipeline elements by a pipeline element coupling
piece, wherein the method comprises the following steps.
[0034] (A) Sleeve a first coupling end portion of the pipeline
element coupling piece on an enlarged coupling end portion of a
first pipeline element of the two pipeline elements, and insert an
enlarged coupling end portion of a second pipeline element of the
two pipeline elements into a second coupling end portion of the
pipeline element coupling piece in such a manner that engaging keys
of a plurality of coupling units are respectively aligned with the
corresponding grooves of the first and second pipeline elements,
wherein the engaging surface of each of the engaging keys has
varying radiuses of curvature, wherein a gap is defined between the
engaging surface of each of the engaging keys and a corresponding
groove circumference at a bottom of the groove.
[0035] (B) Operate on the fastening element to fasten two fastening
end portions of the coupling units to reduce the gap between the
engaging surface and the corresponding groove circumference, so as
to retain the engaging keys at the corresponding grooves.
[0036] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
[0037] These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipeline element coupling
piece according to a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a fastening
element being operated for fastening two coupling units of the
pipeline element coupling piece according to the above first
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the pipeline element coupling
piece according to the above first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0041] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are perspective views illustrating the
pivotally movable coupling units of the pipeline element coupling
piece according to the above first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a front view of the pipeline element coupling
piece according to the above first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pipeline element coupling piece
according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the pipeline element coupling
piece according to the above first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a right side view of the pipeline element coupling
piece according to the above first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0046] FIG. 9 is a top view of the pipeline element coupling piece
according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the pipeline element coupling
piece according to the above first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0048] FIG. 11 is a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 3.
[0049] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a coupling unit of
the pipeline element coupling piece according to the above first
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 13A is a schematic view illustrating the pipeline
element coupling piece adapted for being installed with two
pipeline elements according to the above first preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 13B is a schematic view illustrating the pipeline
element coupling piece being installed with one of the two pipeline
elements according to the above first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0052] FIG. 13C is a schematic view illustrating the pipeline
element coupling piece being preassembled with both of the two
pipeline elements according to the above first preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 13D is a schematic view illustrating the pipeline
element coupling piece being firmly assembled on the two pipeline
elements according to the above first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0054] FIG. 14A is a sectional view illustrating the pipeline
element coupling piece being preassembled with the two pipeline
elements according to the above first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0055] FIG. 14B is a sectional view illustrating gaps between
engaging surfaces and groove circumferences are reduced to assemble
the pipeline element coupling piece with the two pipeline elements
according to the above first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0056] FIG. 15A is a schematic view illustrating varying radiuses
of curvature of the pipeline element coupling piece according to
the above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 15B illustrates different ranges of .theta. for
different specifications of the two pipeline elements coupled with
each other by the pipeline element coupling piece according to the
above first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a pipeline element coupling
piece according to a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0059] FIG. 17A is a schematic view illustrating the pipeline
element coupling piece being preassembled on the pipeline elements
according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0060] FIG. 17B is a schematic view illustrating the pipeline
element coupling piece being firmly assembled on the pipeline
elements according to the above second preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0061] FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating the deformation of
the engaging surfaces of the pipeline element coupling piece
according to the above second preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0062] FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating varying radiuses of
curvature of the pipeline element coupling piece according to the
above second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 20 illustrates different ranges of .theta. and values
of Da and Db for different specifications of the two pipeline
elements according to the above second preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0064] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a pipeline element coupling
piece according to a third preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0065] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating from one side of
the at least two coupling units being pivotally rotated according
to the above third preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0066] FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating from another side
of the at least two coupling units being pivotally rotated
according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0067] FIG. 24 is a partial section view illustrating the pipeline
element coupling piece being installed with two pipeline element
according to the above third preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0068] FIG. 25 is a side view illustrating the pipeline element
coupling piece according to the above third preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 26 is a partial section view of a portion of the
coupling unit of the pipeline element coupling piece according to
the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 27 is a schematic view illustrating a first coupling
unit of the pipeline element coupling piece according to the above
third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 28 is sectional schematic view illustrating an
application of the pipeline element coupling piece according to the
above third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 29A is a sectional view illustrating the gap formed
between the engaging surface of the coupling unit of the pipeline
element coupling piece and the bottom of the groove of the pipeline
element during pre-sleeving installation according to the above
third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 29B is a sectional view illustrating the minimized gap
between the engaging surface of the coupling unit of the pipeline
element coupling piece and the bottom of the groove of the pipeline
element after installation according to the above third preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 30 is a schematic view illustrating an application of a
pipeline element coupling piece according to a first alternative
mode of the above third preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0075] FIG. 31A is a sectional view of the pipeline element
coupling piece illustrating the gap formed between the engaging
surface thereof and the bottom of the groove of the pipeline
element during pre-sleeving installation according to the first
alternative mode of the above third preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0076] FIG. 31B is a sectional view of the pipeline element
coupling piece illustrating the minimized gap between the engaging
surface thereof and the bottom of the groove of the pipeline
element after installation according to the first alternative mode
of the above third preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0077] FIG. 32 is a schematic view illustrating the engaging
surface of the coupling unit of the pipeline element coupling piece
according to the first alternative mode of the above third
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 33 is a schematic view of an application of a pipeline
element coupling piece according to a second alternative mode of
the above third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 34A is a sectional view of the pipeline element
coupling piece illustrating the gap formed between the engaging
surface thereof and the bottom of the groove of the pipeline
element during pre-sleeving installation according to the second
alternative mode of the above third preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0080] FIG. 34B is a sectional view of the pipeline element
coupling piece illustrating the minimized gap between the engaging
surface thereof and the bottom of the groove of the pipeline
element after installation according to the second alternative mode
of the above third preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0081] FIG. 35 is a sectional view illustrating an alternative mode
of the gasket of the pipeline element coupling piece according to
the second alternative mode of the above third preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0082] The following description is disclosed to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred
embodiments are provided in the following description only as
examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The general principles defined in the following description
would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications,
equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
[0083] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the
disclosure of the present invention, terminologies of
"longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "front," "back," "left,"
"right," "perpendicular," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner,"
"outer," and etc. that indicate relations of directions or
positions are based on the relations of directions or positions
shown in the appended drawings, which are only to facilitate
descriptions of the present invention and to simplify the
descriptions, rather than to indicate or imply that the referred
device or element is limited to the specific direction or to be
operated or configured in the specific direction. Therefore, the
above-mentioned terminologies shall not be interpreted as confine
to the present invention.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 1A to FIG. 15 of the drawings, a pipeline
element coupling piece 100 of a pipeline connecting device for
coupling two pipeline elements 200 according to a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The pipeline
element coupling piece 100 comprises two coupling units 10, a
pivotal connecting element 20 pivotally connecting the two coupling
units 10 for allowing the two coupling units 10 to pivotally move
with respect to each other, a fastening element 30 for fastening
the two coupling units 10 with each other after the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 is installed on the two pipeline
elements 200, and a gasket 40 disposed in the two coupling units
10.
[0085] According to this preferred embodiment of the present
invention, two opposed ends of the pipeline element coupling piece
100 are respectively connected by the pivotal connecting element 20
and the fastening element 30. In another alternative mode, the two
coupling units 10 are movably coupled with each other, two
fastening elements 30 may be respectively arranged on the two
opposed ends of the pipeline element coupling piece 100 for
fastening the two coupling units 10 with each other.
[0086] Accordingly, the two coupling units 10, which can be made of
metal or plastics, can be coupled with each other to form a
substantially loop structure defining an inner cavity 101. In one
embodiment, each of the coupling units 10 has a C-shape defining
two sides, wherein the sides of the coupling units 10 are pivotally
connected via the connecting element 20. The coupling units 10 are
adapted to move between an opened position that the other sides of
the coupling units 10 are moved away from each other, and a closed
position that the other sides of the coupling units 10 are moved to
contact with each other in an end-to-end manner, so as to form the
inner cavity 101 with the loop structure. The fastening element 30
is configured to fasten the coupling units 10 at the closed
position.
[0087] The pivotal connecting element 20 and the fastening element
30 are respectively provided on two opposite sides of the two
coupling units 10 for connecting the two coupling units 10. The
gasket 40 is disposed in the inner cavity 101 formed by the two
coupling units 10 for providing a sealing effect when the two
pipeline elements 200 are assembled with the pipeline element
coupling piece 100.
[0088] The two pipeline elements 200 are embodied as a first
pipeline element 210 and a second pipeline element 220 and each of
the pipeline elements 210 and 220 can be but not limited to a pipe,
a pipe fitting such as an elbow, a vale and a tee, a device with a
pipe-like component. Accordingly, the pipeline element coupling
piece 100 can be used for coupling two pipes, a pipe and a pipe
fitting, two pipe fittings, a pipe and a device with a pipe-like
components, and two devices with pipe-like components. Each of the
pipeline elements 200 comprises a groove end portion having a
groove 201 and an enlarged coupling end portion 202.
[0089] Each of the two coupling units 10 comprises a housing body
11 and two engaging keys 12 integrally and inwardly extended from
the housing body 11 at two end portions thereof. Each of the two
pipeline elements 200 has the groove 201 adjacent to the enlarged
coupling end portion 202 thereof for engaging with the
corresponding engaging key 12 of the two coupling units 10.
Accordingly, the groove 201 is indented on an outer circumferential
surface of the pipeline element 200, such that a diameter of the
groove 201 is smaller than an outer diameter of the pipeline
element 200. The diameter of the coupling end portion 202 is larger
than the diameter of a groove circumference 203 at a bottom of the
groove 201. In one embodiment, after forming the groove 201, the
coupling end portion is formed in such a manner that the diameter
of the coupling end portion 202 is gradually increased from the
groove 201 to the end of the pipeline element 200. In another
embodiment, when the groove 201 is formed by cutting off the
portion corresponding to the position of the groove 201, the
diameters of the coupling end portion 202 along the length can be
the same.
[0090] According to this preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is no need for disassembling the fastening element
30 and the gasket 40 during the installation of the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 with the two pipeline elements 200. In
other words, the gasket 40 is disposed within the two coupling
units 10, and the fastening element 30 is also assembled on the two
coupling units 10, and then the whole pipeline element coupling
piece 100 is installed on the two pipeline elements 200 for
coupling with the two pipeline elements 200.
[0091] Accordingly, there is an opening 102 defined between the two
engaging keys 12 of the two coupling units 10 at each of the two
end portions thereof that it is big enough for the corresponding
enlarged coupling end portion 202 of one of the two pipeline
elements 200 to pass therethrough, so that the whole pipeline
element coupling piece 100 can be directly installed on the two
pipeline elements 200 without requiring to disassemble the gasket
40 and the fastening element 30.
[0092] According to this preferred embodiment of the present
invention, each of the engaging keys 12 of the coupling units 10,
has an engaging surface 121 which has varying radiuses of
curvature, each of the pipeline elements 200 has the groove
circumference 203 at the bottom of the corresponding groove 201. In
other words, the groove circumference 203 is the bottom wall of the
groove 201. When the pipeline element coupling piece 100 of the
present invention is preassembled on the pipeline elements 200 to
align the engaging keys 12 with the corresponding grooves 201, the
fastening element 30 is operated to firmly fasten the two coupling
units 10 in such a manner that the engaging surfaces 121 are
deformed and a part of or all of the engaging surface is attached
on the corresponding groove circumference 203.
