WO2008143388A1

WO2008143388A1 - Pipe fitting

Info

Publication number: WO2008143388A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/006873
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chung Soon Kim
Original assignee: Imz Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-05-18
Filing date: 2007-12-27
Publication date: 2008-11-27
Also published as: KR20080101811A; KR20070104483A

Abstract

When connecting two pipes (one pipe and the other pipe), first locking parts are formed in one pipe such that squeeze locking portions each having the shape of an inclined squeezing face are formed on a circumferential inner surface of a pipe body of one pipe and receiving grooves are defined next to ends of the squeeze locking portions, and a locking member is provided such that second locking parts having squeezing faces and locking projections are formed on one end of the locking member. With the other pipe and a packing fitted into one pipe, by rotating the locking member against the other pipe, the second locking parts of the locking member are received in respective receiving grooves of the first locking parts, whereby the two pipes are locked and connected with each other.

Description

PIPE FITTING

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a pipe connection structure for connecting two pipes (a first pipe and a second pipe), and, more particularly, to a pipe connection structure wherein, when connecting two pipes, first locking parts are formed on the circumferential inner surface of a pipe body in a first pipe and a locking member has second locking parts, so that, after the first locking parts of the first pipe and the second locking parts of the locking member are engaged with each other, with the first pipe, as one pipe, and a second pipe, as the other pipe, fitted with each other, by rotating the locking member in a locking direction, the two pipes can be firmly locked with each other, whereby a simple connection structure between the two pipes is accomplished, a neat and orderly outer appearance is obtained, and pipe connection and disconnection work can be easily and reliably performed, thereby simplifying the pipe connection and disconnection work. Background Art

[2] In general, when connecting two pipes, a socket pipe and a cap nut, which are respectively formed with threads, are prepared. Then, after fitting one pipe into the other pipe, by threadedly coupling the socket pipe and the cap nut with each other, the two pipes are connected with each other.

[3] However, in this pipe connection structure, since the threads must be precisely formed in the socket pipe and the cap nut, substantial costs are incurred in forming the threads. Also, when connecting the two pipes using the socket pipe and the cap nut, in which the threads are precisely formed, if abnormally large force is applied to a locking tool in an effort to firmly and reliably connect the two pipes, a phenomenon frequently occurs in which the threads of the socket pipe and the cap nut are destroyed, thus causing a defect in the pipe connection structure, and it is difficult to disconnect the pipes which are not properly connected with each other.

[4] Conversely, if abnormally small force is applied to the locking tool, the connection of the two pipes is likely to become loose, and airtightness between the two pipes decreases. Therefore, a problem results in that air or water can leak between the two pipes connected with each other.

[5] In order to cope with this problem, the present inventor disclosed a pipe connection structure in Korean Patent No. 588065. In this pipe connection structure, in order to connect two pipes (a first pipe and a second pipe), first locking parts are formed on the first pipe by defining inclined squeezing faces and receiving grooves on the outer surface of the pipe body of the first pipe, and second locking parts are formed on the inner surface of the pipe body of a locking cap. After fitting the first pipe and the second pipe with each other and engaging the first locking parts formed on the first pipe and the second locking parts formed in the locking cap with each other, by relatively rotating the first locking parts and the second locking parts in a locking direction, the second locking parts are moved along the inclined squeezing faces of the first locking parts and are then received in the receiving grooves of the first locking parts, whereby the two pipes are closely and firmly locked with each other. Thus, the connection force (locking force) between the two pipes can be increased and a hermetically sealed state can be reliably maintained. Thanks thereto, a simple pipe connection structure can be accomplished, a locking operation can be easily conducted, and the hermetically sealed state can be reliably maintained (referred to Korean Patent No. 0588065).

[6] Nevertheless, in the pipe connection structured described above, when forming the first and second locking parts, the first locking parts are formed on the outer surface of the first pipe. According to this fact, since the locking cap is formed to cover the first locking parts formed on the outer surface of the first pipe, the configurations of the first pipe, formed with the first locking parts on the outer surface thereof, and of the locking cap project outward, so that the outer appearance of the pipe connection structure suffers, and inconvenience is caused when connecting the pipes using the locking cap.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[7] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pipe connection structure, wherein, in order to connect two pipes (a first pipe and a second pipe), first locking parts are formed on the circumferential inner surface of a pipe body in the first pipe, and a locking member has second locking parts formed thereon, which are locked with the first locking parts, so that, after engaging the locking member into the first pipe in the state in which the first pipe and the second pipe are fitted with each other, by relatively rotating the first pipe and the locking member in a locking direction, the first locking parts and the second locking parts are firmly locked with each other, whereby a simple connection structure between the two pipes is accomplished, a neat and orderly outer appearance is obtained, and pipe connection work can be easily and reliably performed to ensure a hermetically sealed state.

[8] When connecting the two pipes using the pipe connection structure configured as described above, a packing is placed in the first pipe, and with the first pipe and the second pipe fitted with each other, the second pipe is inserted into the first pipe by pushing the locking member into the first pipe until the second locking parts of the locking member come into contact with the first locking parts of the first pipe. Then, by rotating the first pipe and the locking member in a locking direction, the second locking parts of the locking member are moved along the squeeze locking portions of the first locking parts and are received into the receiving grooves of the first locking parts, whereby the first pipe and the second pipe are closely and firmly locked with each other. As a consequence, not only can a neat and orderly outer appearance of the pipe connection structure be obtained, the hermetically sealed state between the pipes can also be reliably maintained. That is to say, using a simple structure, the locking operation can be easily conducted and the hermetically sealed state can be reliably maintained. [9] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pipe connection structure wherein, since second locking parts are locked in a state in which they are received in the receiving grooves of first locking parts, relative slippage does not occur between two pipes even when one or both of the pipes are rotated, so that it is possible to hold the pipes in a perfectly coupled state in which the pipes are prevented from being unintentionally disconnected even when one or both of the pipes are rotated in one direction (rightward) or in the other direction (leftward), and even when an external shock or braking force is applied due to a sudden stop, etc., it is possible to prevent the locking parts from becoming loose or being released.

Technical Solution

[10] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe connection structure for connecting a first pipe and a second pipe having a coupling projection, wherein first locking parts are formed in the first pipe such that squeeze locking portions, each having the shape of an inclined squeezing face, are formed on a circumferential inner surface of a pipe body of the first pipe, and receiving grooves are defined next to ends of the squeeze locking portions, and a locking member is provided such that second locking parts having squeezing faces and locking projections are formed on one end of the locking member, and wherein, with the second pipe and a packing fitted into the first pipe, by rotating the locking member against the second pipe, the second locking parts of the locking member are received in the respective receiving grooves of the first locking parts, whereby the two pipes are locked and connected with each other.

[11] Here, it is preferred that a seating face be defined between the squeeze locking portion and the receiving groove in each first locking part.

[12] Also, it is preferred that a stopper be formed to extend from one end of the receiving groove in each locking part.

[13] Further, in order to achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe connection structure for connecting a first pipe, as a pipe fitting, and a second pipe using a locking member having second locking parts formed thereon, wherein first locking parts are formed in the first pipe such that squeeze locking portions each having the shape of an inclined squeezing face are formed on a circumferential inner surface of a pipe body of the pipe fitting and receiving grooves are defined next to ends of the squeeze locking portions, and two pipes are connected with each other in a manner such that the second locking parts of the locking member are received in the receiving grooves of the first locking parts.

Advantageous Effects

[14] The pipe connection structure according to the present invention has the functional effects described below. Since two pipes are firmly connected with a strong connection force in a hermetically sealed state, compared to the conventional pipe connection structure, in which pipes are connected with each other through a threaded coupling, a simple structure is realized, and rotation force can be precisely transmitted regardless of whether the pipe connection structure is used in forward or backward directions. Also, since assembly and disassembly can be conducted in a short period, working efficiency can be improved, and an economic pipe connection structure can be obtained.

[15] Further, because the pipe connection structure does not project outward, a neat and orderly outer appearance of the pipe connection structure can be obtained, and material can be saved in the manufacture of the pipe connection structure.

