FR3068105B1 - CONNECTING DEVICE FOR PLUMBING PIPE WITH LEAK DETECTION AND FIXING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for connecting pipe (T) plumbing, comprising a member (2) hollow forming a conduit, a first end opens on the outside of said device (1) by a tip (3) of connector adapted to be coupled to the valve, the second end of said member opening on a body (4) whose free end comprises a tube adapted to engage in said pipe (T) and surrounded by a skirt defining a first cavity cylindrical (4b) adapted to receive said pipe (T), said body being able to be fixed on said pipe (T) by sealing means (5a, 5b, 6), the device (1) being characterized in that it further comprises: a second cylindrical cavity (4c) disposed in said first cavity (4b) of the body (4) for receiving water leakage from said pipe (T); at least one channel (8) connecting the second cavity (4c) with the outside of the connecting device (1) at the endpiece (3), so as to evacuate to the outside and make it possible to detect any leakage connection.

Description

A plumbing pipe connection device with leak detection and its fixing device.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of sanitary plumbing for buildings. The present invention relates more particularly to connection devices for plumbing or leak detection pipe, fastening devices for such connecting devices, and a leak detection system comprising at least one of these connecting devices and at least one of these fasteners, for example on a partition or against partition (formed of facing plate) plumbing or pipe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A problem in the field of plumbing concerns the control of a leakage of water, in particular visual and in real time, on a fitting installed in a partition or a bulkhead on a pipe network. It should be noted that various types of sanitary water supply piping are used in the field of plumbing and the transport of running water. The free end of a pipe is provided with a connection (or connection piece or connection device) for sealingly connecting said pipe to the rest of the pipe installation. There are different types of fittings depending on the pipe pipe material. In general, a "solder" or "crimp" type connection is used for copper tubing or pipe, while cross-linked polyethylene (PE) or multilayer pipe (eg PER and aluminum) can be used with compression, slip or crimp connections. In addition, the Unified Technical Documents according to the French Standard impose installation rules. For example, DTU 65.10 (general material selection criteria) and DTU 60.1 (sanitary plumbing for residential buildings) require accessibility (inspection hatches, removable panels, etc.) to dismountable pipe fittings for check for no leak. Thus, there are three cases of installation of pipe fittings to meet DTU regulations. A first installation of fittings outside a bulkhead, provides that the pipes are arranged outside the wall and all types of fittings (described above) can be used according to the regulations because water leaks on the fittings will be visible. A second installation of fittings inside the hollow partition (for example in showers, bathtubs, taps, etc.), provides for a trapdoor to be placed at the back of the partition and the connections to be visited. are mounted by the front face of the partition to meet the constraints of the regulations. Finally, a third installation of connections in the bulkheads, in which the visitable connections are mounted by the front face of the bulkhead. It is known in the prior art various connectors, especially for flexible pipes, the sealing is ensured by clamping a ring on a sleeve. For example, document FR2230924A1 discloses a connection device for semi-rigid pipe which comprises a nozzle having a radial bulge with tapered conical edge, a deformable biconical ring and a nut for clamping the ring against the bulge of the nozzle.

In addition, it is known from EP0410843A1 and EP0581678A1, respectively, a connection piece for a plastic pipe and a clamping device included in said connection piece. The tip comprises a nut engaging the outside of the pipe overlapping a biconical ring of the clamping device, to clamp axially against a flange piece when tightening the nut on a corresponding male end. A seal, remote from the ring, is disposed between the collar and the male end, to seal between the connecting piece and the male end. The tip further comprises a washer disposed in a groove of the nut and / or the collar part and cooperating with the ring to allow the tightening of the nut on the male end and also the tightening of the ring on the pipe. The document EP0581678A1 is an improvement of the document EP0410843A1 by proposing a split biconical ring.