[0093] In other words, the engaging surface 121 of each of the
engaging keys 12 of the coupling units 10 does not have a fixed
radius of curvature, and thus each of the engaging surfaces 121 is
not a circular surface with a round curvature. The groove
circumference 203 of each of the pipeline elements 200 has a
substantially round curvature. When the pipeline element coupling
piece 100 of the present invention is preassembled on the pipeline
elements 200 to align the engaging keys 12 with the corresponding
grooves 201, a gap 103 is formed between each engaging surface 12
of each of the two coupling units and the corresponding groove
circumference 203 of each of the pipeline elements 200. And then
when the fastening element 30 is operated, the gap 103 is reduced
until each of the engaging surfaces 121 is retained at a position
that the firmly and stably coupling between the pipeline elements
200 with the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is achieved.
[0094] According to this preferred embodiment, each of the engaging
surfaces 121 defines a curve of varying radiuses of curvature which
can be but not limited to a logarithmic spiral curve, an Archimedes
spiral curve, a pascal spiral curve, an ellipse curve, a high power
curve and a combination thereof. Accordingly, each of the engaging
surfaces 121 does not have a round curvature and thus the gap 103
is created when each of the engaging keys 12 of the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 of the present invention is preassembled
in the corresponding grooves 201 of the pipeline elements 200.
[0095] In addition, at least a portion of each of the engaging
surfaces 121 has a relative large radius of curvature which is
larger than a radius of curvature of the enlarged coupling end
portion 202 of each of the pipeline elements 200, so that a size of
the opening 102 formed between two engaging surfaces 121 of the two
engaging keys 12 is larger than a diameter of the enlarged coupling
end portion 202 of each of the two pipeline elements 200, and thus
the pipeline element coupling piece 100 can be mounted on the
pipeline elements by sleeving on the enlarged coupling end portion
202 of each of the pipeline elements 200. In other word, the
enlarged coupling end portion 202 of each of the pipeline elements
200 is able to be inserted into the pipeline element coupling piece
100 by passing through the opening 102 between the two engaging
surfaces 121.
[0096] When the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is mounted to a
position that it is preassembled with the pipeline elements 200 to
align each of the engaging keys 12 with the corresponding grooves
201, the gap 103 is created between each of the engaging surfaces
121 of the pipeline element coupling piece 100 and the
corresponding groove circumference 203 of each of the pipeline
elements 200, allowing the pipeline element coupling piece 100 to
be installed on the pipeline elements 200 in a preassembled state
without requiring to disassemble the fastening element 30 and the
gasket 40. When the gap 103 is gradually reduced by operating on
the fastening element, each of the engaging surface 121 is deformed
to allow a deformed radius of curvature thereof to be substantially
equal to the radius curvature of the groove circumference 203 of
each of the pipeline elements 200.
[0097] More specifically, the housing body 11 of each of the
coupling units 10 comprises a body portion 111, a pivot connecting
end portion 112 and a fastening end portion 113. The pivot
connecting end portion 112 and the fastening end portion 113 are
respectively integrally extended from two opposite sides of the
body portion 111. The pivot connecting element 20 pivotally
connecting the two pivot connecting end portions 112 of the two
housing bodies 11 in such a manner that the two pivot connecting
end portions 112 of the two housing bodies 11 are able to pivotally
move with respect to each other. The fastening element 30 is
mounted to the two fastening end portions 113 of the two housing
bodies 11 for firmly fastening the two coupling units 10 with each
other.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 10 of the drawings, the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 is assembled with its components before
being installed on the pipeline elements 200. Referring to FIG. 2
of the drawings, the pipeline elements 200 are not shown in the
drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates that the fastening element 30 can be
operated to drive the two fastening end portions 113 to move toward
each other, so that the pipeline element coupling piece 100 in a
preassembled state can be moved into a final assembled state.
[0099] According to this preferred embodiment, each of the pivot
connecting end portions 112 has a connecting hole 1121 and the
pivotal connecting element 20 is a connecting pin penetrating
through the connecting hole 1121. Each of the fastening end
portions 113 has a fastening hole 1131 while the fastening element
30 is embodied to comprise a bolt 31 penetrating through the
fastening hole 1131 and a nut 32.
[0100] Accordingly, when the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is
preassembled on the pipeline elements 200, the bolt 31 and the nut
32 can be operated, so as to direct the engaging surfaces 121 to
engage and contact with the groove circumferences 203.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 10 of the drawings, before
installation, the gasket 40 is disposed in the inner cavity 101 of
the housing bodies 11, the bolt 31 is assembled with the two
fastening end portions 113 and the nut 32 is assembled on the bolt
31. And when the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is able to be
installed with the pipeline elements 200, the gasket 40 is not
required to be detached from the housing bodies 11, the bolt 31 and
nut 32 are not required to be removed from the two fastening end
portions 113.
[0102] Accordingly, the two coupling units 10 can be pivotally
moved with respect to the pivotal connecting element 20 which
functions as a pivot point. When the fastening element 30 is
operated, the openings 102 of the pipeline element coupling piece
100 are reduced, and the distance between the two fastening end
portions 113 is reduced, so that when the engaging keys 12 are
moved to desired positions that a part of or all of the engaging
surfaces 121 are attached to the groove circumferences 203 so that
the engaging keys 12 are firmly retained at the corresponding
grooves 201 of the pipeline elements 200.
[0103] Preferably, each of the two coupling units 10 has two
symmetrical engaging keys 12 at two opposite engaging ends thereof.
An engaging key 12 of one of the two coupling units 10 is aligned
with another engaging key 12 of the other coupling unit 10 to form
the opening 102. In other words, two pairs of the engaging keys 12
form two openings 102 at the two engaging ends of the pipeline
element coupling piece 100. Furthermore, the two coupling units 10
are preferred to be constructed to have a same structure that all
of the coupling units 10 can be manufactured in the foundry. When
the bolt 31 and the nut 32 of the fastening element 30 are
operated, both of the two pairs of engaging surfaces 121 at the two
engaging ends thereof are deformed so as to direct the engaging
surfaces 121 to have contact with the groove circumferences 203 of
the pipeline elements 200.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 12 of the drawings, according to this
preferred embodiment, a proximate end point 1211 of each of the
engaging surfaces 121 of the engaging keys 12 adjacent to the
pivotally end portion 112 of the housing body 11 of the coupling
unit 10 has a smallest radius of curvature that is equal to or
slightly larger than (not larger than 5%) the radius of curvature
of the groove circumference 203 of each pipeline element 200. In
other words, the smallest radius of curvature at the proximate end
point 1211 of each of the engaging surfaces 121 is substantially
the same as the radius of curvature of the groove circumference 203
of each pipeline element 200. Therefore, when the pipeline element
coupling piece 100 is preassembled with the pipeline elements 200,
the surface at the proximate end point 1211 of each of the engaging
surfaces 12 is attached on the corresponding groove circumference
203 of each of the pipeline elements 200.
[0105] A distal end point 1212 of each of the engaging surfaces 121
of the engaging keys 12 adjacent to the fastening end portion 113
of the housing body 11 of the coupling unit 10 has a largest radius
of curvature that is larger than the radius of curvature of the
enlarged coupling end portion 202 of each pipeline element 200.
Therefore, the opening 102 defined between the pair of engaging
surfaces 121 is big enough for the pipeline element coupling piece
100 to be directly sleeved on the pipeline elements 200 so as to
preassemble the pipeline element coupling piece 100 with the
pipeline elements 200, the surface at the distal end point 1212 of
each of the engaging surfaces 12 is not having contact with the
corresponding groove circumference 203 of each of the pipeline
elements 200 and the gap 103 is actually formed between each of the
engaging surfaces 12 in the corresponding groove 201 and the
corresponding groove circumference 203 of each of the pipeline
elements 200.
[0106] Accordingly, as a preferred example, radiuses of curvatures
of each of the engaging surfaces 121 according to this preferred
embodiment of the present invention are preferred to be gradually
increased from the proximate end point 1211 to the distal end point
1212.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 11 of the drawings, the body portion 111
of each of the housing bodies 11 further comprises a middle chamber
body portion 1111 and two shoulder portions 1112 at two opposite
sides of the chamber body portion 1111. The two engaging keys 12
are integrally and inwardly extended from an inner surface of the
body portion 111. A retaining groove 1113 is formed within the
chamber body portion 111 for retaining the gasket 40 in
position.
[0108] The inner surfaces of the chamber body portion 1111 and
shoulder portions 1112 can be a circular surface. Alternatively,
the inner surfaces of the chamber body portion 1111 and shoulder
portions 1112 may also be formed with varying radiuses of
curvature.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D of the drawings, the
process for assembling the pipeline element coupling piece 100 with
the pipeline elements of the instant invention is illustrated. As
shown in FIG. 13A of the drawings, the pipeline element coupling
piece 100 is assembled with its components before being installed
with the two pipeline elements 200 each comprising the enlarged end
portion 202 and having the groove 201.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 13B of the drawings, without requiring to
disassemble the gasket 40 and the fastening element 30, the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 is able to be directly sleeved
on the first pipeline element 210. More specifically, the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 has a first coupling end portion 100a
which receives the enlarged coupling end portion 202 of the first
pipeline element 210. When a user mounts the pipeline element
coupling piece 100 with the first pipeline element 210, the
enlarged coupling end portion 202 of the first pipeline element 210
is inserted into the first coupling end portion 100a of the
pipeline element coupling piece 100, and the user may use one or
more fingers to press on a second coupling end portion 100b of the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 to retain the pipeline element
coupling piece 100 in position, so as to facilitate the
installation of the first pipeline element 210. The engaging key 12
adjacent to the first coupling end portion 100a is aligned with and
retained at the groove 201 of the first pipeline element 210.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 13C of the drawings, the second pipeline
element 220 is then installed with the pipeline element coupling
piece 100, so that the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is in a
preassembled state. More specifically, the enlarged coupling end
portion 202 of the second pipeline element 220 is inserted into the
second coupling end portion 100b of the pipeline element coupling
piece 100, so that the engaging key 12 adjacent to the second
coupling end portion 100b is also aligned with and retained at the
groove 201 of the second pipeline element 220.
[0112] Accordingly, since each of the engaging surfaces 121 of the
pipeline element coupling piece has varying radiuses of curvature
along its circumferential extending direction, the gap 103 is
formed between each of the engaging surfaces 121 of the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 and the groove circumferences 203 of the
pipeline elements 210 and 220 when the engaging keys 12 are aligned
with the corresponding grooves 201 of the pipeline elements 210 and
220. A width of the grooves 201 of the pipeline element is slightly
larger than a width of the engaging keys 12.
[0113] In addition, the gasket 40 is assembled in the coupling
units 10, so that when the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is
preassembled with the two pipeline elements 210 and 220, the gasket
40, which is made of a flexible material, is wound around the
enlarged coupling end portions 202 of the two pipeline element 210
and 220 to provide a sealing effect for the coupling of the two
pipeline element 210 and 220.
[0114] The gasket 40 comprises a base body 41, two biasing elements
42 integrally extended from the base body 41, and a retaining
element 43 integrally extended from a middle inner surface of the
base body 41. In other words, the biasing elements 42 are extended
from two sides of the base body 41 respectively, wherein the
retaining element 43 is located between the biasing elements 42.
The retaining element 43 further comprises a retaining body 431 and
a plurality of protrusions 432 which are spaced apart from each
other and are integrally extended from the retaining body 431. When
the two enlarged coupling end portions 202 of the pipeline elements
200 are preassembled in the coupling units 10, the protrusions 432
are sandwiched between the two enlarged coupling end portions 202
of the pipeline elements 200, while the two biasing elements 42 are
respectively biasing against outer walls 2021 of the enlarged
coupling end portions 202 of the pipeline elements 200. When the
fastening element 30 is operated for fastening the two fastening
end portions 113, the gasket 40 is also deformed so as to be firmly
attach with the enlarged coupling end portions 202 of the pipeline
elements 200. More specifically, each of the biasing element 42
comprises an extending portion 421 integrally extended from the
base body 41 and a biasing portion 422 inwardly and inclinedly
extended form the extending portion 421 for biasing against the
outer wall 2021 of the corresponding enlarged coupling end portion
201 of the pipeline elements 200. Particularly, the base body 41
has an annular shape, wherein the extending portions 421 of the
biasing elements 42 are inwardly and radially extended from two
sides of the base body 41 respectively, while the biasing portions
422 are inclinedly extended from free ends of the extending
portions 421, such that the biasing portions 422 are extended
toward each other. During the assembling process of the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 with the pipeline elements 200, the
biasing element 42 is deformed and the biasing portion 422 is moved
along the outer wall 2021 of the corresponding coupling end portion
202, so as to enhance the sealing effect between the gasket 40 and
the enlarged coupling end portions 202. In other words, the biasing
portion 422 of the biasing element 42 is pushed inwardly when the
pipeline element 200 is coupled at the pipeline element coupling
piece 100.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 13D of the drawings, when the fastening
element 30 is operated to firmly retain the engaging keys 12 at the
grooves 201, the gap 103 between each engaging surface 121 and the
groove circumference 203 is reduced, each of the engaging surfaces
121 is deformed to change its radiuses of curvatures along its
circumferential direction to have contact with the groove
circumference 203. Each of the deformed engaging surfaces has a
substantially round curvature for matching with the radius of
curvature of the corresponding groove circumference 203 of each of
the pipeline elements 210 and 220.
[0116] FIGS. 14A and 14B are sectional views illustrating the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 of the pipeline connecting
device being operated from the preassembled state shown in FIG. 14A
to the final assembled state shown in FIG. 14B. As shown in FIG.
14A, the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is preassembled on the
pipeline elements 200 while the fastening element 30 comprising the
bolt 31 and the nut 32 is in a loose state, the gap 103 is formed
between each of the engaging surfaces and the corresponding groove
circumference 203 of each of the pipeline elements 200.
[0117] According to this preferred embodiment, the radius of
curvature at the proximate end point 1211 adjacent to the pivot
connecting end portion 112 is substantially equal to the radius of
curvature of the corresponding groove circumference 203, the radius
of curvature at the distal end point 1212 adjacent to the fastening
end portion 113 is larger than the radius of curvature of the
enlarged coupling end portion 202, and the radiuses of curvature of
each of the engaging surface 121 are gradually increased from the
proximate end point 1211 to the distal end point 1212, so that the
gap 103 is also gradually increased from the position adjacent to
the pivot connecting end portion 112 to a position adjacent to the
fastening end portion 113.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 14B, the nut 32 is screwed to move along
the bolt 31, a distance between the two fastening end portions 113
is reduced, the gap 103 is reduced, so that each of the engaging
surfaces 121 tends to be moved to a position that it is having
contact with the groove circumference 203. Accordingly, each of the
engaging surfaces 121 is deformed to change the varying radiuses of
curvature, so as to substantially match a radius of curvature of
the groove circumference 203, so that a perimeter of the pair of
engaging surfaces 121 is substantially equal to or slightly larger
than a perimeter of the corresponding groove circumference 203.
[0119] When in the assembled state, the perimeter of the pair of
engaging surfaces 121 is substantially equal to the perimeter of
the corresponding groove circumference 203, the pair of engaging
surfaces 121 form a substantially circular surface having a
substantially round curvature matching with the curvature of the
corresponding groove circumference 203, the gap 103 is
substantially vanished, a diameter of the pair of engaging surfaces
121 is substantially the same as the diameter of the corresponding
groove circumference 203, all of the engaging surfaces 121 are
substantially attached on the corresponding groove circumferences
203, so that a relatively rigid coupling between the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 and the pipeline elements 200 is
achieved, so as to ensure the reliability of the coupling of the
two pipeline elements.
[0120] If the perimeter of the pair of engaging surfaces 121 is
larger than the perimeter of the corresponding groove circumference
203 when the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is in the final
assembled state, a minimum clearance is still remained between a
part of the engaging surface 121 and a part of the corresponding
groove circumference 203, most part of the engaging surface 121 is
attached on the corresponding groove circumference 203, the
diameter of the pair of engaging surfaces 121 is slightly larger
than the diameter of the corresponding groove circumference 203
(not larger than 10%), so that a relatively flexible coupling
between the pipeline element coupling piece 100 and the pipeline
elements 200 is achieved.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 14B of the drawings, when the nut 32 is
being rotated to generate a torque, Forces F1 are created along the
bolt 31 by the torque, which results in the deformation of the
engaging surfaces 121 of the coupling units 10 and also results in
the creation of the radial Force F2. When the torque is gradually
increased, the deformation of the coupling units becomes more
apparent, and the deformation is finished until the torque reaches
to a predetermined value. There is substantially no deformation at
the proximate end point 1211 adjacent to the pivot connecting end
portion 112, but the deformation from the proximate end point 1211
to the distal end point 1212 is gradually increased, and the
maximum deformation is produced at the distal end point 1212, so
that the radius of curvature .rho..sub.2 at the distal end point
1212 is reduced to be substantially equal to the radius of
curvature .rho..sub.1 at the distal end point 1211 which is
substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the corresponding
round groove circumference 203.
[0122] As a typical example of this preferred embodiment of the
present invention, each of the engaging surfaces 121 defines a
logarithmic spiral curve, in other words, a cross section of each
of the engaging surfaces 121 forms a curve which is a logarithmic
spiral curve. When the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is
operated from the preassembled state to the final assembled state,
the deformation of each of the engaging surfaces 121 results in
deformed and varied radiuses of curvature thereof, and the
variation range thereof is about 4.5% to 12%. A parameter D denotes
a distance between the proximate end point 1211 and the distal end
point 1212, during the tight fastening process of the pipeline
element coupling piece 100, the value of parameter D is gradually
reduced, and the variation range of the parameter D is about 4% to
15%.
[0123] Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B of the drawings, according to
a specific example of this preferred embodiment of the present
invention, each of the engaging surfaces 121 defines a logarithmic
spiral curve having an equation of .rho.=e.sup..theta., wherein
.theta. has a range of 0.about.180.degree..
[0124] More specifically, FIG. 15B illustrates different ranges of
0 for different specifications of the two pipeline elements 200
which are coupled with each other by the pipeline element coupling
piece 100. The specification of the two pipeline elements 200 is
the diameter of the pipeline elements 200 at a regular body portion
other than the enlarged coupling end portion 202.
[0125] According to this preferred embodiment, the value of the
parameter pi is the radius of curvature at the proximate end point
1211, and is also the radius curvature of the groove circumference
203 of the corresponding pipeline element 200, the value of the
parameter .rho..sub.2 is the radius curvature at the distal end
point 1212 of the engaging surface 121 of the corresponding
pipeline element coupling piece 100, a parameter D1 denotes the
diameter of the groove circumference 203 of each of the pipeline
elements 200, a parameter D2 denotes the diameter of the enlarged
coupling end portion 202 of each of the pipeline elements 200, as
shown in FIG. 13A, D2 is equal to the diameter at a proximate end
of the enlarged coupling end portion 202 which is distal to distal
end adjacent to the groove 201, Sp denotes the specification of the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 which is a diameter of a body
portion of the pipeline element coupling piece and may be smaller
than D2, or D2 is equal to Sp, then considering that the parameter
.rho..sub.2 which is the radius curvature at the distal end point
1212 of the engaging surface 121 of the corresponding pipeline
element coupling piece 100 should be larger than the radius of
curvature of the enlarged coupling end portion 202, the value of
the parameter .rho..sub.2 should be added with an additional
allowance R which has a range of 0.3-1 mm. Accordingly,
.rho..sub.1=D1/2, while .rho..sub.2=D2/2+R.
[0126] As a specific example, when the specification Sp of the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 is 114.3 mm, the diameter D1 of
the groove circumference 203 of each of the pipeline elements 200
is 110.08 mm, the diameter D2 of the enlarged coupling end portion
202 of each of the pipeline elements 200 is 116.8 mm, and R is 0.5
mm, then .rho..sub.1=110.08/2=55.04 mm, while
.rho..sub.2=116.8/2+0.5=58.9 mm.
[0127] According to this preferred embodiment of the present
invention, referring to FIG. 14B of the drawings, the present
invention further provides a method for coupling two pipeline
elements 200 via the pipeline element coupling piece 100. More
specifically, the method comprises the following steps:
[0128] (a) Receive the two enlarged coupling end portions 201 of
the pipeline elements 200 at two engaging end portions 100a and
100b of the pipeline element coupling piece 100 to align each of
the engaging keys 12 of the coupling units 10 with the
corresponding groove 201 of the pipeline elements 200, wherein the
engaging surface 121 of each of the engaging keys 12 has varying
radiuses of curvature. In other words, a cross section of the
engaging surface 121 of each of the engaging keys 12 define a curve
which is a curve having varying radiuses of curvature.
[0129] (b) Deform the engaging surface 121 of each of the engaging
keys 12 to increase a contacting area S between the engaging
surface 121 and the corresponding groove circumference 203 to
firmly retain each of the engaging keys 12 at the corresponding
groove 201.
[0130] According to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the step (b) further comprises the step of fastening two
fastening end portions 113 of the two coupling units 10 by the
fastening element 30 to actuate the engaging surface 121 of each of
the engaging keys 12 to deform.
[0131] Accordingly, the radiuses of curvature of at least a portion
of the engaging surface 121 of each of the engaging keys 12 is
reduced in the step (b), so as to match the radius of curvature of
the groove circumference 203 of the corresponding pipeline element
200, so that this portion of the engaging surface 121 of each of
the engaging keys 12 is having contact with the groove
circumference 203 of the corresponding pipeline element 200 when
the pipeline element coupling piece 200 is in the assembled
state.
[0132] In the step (a), the method further comprises a step of
forming the gap 103 between the engaging surface 121 of each of the
engaging keys 12 and the groove circumference 203 of the
corresponding pipeline element 200. The step (b) further comprises
a step of reducing the gap 103 between the engaging surface 121 of
each of the engaging keys 12 and the groove circumference 203 of
the corresponding pipeline element 200 to direct the engaging
surface 121 of each of the engaging keys 12 to attach to the groove
circumference 203 of the corresponding pipeline element 200.
[0133] The step (b) may comprise a step of deforming the engaging
surface 121 of each of the engaging keys 12 to form a substantially
round curvature which is matched with the radius of curvature of
the groove circumference 203 of the corresponding pipeline element
200, so as to firmly retain each of the engaging keys 12 at the
corresponding groove 201 of the corresponding pipeline element
200.
[0134] The method further comprises a step of providing a seal
between the gasket 40 and the enlarged coupling end portions 202 of
the pipeline elements 200 by deforming the gasket 40 which is wound
around the enlarged coupling end portions 202 of the pipeline
elements 200 when the fastening element 30 is operated to fasten
the fastening end portions 113 of the coupling units 10.