[16] Moreover, due to the fact that receiving grooves are defined in first locking parts such that second locking parts can be received in the receiving grooves in a firmly engaging manner, it is possible to prevent the pipes from being unintentionally disconnected by an external shock during the use of the pipes. Brief Description of the Drawings

[17] FIG. 1 is an exploded sectional view illustrating a pipe connection structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[18] FIG. 2 illustrates the first pipe of the pipe connection structure according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a side view;

[19] FIG. 3 illustrates the locking member of the pipe connection structure according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 3A is a front view and FIG. 3B is a side view;

[20] FIG. 4 is conceptual views illustrating an assembling sequence of the pipe connection structure according to the present invention;

[21] FIG. 5 is an assembled sectional view of the pipe connection structure according to the present invention;

[22] FIG. 6 illustrates the first locking parts of the pipe connection structure according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 6A shows a first variation, in which a seating face is formed next to a squeeze locking portion, and FIG. 6B shows a second variation, in which the first locking part is formed in a multi-stepwise manner; and

[23] FIG. 7 is an assembled view illustrating a pipe connection structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[24] <Description of Reference Numerals for Main Parts in Drawings>

[25] 1: first pipe 2: first locking part

[26] 3: second pipe 4: locking member

[27] 5: second locking part F: packing

Mode for the Invention

[28] Hereafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[29] FIG. 1 is an exploded sectional view illustrating a pipe connection structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view and a side view illustrating the first pipe of the pipe connection structure according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front view and a side view illustrating the locking member of the pipe connection structure according to the present invention.

[30] A pipe connection structure according to the present invention includes a first pipe

1, a second pipe 3, and a locking member 4, and is used to connect the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 3 with each other. The first pipe 1 has a pipe body 11 which is formed with a pipe hole 12 and a packing seat 15. First locking parts 2 are formed on the circumferential inner surface of the pipe body 11.

[31] Each of the first locking parts 2 has a recess 17 which has a predetermined length L.

Each first locking part 2 has a squeeze locking portion 23 which has an inclined squeezing face, and a receiving groove 25 is defined next to or adjacent to the end of the squeeze locking portion 23.

[32] The second pipe 3 has a pipe body 31 which is defined with a pipe hole 32. A coupling projection 35 is formed around the pipe body 31 such that one axial end of the coupling projection 35 faces the locking member 4.

[33] In the case of the locking member 4, a pipe hole 42 is defined through a pipe body

41, and second locking parts 5 are formed on one end of the pipe body 41. The second locking parts 5 have locking projections 53 which are formed at regular intervals on the circumferential outer surface of the pipe body 41. The ends of the locking projections 53 define squeezing faces 55, which face the coupling projection 35 of the second pipe 3. The locking projections 53 are formed at positions and have a size such that the locking projections 53 can pass through the recesses 17 of the first pipe 1, and can be completely received in the receiving grooves 25 of the first locking parts 2. The unexplained reference numeral 47 designates a rotating part for rotating the locking member 4 by hand or using a tool.

[34] A packing F, having great elasticity, is separately prepared.

[35] The process for assembling the component elements of the pipe connection structure, constructed as mentioned above, is illustrated in a conceptual view in FIG. 4.

[36] In FIG. 4, in order to promote a clear understanding of the sequence of connection between pipes, the second pipe 3 and the packing F are omitted. The first locking parts 2 formed in the first pipe 1 are denoted by dotted lines, and the locking member 4 and the second locking parts 5 are denoted by solid lines.

[37] First, the packing F is placed on the packing seat 15 in the first pipe 1, and the pipe body 31 of the second pipe 3 is inserted into the first pipe 1 such that the coupling projection 35 comes into contact with the packing F. Then, the locking member 4 is pushed into the first pipe 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow A such that the second locking parts 5 pass through the recesses 17 in the first pipe 1 (see FIG. 4A). In this state, by rotating the locking member 4 in a locking direction (the clockwise direction in the drawing), the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 are moved along the inclined squeezing faces of the squeeze locking portions 23 of the first locking parts 2 (see FIG. 4B). By continuously rotating the locking member 4 in the locking direction, the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 are positioned at the ends (a checking position) of the squeeze locking portions 23 after being moved along the squeeze locking portions 23 of the first locking parts 2 (see FIG. 4C). In this state, by further rotating the locking member 4, the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 are received in the receiving grooves 25, whereby the connection between the two pipes is completed (see FIG. 4D).

[38] In the above description, when the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 are moved along the inclined squeezing faces of the squeeze locking portions 23 of the first locking parts 2, the squeezing faces 55 of the second locking parts 5 squeeze the packing F. By this fact, as the packing F, made of an elastic material, is compressed, the connection force between the two pipes in the axial direction increases. This increase in the connection force continues until the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 reach the ends of the squeeze locking portions 23.

[39] By removing external force applied to the locking member 4 at the same time that the locking projections 53 pass through the ends of the squeeze locking portions 23 and reach the receiving grooves 25, as the expansion force of the packing F held in a compressed state acts, the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 are received in the receiving grooves 25. In this state, the elastic force of the packing F, which is accumulated in the compressed packing F, powerfully acts between the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2. In this way, the connection between the two pipes is completed with great connection force, locking force and sealing force achieved therebetween. In this regard, FIG. 5 shows a sectional view illustrating the state in which the connection between the two pipes is completed using the pipe connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[40] In the above description, at the moment that the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 are received in the receiving grooves 25, although the locking force (squeezing force) between the two pipes slightly decreases in comparison with when the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 are at the ends of the squeeze locking portions 23 of the first locking parts 2, this decrease in the locking force can be neglected, since it occurs instantaneously. That is to say, at the moment that the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 are engaged into the receiving grooves 25, the elastic force, which is accumulated in the compressed packing F, acts to push the first locking parts 2 and the second locking parts 5 away from each other, whereby the two pipes can be firmly connected with each other in the state in which the locking force and sealing force between the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 3 are reliably maintained.

[41] When it is necessary to disconnect the two pipes, connected as described above, by pressing the locking member 4 in the direction of the arrow A (see FIG. 4A), the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 can be disengaged from the receiving grooves 25, and in this state, by rotating the locking member 4 in the unlocking direction (a counterclockwise direction), the two pipes are disconnected from each other.

[42] As described above, since the two pipes are firmly connected with great locking and sealing force with the locking projections 53 of the second locking parts 5 received in the receiving grooves 25 of the first locking parts 2, unless external force is applied to forcibly push the two pipes toward each other in the axial direction (the direction indicated by the arrow A) to intentionally disconnect the two pipes, rotation slippage does not occur between the two pipes. Therefore, the pipe connection structure according to the present invention can be used even when it is necessary to rotate the pipes in forward or backward directions. Also, even when an external shock or sudden braking force is applied while the pipes are rotated, because the rotation force and the number of rotations of the two pipes are not changed, the reliable transmission of strong rotation force can be ensured.

[43] Further, in the pipe connection structure according to the present invention, due to the fact that the first locking parts formed in the first pipe are located on the circumferential inner surface of the first pipe, a neat and orderly outer appearance of the pipe connection structure can be obtained, the piping work can be easily conducted, and material can be saved in the manufacture of the pipe connection structure.

[44] FIGs. 1 through 5 illustrate the above-described first embodiment of the present invention.

[45] FIG. 6 illustrates variations (first and second variations) of the first locking parts, which are formed on the circumferential inner surface of the first pipe 1. FIG. 6A illustrates the first variation. In the first variation, each first locking part 6 is formed in a manner such that a seating portion 64 is formed next to the end of a squeeze locking portion 63 having an inclined squeezing face, a receiving groove 65 is defined next to the end of the seating portion 64, and a stopper 66 is formed to extend from the end of the receiving groove 65.

[46] In the first variation, the seating portion 64 is formed in the first locking part 6, so that, in the course of connecting two pipes by rotating the locking member 4 with the second locking parts 5 of the locking member 4 engaged with the first locking parts 6 of the first pipe 1, the locked state and the locking condition (locking pressure, sealing force, etc.) between the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 3 can be checked after the second locking parts 5 of the locking member 4 are moved along the inclined squeezing faces of the squeeze locking portions 63 of the first locking parts 6 and reach the end locking position (positions having maximum squeezing force) of the squeeze locking portions 63.

[47] That is to say, if it is necessary to monitor or check the locked state between the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2 at the positions having the maximum squeezing force, by applying external force to the locking member 4, thereby rotating it, when the second locking parts 5 reach the end locking positions (the checking position) of the squeeze locking portions 63 of the first locking parts 6, the locked state can be checked. However, since the stopped state of the locking member 4 at the checking position is very unstable, the locking member 4 is likely to slip and return to its initial position. Due to this fact, if the strong external force that is applied to rotate the locking member 4 so as to check the locked state at the checking position is removed, the locking member 4 immediately returns to its initial position, and the second locking parts 5 are released from the checking position, whereby it becomes impossible to check the locked state.

[48] In consideration of this fact, by forming the seating portion 64 next to the end position of the squeeze locking portion 63 of the first locking part 6, after the second locking parts 5 pass through the end checking positions of the squeeze locking portions 63 of the first locking parts 6 due to rotation of the locking member 4, the second locking part 5 can be stably positioned on the seating portions 64. In this state, even if the external force applied to the locking member 4 is removed, the locking member 4 does not return to its initial position, but remains seated on the seating portions 64. In this seating state, the locked state between the two pipes can be tested or checked.

[49] Further, in the first variation, shown in FIG. 6A, the stopper 66 is formed in each first locking part 6 to extend from the end of the receiving groove 65. In this regard, when the second locking parts 5 of the locking member 4 pass through the ends of the squeeze locking portions 63 or the ends of the seating portions 64 of the first locking parts 6 and are received in the receiving grooves 65, the second locking parts 5 of the locking member 4 are immediately snap-fitted and engaged in the receiving grooves 65 of the first locking parts 6 by the reaction force (reaction) of the packing F, which is accumulated due to the application of external force to the locking member 4, whereby the stable connection between the two pipes is ensured.

[50] The stoppers 66 are formed to prevent the second locking parts 5 of the locking member 4 from being free and released from the receiving grooves 65 at the same time that they are received in the receiving grooves 65 by applying excessively strong external force to the locking member 4 when connecting the two pipes. Therefore, if it is not necessary to apply external force greater than a predetermined magnitude to the locking member 4 when connecting the two pipes, the stoppers 66 can be omitted.

[51] FIG. 6B illustrates the second variation of the first locking parts, which are formed in the first pipe 1. In each first locking part 7 according to the present embodiment, at least two locking parts of the first embodiment are continuously formed, so that the locking force and the sealing force between the first pipe and the second pipe can be increased.

[52] FIG. 7 illustrates the state in which the pipe connection structure according to the present invention is employed in a pipe fitting, such as a tee, which is used as a mechanical element. In the present embodiment, the pipe fitting is used as a first pipe. That is to say, by forming first locking parts according to the present invention in respective pipe body portions of the tee, which define flow openings, a first pipe 8 is formed. A second pipe 3 is connected with the first pipe 8 using locking members 4 and 9.

[53] At this time, the locking member 9 is configured and functions in the same manner as the locking member 4. In the locking member 9, the length of a squeezing face 95 is increased, such that the squeezing face 95 comes into direct contact with the packing F, so that greater squeezing force can be applied to the packing F and leakage between two pipes can be prevented.

[54] Therefore, the pipe connection structure according to the present invention can be used when connecting pipes with each other, and it is possible to manufacture the pipe connection structure according to the present invention as a mechanical element, such as a tee and an elbow, to have the shape of a single part. [55] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

[56] For example, although the first locking parts are formed in the first pipe and the second locking parts are formed on the locking member, the forming positions of the first and second locking parts can be reversed. Also, in the event that the pipes, which are connected by the pipe connection structure according to the present invention, are used in a moving component or at a place where severe vibration occurs, when it is necessary to define the receiving grooves in the locking parts to have a substantial depth so as to eliminate the likelihood of the pipes being disconnected during use thereof, in order to prevent locking force from decreasing due to the depth of the receiving grooves, it can be envisaged that the pipes are connected with each other by disposing elastic members having excellent elastic returning force, such as springs, between the first and second pipes and the locking cap.

Claims

[1] A pipe connection structure for connecting a first pipe and a second pipe having a coupling projection, wherein first locking parts are formed in the first pipe such that squeeze locking portions, each having the shape of an inclined squeezing face, are formed on a circumferential inner surface of a pipe body of the first pipe and receiving grooves are defined next to ends of the squeeze locking portions, and a locking member is provided such that second locking parts having squeezing faces and locking projections are formed on one end of the locking member, and wherein, with the second pipe and a packing fitted into the first pipe, by rotating the locking member against the second pipe, the second locking parts of the locking member are received in the respective receiving grooves of the first locking parts, whereby the two pipes are locked and connected with each other.

[2] The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, wherein a seating face is defined between the squeeze locking portion and the receiving groove in each first locking part.

[3] The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, wherein a stopper is formed to extend from an end of the receiving groove in each locking part.

[4] A pipe connection structure for connecting a first pipe, as a pipe fitting, and a second pipe using a locking member having second locking parts formed thereon, wherein first locking parts are formed in the first pipe such that squeeze locking portions, each having the shape of an inclined squeezing face, are formed on a circumferential inner surface of a pipe body of the pipe fitting, and receiving grooves are defined next to ends of the squeeze locking portions, and two pipes are connected with each other in a manner such that the second locking parts of the locking member are received in the receiving grooves of the first locking parts.