These solutions use a simple sealing barrier that is not sufficient or reliable and therefore presents a risk of water leakage within the pipe network. Thus, in case of water leakage on the connection, the leakage control must be achieved by disassembling the various accessories from the front face of the partition or bulkhead, but the detection of the leak is difficult and often late. In addition, disassembly of accessories attached to the fitting is not easy, and therefore usually requires the intervention of a plumbing expert instead of being feasible by all.

In this context, it is advantageous to propose a solution that makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by facilitating the detection of water leakage on a connecting device for a pipe pipe, while reinforcing the sealing barrier against the leakage of water inside the partition containing the pipe.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to overcome some disadvantages of the prior art by proposing a new connection device for a pipe pipe, facilitating the visual and real-time detection of a water leak.

This object is achieved by a connection device for a plumbing pipe, comprising a hollow member forming a duct, a first end of which opens outwardly from said device by a connecting piece adapted to be coupled to valves, the second end of said member opening onto a body whose free end comprises a tube adapted to engage in said pipe and surrounded by a skirt delimiting a first cylindrical cavity adapted to receive said pipe, said body being able to be fixed on said pipe by means sealing device, the device being characterized in that it further comprises: a second cylindrical cavity disposed in said first body cavity for receiving water leakage from said pipe; at least one channel connecting the second cavity with the outside of the connection device at the end of the nozzle, so as to evacuate to the outside and make it possible to detect any leakage of the connection.

According to another feature, the sealing means comprise a deformable ring or a washer adapted to be arranged on the pipe and clamping means capable of: - being coupled at least partially with the body and a free end of said pipe, - tightening said ring or washer against the body in said first cavity.

In another feature, the diameter of the second cavity is less than both the diameter of the first cavity of the body and the outer diameter of the pipe.

According to another feature, the clamping means comprise a sleeve or a rotary nut.

According to another feature, the rotary nut comprises a cylindrical internal groove adapted to receive said ring when said nut is tightened on the body by means of complementary fixing means.

According to another feature, said device further comprises a tubular or toric seal disposed in the first cavity of the body and enclosing the pipe so that said ring or washer compresses the seal simultaneously against said pipe and said first cavity, so as to form a leak sealing barrier of said pipe.

According to another feature, said leak detection channel is arranged parallel to the conduit formed by the hollow member of said device.

According to another feature, the duct of said hollow member and the tube formed by the body are oriented perpendicularly relative to each other, so that the device forms a bend.

Another goal is to provide a leak detection system in a plumbing network (or pipeline), facilitating the visual and real-time detection of water leakage.

This object is achieved by a leak detection system in a plumbing network comprising at least one plumbing pipe and at least one partition or partition wall of the interior of the plumbing network, characterized in that said detection comprises at least one connecting device to said pipe according to at least one of the features of the present invention; - At least one fixing device adapted to fix said connecting device in a housing of a front plate of the partition or against the partition.

According to another feature, the fixing device comprises a hollow part of dimensions substantially identical to the dimensions of the housing of the partition or against the partition, said hollow part comprising a housing adapted to receive the tip of the connector.

According to another feature, the housing of said hollow part comprises complementary cooperation means with reciprocating means of cooperation of the connector end.

According to another feature, support means are arranged on the periphery of the hollow part, so that the fixing device is abutted on the front plate of the partition or against the partition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE FIGURES Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a device connection, according to one embodiment of the invention, compression type with a male end, - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a leak detection system according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a compression connection device with a socket and a fixing device; FIG. 3 represents a sectional view of the detection system according to the plane 3-3 of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 represents a sectional view of FIG. a connecting device, according to another embodiment, of sliding type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Many combinations can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention; the skilled person will choose one or the other depending on the economic, ergonomic, dimensional or other constraints that must be respected.

More particularly, Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a device (1) for connecting (or "connection") pipe (T) plumbing or pipe to: - detect and visually control in real time a water leak on a fitting, for example a compression fitting (Figs 1 to 3) or a sliding fitting (Fig. 4), which can be installed in a bulkhead or bulkhead; - direct or deflect the flow of water to the outside of the bulkhead or against partition, in case of water leakage on the fitting; - reinforce the sealing barrier on the fitting to prevent water leakage within the bulkhead or bulkhead and thus prevent the degradation of the bulkhead or bulkhead and the reconstruction of the pipe installation ; - assemble the connection on the pipe reliably, quickly and durably with little tools.

The connecting device (1) comprises a hollow member (2) forming a duct (20) opening, on the one hand, on a first end by a connector end (3) communicating with the outside of said coupling (1) and receiving a member (for example by a valve), and secondly, on a second end by a body (4) engaging in said pipe (T) plumbing or pipe, for example by a tube disposed on the free end of said body (or said "tubular body" (4)). The end piece (3) of the connector (1) can be fixed firmly in an opening pierced in a partition or against a partition, which are generally facing plates fixed to frames, according to at least one of the installation cases. connections to pipe pipes regulated by the DTU. The body (4) can be fixed on said pipe (T) by sealing means (5a, 5b, 6). The body (4) may comprise a first cylindrical cavity (4b) or a bore for receiving the free end of the pipe (T) and also other components described below for sealing the body (4) on said pipe (T).

In some embodiments, the sealing means (5a, 5b, 6) comprise a ring (5a) or a washer (5b) disposed on the pipe (T). The sealing means (5a, 5b, 6) may also comprise clamping means (6) which can be fixed at least partially with the body (4) and a free end of the pipe (T) and / or which can tighten the ring (5a) or the washer (5b) against an inner edge, which can be conical, of the body (4) in said first cylindrical cavity (4b). Said ring may be deformable and / or split, with an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the pipe, when the ring is not tight against said pipe.

In some embodiments, the body (4) comprises a peripheral portion (4a) which can be enlarged and having fixing means (46), for example to be fixed with clamping means (6). In a nonlimiting manner, the fixing means may be composed of threading, tapping or any equivalent for reinforcing and / or assembling and securing the body with the clamping means.

In some embodiments, the clamping means (6) may be a rotary nut, in which case the connection is called "compression" as shown for example in FIGS. 1 to 3. More particularly, the nut (6) is able to overlap the ring (5a) to tighten it in said first cavity (4b) against the internal conical edge of the body (4), as represented for example in FIG. 3. The rotary nut (6) may comprise a first part having means complementary to the means (46) for fixing the peripheral portion of the body (4), a central part having a cylindrical internal groove (60), which may be on a tapered rim, for overlapping the ring fixed on the pipe ( T) and a second portion overlapping outside the free end of the pipe (T). Thus, in a nonlimiting manner, the nut (6) may comprise a connection thread which is screwed onto the external thread of the tubular body (4) so that the clamping ring (5a) is wedged between the nut and the body. (4), as shown for example in Figure 3.

In some embodiments, the clamping means (6) may be a bushing (6) that is to say a part serving as an intermediate in the fitting between the pipe (T) and the coupling (1) which have different diameters, in which case, the connection is said to "slip" as shown for example in Figure 4. More particularly, a washer (5b), which can be cylindrical and / or flat, compresses the seal (7) by fitting the sleeve (6) with a suitable tool (for example a slip pliers) in the first cavity (4b) and also against the inner surface of the tubular body. Thus, a compression fitting or a sliding connection according to the present invention, facilitates their implementation while ensuring a second sealing barrier.

In some embodiments, said connecting device (1) comprises a second cavity (4c) disposed in the first cavity (4b) of the body (4) for receiving water leakage from the pipe pipe and this second cavity serves also abutting the pipe (T) when inserted into the tubular body (4). In some embodiments, the diameter of the second cavity (4c) is less than both the diameter of the first cavity of the tubular body and the outside diameter of the pipe of pipe. This configuration has the advantage of receiving the flow of water, in case of leakage, only to the second cavity to discharge the water out of the installation of the pipe.

In addition, the connecting device (1) comprises at least one channel (8) for connecting the outside of the connector (1) and the second cavity (4c) of the tubular body. Indeed, in the event of a leak, this configuration makes it possible, on the one hand, to drain the water from the leak towards the outside of the partition or against the partition, and on the other hand, to detect visually and immediately the water leak. The channel or channels (8) may be arranged parallel to the internal conduit (20) formed by the hollow member (2) of the coupling (1) to facilitate the flow of water from the leakage of the pipe (T) to the outside the fitting (1) and the bulkhead or bulkhead. In some embodiments, the conduit (20) of the hollow member (2) and the tube formed by the body (4) are oriented perpendicular to each other. In a nonlimiting manner, the conduit (20) internal of the member (2) can be bent (or curved) as shown for example in Figures 1 to 3, or right depending on the configuration of the installation.

In some embodiments, the connector (1) comprises a seal (7) sealing, which may be tubular or toric, disposed in the first cavity (4b) of the tubular body and before the ring (5a), so as to confer a double sealing barrier on the connection fitting (1) and pipe (T). Indeed, the tightening of the nut causes an axial and radial displacement of the ring which compresses the seal simultaneously against the pipe and the first cavity of the tubular body, to ensure a seal external to the pipe pipe.

In certain embodiments, the connector (1) may comprise a dye (for example a coloring powder or any other equivalent means) arranged for example in the leak detection channel (8) to color the water leakage of the connector. This coloration can thus help the user visually check a leak.

Another object of the present application is a system (10) for detecting in a plumbing network (or ducting) comprising at least one pipe (T) for plumbing (or ducting) and at least one partition or counter-partition of plumbing (or piping) that compartmentalizes and protects the components of the plumbing (or pipe) system. Said detection system (10) comprises at least one connecting device (1) connected to said pipe (T) and at least one fixing device (9) able to fix said connection device (1) in a front plate (P). of the partition or against the partition, through a housing made on said plate. Thus, said fixing device (9) makes it possible to securely fix the connection on the plate and also to close off the housing or hole created in order to mount the coupling on the pipe (T).

In some embodiments, the fixing device (9) comprises a hollow part (90) of dimensions substantially identical to the dimensions of the plate housing (P), as illustrated for example in FIGS. 3 and 4. Said hollow part may receiving the tip (3) of the connector (1) through a housing (94) present in the part (90) hollow. Said housing (94) may comprise on its inner periphery longitudinal serrations (93) and the tip (3) of the connector (1) may comprise on its outer periphery axial grooves (39), so that the grooves and the serrations can slide between them. Thus, without limitation, the housing (94) and the end piece (3) are assembled together by complementary cooperation means (93, 39) (for example grooves, serrations or any other equivalent means), to lock firmly rotation or any movement of the fitting tip during assembly of other accessories on the fitting. Indeed, other pipe fittings may be attached to the nozzle of the connector, such as for example fittings, valves, etc.

In some embodiments, support means (91) disposed around the periphery of the hollow piece (90) to abut the fixing device (9) on the plate (P). Without limitation, the support means may be ears (91).

In a general and non-limiting manner, the connecting device (1) and the fixing device (9) are assembled on the plate (P) according to the following steps: - piercing the plate (P) before a partition or counter ducting or plumbing partition to create a housing of identical dimensions to that of the fixing device (9), -pre-assembling the connection (1) with the pipe (T), tightening the nut (6) so that the ring (5a) compresses the seal (7) against the pipe (T) and the first cavity (4b) of the tubular body (4); or pre-assembling the coupling (1) with the pipe (T), by sliding the sleeve (6) so that the washer (5b) compresses the seal (7) in the first cavity (4b) of the tubular body (4) and against the pipe (T), - insert the end piece (3) of the fitting (1) in the recess (94) adapted to the hollow part by means of the complementary means of cooperation of said coupling piece and of said hollow part, inserting the hollow part (90) into the plate housing (P), filling the hollow part (90) with an adhesive substance to firmly secure the connection device and fixing device assembly to the front plate of the partition wall or the plumbing bulkhead; after drying, the nozzle (3) of the fitting can accommodate other pipe fittings.

The present application describes various technical features and advantages with reference to the figures and / or various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical features of a given embodiment may in fact be combined with features of another embodiment unless the reverse is explicitly mentioned or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible or that the combination does not provide a solution to at least one of the technical problems mentioned in this application. In addition, the technical features described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other features of this mode unless the opposite is explicitly mentioned.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, but can be modified in the field defined by the scope of the protection requested, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims (4)

1. A device (1) for connecting pipe (T) plumbing, comprising a member (2) forming a hollow conduit having a first end opens on the outside of said device (1) by a fitting end piece (3) fit to be coupled to valves, the second end of said member opening on a body (4) whose free end comprises a tube adapted to engage in said pipe (T) and surrounded by a skirt delimiting a first cylindrical cavity ( 4b) adapted to receive said pipe (T), said body being able to be fixed on said pipe (T) by sealing means (5a, 5b, 6), the device (1) being characterized in that further comprises: - a second cylindrical cavity (4c) disposed in said first cavity (4b) of the body (4) for receiving water leakage from said pipe (T); - At least one channel (8) connecting the second cavity (4c) with the outside of the connecting device (1) at the tip (3), so as to evacuate to the outside and to detect any leakage connection. 2. Connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing means (5a, 5b, 6) comprise a deformable ring (5a) or a washer (5b) adapted to be arranged on the pipe (T) and clamping means (6) capable of: - being at least partially coupled with the body (4) and a free end of said pipe (T), - clamping said ring (5a) or said washer (5b) against the body (4) ) in said first cavity (4b). 3. Connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the diameter of the second cavity (4c) is less than both the diameter of the first cavity (4b) of the body (4) and the outer diameter of the pipe (T). 4. Connecting device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the clamping means (6) comprise a sleeve (6) or a nut (6) rotatable. 5. Connecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that the nut (6) comprises a cylindrical inner groove (60) internal to receive said ring (5a) when said nut (6) is tightened on the body (4). ) via complementary fixing means (45). 6. Connecting device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it further comprises a seal (7) tubular or toric disposed in the first cavity (4b) of the body (4) and enclosing the pipe (T) for said ring (5a) or said washer (5b) compresses the seal (7) simultaneously against said pipe (T) and said first cavity (4b), so as to form a leaktightness barrier of said pipe (T). 7. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said channel (8) leak detection is disposed parallel to the conduit (20) formed by the member (2) hollow said device (1). 8. Connection device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the conduit (20) of said hollow member (2) and the tube formed by the body are oriented perpendicularly relative to each other, so that the device (1) forms a bend. 9. System (10) for leak detection in a plumbing network comprising at least one plumbing pipe (T) and at least one partition or partition wall of the interior of the plumbing network, characterized in that said system Detection device (10) comprises at least one device (1) for connection to said pipe (T) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8; - At least one fastening device (9) adapted to fix said connecting device (1) in a housing of a plate (P) before the partition or the plumbing against partition wall. 10. Detection system according to claim 9, characterized in that the device (9) for fixing comprises a hollow part (90) of substantially identical dimensions to the dimensions of the housing of the partition or against the partition, said hollow part comprising a housing (94) adapted to receive the end piece (3) of the coupling (1). 11. Detection system according to claim 10, characterized in that the housing of said hollow part (90) comprises cooperating means (93) complementary to each other with means for cooperating (39) with the coupling end (3). . 12. Detection system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that support means (91) are arranged on the periphery of the hollow part (90), so that the fixing device (9) is in abutment. on the front plate (P) of the bulkhead or bulkhead.