[0135] Before step (a), the method further comprises a step of
allowing the enlarged coupling end portions 202 of the pipeline
elements to pass through the opening 102 formed by the two coupling
units 10 at the two coupling end portions 100a and 100b thereof
without requiring to disassemble the fastening element 30 and the
gasket 40 from the coupling units 10.
[0136] The present invention actually further provides a method for
coupling the pipeline elements 200 by the pipeline element coupling
piece 100 for facilitating the quick operation of the operator.
More specifically, the method comprises the following steps:
[0137] (A) Sleeve a first coupling end portion 100a of the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 on the enlarged coupling end portion 202
of a first pipeline element 210, and inserting the enlarged
coupling end portion 202 of the second pipeline element 200 into
the second coupling end portion 100b of the pipeline element
coupling piece 100 in such a manner that each of the engaging keys
12 of the coupling units 10 of the pipeline element coupling piece
100 is aligned with the corresponding groove 201 of the first and
second pipeline elements 210 and 220, wherein the engaging surface
121 of each of the engaging keys 12 has varying radiuses of
curvature, wherein the gap 103 is defined between engaging surface
121 of each of the engaging keys 12 and the groove circumference
203 at the bottom of the groove 201 of the corresponding pipeline
element 210 or 220.
[0138] (B) Operate on the fastening element 30 to fasten two
fastening end portions of the coupling units 10 to reduce the gap
103 between the engaging surface 121 of each of the engaging keys
12 and the groove circumference 203 at the bottom of the groove 201
of the corresponding pipeline element 210 or 220, so as to retain
the engaging keys 12 at the corresponding grooves 201, so that the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 is firmly assembled with the
first and second pipeline elements 210 and 220.
[0139] When assembling the enlarged coupling end portion 202 of the
first pipeline element 210 in the first coupling end portion 100a
of the pipeline element coupling piece 100, the operator may use
his or her one or more fingers to press on the opposed second
coupling end portion 100b of the pipeline element coupling piece
100 to prevent unwanted movement of the pipeline element coupling
piece 100 and allow the enlarged coupling end portion 202 of the
first pipeline element 210 to be sleeved in the gasket 40, so as to
facilitate the assembling operation.
[0140] Referring to FIG. 16 to FIG. 19 of the drawings, a pipeline
element coupling piece 100 of a pipeline connecting device
according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention
is illustrated. The pipeline element coupling piece 100 comprises
three coupling units 10, two pivotal connecting elements 20
pivotally connecting the three coupling units 10 for allowing the
adjacent two coupling units 10 to pivotally move with respect to
each other, a fastening element 30 for fastening the coupling units
10 after the pipeline element coupling piece 100 is installed on
the two pipeline elements 200, and a gasket 40 disposed in the
three coupling units 10.
[0141] Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment, the three
coupling units 10 can be coupled with each other to form a
substantially loop structure defining an inner cavity. More
specifically, the three coupling units 10 comprises a first
coupling unit 10A, a second coupling unit 10B and a third coupling
unit 10C. The two pivotal connecting elements 20 comprises a first
pivotal connecting element 20A and a second pivotal connecting
element 20B. The first pivotal connecting element 20A is provided
for pivotally connecting the second coupling unit 10B with the and
the first coupling unit 10A, the second pivotal connecting element
20B is provided for pivotally connecting the second coupling unit
10B with the and the third coupling unit 10C. The fastening element
30 is preassembled with the first and third coupling units 10A and
10C for fastening the first and third coupling units 10A and 10C.
The gasket 40 is disposed in the inner cavity 101 formed by the
three coupling units 10 for providing a sealing effect when the two
pipeline elements 200 are assembled with the pipeline element
coupling piece 100.
[0142] Similarly, the first coupling unit 10A comprises a housing
body 11A and two engaging keys 12A integrally and inwardly extended
from the housing body 11A at two end portions thereof, the first
coupling unit 10B comprises a housing body 11B and two engaging
keys 12B integrally and inwardly extended from the housing body 11B
at two end portions thereof, the third coupling unit 10C comprises
a housing body 11C and two engaging keys 12C integrally and
inwardly extended from the housing body 11C at two end portions
thereof.
[0143] Each of the two pipeline elements 200 has a groove 201
adjacent to an enlarged coupling end portion 202 thereof for
engaging with the corresponding engaging keys 12A, 12B and 12C of
the three coupling units 10.
[0144] Accordingly, there is an opening 102 defined between the
three engaging keys 12A, 12B an 12C of the three coupling units 10
at each of the two end portions thereof that it is big enough for
the corresponding enlarged coupling end portion 202 of one of the
two pipeline elements 200 to pass therethrough, so that the whole
pipeline element coupling piece 100 can be directly installed on
the two pipeline elements 200 without requiring to disassemble the
gasket 40 and the fastening element 30.
[0145] According to this preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the engaging keys 12A, 12B and 12C of the coupling units
10 have engaging surfaces 121A, 121B, and 121C which have varying
radiuses of curvature, each of the pipeline elements 200 has a
groove circumference 203 at a bottom of the corresponding groove
201. When the pipeline element coupling piece 100 of the present
invention is preassembled on the pipeline elements 200 to align the
engaging keys 12A, 12B and 12C with the corresponding grooves 201,
the fastening element 30 is operated to firmly fasten the first and
third sections 10A and 10C in such a manner that the engaging
surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C are deformed and a part of or all of
the engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C are attached on the
corresponding groove circumference 203.
[0146] In other words, each of the engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and
121C of each of the engaging keys 12A, 12B and 12C of the coupling
units 10 does not have a fixed radius of curvature, and thus each
of the engaging surfaces 121A, 12B and 121C is not a circular
surface with a round curvature. The groove circumference 203 of
each of the pipeline elements 200 has a substantially round
curvature. When the pipeline element coupling piece 100 of the
present invention is preassembled on the pipeline elements 200 to
align the engaging keys 12A, 12B and 12C with the corresponding
grooves 201, a gap 103A, 103B, 103C is formed between each engaging
surface 12A, 12B, 12C and the corresponding groove circumference
203 of each of the pipeline elements 200. And then when the
fastening element 30 is operated, the gap 103A, 103B, 10C is
reduced until each of the engaging surfaces 121A, 121B, 121C is
retained at a position that the firmly and stably coupling between
the pipeline elements 200 with the pipeline element coupling piece
100 is achieved.
[0147] According to this preferred embodiment, each of the engaging
surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C defines a curve of variable radiuses
of curvature which can be but not limited to a logarithmic spiral
curve, an archimedes spiral curve, a pascal spiral curve, an
ellipse curve, a high power curve and a combination thereof.
Accordingly, each of the engaging surfaces 121 does not have a
round curvature and thus the gaps 103A, 103B, and 103C are created
when each of the engaging keys 12A, 12B and 12C of the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 of the present invention is preassembled
in the corresponding grooves 201 of the pipeline elements 200.
[0148] More specifically, the housing body 11A of the first
coupling unit 10A comprises a body portion 111A, a pivot connecting
end portion 112A and a fastening end portion 113A, the housing body
11B of the second coupling unit 10B comprises a body portion 111B,
two pivot connecting end portions 112B, the housing body 11C of the
third coupling unit 10C comprises a body portion 111C, a pivot
connecting end portion 112C and a fastening end portion 113C. The
pivotal connecting element 20A and 20B pivotally connecting the
pivot connecting end portions 112B with the corresponding pivot
connecting end portions 112A of the housing bodies 11A and 11C. The
fastening element 30 is mounted to the two fastening end portions
113A and 113C of the housing bodies 11A and 11C for firmly
fastening the coupling units 10A, 10B and 10C with each other.
[0149] When in the preassembled state, the wo fastening end
portions 113A and 113C of the housing bodies 11A and 11C can be
spaced apart from each other, and a size of the opening 102 formed
between the engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C of the three
engaging keys 12A, 12B and 13C is larger than a diameter of the
enlarged coupling end portion 202 of each of the two pipeline
elements 200, and thus the pipeline element coupling piece 100 can
be mounted on the pipeline elements 200 by sleeving on the enlarged
coupling end portion 202 of each of the pipeline elements 200. In
other word, the enlarged coupling end portion 202 of each of the
pipeline elements 200 is able to be inserted into the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 by passing through the opening 102
between the three engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C.
[0150] Referring to FIG. 17A of the drawings, before installation,
the bolt 31 is assembled with the two fastening end portions 113A
and 113C and the nut 32 is assembled on the bolt 31. And when the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 is able to be installed with
the pipeline elements 200, the gasket 40 is not required to be
detached from the housing bodies 11A and 11C, the bolt 31 and nut
32 are not required to be removed from the two fastening end
portions 113A and 113C.
[0151] In other words, two pairs of the tongues each comprises the
engaging keys 12A, 12B and 12C form two openings 102 at the two
engaging ends of the pipeline element coupling piece 100.
Furthermore, the first and third coupling units 10A and 10C are
preferred to be constructed to have a same structure. When the bolt
31 and the nut 32 of the fastening element 30 are operated, both of
the two pairs of engaging surfaces 12A, 12B and 12C at the two
engaging ends thereof are deformed so as to direct the engaging
surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C to have contact with the groove
circumferences 203 of the pipeline elements 200, as shown in FIG.
17B of the drawings.
[0152] As a typical example of this preferred embodiment of the
present invention, each of the engaging surfaces 121A, 121C defines
a logarithmic spiral curve, in other words, a cross section of each
of the engaging surfaces 121A and 121C forms a curve which is a
logarithmic spiral curve. The engaging surface 121B of the second
coupling unit 10B defines an ellipse curve. When the pipeline
element coupling piece 100 is operated from the preassembled state
to the final assembled state, the deformation of each of the
engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C results in deformed and
varied radiuses of curvature thereof, and the variation range
thereof is about 13% to 21%. A parameter D' denotes a distance
between a middle point 1213B at a middle of the engaging surface
121B and a distal end point 1212A or 1212C, during the tight
fastening process of the pipeline element coupling piece 100, the
value of parameter D' is gradually reduced, and the variation range
of the parameter D' is about 14% to 22%.
[0153] Referring to FIG. 18 of the drawings, according to this
preferred embodiment, the middle point 1213B at the middle of the
engaging surface 121B has a smallest radius of curvature that is
equal to or slightly larger than (not larger than 5%) the radius of
curvature of the groove circumference 203 of each pipeline element
200. In other words, the smallest radius of curvature at the middle
point 1213B at the middle of the engaging surface 121B is
substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the groove
circumference 203 of each pipeline element 200. Therefore, when the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 is preassembled with the
pipeline elements 200, the surface at the middle point 1213B is
attached on the corresponding groove circumference 203.
Accordingly, two gaps 103B are formed between the engaging surface
121B and the corresponding groove circumference 103B.
[0154] The distal end point 1212A or 1212C adjacent to the
fastening end portion 113A or 113C has a largest radius of
curvature that can be substantially the radius of curvature of the
enlarged coupling end portion 202 of each pipeline element 200.
Therefore, since the fastening end portions 113A and 113C can be
slightly apart from each other when the pipeline element 100 is in
the preassembled state, the opening 102 defined between the pair of
engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 123C is big enough for the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 to be directly sleeved on the
pipeline elements 200 so as to preassemble the pipeline element
coupling piece 100 with the pipeline elements 200.
[0155] Accordingly, as a preferred example, radiuses of curvatures
of the engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C according to this
preferred embodiment of the present invention are preferred to be
gradually increased from the middle point 1213B to the distal end
points 1212A and 1212C.
[0156] Referring to FIG. 17B of the drawings, when the fastening
element 30 is operated to firmly retain the engaging keys 12A, 12B
and 12C at the grooves 201, the gaps 103A, 103B and 103C between
the engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C and the groove
circumference 203 are reduced, each of the engaging surfaces 121A,
121B and 121C is deformed to change its radiuses of curvatures
along its circumferential direction to have contact with the groove
circumference 203. Each of the deformed engaging surfaces has a
substantially round curvature for matching with the radius of
curvature of the corresponding groove circumference 203 of each of
the pipeline elements 200.
[0157] When the nut 32 is screwed to move along the bolt 31, a
distance between the two fastening end portions 113A and 113C is
reduced, the gaps 103A, 103B and 103C are reduced, so that each of
the engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C tends to be moved to a
position that it is having contact with the groove circumference
203. When in the assembled state, a perimeter of the pair of
engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C is substantially equal to or
slightly larger than a perimeter of the corresponding groove
circumference 203, the pair of engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and
121C form a substantially circular surface having a substantially
round curvature matching with the curvature of the corresponding
groove circumference 203.
[0158] Referring to FIG. 18 of the drawings, when the nut 32 is
being rotated to generate a torque, Forces F1 are created along the
bolt 31 by the torque, because of existence of the middle point
1213B, Forces F2 are being generated to result in the deformation
of the engaging surfaces 121B of the coupling units 10B and also
may result in a slight deformation of the engaging surfaces 121A
and 121C, the radius of curvature at each of the two end points
1214B of the engaging surface 121B is reduce to be substantial
equal to the radius of curvature at the middle point 1213B of the
engaging surface 121B which substantially has no deformation during
the assembling process. When the torque is gradually increased, the
deformation of the coupling units 10A and 10C becomes more
apparent, and the deformation is finished until the torque reaches
to a predetermined value. The radiuses of curvature at the distal
end points 1212A and 1212C have the largest varying ranges, and are
reduced to match the radius of curvature of the corresponding
groove circumference 203.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 19 of the drawings, according to a
specific example of this preferred embodiment of the present
invention, each of the engaging surfaces 121A and 12C defines a
logarithmic spiral curve having an equation of .rho.=e.sup..theta.,
wherein .theta. has a range of 60.about.200.degree.. The engaging
surface 121B defines an ellipse curve and a value of a minor axis
of the ellipse curve Da is the diameter D1 of the groove
circumference 203 of the corresponding pipeline element 200, a
value of a major axis Db of the ellipse curve is a value of the
specification Sp of the pipeline elements plus an allowance R'
which has a value range of 0.3-1 mm.
[0160] More specifically, FIG. 20 illustrates different ranges of 0
and values of Da and Db for different specifications of the two
pipeline elements 200 which are coupled with each other by the
pipeline element coupling piece 100.
[0161] According to this preferred embodiment, parameter
.rho..sub.a denotes the radius of curvature at the middle point
1213B of the engaging surface 121B, p.sub.b denotes the radius of
curvature at each of the two end points 1214B of the engaging
surface 121B (.theta. is 60.degree.), .rho..sub.A denotes the
radius of curvature at each of the proximate end points 1215A and
1215C of the engaging surfaces 121A and 121C, .rho..sub.B denotes
the radius of curvature at each of the distal end points 1212A and
1212C of the engaging surface 121A and 121C, D1 denotes the
diameter of the groove circumference 203 of each of the pipeline
elements 200, D2 denotes the diameter of the enlarged coupling end
portion 202 of each of the pipeline elements 200. Accordingly,
.rho..sub.a=D1/2, .rho..sub.b=(Sp+R')/2, .rho..sub.A=.rho..sub.b,
and .rho..sub.B=D2/2, the radiuses of curvature at the transition
points 1214B, 1215A and 1215C are substantially the same.
[0162] As a specific example, when the specification of the
pipeline element coupling piece 100 is 42.4 mm, the diameter D1 of
the groove circumference 203 of each of the pipeline elements 200
is 38.99 mm, the diameter D2 of the enlarged coupling end portion
202 of each of the pipeline elements 200 is 45 mm, and R' is 0.6
mm, then .rho..sub.a=38.99/2=19.495 mm,
.rho..sub.A=.rho..sub.b=20.941 mm, .rho..sub.B=45.5/2=22.5 mm.
[0163] Accordingly, the preferred embodiment further provides a
method of coupling two pipeline elements 200 with the pipeline
element coupling piece 100, and the method comprises the following
steps:
[0164] (.alpha.) Preassemble the pipeline element coupling piece
100 on the two pipeline elements in such a manner that the engaging
keys 12A, 12B and 12C of the coupling units 10 are respectively
aligned with the corresponding groove 201 of the pipeline elements
200 and define gaps 103A, 103B and 103C therebetween, wherein each
of the engaging surface 121A, 121B and 121C has varying radiuses of
curvature.
[0165] (.beta.) Assemble the engaging keys 12A, 12B and 12C into
the corresponding groove 201 of the pipeline elements 200 by
operating on the fastening element to reduce the gaps 103A, 103B
and 103C, so as to match the radius of curvature of the groove
circumference 203 of the corresponding pipeline element 200, so
that the engaging surfaces 121A, 121B and 121C are substantially
having contact with the groove circumference 203 of the
corresponding pipeline element 200 when the pipeline element
coupling piece 200 is in the assembled state.
[0166] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 29B, a pipeline element coupling
piece 8100 of a pipeline connecting device for coupling two
pipeline elements 8200 (including a first pipeline element 8210 and
a second pipeline element 8220) according to a third preferred
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The pipeline
element coupling piece 8100 comprises at least two housings 810, at
least one connecting element 820, and at least one fastening
element 830, wherein each of the at least two housings 810 forms a
ring like structure having an inner cavity 8101. As shown in FIG.
21, two ends of each of the housings 810 are connected with two
ends of another housing 810 by the connecting element 820 and the
fastening element 830 respectively, such that the two housings 810
are able to be opened and closed with respect to each other. The
fastening element 830 is configured for fastening each of the
housings 810 at an outer side of the pipeline element 8200, so as
to achieve a reliable connection of the two pipeline elements 8200.
Especially to the pipeline element having a taper shaped tubular
end, an opening of engaging surfaces of the two housings 810 has a
size allowing the housing 810 to be able to sleeve at the outer
side of the pipeline element without any disassembling and
rendering the engaging surface attaching at a bottom or a partial
portion of the bottom of a groove 8201 of the pipeline element
8200.
[0167] It is understood that the pipeline element coupling piece
100 and the coupling unit 10 thereof of the above preferred
embodiments are respectively embodied as the pipeline element
coupling piece 8100 and the housing 810 in this third preferred
embodiment.
[0168] It is understood that the pipeline element 8200 includes,
but not limited to, pipeline, pipe fitting, device, and etc.,
wherein the pipe fitting can be elbow, value, tee or connector with
larger or smaller head, or accessory for pipe fitting, etc. Each of
the pipeline elements 8200 comprises a groove end portion having a
groove 8201. During installation, the engaging surface of the
housing 810 of the pipeline element coupling piece 8100 is capable
of attaching at a groove bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of the
pipeline element 8200. For example, the pipeline element coupling
piece 8100 can be used for connecting two connecting pipeline (a
first pipeline 8210 and a second pipeline 8220), or that the
pipeline element coupling piece 8100 can be used for connecting a
pipeline and a pipe fitting, or that the pipeline element coupling
device can be used for connecting a pipe fitting and a device, or
that the pipeline element coupling piece 8100 can be used for
connecting two devices, or etc.
[0169] Furthermore, the engaging surface of the housing 810 is a
curved surface with a variable radius of curvature. In other words,
the engaging surfaces of the housings 810 (a first engaging surface
81111 and a second engaging surface 81211) define a non-circular
opening therebetween before installation. After the housings 810
are sleeved at the pipeline element 8200, the engaging surfaces of
the housings 810 (the first engaging surface 81111 and the second
engaging surface 81211) couple with a groove 8201 of an outer side
of the pipeline element 8200, wherein a gap 8102 is formed between
the engaging surfaces (the first engaging surface 81111 and the
second engaging surface 81211) of the housings 810 and the groove
bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200. During
installation, the gap 8102 allows the user to pre-adjust the
relative positions of the pipeline element coupling piece 8100 and
the pipeline element 8200 correspondingly, without a need of
utilizing assistant tool to enlarge the radius of curvature of the
pipeline element coupling piece 8100, thereby increasing the
flexibility and reliability of manual installation.
[0170] Moreover, the fastening element 830 fastens the housings 810
at the outer side of the pipeline element 8200 through minimizing
the gap 8102, that deforms the housings 810 by minimizing the
opening defined between the engaging surfaces (the first engaging
surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211) of the
housings 810, until the engaging surfaces (the first engaging
surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211) of the
housings 810 partially attach or fully attached at the groove
bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 on the outer side of the pipeline
element 8200. That is a diameter size of the engaging surfaces (the
first engaging surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211)
of the housings 810 just match with a diameter size of the groove
bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200, so as
to minimize the gap to ensure a reliable connection effect.
[0171] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, preferably, according to this
embodiment, at least two of the housings 810 are embodied as a
first housing 811 and a second housing 812, wherein the first
housing 811 includes a first body portion 8111, a first connecting
end portion 8112 and a first fastening end portion 8113, and that
the first connecting end portion 8112 is embodied as a first pivot
connecting end portion 8112, wherein the first pivot connecting end
portion 8112 and the first fastening end portion 8113 are
integrally formed at two ends of the first body portion 8111
respectively. The second housing 812 includes a second body portion
8121, a second connecting end portion 8122 and a second fastening
end portion 8123. Correspondingly, the second connecting end
portion 8122 is embodied as a second pivot connecting end portion
8122, wherein the second pivot connecting end portion 8122 and the
second fastening end portion 8123 are integrally formed at two ends
of the second body portion 8121 respectively. Accordingly, the
first housing 811 and the second housing 812 are connected
pivotally through hinging the first and second pivot connecting end
portions 8112, 8122. Therefore, the first housing 811 and the
second housing 812 are no need to be assembled and installed
individually so as to save installation time.
[0172] According to the first preferred embodiment, the first pivot
connecting end portion 8112 and the second pivot connecting end
portion 8122 are connected by the connecting element 820, wherein
the first body portion 8111 and the second body portion 8121 are
able to be rotated with respect to each other about the connecting
element 820. The fastening element 830 is used for fastening the
first fastening end portion 8113 and the second fastening end
portion 8123, so as to adjust a size of the opening defined between
the engaging surfaces (the first engaging surface 81111 and the
second engaging surface 81211) of the housings 810. While a
distance between the first fastening end portion 8113 and the
second fastening end portion 8123 increasing or decreasing, the
size of the opening defined between the engaging surfaces (the
first engaging surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211)
of the housings 810 increases or decreases correspondingly, and
that when the first fastening end portion 8113 and the second
fastening end portion 8123 are jointly connected and fastened, the
size of the opening between the engaging surfaces (the first
engaging surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211) of
the housings 810 is minimized.
