CA1244853A - Universal pipe joint assembly - Google Patents
Universal pipe joint assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1244853A CA1244853A CA000464429A CA464429A CA1244853A CA 1244853 A CA1244853 A CA 1244853A CA 000464429 A CA000464429 A CA 000464429A CA 464429 A CA464429 A CA 464429A CA 1244853 A CA1244853 A CA 1244853A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pipe joint
- main cavity
- split rings
- joint assembly
- pair
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A universal pipe joint assembly which comprises:
a connector housing having a main cavity defined by an internal spherical concave wall of a connector housing body;
a pair of axially spaced split rings with their inclined external circumferential walls disposed in relatively slidable contact with the internal spherical concave wall, each of the split rings being deformable so as to be inserted into the main cavity and expansible within the main cavity to take its operating position; and a spacer seal ring sandwiched between the pair of split rings.
A universal pipe joint assembly which comprises:
a connector housing having a main cavity defined by an internal spherical concave wall of a connector housing body;
a pair of axially spaced split rings with their inclined external circumferential walls disposed in relatively slidable contact with the internal spherical concave wall, each of the split rings being deformable so as to be inserted into the main cavity and expansible within the main cavity to take its operating position; and a spacer seal ring sandwiched between the pair of split rings.
Description
I ~ 3 ¦ BACKGROVND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION- .
¦ This invention relates to a universal pipe joint ¦ assembly, and more particularly to improvements in the ¦ assembly of the type that is particularly advantageous when ¦ utilized for connecting pipes as fluid conduits whose ¦ internal diameter is in the range of 20mm to 100mm.
¦ A typical example among various conventional models ¦ of the universal pipe joint is disclosed in Figure 1 of ¦ Japanese Utility Model Application No. 55-187689 (Laid-open lQ ¦ No. 57-112191), and also illustrated herein in Figure 11 of ¦ the accompanying drawings for convenience of specifying its ¦ particular construction featured by a connector housing CH
¦ having a spherical concave wall SPl formed internally ¦ thereof and a ball member BM having a spherical convex wall ¦ SR2 disposed in relatively slidable contact with the aforesaid spherical concave wall SPl, so that an inserted pipe P is angularly movable in all directions with relative l to the connector housing C~.
I l With such particular prior art construction, it is ¦ inevitably necessary to divide the connector housing C~ into ¦ two pieces. that is, a connector body CB and a cap nut CN, in order that the ball member BM can be assembled with the connector housing C~. ~owever, such two piece construction of the connector housing C~ is disadvantageous from the viewpoint of possible leakage of fluid at threads T~ and increase in manufacturing cost. Further, the slidable contact area between the spherical walls SPl, SP2 i8 Il ~7.~, ' .
¦ relatively large and therefore extreme precision in surface ¦ finishing of such spherical walls SPl, SP2 is required in order to permit smoothly slidable relationship between l the walls SP1, SP2r which requires skill and also ¦ invites increase in manufacturing cost. Still further, at least two seal rings SRl, SR2 together with fitting grooves therefor are inevitably required, which also invites increase in manufacturing cost and process.
l It is. therefore, an object of the invention to substantially reduce the above discussed disadvantages in the prior art universal pipe joint construction.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved universal pipe joint assembly which permits manufacture at a lower cost as comprarQd with the prior art assembly.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved universal pipe join~ assembly which permits a telescopic and flexible relationship between the assembly and an associated pipe t with maintaining a good sealing effect.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved universal pipe joint assembly which permits a sufficient sealing effec~ by use of only one seal ring.
A yet further object of the invention is to provide an improved universal pipe joint assembly which permits one-piece construction of a connector housing.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present
¦ This invention relates to a universal pipe joint ¦ assembly, and more particularly to improvements in the ¦ assembly of the type that is particularly advantageous when ¦ utilized for connecting pipes as fluid conduits whose ¦ internal diameter is in the range of 20mm to 100mm.
¦ A typical example among various conventional models ¦ of the universal pipe joint is disclosed in Figure 1 of ¦ Japanese Utility Model Application No. 55-187689 (Laid-open lQ ¦ No. 57-112191), and also illustrated herein in Figure 11 of ¦ the accompanying drawings for convenience of specifying its ¦ particular construction featured by a connector housing CH
¦ having a spherical concave wall SPl formed internally ¦ thereof and a ball member BM having a spherical convex wall ¦ SR2 disposed in relatively slidable contact with the aforesaid spherical concave wall SPl, so that an inserted pipe P is angularly movable in all directions with relative l to the connector housing C~.
I l With such particular prior art construction, it is ¦ inevitably necessary to divide the connector housing C~ into ¦ two pieces. that is, a connector body CB and a cap nut CN, in order that the ball member BM can be assembled with the connector housing C~. ~owever, such two piece construction of the connector housing C~ is disadvantageous from the viewpoint of possible leakage of fluid at threads T~ and increase in manufacturing cost. Further, the slidable contact area between the spherical walls SPl, SP2 i8 Il ~7.~, ' .
¦ relatively large and therefore extreme precision in surface ¦ finishing of such spherical walls SPl, SP2 is required in order to permit smoothly slidable relationship between l the walls SP1, SP2r which requires skill and also ¦ invites increase in manufacturing cost. Still further, at least two seal rings SRl, SR2 together with fitting grooves therefor are inevitably required, which also invites increase in manufacturing cost and process.
l It is. therefore, an object of the invention to substantially reduce the above discussed disadvantages in the prior art universal pipe joint construction.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved universal pipe joint assembly which permits manufacture at a lower cost as comprarQd with the prior art assembly.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved universal pipe join~ assembly which permits a telescopic and flexible relationship between the assembly and an associated pipe t with maintaining a good sealing effect.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved universal pipe joint assembly which permits a sufficient sealing effec~ by use of only one seal ring.
A yet further object of the invention is to provide an improved universal pipe joint assembly which permits one-piece construction of a connector housing.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present
-2-¦ invention will become apparent from the detailed description .
¦ given hereinafter; it should be understood, howev~r, that ¦ the detailed description and specific examples, while ¦ indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given ¦ by way of illustration only, since various changes and ¦ modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention ¦ will become obvious to those skilled in the art from this ¦ detailed description.
¦ According to the invention, there is provided a ¦ universal pipe joint assembly which comprises: a connector ¦ housing having a main cavity formed in its body so as to be ¦ interposed between an opening mouth and a sub-cavity in ¦ communication therewith, the main cavity being defined by an ¦ internal spherical concave wall of the connector housing ¦ body; a pair of axially spaced split rings symmetrically arranged within the main cavity, with their inclined ¦ external circumferential walls disposed in relatively ¦ slidable contact with the internal spherical concave wall o ¦ the main cavity, each of the inclined external ¦ circumferential walls being preferably in the form a part of a spherical convex wall, each o~ the split rings~being deformable for reduction of its diametrical dimension so as to pass through the opening mouth into the main cavity and l expansible within the main cavity to take its operating position; and a seal ring sandwiched between the pair of split rings, the seal ring serving as a spacer for the pair of split rings.
i ll ~ ~ ~z~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
In the accompanying drawings:
igure 1 is a longitudinal section of one embodiment 1 of a pipe joint assembly according to the invention;
5 1 Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of a connector housing;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a split ring in its operating posture;
Figure 4 is a cross section taken along the lines 4-4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the split ring in its deformed posture;
Figure 6 is a longitudianl section showing the telescopic relationship between the pipe joint assembly and an associated pipe;
Figure 7 is a similar view to Figure 6, but showing the flexible relationship between the pipe joint assembly and the associated pipe;
Figures 8 to 10 are longitudinal sections showing examples of application of the invention to universal pipe connection; and Figure 11 is a longitudinal section showing an example of the prior art universal type pipe joint construction;
~ B~3 DESCRIPTION_OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
¦ Referring now to the accompanying drawings, a ¦ universal pipe joint assembly JA of the invention is ¦ illustrated as having a connector housing 10 which has an I internal hollow space formed in its body for receiving an ¦ end portion of a pipe P on which the pipe joint assembly JA
is fitted.
More particularly, the internal hollow space may l include an opening mouth llt a main cavity 13 and a ¦ sub-cavity 16, all being axially aligned in communication with each other, as best shown in Figure 2. The opening mouth 11 is defined by a first internal wall 12 which may preferably be a conical wall diametrically increased toward the outside (from left to right in Figure 2). Th~ main lS cavity 13 may be formed adjacent to the opening mouth 11 and .
is defined by a second internal wall 14 which is a spherical concave wall, so that the main cavity is diametrically reduced toward its opposite ends 15 where the minimum diameter ~ is given as indicated in Figure 2. The sub-cavity 16 may be formed adjacent to the main cavity 13 `and defined by a third internal wall 17 which may be a conical wall diametrically increased toward the outside (from right to left in Figure 2).
Configurations of the opening mouth 11 and the sub-cavity 16 should not be limited to the illustrated example but may be varied variously, conditioned that a desired flexibile pipe connection can be attained. For , 1 l~, example, the first and the third internal walls 12, 17 may be cylindrical so as to provide a cylindrical opening mouth (not shown) and also a cylindrical sub-cavity (not shown but obvious from Figure 11). In this case, however, the diameter of the cylindrical opening mouth and also that of the cylindrical sub-cavity should be large enough to permit a flexible pipe connection (relatively angularly movable fitting of the pipe joint assembly JA over the pipe P) as shown in Figure 7. Another example of such configuration of the sub-cavity 17 is illustrated in Figure lOr in which the sub-cavity is partially spherical.
Further, if desired, a narrow txansit cavity 18 defined by a narrow cylindrical internal wall 19 may be interposed between the main cavity 13 and the sub-cavity 17 as illustrated in Figure 2. ~ similar transit cavity ~not shown) may also be interposed between the opening mouth 11 and the main cavity 13.
Witnin the main cavity 13 are symmetrically disposed a pair of axially spaced split rings 20 each having a substantially annular small end wall 21 split at 24, a substantially annular large end wall 2~ split at 24 and an inclined, external circumferential wall 23 which may preferably be in the form of a part of a convex wall whose spherical radius is substantially equal to that of the spherical concave wall 14 of the main cavity 13~ so that the smoothly slidably contact relationship can be provided between the walls 14, 23. ~owever, in a particular case ~ ~ 1~ 3 ¦ where the spherical radius of the wall 1~ is considerably large, the wall 23 may be substituted by a tapered wall (not shown) for easy manufacture. Each of the split rings 20 is l positioned in the main cavity 13, with its small end wall 21 ¦ directed to the respective end 15 of the main cavity 13.
Each of the split rings 20 may be formed of a suitable synthetic resin substantially rigid but elas~ically deformable in nature, such as/ for example, "DIJLACON"
(Trademar~) manufactured by Celanese Corp., U.S.A. If desired, it is also possible to form the split ring 20 of metallic material such as stainless ste~lr unless the ring 20 is too rigid, that is, too thick in its wall thickness, to prevent the ring 20 from being elastically deformed as illustrated in Figure 5.
Each of the elastically deformable ring 20 is split at 24 in Figures 3 and 4 to form a pair of opposed cross cut end walls 25, 26 (Figure 5) which are slighly spaced spart from each other to provide a certain gap (not shown) therebetween when the ring 20 is free from any external compressive forceO On the other hand, when an external compressive forces Fl~ F2(Figure 4) are diametrically applied to the ring 20, it is reduced in diameter against its elastic expansibility until the opposed end walls 25, 26 come into tight contact with each other as illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4.
Thus. when the split ring 20 is in its operating position as shown in Figure 1. its external circumferential ¦ wall 23 is pressed agains~ the spherical concave wall 14 of ¦ the main cavity 13 by the expansibility of the split ring ¦ 20, resulting in that the ring 20 is retained in position ¦ within the main cavity 13, with frictional engagement s ~ therewith.
When external forces F3~ F4 (Figure 4) are ¦ applied from opposite directions to the end portions 27, 28 ¦ of the split ring 20, it can be deformed so that the end ¦ portions 27, 28 are overlapped with each other as ¦ illustrated in Figure 5. Consequentlyi the maximum external diameter of the split ring 20 can be r~duced from dl(Figure 4) to d2(Figure 5), wherein dl is larger than D(Figure 2) while d2 is smaller than D. Thus, in l assembly, the split rings 20 can be inserted through the lS ¦ opening mouth 11 into the main cavity 13. Upon release from the applied external forces F3~ F4 after the insertion into the main cavity, each of the split rings expands to take its operating position as illustrated in Figure 1.
Since the split rings 20 can be easily assembled with the connector housing 10 in this way, i~ is no longer necessary to prepare the conventional two-piece~construction of connector housing.
Also within the main cavity 13 is diposed a deform-able spacer seal ring 30 such as an 0-ring seal, which is sandwiched between a pair of the opposed large end walls 22, as illustrated in Figure 1. When the pipe joint assembly JA
is fitted onto the pipe P, the spacer seal ring 30 is forcibly 4~853 ~ deformed by an external circumferential wall of the end ¦ portion of the inserted pipe P thereby to provide a known ¦ liquid-tight relationship between the connector housing body ¦ 10 and the inserted pipe P as illustrated in Figures 6, 7.
¦ It will be easily understood that the deformable ring 30 ¦ serves not only as a conventional seal ring but also as a ¦ spacer for maintaining a certain distance between the ¦ opposed split rings 20~ A cross sectional area and ¦ configuration of an annular body of the seal ring 30 may be ¦ predetermined as desired.
¦ If desired, a deformable annular plate 29tFigure 10), preferably formed of the aforesaid "DULACON" may be interposed between each split ring 20 and the spacer seal l ring 30. The annular plate 2g may be a gasket for enhancing lS ¦ the sealing effect against leakage of liquid from a slight gap between the opposed cut end walls 25, 26 at the split portion 24 of the ring 20, or otherwise it may be a spacer for clearance adjustment.
l The end portion of the pipe P may preferably be ¦ provided with a pair of spaced s~oppers for preven~ing an excessive axial movement of the pipe P. In the illustrtated embodiments, one of such stoppers is in the form of a known stop ring 32 snapped into an annular groove formed in the external circumferential wall of the pipe end, and another of the stoppers is in the form of an annular flange 33 formed integral with the pipe P.
In assembly, a first split ring 20 is deformed by : ll ., ! ~ s~
¦ external compressive forces diame~rically applied thereto as ¦ illustrated in Figure 5 and inserted, in its deformed posture and with its small end wall 21 directed forwardly, ¦ through the opening mouth ll into the main cavity 13. The S ¦ inserted split ring 20 is released from the applied external ¦ forces in th~ main cavity 13 thereby to expand itself by its elastic nature to take its operating posture. Then, the inserted split ring 20 is properly positioned so that its l small end wall 21 is disposed adjacent to the inner end wall ¦ 15 of the main cavity 13. Then, the spacer seal ring 30 is inserted through the opening mouth 11 into the main cavity 13, so that the inserted spacer seal ring 30 is disposed in contact with the large end wall 22 of the first inserted split ring 20. Finally, a second split ring 20 is inserted into the main cavity 13 in the same manner as described but with its large end wall 22 directed forwardly, so that the large end wall 22 is disposed in contact with the inserted spacer seal ring 30. In this way. the first and the second ! split rings 20 and the spacer seal ring 30 can be quite easily assembly with the connector housing 10 of one-piece construction.
In operation, the pipe joint assembly JA i5 fitted onto an associated pipe P by insertion, so that a terminal end P' (Figures 6, 7) of the pipe P is disposed within the sub-cavity 16. ThUsr the spacer seal ring 30 is forcibly deformed under presssure by an external circumferential wall of the inserted pipe end portion P and confined in an 1 2~ 3 annular space defined by a part of the spherical concave wall 14~ the opposed large annular end walls 22 and the circumferential wall of the inserted pipe end portion. An expected sealing effect can be easily obtained by selecting a proper dimension of the spacer seal ring to be employed.
The inserted Pipe P is axially movable in either directions with relative to the pipe joint assembly JA
within a limited range, with maintainig an expected sealing effect, resulting in that not only lengthwise adjustment in in pipe lines can be easily carried out but also a possible damage to the pipe joint assembly JA can be prevented which may occur when an extraordinary high fluid pressure is axially applied to the inserted pipe P, for instance.
Further, because the circumferential walls 23 of the split rings 20 are in relatively slidable contact with the internal spherical concave wall 14 of the connector housing 10, the inserted pipe P is angularly movable in all directions with relative to the pipe joint assembly JA, without losing an expected sealing effect. Thusr the pipe joint assembly JA of the invention can serve as a universal pipe joint.
Figure 8 illustrates an example of universal pipe joint construction in which the pipe joint assembly JA of the invention is employed in pairs in order to connect a pair of opposed pipes Pl and P2. The pair of pipe ~oint assemblies JA are integrally connected by threads 31. Each of the pipes Pl~ P2 is axially movable with relative to the pipe joint assemblies JA within a certain limited range defined by a distance between the stop ring 32 and the stopper flange 33, with maintaining the expected l liquid-tightness. Further, each of the pipes P1~ P2 is ¦ angularly movable in all directions with relative to the pipe joint assemblies JA, with maintaining the expected liquid-tightness, in the manner substantially same as illustrated in Figure 7.
l Figure 9 illustrates another example of application of the invention to universal pipe connectiont wherein a pair of spaced pipe joint assemblies JA are fitted on a joint pipe P3. Each of the pipe joint assemblies JA is movable not only axially but also angularly with relative to the pipe P3. Reference numeral 34 designates a known elastic bellow fitted over the opposed ends of the connector housings 10 for the known sealing purpose.
Figure 10 illustrates a further example of appli-cation of the invention to universal pipe connection, wherein annular gaskets 29 are incorporated so as to cover the large end walls 22 of the split rings, and a sealing cover 35 is capped onto each of the opposed ends of the connector housings 10. The joint pipe P3 is formed with no stopper flanges 33 because the opposed sealing covers 35 will substantially take the part of such flanges 33. The sub-cavities 16 may be formed by known bulging process.
The present invention being thus described. it will be obvious that same may be varied in many ways. Such ' !
1~l ~ 4BS3 variatlons are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifica-tions as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the following claims~
¦ given hereinafter; it should be understood, howev~r, that ¦ the detailed description and specific examples, while ¦ indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given ¦ by way of illustration only, since various changes and ¦ modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention ¦ will become obvious to those skilled in the art from this ¦ detailed description.
¦ According to the invention, there is provided a ¦ universal pipe joint assembly which comprises: a connector ¦ housing having a main cavity formed in its body so as to be ¦ interposed between an opening mouth and a sub-cavity in ¦ communication therewith, the main cavity being defined by an ¦ internal spherical concave wall of the connector housing ¦ body; a pair of axially spaced split rings symmetrically arranged within the main cavity, with their inclined ¦ external circumferential walls disposed in relatively ¦ slidable contact with the internal spherical concave wall o ¦ the main cavity, each of the inclined external ¦ circumferential walls being preferably in the form a part of a spherical convex wall, each o~ the split rings~being deformable for reduction of its diametrical dimension so as to pass through the opening mouth into the main cavity and l expansible within the main cavity to take its operating position; and a seal ring sandwiched between the pair of split rings, the seal ring serving as a spacer for the pair of split rings.
i ll ~ ~ ~z~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
In the accompanying drawings:
igure 1 is a longitudinal section of one embodiment 1 of a pipe joint assembly according to the invention;
5 1 Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of a connector housing;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a split ring in its operating posture;
Figure 4 is a cross section taken along the lines 4-4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the split ring in its deformed posture;
Figure 6 is a longitudianl section showing the telescopic relationship between the pipe joint assembly and an associated pipe;
Figure 7 is a similar view to Figure 6, but showing the flexible relationship between the pipe joint assembly and the associated pipe;
Figures 8 to 10 are longitudinal sections showing examples of application of the invention to universal pipe connection; and Figure 11 is a longitudinal section showing an example of the prior art universal type pipe joint construction;
~ B~3 DESCRIPTION_OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
¦ Referring now to the accompanying drawings, a ¦ universal pipe joint assembly JA of the invention is ¦ illustrated as having a connector housing 10 which has an I internal hollow space formed in its body for receiving an ¦ end portion of a pipe P on which the pipe joint assembly JA
is fitted.
More particularly, the internal hollow space may l include an opening mouth llt a main cavity 13 and a ¦ sub-cavity 16, all being axially aligned in communication with each other, as best shown in Figure 2. The opening mouth 11 is defined by a first internal wall 12 which may preferably be a conical wall diametrically increased toward the outside (from left to right in Figure 2). Th~ main lS cavity 13 may be formed adjacent to the opening mouth 11 and .
is defined by a second internal wall 14 which is a spherical concave wall, so that the main cavity is diametrically reduced toward its opposite ends 15 where the minimum diameter ~ is given as indicated in Figure 2. The sub-cavity 16 may be formed adjacent to the main cavity 13 `and defined by a third internal wall 17 which may be a conical wall diametrically increased toward the outside (from right to left in Figure 2).
Configurations of the opening mouth 11 and the sub-cavity 16 should not be limited to the illustrated example but may be varied variously, conditioned that a desired flexibile pipe connection can be attained. For , 1 l~, example, the first and the third internal walls 12, 17 may be cylindrical so as to provide a cylindrical opening mouth (not shown) and also a cylindrical sub-cavity (not shown but obvious from Figure 11). In this case, however, the diameter of the cylindrical opening mouth and also that of the cylindrical sub-cavity should be large enough to permit a flexible pipe connection (relatively angularly movable fitting of the pipe joint assembly JA over the pipe P) as shown in Figure 7. Another example of such configuration of the sub-cavity 17 is illustrated in Figure lOr in which the sub-cavity is partially spherical.
Further, if desired, a narrow txansit cavity 18 defined by a narrow cylindrical internal wall 19 may be interposed between the main cavity 13 and the sub-cavity 17 as illustrated in Figure 2. ~ similar transit cavity ~not shown) may also be interposed between the opening mouth 11 and the main cavity 13.
Witnin the main cavity 13 are symmetrically disposed a pair of axially spaced split rings 20 each having a substantially annular small end wall 21 split at 24, a substantially annular large end wall 2~ split at 24 and an inclined, external circumferential wall 23 which may preferably be in the form of a part of a convex wall whose spherical radius is substantially equal to that of the spherical concave wall 14 of the main cavity 13~ so that the smoothly slidably contact relationship can be provided between the walls 14, 23. ~owever, in a particular case ~ ~ 1~ 3 ¦ where the spherical radius of the wall 1~ is considerably large, the wall 23 may be substituted by a tapered wall (not shown) for easy manufacture. Each of the split rings 20 is l positioned in the main cavity 13, with its small end wall 21 ¦ directed to the respective end 15 of the main cavity 13.
Each of the split rings 20 may be formed of a suitable synthetic resin substantially rigid but elas~ically deformable in nature, such as/ for example, "DIJLACON"
(Trademar~) manufactured by Celanese Corp., U.S.A. If desired, it is also possible to form the split ring 20 of metallic material such as stainless ste~lr unless the ring 20 is too rigid, that is, too thick in its wall thickness, to prevent the ring 20 from being elastically deformed as illustrated in Figure 5.
Each of the elastically deformable ring 20 is split at 24 in Figures 3 and 4 to form a pair of opposed cross cut end walls 25, 26 (Figure 5) which are slighly spaced spart from each other to provide a certain gap (not shown) therebetween when the ring 20 is free from any external compressive forceO On the other hand, when an external compressive forces Fl~ F2(Figure 4) are diametrically applied to the ring 20, it is reduced in diameter against its elastic expansibility until the opposed end walls 25, 26 come into tight contact with each other as illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4.
Thus. when the split ring 20 is in its operating position as shown in Figure 1. its external circumferential ¦ wall 23 is pressed agains~ the spherical concave wall 14 of ¦ the main cavity 13 by the expansibility of the split ring ¦ 20, resulting in that the ring 20 is retained in position ¦ within the main cavity 13, with frictional engagement s ~ therewith.
When external forces F3~ F4 (Figure 4) are ¦ applied from opposite directions to the end portions 27, 28 ¦ of the split ring 20, it can be deformed so that the end ¦ portions 27, 28 are overlapped with each other as ¦ illustrated in Figure 5. Consequentlyi the maximum external diameter of the split ring 20 can be r~duced from dl(Figure 4) to d2(Figure 5), wherein dl is larger than D(Figure 2) while d2 is smaller than D. Thus, in l assembly, the split rings 20 can be inserted through the lS ¦ opening mouth 11 into the main cavity 13. Upon release from the applied external forces F3~ F4 after the insertion into the main cavity, each of the split rings expands to take its operating position as illustrated in Figure 1.
Since the split rings 20 can be easily assembled with the connector housing 10 in this way, i~ is no longer necessary to prepare the conventional two-piece~construction of connector housing.
Also within the main cavity 13 is diposed a deform-able spacer seal ring 30 such as an 0-ring seal, which is sandwiched between a pair of the opposed large end walls 22, as illustrated in Figure 1. When the pipe joint assembly JA
is fitted onto the pipe P, the spacer seal ring 30 is forcibly 4~853 ~ deformed by an external circumferential wall of the end ¦ portion of the inserted pipe P thereby to provide a known ¦ liquid-tight relationship between the connector housing body ¦ 10 and the inserted pipe P as illustrated in Figures 6, 7.
¦ It will be easily understood that the deformable ring 30 ¦ serves not only as a conventional seal ring but also as a ¦ spacer for maintaining a certain distance between the ¦ opposed split rings 20~ A cross sectional area and ¦ configuration of an annular body of the seal ring 30 may be ¦ predetermined as desired.
¦ If desired, a deformable annular plate 29tFigure 10), preferably formed of the aforesaid "DULACON" may be interposed between each split ring 20 and the spacer seal l ring 30. The annular plate 2g may be a gasket for enhancing lS ¦ the sealing effect against leakage of liquid from a slight gap between the opposed cut end walls 25, 26 at the split portion 24 of the ring 20, or otherwise it may be a spacer for clearance adjustment.
l The end portion of the pipe P may preferably be ¦ provided with a pair of spaced s~oppers for preven~ing an excessive axial movement of the pipe P. In the illustrtated embodiments, one of such stoppers is in the form of a known stop ring 32 snapped into an annular groove formed in the external circumferential wall of the pipe end, and another of the stoppers is in the form of an annular flange 33 formed integral with the pipe P.
In assembly, a first split ring 20 is deformed by : ll ., ! ~ s~
¦ external compressive forces diame~rically applied thereto as ¦ illustrated in Figure 5 and inserted, in its deformed posture and with its small end wall 21 directed forwardly, ¦ through the opening mouth ll into the main cavity 13. The S ¦ inserted split ring 20 is released from the applied external ¦ forces in th~ main cavity 13 thereby to expand itself by its elastic nature to take its operating posture. Then, the inserted split ring 20 is properly positioned so that its l small end wall 21 is disposed adjacent to the inner end wall ¦ 15 of the main cavity 13. Then, the spacer seal ring 30 is inserted through the opening mouth 11 into the main cavity 13, so that the inserted spacer seal ring 30 is disposed in contact with the large end wall 22 of the first inserted split ring 20. Finally, a second split ring 20 is inserted into the main cavity 13 in the same manner as described but with its large end wall 22 directed forwardly, so that the large end wall 22 is disposed in contact with the inserted spacer seal ring 30. In this way. the first and the second ! split rings 20 and the spacer seal ring 30 can be quite easily assembly with the connector housing 10 of one-piece construction.
In operation, the pipe joint assembly JA i5 fitted onto an associated pipe P by insertion, so that a terminal end P' (Figures 6, 7) of the pipe P is disposed within the sub-cavity 16. ThUsr the spacer seal ring 30 is forcibly deformed under presssure by an external circumferential wall of the inserted pipe end portion P and confined in an 1 2~ 3 annular space defined by a part of the spherical concave wall 14~ the opposed large annular end walls 22 and the circumferential wall of the inserted pipe end portion. An expected sealing effect can be easily obtained by selecting a proper dimension of the spacer seal ring to be employed.
The inserted Pipe P is axially movable in either directions with relative to the pipe joint assembly JA
within a limited range, with maintainig an expected sealing effect, resulting in that not only lengthwise adjustment in in pipe lines can be easily carried out but also a possible damage to the pipe joint assembly JA can be prevented which may occur when an extraordinary high fluid pressure is axially applied to the inserted pipe P, for instance.
Further, because the circumferential walls 23 of the split rings 20 are in relatively slidable contact with the internal spherical concave wall 14 of the connector housing 10, the inserted pipe P is angularly movable in all directions with relative to the pipe joint assembly JA, without losing an expected sealing effect. Thusr the pipe joint assembly JA of the invention can serve as a universal pipe joint.
Figure 8 illustrates an example of universal pipe joint construction in which the pipe joint assembly JA of the invention is employed in pairs in order to connect a pair of opposed pipes Pl and P2. The pair of pipe ~oint assemblies JA are integrally connected by threads 31. Each of the pipes Pl~ P2 is axially movable with relative to the pipe joint assemblies JA within a certain limited range defined by a distance between the stop ring 32 and the stopper flange 33, with maintaining the expected l liquid-tightness. Further, each of the pipes P1~ P2 is ¦ angularly movable in all directions with relative to the pipe joint assemblies JA, with maintaining the expected liquid-tightness, in the manner substantially same as illustrated in Figure 7.
l Figure 9 illustrates another example of application of the invention to universal pipe connectiont wherein a pair of spaced pipe joint assemblies JA are fitted on a joint pipe P3. Each of the pipe joint assemblies JA is movable not only axially but also angularly with relative to the pipe P3. Reference numeral 34 designates a known elastic bellow fitted over the opposed ends of the connector housings 10 for the known sealing purpose.
Figure 10 illustrates a further example of appli-cation of the invention to universal pipe connection, wherein annular gaskets 29 are incorporated so as to cover the large end walls 22 of the split rings, and a sealing cover 35 is capped onto each of the opposed ends of the connector housings 10. The joint pipe P3 is formed with no stopper flanges 33 because the opposed sealing covers 35 will substantially take the part of such flanges 33. The sub-cavities 16 may be formed by known bulging process.
The present invention being thus described. it will be obvious that same may be varied in many ways. Such ' !
1~l ~ 4BS3 variatlons are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifica-tions as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the following claims~
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A universal pipe joint assembly comprising a connector housing having an internal axial space formed in a body of said conenctor housing, said internal axial space including a main cavity interposed between an opening mouth and a sub-cavity in communication therewith, said main cavity being defined by an internal spherical concave wall of-said body of said connector housing, a pair of split rings which are axially spaced and symmetrically arranged within said main cavity, with their inclined external circumferential walls disposed in relatively slidable contact with said internal spherical concave wall of said body of said connector housing, each of said pair of split rings being deformable for reduction of its diametrical dimension so as to be inserted through said opening into said main cavity and expansible within said main cavity to take its operating position, and a spacer seal ring sandwiched between said pair of split rings.
2. The pipe joint assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein each of said inclined external circumferential walls of said pair of split rings is in the form of a part of a spherical convex wall.
3. The pipe joint assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein each of said split rings is formed with a substan-tially annular small end wall and substantially annular large end wall.
4. The pipe joint assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein each of said split rings is formed with a pair of opposed cross cut end walls which are in abutment with each other when said each of said split rings is in its operating positions within said main cavity.
5. The pipe joint assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein a transit cavity is formed between said main cavity and said sub-cavity.
6. The pipe joint assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein at least one annular plate is interposed between said seal ring and at least one of said pair of split rings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000464429A CA1244853A (en) | 1984-10-01 | 1984-10-01 | Universal pipe joint assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000464429A CA1244853A (en) | 1984-10-01 | 1984-10-01 | Universal pipe joint assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1244853A true CA1244853A (en) | 1988-11-15 |
Family
ID=4128814
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000464429A Expired CA1244853A (en) | 1984-10-01 | 1984-10-01 | Universal pipe joint assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1244853A (en) |
-
1984
- 1984-10-01 CA CA000464429A patent/CA1244853A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |