Clamping ring

#The invention relates to a method of forming a clamping ring to be used on a pipe when making a pipe connection.

#Further, the invention relates to a clamping ring to be used on a pipe when making a pipe connection.

#It is known to provide a pipe connection between one end of a pipe made of a plastic material with memory properties and a connecting piece. The memory properties mean that plastic pipes with a memory capacity automatically strive to return essentially to their original shape and form after having been expanded. For example plastic pipes that are manufactured from cross-linked polyethylene possess an active memory capacity at temperatures as low as room temperature. Pipes of this nature are joined together by widening one end of the pipe and inserting into the widened pipe-end a flanged connector which forms a part of the pipe connecting piece, normally made of metal, and which is retained in said pipe-end until the pipe has shrunk to an extent at which it is able to firmly hold the connecting piece. A clamping ring made of elastic material, which may be the same plastic material as that from which the pipe is made, is expanded and shrunk over the pipe end in order to further enhance the holding and sealing pressure at the pipe connection region. The clamping ring is expanded at the same time as the pipe-end is expanded, with the clamping ring in position around said pipe-end. Such a solution has been disclosed for example in EP 0,530,387. In EP 0,530,387 the clamping ring has been made from an extruded pipe by cutting the pipe into a short enough part to form a clamping ring. In WO 2007/006,863 the clamping ring is made by injection molding.

#In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to accompanying drawings, in which

#FIG. 1 schematically shows a pipe connection in cross-section,

#FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of a clamping ring, and

#FIG. 1 shows a pipe 1, which is comprised of a plastic material having memory properties, for instance a cross-linked polyethylene PEX or any other cross-linked polyolefin, and a connecting piece 2 made of metal. The connecting piece 2 comprises a nipple end 3. The nipple end 3 comprises radially projecting flanges 4. The nipple end 3 is terminated with a radial abutment surface 5.

#The nipple end 3 has an outer diameter which exceeds the inner diameter of the unexpanded pipe 1. An elastic clamping ring 6 is mounted on an end of the pipe 1. In its relaxed state, the clamping ring 6 has an inner diameter which corresponds to the outer diameter of the unexpanded pipe 1.

#When establishing the pipe connection shown in FIG. 1, the end of pipe 1 and the surrounding clamping ring 6 are expanded simultaneously by an expander tool. The nipple end 3 is then immediately inserted into the end of the pipe until the abutment surface 5 is in abutment with the end of the pipe 1 and with the clamping ring 6. The end of the pipe 1 and the clamping ring 6 then shrink or contract automatically, so as to obtain a sealing contact between the inner surface of the pipe and the flange in particular. A sealing contact is also obtained between the inner surface of the pipe 1 and the outer surface of the nipple end 3.