[0173] According to this preferred embodiment, the connecting
element 820 is embodied as a hinge structure, wherein each of the
first housing 811 and the second housing 812 is capable of rotating
about the connecting element 820 within a predetermined angle, such
that the opening defined between the first fastening end portion
8113 and the second fastening end portion 8123 is an adjustable
opening.
[0174] Through enlarging the opening, the opening between the
engaging surfaces (the first engaging surface 81111 and the second
engaging surface 81211) of the housings 810 is able to be opened up
for a corresponding extend. Otherwise, through decreasing the
opening, the size of the opening between the engaging surfaces (the
first engaging surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211)
of the housings 810 reduces correspondingly.
[0175] Referring to FIG. 24, preferably, the first body portion
8111 has two symmetrical and parallel first engaging surfaces 81111
for fitting at the groove bottoms 8202 of the first pipeline
element 8210 and the second pipeline element 8220 respectively,
wherein the second body portion 8121 has two symmetrical and
parallel second engaging surfaces 81211 for fitting at the groove
bottoms 8202 of the first pipeline element 8210 and the second
pipeline element 8220 respectively. Each of the first engaging
surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211 is a curve
surface with variable radius of curvature, that is both the first
engaging surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211 have a
curved shape with variable radius of curvature. Generally, the
first fastening end portion 8113 and the second fastening end
portion 8123 are unconnected with each other, such that the opening
defined between the engaging surfaces (the first engaging surface
81111 and the second engaging surface 81211) of the housings 810
has a non-circular shape and a size larger than the diameter size
of the taper opening of the pipeline element 8200. The user can
fasten the fastening element 830 by connecting the first fastening
end portion 8113 and the second fastening end portion 8123 with a
tool, wherein both the first body portion 8111 and the second body
portion 8121 deform by decreasing the opening between the first and
second engaging surfaces 81111 and 81211, until the size of the
opening between the first and second engaging surfaces 81111 and
81211 is minimized.
[0176] It is worth mentioning that the first engaging surface 81111
is capable of extending along a portion of an inner surface or a
side edge of a first connecting key 81114 of the first body portion
8111, and that the second engaging surface 81211 is capable of
extending along a portion of an inner surface or a side edge of a
second connecting key 81214 of the second body portion 8121. During
installation, both the inner surfaces of the first and second
connecting keys 81114 and 81214 of the first and second body
portions 8111, 8121 fit and attach with the groove bottom 8202 of
the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200, such that the first
engaging surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211 are
both, but not limited to be, fitted and attached on the groove
bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200.
[0177] According to this preferred embodiment, the outer side of
each of the first pipeline element 8210 and the second pipeline
element 8220 is provided with the groove 8201, wherein first
engaging surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 8111 are
configured to fittingly attach on the groove bottom 8202 of the
groove 8201 correspondingly, so as to achieve a reliable
installation.
[0178] Furthermore, both the first engaging surface 81111 and the
second engaging surface 81211 have the same radius of curvature at
a position of the connecting element 820, and a radius of curvature
of such position also equal to the radius of curvature of the
groove bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200,
so that the first and second engaging surfaces 81111 and 81211 of
the first pivot connecting end portion 8112 and the second pivot
connecting end portion 8122 can fitting attach on the groove bottom
8202 of the pipeline element 8200 during pre-sleeving
installation.
[0179] Referring to FIG. 27, preferably, the first engaging surface
81111 gradually increases its radius of curvature from the position
of the first pivot connecting end portion 8112 to the position of
the first fastening end portion 8113, wherein the first engaging
surface 81111 has a smallest radius of curvature P1, substantially
equal to the radius of curvature of the groove bottom 8202 of the
pipeline element 8200, at the position of the first pivot
connecting end portion 8112, and that the first engaging surface
81111 has a largest radius of curvature P2, substantially larger
than the radius of curvature of the groove bottom 8202 of the
pipeline element 8200, at the position of the first fastening end
portion 8113, such that, under natural condition, the size of the
opening between the two engaging surfaces (the first engaging
surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211) of the two
housings 810 is larger than a diameter of a taper opening portion
of the pipeline element 8200. Correspondingly, the second engaging
surface 81211 gradually increases its radius of curvature from the
position of the second pivot connecting end portion 8122 to the
position of the second fastening end portion 8123, wherein the
second engaging surface 81211 has a smallest radius of curvature
P1, substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the groove
bottom 8202 of the pipeline element 8200, at the position of the
second pivot connecting end portion 8122, and that the second
engaging surface 81211 has a largest radius of curvature P2,
substantially larger than the radius of curvature of the groove
bottom 8202 of the pipeline element 8200, at the position of the
second fastening end portion 8123.
[0180] Referring to FIG. 28 and FIG. 29A, during the pre-sleeving
process, the first body portion 8111 and the second body portion
8121 are operated to sleeve on the first pipeline element 8201 and
the second pipeline element 8202, or relatively rotated the first
body portion 8111 and the second body portion 8121 through
increasing the opening between the engaging surfaces (the first
engaging surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211) of
the housings 810 about the connecting element 820 so as to quickly
insert the two pipeline elements 8200 coaxially at the opening
between the engaging surfaces (the first engaging surface 81111 and
the second engaging surface 81211) of the housings 810. Moreover,
when the first pivot connecting end portion 8112 and the second
pivot connecting end portion 8122 are both fitted and attached at
the outer side of the pipeline elements 8200, a first gap 81021 is
formed between the first engaging surface 81111 and the groove
bottom 8202 of the pipeline element 8200, and a second gap 81022 is
formed between the second engaging surface 81211 and the groove
bottom 8202 of the pipeline element 8200, wherein the first gap
81021 gradually decreases from the first fastening end portion 8113
to the first pivot connecting end portion 8112, and the second gap
81022 gradually decreases from the second fastening end portion
8123 to the second pivot connecting end portion 8122.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 25, in other words, when the pipeline
element coupling piece 8100 is pre-sleeved at the outer sides of
the pipeline elements 8200, there is a predetermined clearance
formed between the first fastening end portion 8113 and the second
fastening end portion 8123, that is the first fastening end portion
8113 and the second fastening end portion 8123 are not in contact
with each other.
[0182] It is worth mentioning that the housings 810 are made of
metal material, such as low carbon steel material or plastic steel
material that can't be deformed by manpower.
[0183] However, after the pipeline element coupling piece 8100 is
pre-sleeved around the pipeline element(s) 8200, the pipeline
element 8200 forms a pivot point and the user may fasten the
fastening element 830 to pull the first fastening end portion 8113
and the second fastening end portion 8123 towards each other by a
tool, so as to make the engaging surfaces 81111 and 81211 of the
first body portion 8111 and the second body portion 8121 deforming
to partially or fully attach and retain at the groove bottom 8202
of the pipeline element 8200.
[0184] Preferably, the fastening element 830 is embodied as a bolt
and nut arrangement, that is the fastening element 830 includes a
bolt 831 and a nut 832, wherein the bolt 831 and the nut 832 are
paired and matched for screwing connection with each other and the
tool to be used can be implemented, but not limited to, as a wrench
and the like for fastening the fastening element 830. It is worth
mentioning that, since the radius of curvature of the engaging
surface of the housing 810 at the position of the fastening element
830 is apparently larger than the tubular size of the pipeline
element 8200, the fastening element 830 has no need to be detached
and disassembled during installation. That is after the
installation, the fastening element 830 can be retained at housings
810, so that a disassemble step of the fastening element 830 by the
user is eliminated so as to save installation time.
[0185] In particular, the first fastening end portion 8113 of the
first housing 811 has a first fastening hole 81131 and the second
fastening end portion 8123 of the second housing 812 has a second
fastening hole 81231, wherein the sizes and directions of the first
fastening holes 81131 and the second fastening hole 81231 are
implemented matching with each other for detachably fastening. In
other words, the first fastening hole 81131 and the second
fastening hole 81231 are configured for the bolt 831 of the
fastening element 830 to pass through and that the nut 832 is
configured to screw and fasten with the bolt 831 so as to gradually
reduce a distance between the first fastening end portion 8113 of
the first housing 811 and the second fastening end portion 8123 of
the second housing 812, so as to render the engaging surfaces 8111
and 81211 to deform while the first body portion 8111 and the
second body portion 8121 are moving towards each other.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 29B, during installation, while the
fastening element 830 is gradually screwing and being tightened,
the torque of the bolt 831 increases gradually and the deforming of
the first fastening end portion 8113 and the second fastening end
portion 8123 becomes more apparent, such that the gap 8102
gradually decreases until the fastening element 830 is completely
fastened that the bolt 831 reaches a specific torque value and the
gap 8102 is minimized, thereby the installation is completed.
[0187] Preferably, a sum of the perimeters of the first engaging
surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211 is
substantially equal to a circumference of the groove bottom 8202 of
the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200, so that a rigid
coupling is achieved. When the user uses the tool to fasten the
fastening element 830 until the first body portion 811 and the
second body portion 8121 deform to contact with the pipeline
element 8200, the first engaging surface 81111 and the second
engaging surface 81211 substantially partially or fully attached on
the groove bottom 8202 of the pipeline element 8200, wherein the
opening between the engaging surfaces (the first engaging surface
81111 and the second engaging surface 81211) of the housings 810
has the same circumference and diameter of the groove bottom 8202
of the pipeline element 8200, so as to ensure the reliability of
connection. In order to ensure the reliability of connection,
optionally, the sum of the perimeters of the first engaging surface
81111 and the second engaging surface 81211 is larger than the
diameter and circumference of the groove bottom 8202 of the groove
8201 of the pipeline element 8200. Also, after installation, a
small gap is left between the engaging surfaces (the first engaging
surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211) of the
housings 810 and the groove bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of the
pipeline element 8200, so as to achieve a flexible coupling or
pseudo-flexible connection. Or that, after the pipeline element
coupling piece 8100 is installed, the engaging surfaces of the
pipeline element coupling piece 8100 can be fully attached and
contacted with the groove bottom 8202 of the pipeline element 8200
to ensure a rigid connection between the pipeline element coupling
piece 8100 and the pipeline element 8200, or partially attached at
the groove bottom 8202 of the pipeline element 8200 while leaving a
small gap therebetween so as to ensure a flexible connection
between the pipeline element coupling piece 8100 and the pipeline
element 8200, wherein the above description is not intended to
limit the scope of the present invention.
[0188] According to this preferred embodiment, the first engaging
surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211 are both
embodied as a curvilinear surface with variable radius of
curvature, which is embodied as section line (the line parallel
with the side line), side line and section line at any point
forming a shaped surface with variable radius of curvature, wherein
the radius of curvature of the curve with variable radius of
curvature is not a fixed value but gradually increases from a
minimum value to a maximum value. Further, the minimum value of the
radius of curvature of the curve with variable radius of curvature
is equal to the radius of curvature of the pipeline element. In
other words, the radius of curvature P1, that is the minimum value,
at the position of the first pivot connecting end portion 8112 or
the position of the second pivot connecting end portion 8122 is
substantially equal to the tubular radius (radius of curvature) of
the groove bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of the pipeline element
8200, and that the radius of curvature P2 at the position of the
first fastening end portion 8113 or the position of the second
fastening end portion 8123 is the maximum value.
[0189] Selectively, the radius of curvature P1 of the curve with
variable radius of curvature at the position of the first pivot
connecting end portion 8112 or the second pivot connecting end
portion 8122 may be slightly larger than a radius of curvature of
the groove bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of the pipeline element
8200, wherein radius of curvature P1 is slightly larger than the
radius of curvature of the groove bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of
the pipeline element 8200 within 5%, but it is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention.
[0190] It is understood that the curve with variable radius of
curvature of the curve surface of variable radius of curvature
includes, but not limited to, one of or a combination of
logarithmic spiral curve, Archimedes spiral curve, pascal spiral
curve, ellipse curve, high power curve, and etc. Preferably, the
curves with variable radius of curvature of the first engaging
surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211 are embodied as
logarithmic spiral curve, and the radius of curvature P1 at the
pivot connecting end portion 8112, 82122 is smaller than the radius
of curvature P2 at the fastening end portion 8113, 8123.
[0191] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, further, the first main body
8111 of the first housing 811 includes a first housing base 81112,
two first housing shoulders 81113 and two first engaging keys
81114, wherein the first housing base 81112, the two first housing
shoulders 81113 and the two first engaging keys 81114 are
integrally made as a groove structure, wherein the first pivot
connecting end portion 8112 and the first fastening end portion
8113 are integrally formed at two sides of the first housing base
81112 respectively, wherein the first engaging key 81114 is
integrally formed at the first housing shoulder 81113, wherein a
first installation groove 81115 is formed between the two first
housing shoulders 81113 as well as the two first engaging keys
81114, wherein the surface of the first engaging key 81114
configured to be in contact with the groove bottom 8202 of the
groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200 is the first engaging
surface 81111, wherein the first engaging key 81114 is matchingly
coupled with the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200.
[0192] Correspondingly, the second main body 8121 of the second
housing 812 includes a second housing base 81212, two second
housing shoulders 81213 and two second engaging keys 81214, wherein
the two second housing shoulders 81213 are integrally formed at two
sides of the second housing base 81212, wherein the second engaging
key 81214 is integrally formed at the second housing shoulder
81213, wherein a second installation groove 81115 is formed between
the two second housing shoulders 81213 as well as the two second
engaging keys 81214, wherein the surface of the second engaging key
81214 configured to be in contact with the groove bottom 8202 of
the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200 is the second engaging
surface 81211, wherein the second engaging key 81214 is matchingly
coupled with the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200, so as to
equipped correspondingly with the first engaging key 81114 to
achieve the coupling with the first pipeline element 8210 and the
second pipeline element 8220.
[0193] It is worth mentioning that the first housing base 81112,
the first housing shoulders 81113, the second housing base 81212 or
the second housing shoulders 81213 may be embodied as a curve
structure with variable radius of curvature. That is the first
housing base 81112, the first housing shoulders 81113, the second
housing base 81212 or the second housing shoulders 81213 also have
a curve shape with variable radius of curvature. Or that, each of
the first housing base 81112, the first housing shoulders 81113,
the second housing base 81212 or the second housing shoulders 81213
is portionly or completely embodied as curved shape structure,
which is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0194] In other words, the surfaces of the engaging keys (the first
engaging key 81114 and the second engaging key 81214) that are in
contact with the groove surface 202 are the engaging surfaces (the
first engaging surface 81111 and the second engaging surface
81211), wherein, the engaging surfaces are curve surfaces with
radiuses of curvature. Or that is to say a sectional line (the line
parallel to the edge line), an edge line and a sectional line of
any point of each of the engaging surfaces is a curve with variable
radius of curvature, or that a sectional line (the line parallel to
the edge line), an edge line and a sectional line of any point of
each of the engaging keys is a curve with variable radius of
curvature.
[0195] According to this preferred embodiment, from the initial
condition to the completely installed condition of the pipeline
element coupling piece 8100, the first engaging surface 81111 of
the first engaging key 81114 of the first housing 811 of the
housing 810 and the second engaging surface 81211 of the second
engaging key 81213 of the second housing 812 of the housing 810 has
a variable radius of curvature ranged between 4.5% to 15%, wherein
a varying range of an opening value D1 of the opening between the
first pivot connecting end portion 8112 and the first fastening end
portion 8113 of the first housing 811 of the housing 810 is between
4% to 15%, while a varying range of an opening value D1 of the
opening between the second pivot connecting end portion 8122 and
the second fastening end portion 8123 of the second housing 812 of
the housing 810 is between 4% to 15%, these example values are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0196] Referring to FIG. 26, preferably, a first sealing end 81116
and a first sealing groove 81117 are formed at two ends of the
first housing base 81112 respectively, while a second sealing end
81216 and a second sealing groove 81217 are formed at two ends of
the second housing base 81212 respectively, wherein the first
sealing end 81116 is fittingly and insertingly coupled with the
second sealing groove 81217 and second sealing end 81216 is
fittingly and insertingly coupled with the first sealing groove
81117, so as to further seal the opening between the first housing
811 and the second housing 812 to enhance the coupling reliability
of the pipeline element coupling piece 8100.
[0197] Furthermore, the pipeline element coupling piece 8100
further comprises a sealing gasket 840, wherein the gasket 840 is
embodied as a ring shape structure, having an outer diameter
slightly larger than the pipeline element 8200, a predetermined
toughness and a predetermined deformability. The gasket 840 is
arranged in the installation groove 81115 and the second
installation groove 81215 of an inner cavity 8101 of the housing
810, such that, during installation, the gasket 840 is pressed and
sleeved in the housing 810.
[0198] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the installation of the
first pipeline element 8210 and the second pipeline element 82220,
a middle portion of the gasket 840 has a retainer 841 inwardly
extended. During installation, the retainer 841 is configured for
retaining the first pipeline element 8210 and the second pipeline
element 8220 at preferred docking positions so as to prevent any
coupling failure of the first pipeline element 8210 and the second
pipeline element 8220, wherein the retainer 841 is positioned
between the first pipeline element 8210 and the second pipeline
element 8220 without blocking a communication between the first
pipeline element 8210 and the second pipeline element 8220.
[0199] It is worth mentioning that, since the size of the opening
between the engaging surfaces (the first engaging surface 81111 and
the second engaging surface 81211) of the housing 810 is larger
than the diameter size of the taper opening of the pipeline
element, during installation, the gasket 840 is retained the first
installation groove 81115 and the second installation groove 81215
of the housing 810. At the same time, the gasket 830 is also
retained in the housing 810 that, after installation, the fastening
element 830 and the gasket 840 have no need to be detached or
disassembled. Therefore, during pre-sleeving, the housing 810 and
the gasket 840 can together be sleeved at the outer side of the
pipeline element 8200 without the need to detach or disassemble the
gasket 840 and to install the gasket 840 and the housing 810 one
after one, so as to reduce the steps of installation and enhance
the installation speed. Also, the relative positions of the housing
810 and the gasket 840 are maintained and almost have no change at
all, that avoids dislocation and lowers the technical requirement
to the installation workers.
[0200] According to this preferred embodiment, the invention
further provides an installation method of the pipeline element
coupling device 9100, including the following steps:
[0201] (A) sleeving the at least two housing 810 at the outer sides
of two pipeline elements 8200 to be connecting, wherein the
engaging surfaces (the first engaging surface 81111 and the second
engaging surface 81211) of the first engaging key 81114 and the
second engaging key 81214 of the housing 810 are curve surfaces
with variable radius of curvature configured with the groove bottom
8202 of the groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200 to form a gap
8102 therebetween; and
[0202] (B) deforming the engaging surfaces (the first engaging
surface 81111 and the second engaging surface 81211) of the
engaging keys (the first engaging key 81114 and the second engaging
key 81214) through narrowing the gap 8102 and partially or fully
fitting and attaching at the groove bottom 8202 of the groove 8201
of the corresponding pipeline element 8200.
[0203] Furthermore, the step (A) further comprises the following
steps:
[0204] (A1) sleeving the at least two housings 810 at the outer
side of the first pipeline element 8210, wherein the first pipeline
element 8210 is retained to a predetermined position by the
retainer 841 of the gasket 840, wherein the first engaging key
81114 and the second engaging key 81214 provided at one side of the
housing 810 are engaged in the groove 8201 of the first pipeline
element 8210; and
[0205] (A2) inserting the second pipeline element 8220 into the
inner cavity 8101 defined between the at least two housings 810,
wherein the second pipeline element 8220 is retained to a
predetermined position by the retainer 841 of the gasket 840,
wherein the first engaging key 81114 and the second engaging key
81214 at the other side of the at least two housing 810 are engaged
with the groove 8201 of the second pipeline element 8220.
[0206] Furthermore, in the step (B), the first engaging key 81114
and the second engaging key 81214 are deformed by tightening the
fastening element 830 to a reasonable torque value.
[0207] Referring to FIG. 30 to FIG. 34, a pipeline element coupling
piece 8100A according to a first alternative mode of the above
preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, which is
different to the above preferred embodiment in that the pipeline
element coupling piece 8100A comprises two housings 810A and two
fastening elements 830A, wherein the two housings 810A are able to
be configured correspondingly to form an inner cavity 8101A with
adjustable size, wherein the engaging surfaces of the two housings
810A are engaged with a groove 8201 of the pipeline element 8200,
wherein an opening defined between the engaging surfaces of the
housing 810A is adjustable in size and larger than a diameter size
of the pipeline element 8200, wherein two ends of the two housings
810A are fastened together by the fastening elements 830A
respectively so as to achieve a sealingly coupling of the two
pipeline elements 8200.
[0208] Further, each of the engaging surfaces of the housings 810A
is a curve structure with variable radius of curvature, that is an
opening defined between the engaging surfaces of the housings 810A
is non-circular, such that after the engaging surfaces of the
housings 810A are pre-sleeved at the pipeline element 8200, a gap
8102A is defined between the engaging surfaces of the housings 810A
and the groove bottom 8202 of the pipeline element 8200.
[0209] Further, the fastening elements 830A tightly fasten the
housings 810A at the outer side of the pipeline elements 8200 by
narrowing the gap 8102A to deform the housings 810A by decreasing
the opening defined between the engaging surfaces of the housings
810A until the housings 810A partially or fully attaching on the
outer side of the pipeline elements 8200. That is the housings 810A
are substantially coupled with each other in such a manner that the
engaging surfaces of the housings 810A are deformed to a circular
structure sleeved at the groove bottom 8202 of the pipeline element
8200, and the opening between the engaging surfaces of the housings
810A is basically in circular shape, i.e. the size of the opening
between the engaging surfaces of the housings 810A is fittingly
matched with the tubular size of the pipeline element 8200, so that
the gap 8102A is minimized to ensure sealing effect.
[0210] In particular, the two housings 810A includes a first
housing 811A and a second housing 812A, wherein the first housing
811A includes a first body portion 8111A and two first fastening
end portions 8112A, wherein the two first fastening portions 8112A
are formed integrally at two ends of the first body portion 8111A,
wherein the first body portion 8111A has two symmetrical and
parallel first engaging surfaces 81111A. Correspondingly, the
second housing 812A includes a second body portion 8121A and two
second fastening end portions 8122A, wherein the two second
fastening end portions 8122A are integrally formed at two ends of
the second body portion 8121A respectively, wherein the second body
portion 8121A has two symmetrical and parallel second engaging
surfaces 81211A.
[0211] Selectively, the fastening element 830A is embodied as a set
of bolt and nut, wherein the first fastening end portion 8112A has
a first fastening hole 81121A, wherein the second fastening end
portion 8122A has a second fastening hole 81221A, wherein the bolt
of the fastening element 830A is passed through the first fastening
hole 81121A and the second fastening hole 81221A and fastened with
the nut of the fastening element 830A to tighten the first housing
811A with the second housing 812A through narrowing the gap
8102A.
[0212] According to the first alternative mode of the preferred
embodiment, each of the first engaging surface 81111A and the
second engaging surface 81211A is embodied as curve with variable
radius of curvature, wherein radius of curvature of the curve with
variable radius of curvature is not a fixed value, wherein the
radius of the curve with variable radius of curvature is gradually
increase from a minimum value to a maximum value. Further, the
minimum value of the radius of curvature of the curve with variable
radius of curvature is almost equal to the radius of curvature of
the pipeline element 8200. In other words, a radius of curvature P1
at a middle position (or top arch position) of the curve with
variable radius of curvature is substantially equal to the tubular
radius of the groove bottom 8202 of the groove 8201 of the pipeline
element 8200 and is the minimum value, wherein a radius of
curvature P2 at each of the two end positions of the curve with
variable radius of curvature is the maximum value.
[0213] It is understood that the curve with variable radius of
curvature of the curve surface with variable radius of curvature
includes, but not limited to, one or a combination of a logarithmic
spiral curve, an Archimedes spiral curve, a pascal spiral curve, an
ellipse curve, and a high power curve.
[0214] Referring to FIG. 32, in particular, the first engaging
surface 81111A has a first curve surface 811111A and two second
curve surfaces 811112A, wherein two second curve surfaces 811112A
are extended from two sides of the first curve surface 81111A.
Correspondingly, the second engaging surface 81211A has a third
curve surface 812111A and two fourth curve surfaces 812112A,
wherein two fourth curve surfaces 812112A are extended from two
sides of the second curve surface 812111A.
[0215] According to the first alternative mode of the preferred
embodiment, the first engaging surface 81111A and the second
engaging surface 81211A are symmetrical, wherein the curve with
variable radius of curvature of each of the first curve surface
811111A and the third curve surface 812111A is embodied as ellipse
curve, wherein the curve with variable radius of curvature of each
of the second curve surface 811112A and the fourth curve surface
812112A is embodied as Archimedes spiral curve. Further, the radius
of curvatures at the junction of the first curve surface 811111A
and the second curve surface 811112A are the same while the radius
of curvatures at the junction of the third curve surface 812111A
and the fourth curve surface 812112A are the same.
[0216] Optionally, the curve with variable radius of curvature of
each of the first engaging surface 81111A, the second engaging
surface 81211A, the third curve surface 812111A, and the fourth
curve surface 812112A can be embodied to have the same or different
curve with variable radius of curvature, which should be limited in
the invention.
[0217] Referring to FIGS. 31A and 31B, it is understood that,
during installation, when the user tightens the fastening elements
830A to the predetermined torque value, two end portions of the
first housing 811A and the second 812A deform through narrowing the
gap 8102A until the two end portions of the first housing 811A and
the second housing 812A are substantially in contact with each
other, while the gap 8102A is as narrow as possible. In this
situation, the first engaging surface 81111A and the second
engaging surface 81211A combine to form a circular shape basically
and partially or fully attach on the outer side of the
corresponding pipeline element 8200.
[0218] In the first alternative mode of the preferred embodiment,
in the process from the initial condition to the installed
condition of the pipeline element coupling piece 8100A, each of the
first engaging surface 81111A of the first housing 811A and the
second engaging surface 81211A of the second housing 812A has a
radius of curvature varying within 3% to 23%, wherein a value D2 of
the opening between the two first fastening end portions 8112A of
the first housing 811A varies within 2.5% to 15%. Correspondingly,
the value D2 of the opening between the two second fastening end
portions 8122A of the second housing 812A also varies within 2.5%
to 15%. The above ranges are exemplary but not intended to limit
the scope of the invention.
[0219] Further, the pipeline element coupling piece 8100A further
comprises a sealing gasket 840A, wherein the gasket 840A is
embodied as a ring structure. During installation, the gasket 840A
is able to be pressed to sleeve in the housing 810A.
[0220] Referring to FIG. 33 to FIG. 35, a pipeline element coupling
piece 8100B of a pipeline connecting device according to a second
alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment is illustrated,
which is different from the above preferred embodiment in that the
pipeline element coupling piece 8100B comprises three housings
810B, two connecting elements 820B and one fastening element 839B,
wherein the three housings 810B are configured correspondingly to
couple two pipeline elements 8200 together, wherein each two of the
three housings 810B are coupled with each other by the fastening
element 830B or the connecting element 820B while a size of an
opening defined between engaging surfaces of the housings 810B is
adjustable, so as to achieve a sealing connection of the two
pipeline elements 8200.
[0221] Further, each of the engaging surfaces of the housings 810B
is a curve structure with variable radius of curvature, that is an
opening defined between the engaging surfaces of the housings 810B
is non-circular, such that after the engaging surfaces of the
housings 810B are pre-sleeved at the pipeline element 8200, a gap
8102B is defined between the engaging surfaces of the housings 810B
and the groove bottom 8202 of the pipeline element 8200.
[0222] Further, the fastening elements 830B tightly fasten the
engaging surfaces of the housings 810B at the groove bottom 8202 of
the pipeline element 8200 by narrowing the gap 8102B to deform the
housings 810B by decreasing the opening defined between the
engaging surfaces of the housings 810B until the engaging surfaces
of the housings 810B partially or fully attaching on the groove
bottom 8202 of the pipeline elements 8200. That is the housings
810B are substantially coupled with each other in such a manner
that the engaging surfaces of the housings 810B are deformed to a
circular structure sleeved at the outer side of the pipeline
element 8200, and the opening between the engaging surfaces of the
housings 810B is basically in circular shape, i.e. the size of the
opening between the engaging surfaces of the housings 810B is
fittingly matched with a diameter size of the groove bottom 8202 of
the pipeline element 8200, so that the gap 8102B is minimized to
ensure sealing effect.
[0223] Referring to FIG. 33, in particular, the two housings 810B
includes a first housing 811B, a second housing 812B and a third
housing 813B, wherein the first housing 811A includes a first body
portion 8111B and two first pivot connecting end portions 8112B,
wherein the two first pivot connecting end portions 8112B are
formed integrally at two ends of the first body portion 8111B
respectively, wherein the first body portion 8111B has two
symmetrical and parallel first engaging surfaces 81111B.
[0224] Further, the second housing 812B includes a second body
portion 8121B, a second pivot connecting end portion 8122B and a
second fastening end portion 8123B, wherein the second fastening
end portion 8123B and the second pivot connecting end portion 8122B
are integrally formed at two ends of the second body portion 8121B
respectively, wherein the second body portion 8121B has two
symmetrical and parallel second engaging surfaces 81211B.
[0225] Further, the third housing 813B includes a third body
portion 8131B, a third pivot connecting end portion 8132B and a
third fastening end portion 8133B, wherein the third fastening end
portion 8133B and the third pivot connecting end portion 8132B are
integrally formed at two ends of the second body portion 8131B
respectively, wherein the third body portion 8131B has two
symmetrical and parallel second engaging surfaces 81311B.
[0226] Further, the two second first pivot connecting end portions
8112B are connected with the second pivot connecting end portion
8122B and the third pivot connecting end portion 8132B by the
connecting elements 820B respectively, wherein the first fastening
end portion 8133B and the second fastening end portion 8123B are
fastened through the fastening element 830B.
[0227] Selectively, the fastening element 830B is embodied as a set
of bolt and nut, wherein the second fastening end portion 8123B has
a second fastening hole 81231B, wherein the third fastening end
portion 8122A has a third fastening hole 81331A, wherein the bolt
of the fastening element 830B is passed through the second
fastening hole 81231B and the third fastening hole 81331B and
fastened with the nut of the fastening element 830B to tighten the
first housing 811B with the second housing 812B through narrowing
the gap 8102B.
[0228] According to the second alternative mode of the preferred
embodiment, each of the first engaging surface 81111B, the second
engaging surface 81211B and the third engaging surface 81311B is
embodied as curve with variable radius of curvature, wherein radius
of curvature of the curve with variable radius of curvature is not
a fixed value, wherein the radius of the curve with variable radius
of curvature is gradually increase from a minimum value to a
maximum value. Furthermore, the minimum value of the radius of
curvature of the curve with variable radius of curvature is almost
equal to the radius of curvature of the pipeline element 8200.
[0229] It is understood that the curve with variable radius of
curvature of the curve surface with variable radius of curvature
includes, but not limited to, one or a combination of a logarithmic
spiral curve, an Archimedes spiral curve, a pascal spiral curve, an
ellipse curve, and a high power curve.
[0230] According to the second alternative mode of the preferred
embodiment, the curve with variable radius of curvature of the
first engaging surface 81111B is embodied as ellipse curve, wherein
each curve with variable radius of curvature of the second engaging
surface 81211B and the third engaging surface 81311B is embodied as
logarithmic spiral curve. The radius of curvature at a middle
position (or top arch position) of the first engaging surface
81111B is a minimum value and substantially equal to a radius of
curvature of the pipeline element 8200, wherein the radius of
curvatures at the junction of the second curve surface 81211B and
the third curve surface 81211B are the same, wherein the minimum
value of the radius of curvature of the second engaging surface
81211B or the third engaging surface 81311B is larger than or equal
to the maximum value of the radius of curvature of the first
engaging surface 81111B.
[0231] Referring to FIGS. 34A and 34B, it is understood that,
during installation, when the user tightens the fastening elements
830B to the predetermined torque value, the first housing 811B, the
second housing 812B and the third housing 813B deform through
narrowing the gap 8102B rendering the engaging surfaces partially
or fully attached at the groove bottom 8202 of the pipeline element
8200. The first fastening end portion 8123B of the second housing
812B and the third fastening end portion 8133B of the third housing
813B are substantially in contact with each other, wherein the
first engaging surface 81111B, the second engaging surface 81211B
and the third engaging surface 81311B are deformed and combined to
form a circular surface and basically be partially or fully
attaching on the groove bottom 8202 of the corresponding pipeline
element 8200.
[0232] In the second alternative mode of the preferred embodiment,
in the process from the initial condition to the installed
condition of the pipeline element coupling piece 8100B, each of the
first engaging surface 81111B of the first housing 811B, the second
engaging surface 81211B of the second housing 812B and the third
engaging surface 81311B of the third housing 813B has a radius of
curvature varying within 13% to 221%, wherein a value D3 of the
opening defined between the second fastening end portion 8123B of
the second housing 812B and the middle position (or the top arch
position) of the first engaging surface 81111B of the first housing
811B varies within 14% to 22%. Correspondingly, the value D3 of the
opening between the third fastening end portion 8133B of the third
housing 813B and the middle position (or the top arch position) of
the first engaging surface 81111B also varies within 14% to 22%.
The above ranges are exemplary but not intended to limit the scope
of the invention.
[0233] Further, the pipeline element coupling piece 8100B further
comprises a sealing gasket 840B, wherein the gasket 840B is
embodied as a ring structure. During installation, the gasket 840B
is able to be pressed to sleeve in the housing 810B. Referring to
FIG. 35, optionally, an inner side of the gasket 840B has a
plurality of protrusions 841B, wherein a predetermined distance is
defined between every two of the plurality of protrusions 841B so
as to provide a predetermined deforming space for the gasket 840B
for enhancing the sealing effect.
[0234] One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment
of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described
above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It will
thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been
fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown
and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and
structural principles of the present invention and are subject to
change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this
invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit
and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *