Patent Application
20090045624
The present invention relates to a bite type tube connection structure and a tube fitting, a valve, a closing valve, a refrigerating cycle device, a hot-water supply device, a bite type tube connection method and an on-site tube connection method, each of which uses this bite type tube connection structure. In particular, the present invention relates to an increase in the ease of work in the case where a bite type tube connection structure is adopted.
In general, tube fittings are removable so that tubes for fluid can be easily replaced and repaired. Tube fittings have a variety of structures in accordance with applications.
In the refrigerating cycle device of conventional air conditioners, for example, flair type tube fittings have been used as tube fittings. From the point of view of environmental protection in recent years, hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants such as propane, ethane, ethylene, n-pentane, n-butane and isobutane, each of which is combustible, as well as natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide which is used under high pressure tend to be used in refrigerating cycle devices instead of chlorofluorocarbon which is a conventional refrigerant. In refrigeration cycle devices using these refrigerants, bite type tube fittings where there is a small leakage of refrigerant are used for the connection of tubes through which a high pressure fluid flows. These types of tube fittings are disclosed, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2. A refrigerating cycle device indicates all devices operated in a refrigeration cycle, such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers, heat pump type hot-water supply devices, refrigerators, freezing devices, and cooling devices for a manufacturing process each of which is cited as an example.
A through hole 222 through which the connection tube 204 is inserted is provided in the sidewall 221 of the fastening nut 202. A pressing tapered surface 223 for pressing the end portion of the bite type sleeve 203 which is close to the fastening nut 202 (rear end portion) is formed on the fastening nut 202 in the vicinity of the through hole 222. An internal thread 225 which is threaded around the external thread 212 is provided on the internal surface of the fastening nut 202. The bite type sleeve 203 is in cylindrical form and placed between the fitting main body 201 and the fastening nut 202. The bite type sleeve 203 has a through hole 231 through which the connection tube 204 is inserted. A pressure receiving tapered surface 232 with which the pressing tapered surface 223 of the fastening nut 202 makes contact is formed in the rear end portion of the bite type sleeve 203. A pressing force is applied to the pressure receiving tapered surface 232 from the fastening nut 202 in the axial direction. The front end portion of the bite type sleeve 203 makes contact with the tapered guiding surface 213.
A method for assembling the bite type tube fitting that is configured as described above is described below.
First, an end portion of the connection tube 204 is inserted into the through hole 222 of the fastening nut 202 and the though hole 231 of the bite type sleeve 203 so that the fastening nut 202 and the bite type sleeve 203 are combined with the connection tube 204. Next, the end portion of the connection tube 204 is inserted into the tube connection opening 211 so as to be engaged with the fitting main body 201. At this time the front end portion of the bite type sleeve 203 is placed so as to face the tapered guiding surface 213 in the fitting main body 201. Subsequently, the internal thread 225 of the fastening nut 202 is threaded to the external thread 212 of the fitting main body 201 and the fastening nut 202 is fastened to the fitting main body 201 with a predetermined torque using a fastening tool. When the fastening nut 202 is threaded to the fitting main body 201, the distal end portion 203a of the bite type sleeve 203 is pressed against the tapered guiding surface 213 by means of the fastening nut 202. In addition, the distal end portion 203a of the bite type sleeve 203 is pressed and bent toward the center axis of the connection tube 204 by means of the tapered guiding surface 213. As a result, the distal end portion 203a of the bite type sleeve 203 bites into the connection tube 204, and therefore, the connection tube 204 is prevented from being removed from the bite type sleeve 203, and the gap between the bite type sleeve 203 and the connection tube 204 is sealed. In addition, since the front end surface of the bite type sleeve 203 is pressed against the tapered guiding surface 213, the gap between the bite type sleeve 203 and the fitting main body 201 is also sealed. Such a high sealing performance is gained through use of the bite type tube fitting.
In the case where a conventional bite type tube fitting is used, the connection tube 204 cannot be held in a predetermined position while the bite type sleeve 203 is biting into the connection tube 204, when the fastening nut 202 is fastened using a fastening tool. Therefore, it is necessary for the worker to fasten the connection tube 204 while holding the connection tube 204. This problem arises in the same manner with tube fittings used for any device other than the refrigerating cycle device of air conditioners and the like.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a bite type tube connection structure which temporarily holds a connection tube easily so that the ease of work is increased when a part is fastened. Another objective of the invention is to provide a tube fitting, a valve, a closing valve, a refrigerating cycle device, a bite type tube connection method, and an on-site tube connection method, each of which uses the bite type tube connection structure.
In order to solve the above described problem, a first aspect of the present invention provides a bite type tube connection structure. This connection structure is provided with a main body of a fitting having a tube connection opening through which a connection tube is inserted, a fastening part which is fastened to the fitting main body, and a bite type sleeve in cylindrical form provided between the fitting main body and the fastening part. The bite type sleeve is provided with a primary deforming portion which either bites into the connection tube through a first pressing force applied in the axial direction when the fastening part is fastened or is inserted in a wedge-like fashion between the connection tube and the fitting main body, and a secondary deforming portion that bites into the connection tube through a second pressing force in the axial direction which is greater than the first pressing force applied when the fastening part is fastened.
In the above described configuration, first, the connection tube is fitted into the fastening part and the bite type sleeve. Next, an end portion of the connection tube is inserted into the tube connection opening of the fitting main body so that the bite type sleeve is placed in a predetermined location. Next, the fastening part is fastened to the fitting main body while the connection tube is held in a predetermined location. The first pressing force applied at this time makes the primary deforming portion of the bite type sleeve either bite into the connection tube or be inserted between the fitting main body and the connection tube in a wedge-like fashion, and therefore the connection tube is temporarily held against the fitting main body. Next, the fastening part is fastened to the fitting main body in a stronger fashion using a fastening tool. The primary deforming portion is inserted more deeply between the fitting main body and the connection tube by means of a second pressing force which is greater than the first pressing force applied at this time, and at the same time, the distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion of the bite type sleeve is deformed and bites into the connection tube. As a result, the connection tube is connected to the fitting main body in such a manner that no fluid leaks to the outside. Accordingly, the work to fasten the fastening part is easier to carry out.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for the thickness of the primary deforming portion to be less than that of the end of the secondary deforming portion. The bite type sleeve is pressed toward the center axis of the connection tube by the tapered guiding surface. In this case, the primary deforming portion is thinner than the end portion of the secondary deforming portion and is easier to deform. Therefore, the primary deforming portion is bent toward the center axis of the connection tube at a stage where a force starts being applied to the bite type sleeve and bites into the connection tube so that the connection tube is temporarily held in place.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for the thickness of the primary deforming portion to be less than the end of the secondary deforming portion, and for the thickness of at least a portion of the primary deforming portion to be greater than the gap between the fitting main body and the connection tube. In this case, the thick portion of the primary deforming portion functions as a wedge between the fitting main body and the connection tube. Prior to this, the bite type sleeve is pressed by the tapered guiding surface, and thus, the primary deforming portion can be inserted between the fitting main body and the connection tube in a wedge-like fashion while the primary deforming portion is biting into the connection tube.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for the bite type sleeve to have a hardness which is equal to or greater than that of the connection tube. In this case, the function of the primary deforming portion, which is to temporarily hold the connection tube, and the function of the secondary deforming portion, which is to bite into the connection tube, are ensured.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, the fitting main body has a thread with which a fastening part is threaded, and the fastening part is a fastening nut which is threaded to the fitting main body. The first pressing force is a pressing force in the axial direction which is applied when the fastening nut is fastened by hand, and the second pressing force is a pressing force in the axial direction which is applied when the fastening nut is fastened using a fastening tool, and preferably greater than the first pressing force. In this case, the connection tube is temporarily held with the first pressing force applied when the fastening nut is fastened by hand. After the connection tube is temporarily held, the primary deforming portion is inserted more deeply into the connection tube with the second pressing force applied when the fastening nut is fastened with a predetermined torque using a fastening tool, such as a wrench, and at the same time, the distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion deforms and bites into the connection tube. As a result, the connection tube is connected to the fitting main body in such a manner that no fluid leaks out. Accordingly, the operation of fastening the fastening nut using a tool can be easily carried out.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, the bite type sleeve is formed integrally with the fastening nut, and it is preferable for the secondary deforming portion to be separated from the fastening nut through the pressing force applied from the fastening nut in the axial direction before biting into the connection tube. In this case, since the bite type sleeve is formed integrally with the fastening nut, the number of parts is reduced and the cost for manufacture is reduced. In addition, it is not necessary for the bite type sleeve to be fitted into the connection tube or engaged with the tube connection opening, and thus, the ease of work further increases.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for the primary deforming portion to be formed integrally with a distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion, for the secondary deforming portion to be linked to the inner wall of the fastening nut via a thin linking portion, and for the bite type sleeve to be formed integrally with the fastening nut. In this case, the bite type sleeve can be separated from the fastening nut when the fastening nut is fastened. In addition, the fastening nut can bite into the connection tube without rotating the bit type sleeve. Accordingly, the sealing performance increases in the connection portion of the tube.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for the bite type sleeve to be formed integrally with the fitting main body and separated from the fitting main body through the pressing force from the fastening nut in the axial direction before the secondary deforming portion bites into the connection tube. In this case, since the bite type sleeve is formed integrally with the fitting main body, the number of parts is reduced and the cost of manufacture is reduced. In addition, it is not necessary for the bite type sleeve to be fitted into the connection tube or engaged in the tube connection opening, and thus, the ease of work further increases.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for the primary deforming portion to be formed integrally with the distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion, and for the secondary deforming portion to be joined to a joint surface which is substantially parallel to the center of the axis of the bite type sleeve in the vicinity of the tube connection opening of the fitting main body. In this case, the bite type sleeve can be separated from the fitting main body when the fastening nut is fastened by hand. Adhesion and engagement can be cited as examples of the joining method. The bite type sleeve is integrated with the fitting main body in such a state as to be exposed from the fitting main body, and therefore, care is required during handling.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for a thin portion to be formed in the border portion between the primary deforming portion and the secondary deforming portion. In this case, the distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion of the bite type sleeve easily deforms and can bite into the connection tube while the primary deforming portion being inserted between the fitting main body and connection tube is prevented from affecting the connection. During the fastening operation, the primary deforming portion may be or does not need to be separated from the secondary deforming portion.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for the thickness of the thin portion to be less than that at the distal end of the primary deforming portion. In this case, the primary deforming portion can be temporarily held against the connection tube with ease through the first pressing force applied when the fastening nut is fastened by hand.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for a tapered guiding surface which guides the distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion toward the center axis of the connection tube to be provided in the vicinity of the tube connection opening in the fitting main body, and for the bite type sleeve to have a tapered surface which makes contact with the tapered guiding surface, a through hole into which the connection tube is inserted, and a notch provided in the border portion between the secondary deforming portion and the primary deforming portion, so that the notch forms a thin portion between the primary deforming portion and the secondary deforming portion. In this case, the notch for forming the thin portion is easy to machine. In addition, since a corner portion is formed in the distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion, the secondary deforming portion can easily bite into the connection tube, because of the corner portion.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for the notch to have such a form that the distal end is tapered in a longitudinal cross section. In this case, even a small notch can easily deform the primary deforming portion. Therefore, the bite type sleeve is made shorter, and as a result, the size of the bite type connection structure is reduced.
In the above described bite type tube connection structure, it is preferable for the notch to have such a form as to be a substantially right triangle in a longitudinal cross section, and for the surface of the notch close to the secondary deforming portion to be perpendicular to the center axis of the bite type sleeve. In this case, the biting portion located at the distal end of the secondary deforming portion forms a right angle. Accordingly, it becomes easy for the primary deforming portion to be temporarily held against the connection tube, and for the secondary deforming portion to bite into the connection tube.
In order to solve the above described problem, a second aspect of the present invention provides a tube fitting. This tube fitting is provided with at least two tube connection portions which extend in different directions, and the above described bite type tube connection structure is used in one of these tube connection portions. In this case, fluid is prevented from leaking from the tube connection portion, and the ease of work when connecting tubes increases.
It is preferable for the above described tube fitting to be provided with two tube connection portions which extend in different directions, for one of the two tube connection portions to be connected to a connection tube in the above described bite type tube connection structure, and for the other of the two tube connection portions to be connected to a tube through brazing. This is appropriate in the case where a tube is removably connected to one of the tube connection portions.
It is preferable for the above described tube fitting to be provided with two tube connection portions which extend in different directions, and for a connection tube to be connected to the two tube connection portions in the above described bite type tube connection structure. This is appropriate in the case where a tube is removably connected to the two tube connection portions.
It is preferable for connection tubes of different diameters to be connected to the two tube connection portions which extend in different directions in the above described tube fitting. This is appropriate in the case where tubes having different diameters are connected.
In order to solve the above described problem, a third aspect of the present invention provides a valve. This valve is provided with at least one tube connection portion, and the tube connection portion uses the above described bite type tube connection structure. In this case, leakage from the tube connection portion is prevented, and the ease of work when connecting tubes increases.
In order to solve the above described problem, a fourth aspect of the present invention provides a closing valve. This closing valve is provided with at least one tube connection portion, and the above described bite type tube connection structure is used in the tube connection portion. In this case, leakage from the tube connection portion is prevented, and the ease of work when connecting tubes increases.
In order to solve the above described problem, a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerating cycle device with a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit is provided with at least one tube connection portion to which a refrigerant tube is removably connected, and the above described bite type tube connection structure is used in the tube connection portion. In this case, refrigerant is prevented from leaking from the connection portion of the refrigerant tube. In addition, the ease of work when connecting tubes increases.
In the above described refrigerating cycle device, it is preferable for the refrigerant which circulates through the refrigerant circuit to be a high-pressure gas refrigerant. In the case where carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, for example, the gas pressure within the refrigerant tube becomes high. Regarding this, the present invention increases the reliability of the device even in the case where a tube connection structure which leaks less refrigerant is required.
In the above described refrigerating cycle device, it is preferable for the refrigerant which circulates through the refrigerant circuit to be hydrocarbon refrigerant. Even in the case where the refrigerant is combustible, as in the case of hydrocarbon refrigerant, and a tube connection structure which leaks less refrigerant is required, the reliability of the device can be increased.
It is preferable for the above described refrigerating cycle device to be a heat pump type hot-water supply device. In refrigerating cycle devices operated in a supercritical cycle, the pressure of the refrigerant gas within the refrigerant tube becomes high, and therefore, a tube connection structure which leaks less refrigerant is required. Regarding this, the present invention increases the reliability of the device.
It is preferable for the above described refrigerating cycle device to be a heat pump type hot-water supply device. In heat pump type hot-water supply devices, the pressure of the refrigerant gas within the refrigerant tube becomes high, so that hot water can be supplied. Therefore, a tube connection structure which leaks less refrigerant is required. Regarding this, the present invention increases the reliability of the device.
In order to solve the above described problem, a sixth aspect of the present invention provides a hot-water supply device. In the hot-water supply device, the above described bite type tube connection structure is used in the tube connection portion provided in the circuit through which hot water circulates. In many cases, tubes for supplying hot water are connected on-site. Regarding this, leakage from the tube connection portion is prevented and the ease of work increases when the above described bite type tube connection structure is used.
In order to solve the above described problem, a seventh aspect of the present invention provides a bite type tube connection method. According to this method, the fitting main body having the above described bite type tube connection structure, a fastening part and a bite type sleeve in cylindrical form are prepared. Next, a connection tube is fitted into the fastening part and the bite type sleeve connecting tube. Subsequently, the end portion of the connection tube which is fitted into the fastening part and the bite type sleeve is inserted into the tube connection opening of the fitting main body. Then, the fastening part is fastened, and thus, the first pressing force is applied, so that the primary deforming portion of the bite type sleeve bites into the connection tube or is inserted between the fitting main body and the connection tube in a wedge-like fashion as a result of the first pressing force, so that the connection tube is temporarily held against the fitting main body. Furthermore, the fastening part is fastened using a fastening tool, so that a second pressing force is applied, and the secondary deforming portion of the bite type sleeve bites into the connection tube through the second pressing force and the connection tube fixed to the fitting main body.
According to this method, the first pressing force applied when the fastening part is fastened against the fitting main body makes the primary deforming portion of the bite type sleeve bite into the connection tube or be inserted between the fitting main body and the connection tube in a wedge-like fashion, and thus, the connection tube is temporarily held against the fitting main body. As a result, the connection tube is held in a predetermined location. Accordingly, it becomes unnecessary to hold the connection tube in a predetermined location when the fastening part is fastened using a fastening tool, and thus, the ease of work increases a great deal.
The following method may be used instead of the above described bite type tube connection method. According to this method, the fitting main body having the above described bite type tube connection structure, a fastening nut and a bite type sleeve in cylindrical form are prepared. Next, a connection tube is fitted into the fastening nut and the bite type sleeve. Subsequently, an end portion of the connection tube fitted into the fastening nut and the bite type sleeve is inserted into the tube connection opening of the fitting main body. Then, the connection tube is held in a predetermined location within the fitting main body while the fastening nut is fastened by hand, so that a first pressing force is applied, and thus, the primary deforming portion of the bite type sleeve bites into the connection tube through the first pressing force or is inserted between the fitting main body and the connection tube in a wedge-like fashion, so that the connection tube is temporarily held against the fitting main body. Furthermore, the fastening nut is fastened against the fitting main body with a predetermined torque using a fastening tool, and thus, a second pressing force which is greater than the first pressing force is applied, so that the secondary deforming portion of the bite type sleeve bites into the connection tube as a result of the second pressing force, and the connection tube is secured to the fitting main body.
According to this method, the primary deforming portion of the bite type sleeve bites into the connection tube, or the primary deforming portion can be inserted between the fitting main body and the connection tube in a wedge-like fashion through the first pressing force applied when the fastening nut is fastened by hand. As a result, the connection tube can be held in a predetermined location. Accordingly, it becomes unnecessary to hold the connection tube in a predetermined location when the fastening nut is fastened using a fastening tool, and the ease of work increases a great deal.
In order to solve the above described problem, an eighth aspect of the present invention provides an on-site tube connection method to which the above described bite type tube connection method is applied. In this case, leakage from the tube connection portion is prevented when tube assembly is carried out on-site, and therefore, the ease of work increases.
a) to 2(c) are diagrams illustrating a method for connecting tubes using a tube fitting;
a) to 6(c) are diagrams illustrating a method for connecting tubes using a bite type tube fitting according to a second embodiment;
a) to 7(c) are diagrams illustrating a method for connecting tubes using a bite type tube fitting according to a third embodiment;
a) to 18(d) are schematic diagrams showing variations of a notch; and
In the following, a bite type tube fitting having a bite type tube connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described in reference to
As shown in
The fitting main body 1 is provided with a socket portion 11, a nut portion 12 and a tube connection portion 13. The socket portion 11 is brazed in a state where the fixed tube 4 is inserted. The nut portion 12 has a form that makes it easy to hold the fitting main body 1 when the fastening nut 2 is fastened. The connection tube 5 is removably connected to the tube connection portion 13 via the fastening nut 2.
A tube connection opening 14 into which an end portion of the fixed tube 4 is inserted is created in the socket portion 11 and the nut portion 12. The end portion of the fixed tube 4 is placed on and connected to the tube connection opening 14. The fixed tube 4 is brazed in such a state as to make contact with the bottom wall of the tube connection opening 14.
An external thread 15 for threading into the fastening nut 2 is provided on the external surface around the tube connection portion 13. A tube connection opening 16 into which an end portion of the connection tube 5 is inserted is created in the tube connection portion 13. An end portion of the connection tube 5 is placed in a predetermined location in the tube connection opening 16 and removably connected. A tapered guiding surface 17, which is inclined by an angle α relative to the center axis, is formed in the end portion of the tube connection opening 16 (see
A through hole 23 through which the connection tube 5 penetrates is created at the center of the side wall 22 of the fastening nut 2. In addition, the inner wall surface of the side wall 22 is a pressing surface 24 for pressing the bite type sleeve 3. In addition, an internal thread 25 into which the external thread 15 of the fitting main body 1 is threaded is provided on the inner surface around the fastening nut 2. Furthermore, a bite type sleeve 3 which is formed integrally with the fastening nut 2 is provided inside the fastening nut 2.
As shown in
As shown in
In the bite type sleeve 3, the thin portion close to the distal end of the tapered portion 3b is the primary deforming portion 32. In the case where the outer diameter of the connection tube 5 is 9.52 mm, the thickness t1 of the secondary deforming portion 33 in the vicinity of the border line between the primary deforming portion 32 and the secondary deforming portion 33 (that is to say, the thickness at the distal end of the secondary deforming portion 33) is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. In addition, the thickness t2 at the distal end of the primary deforming portion 32 is set substantially as small as the gap between the tube connection portion 13 and the connection tube 5. In the case where the thickness t2 is smaller than the thickness t1 at the distal end of the secondary deforming portion 33, the primary deforming portion 32 can easily deform toward the center axis of the connection tube 5, and thus, easily bites into the connection tube 5. When a portion of the primary deforming portion 32 of the bite type sleeve 3 is pressed by the tapered guiding surface 17, the distal end portion of the primary deforming portion 32 is bent toward the center axis of the connection tube 5 and bites into the connection tube 5. In addition, in the case where the thickness t2 is smaller than the gap between the tube connection portion 13 and the connection tube 5, and in the case where the distal end portion of the primary deforming portion 32 does not make contact with the tapered guiding surface 17, the distal end portion of the primary deforming portion 32 is inserted between the tube connection portion 13 and the connection tube 5 when the bite type sleeve 3 is pressed in the axial direction. Furthermore, in the case where the thickness in at least part of the primary deforming portion 32 is greater than the gap between the tube connection portion 13 and the connection tube 5, the thick portion of the primary deforming portion 32 is inserted between the fitting main body 1 and the connection tube 5 in a wedge-like fashion, and therefore, the connection tube 5 is temporarily held. According to the present embodiment, the thickness of the primary deforming portion 32 is set greater than the gap in at least part of the primary deforming portion 32.
As shown in
In addition, the bite type sleeve 3 is linked to the inner wall of the fastening nut 2 via a thin linking portion 26 in the vicinity of the pressure receiving surface 34 of the secondary deforming portion 33. Thus, the bite type sleeve 3 is formed integrally with the fastening nut 2. In addition, the portion 26a which is connected to the secondary deforming portion 33 is thinnest in the thin linking portion 26. The thickness of this portion 26a is set to such a thickness that shearing is possible by the pressing force (second pressing force) applied when the fastening nut 2 is fastened to the fitting main body 1. A cavity which extends from the portion of the thin linking portion 26 which links to the fastening nut 2 along the axial line is provided behind the bite type sleeve 3. The bite type sleeve 3 does not make contact with any obstacle, and moves through this space toward the pressing surface 24 on the side wall 22 of the fastening nut 2.
The bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is a structure for removably connecting the connection tube 5 to the tube connection portion 13, and concretely, formed of the fitting main body 1 having a tube connection opening 16 into which the connection tube 5 is inserted, the fastening nut 2, which is fastened to the fitting main body 1, and the bite type sleeve 3 in cylindrical form. The bite type sleeve 3 is formed integrally with the fastening nut 2. In addition, the bite type sleeve 3 is formed of the primary deforming portion 32, which is inserted between the connection tube 5 and the tube connection opening 16 as a result of the first pressing force, and the secondary deforming portion 33, which bites into the connection tube 5 through the second pressing force, which is greater than the first pressing force.
Next, a method for connecting the connection tube 5 using a bite type tube fitting having the above described bite type tube connection structure is described. The fixed tube 4 is brazed to the fitting main body 1 in advance.
As shown in
When the connection tube 5 is temporarily held against the fitting main body 1 in this manner, the fastening torque becomes great, and it is not necessary to hold the connection tube 5. In addition, the fastening nut 2 is fastened to the fitting main body 1 using a fastening tool, and thus, the bite type sleeve 3 is pressed against the tapered guiding surface 17. As a result, as shown in
Here, the present embodiment has the following advantages.
(1) In the present embodiment, the first pressing force is applied when the fastening nut 2 is fastened by hand while the connection tube 5 is held in a predetermined location. This first pressing force makes the primary deforming portion 32 bite into the connection tube 5 or be inserted between the connection tube 5 and the fitting main body 1 in a wedge-like fashion, or both, and thus, the connection tube 5 is temporarily held against the bite type tube fitting. Accordingly, it is not necessary to hold the connection tube 5 when the fastening nut 2 is fastened using a fastening tool, and thus, the ease of work increases. In addition, when the fastening nut 2 is further fastened using a tool, the second pressing force is applied. This second pressing force can connect the bite type tube fitting and the connection tube 5 in such a manner that there is no leakage from the gap between the two.
(2) The thickness of the primary deforming portion 32 in the bite type sleeve 3 is less than the thickness t1 at the distal end of the secondary deforming portion 33. Therefore, any portion of the primary deforming portion 32 in the bite type sleeve 3 can be pressed toward the center axis of the connection tube 5 by the tapered guiding surface 17. At the stage where the pressing force starts being applied, the primary deforming portion 32 is bent toward the center axis of the connection tube 5 and bites into the connection tube 5. As a result, the connection tube 5 is temporarily held against the bite type tube fitting.
(3) The thickness of the primary deforming portion 32 in the bite type sleeve 3 is less than that in the distal end portion 33a of the secondary deforming portion 33. In addition, at least a portion of the primary deforming portion 32 is thicker than the gap between the fitting main body 1 and the connection tube 5. In this configuration, the primary deforming portion 32 can be inserted between the fitting main body 1 and the connection tube 5 in a wedge-like fashion while biting into the connection tube 5. Accordingly, the connection tube 5 is temporarily held against the bite type tube fitting without failure.
(4) The bite type sleeve 3 has a hardness equal to or more than that of the connection tube 5. Therefore, the primary deforming portion 32 can be inserted into the connection tube 5 and the secondary deforming portion 33 can bite into the connection tube 5.
(5) The external thread 15 for threading into the fastening nut 2 is formed on the fitting main body 1. In addition, the pressing force applied when the fastening nut 2 is fastened by hand is a first pressing force and the pressing force applied when the fastening nut 2 is fastened using a fastening tool and which is greater than the first pressing force is the second pressing force. In the present embodiment, the fastening nut 2 can simply be fastened in order to apply the first pressing force. The connection tube 5 is temporarily held against the bite type tube fitting in this manner, and after that, the fastening nut 2 can further be fastened using a fastening tool so that the connection tube 5 is secured. Accordingly, the operation of securing the connection tube 5 is easy to carry out using a fastening tool, such as a wrench, without holding the connection tube 5.
(6) The bite type sleeve 3 is formed integrally with the fastening nut 2. In addition, the secondary deforming portion 33 is separated from the fastening nut 2 through the second pressing force before biting into the connection tube 5. In this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost for manufacture can be reduced. In addition, it is not necessary to prepare the bite type sleeve 3 as a separate part or for the bite type sleeve 3 to be engaged in the tube connection opening 16, and therefore, the ease of work further increases.
(7) In the bite type sleeve 3, the primary deforming portion 32 is formed integrally with the distal end of the secondary deforming portion 33. In addition, the secondary deforming portion 33 is linked to the inner wall of the fastening nut 2 via the thin linking portion 26. In this case, the bite type sleeve 3 can be easily separated from the fastening nut 2 by fastening the fastening nut 2. In addition, the bite type sleeve 3 bites into the connection tube 5 without rotating together with the fastening nut 2. Therefore, the bite type tube fitting and the connection tube 5 can be connected in such a manner that there is no leakage from the gap between the two.
(8) A thin portion 36 is formed in the border portion between the secondary deforming portion 33 and the primary deforming portion 32. Therefore, the distal end portion 33a of the secondary deforming portion 33 can easily bite into the connection tube 5 while the effects of the primary deforming portion 32 which is inserted between the fitting main body 1 and the connection tube 5 are reduced.
(9) The thickness t3 in the thin portion 36 is less than the thickness t2 at the distal end of the primary deforming portion 32, and therefore, the primary deforming portion 32 can be deformed by the first pressing force applied when the fastening nut 2 is threaded by hand so as to be temporarily held against the connection tube 5.
(10) The thin portion 36 can be formed by providing a notch 35 on the internal surface around the bite type sleeve 3. Therefore, the notch 35 can be easily machined in the bite type sleeve 3. In addition, a corner portion is formed in the distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion 33 because of the notch 35. Accordingly, the corner portion can bite into the connection tube 5, as in the case of conventional bite fittings.
(11) The notch 35 has such a form that the distal end is pointed in a cross section. Therefore, even a small notch 35 makes it possible to easily deform the primary deforming portion 32. Accordingly, the bite type sleeve 3 can be shortened and the size of the bite type tube fitting can be reduced.
(12) The notch 35 has such a form as to be a substantially right triangle in a cross section. In addition, the surface of the notch 35 which is close to the secondary deforming portion 33 crosses the center axis of the bite type sleeve 3 at a right angle, and therefore, the form at the distal end of the secondary deforming portion 33 can be a right angle. Therefore, the primary deforming portion 32 can be deformed so as to be temporarily held against the connection tube 5. Accordingly, the secondary deforming portion 33 can bite into the connection tube 5 without failure.
(13) The primary deforming portion 32 of the bite type sleeve 3 is inserted between the connection tube 5 and the fitting main body 1 through the first pressing force applied when the fastening nut 2 is fastened, and thus, the connection tube 5 is held in a predetermined location. Accordingly, the operation of holding the connection tube 5 becomes unnecessary when the fastening nut 2 is fastened using a fastening tool, and the ease of work increases a great deal.
(14) The connection tube 5 is temporarily field by fastening the fastening nut 2 by hand, and the fastening nut 2 can be strongly fastened using any well-known fastening tool to finish assembly, and therefore, the work is easy to carry out.
(15) The bite type tube fitting according to the present embodiment is a two-directional tube fitting where the above described bite type tube connection structure is provided in one direction and a tube is brazed in the other direction. Bite type tube fittings of this type are appropriate in the case where only one tube connection portion is used on-site.
Next, a bite type tube connection structure according to a second embodiment and a bite type tube fitting using the same are described in reference to
In the second embodiment, the bite type sleeve 3 is separate from the fastening nut 2 and the fitting main body 1. Therefore, the fitting main body 1 has exactly the same configuration as in the first embodiment. In addition, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the thin linking portion 26 shown in
As shown in
The bite type sleeve 3 is placed in the space 21 within the fastening nut 2, but not formed integrally with the fastening nut 2. Therefore, the space 21 within the fastening nut 2 has a simple, cylindrical form. The inner wall surface of the side wall 22 is a pressing surface 28 which presses the rear end surface of the bite type sleeve 3. The pressing surface 28 is inclined relative to the center axis of the connection tube 5.
The bite type sleeve 3 is a cylinder with a through hole 31 into which the connection tube 5 is fitted. In addition, the distal end portion of the bite type sleeve 3 is formed as the primary deforming portion 32, and the rear portion of the primary deforming portion 32 is formed as the secondary deforming portion 33. The secondary deforming portion 33 is divided into a first portion 331 and a second portion 332. In addition, the dividing surface between the first and second portions 331 and 332 crosses the center axis of the tube fitting at a right angle in a portion close to the outer periphery and is inclined along the tapered guiding surface 17 in a portion close to the inner peripheral surface. The inclination angle is greater than that of the tapered guiding surface 17. The primary deforming portion 32 is formed integrally with the distal end of the first portion 331 of the secondary deforming portion 33. The rear end surface of the second portion 332 is a pressure receiving surface 38 which makes contact with the pressing surface 28 of the fastening nut 2. In the distal end portion of the first portion 331, a tapered surface 3a which is inclined by an angle β relative to the center axis is formed. The bite type sleeve 3 in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment and not formed integrally with the fastening nut 2, and formed of two separate parts made of a copper alloy. The form of the primary deforming portion 32 which includes the inclination angle β of the tapered surface 3a and the form of the notch 35 is the same as in the first embodiment.
The bite type tube connection structure according to the second embodiment is a structure in which the connection tube 5 is removably connected to the tube connection portion 13, and concretely, formed of the fitting main body 1 having the tube connection opening 16 into which the connection tube 5 is inserted, the fastening nut 2, which is fastened to the fitting main body 1, and the bite type sleeve 3 in cylindrical form. In addition, the bite type sleeve 3 is formed of two separate parts. Furthermore, the bite type sleeve 3 is formed of the primary deforming portion 32, which either bites into the connection tube 5 or is inserted between the connection tube 5 and the tube connection opening 16 in a wedge-like fashion as a result of the first pressing force, and the secondary deforming portion 33, which bites into the connection tube 5 and deforms as a result of the second pressing force in the axial direction, which is greater than the first pressing force.
Next, a method for connecting the connection tube 5 using a bite type tube fitting having the bite type tube connection structure according to the second embodiment is described.
The fitting main body 1 is the same as in the first embodiment. The bite type sleeve 3 is not formed integrally with the fastening nut 2. That is to say, the bite type sleeve 3 is separate from the fastening nut 2.
First, as shown in
Subsequently, the fastening nut 2 is fastened by hand while the connection tube 5 is held. Thus, the fastening nut 2 approaches the fitting main body 1. In accordance with this, the pressing surface 28 of the fastening nut 2 makes contact with the pressure receiving surface 38 of the bite type sleeve 3. Therefore, a pressing force (first pressing force) is applied to the pressure receiving surface 38 of the bite type sleeve 3 in the fitting main body 1 by the fastening nut 2. Then, the bite type sleeve 3 is pressed against the tube connection portion 13 as a result of the pressing force from the fastening nut 2. At this time, as shown in
When the connection tube 5 is held against the fitting main body 1, the fastening torque increases, and it becomes unnecessary to hold the connection tube 5. Therefore, the worker can fasten the fastening nut 2 against the fitting main body 1 using a fastening tool, without holding the connection tube 5. As the fastening nut 2 is further fastened, the distal end portion of the bite type sleeve 3 is pressed against the tapered guiding surface 17 as a result of the pressing force (second pressing force) from the pressing surface 28. As a result, as shown in
As a result, the connection tube 5 is connected to the fitting main body 1 in such a manner that no fluid leaks out. Thus, when the fastening torque reaches a predetermined value, the operation of fastening the fastening nut 2 is completed. In a state where the connection tube 5 is connected in this manner, the edge portion 332a of the secondary deforming portion 33 close to the fastening nut 2 bites into the connection tube 5, and therefore, vibration conveyed through the connection tube 5 is stopped by the edge portion 32a. As a result, the distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion 33 biting into the connection tube 5 less affects the sealing effects.
According to the second embodiment, the advantages (1) to (5) and (8) to (15) of the first embodiment are gained.
Next, a bite type tube connection structure according to a third embodiment and a bite type tube fitting using the same are described in reference to
In the third embodiment, the bite type sleeve 3 is integrated with the fitting main body 1. That is to say, the bite type sleeve 3, which is a separate part, is adhered to the fitting main body 1. Therefore, the fitting main body 1 and the fastening nut 2 have a configuration which is partially different from that of the first embodiment.
As shown in
A through hole 23 through which the connection tube 5 penetrates is created in the center of the side wall 22 of the fastening nut 2. In addition, an internal thread 25 for threading around the external thread 15 of the fitting main body 1 is provided on the internal surface around the fastening nut 2. In the case of the fastening nut 2 of the third embodiment, a protruding portion 43 which protrudes toward the fitting main body 1 is formed on the side wall 22 around the through hole 23. The end surface of the protruding portion 43 close to the fitting main body 1 is formed as a pressing surface 44 which presses the bite type sleeve 3. In addition, the thickness of the protruding portion 43 is set so as to be substantially equal to or less than that in the rear end portion of the bite type sleeve 3. Therefore, an annular space 21a is created between the external surface around the protruding portion 43 and the internal surface around the fastening nut 2. This space 21a is a space in which the extending portion 41 of the fitting main body 1 is contained when the fastening nut 2 is fastened against the fitting main body 1.
The bite type sleeve 3 is a cylinder with a through hole 31 into which the connection tube 5 is fitted. In addition, the distal end portion of the bite type sleeve 3 is formed as the primary deforming portion 32, and the rear portion of the primary deforming portion 32 is formed as the secondary deforming portion 33. The primary deforming portion 32 is formed integrally with the distal end of the secondary deforming portion 33. The rear end surface of the bite type sleeve 3 is formed as a pressure receiving surface 45 which makes contact with the pressing surface 44 of the fastening nut 2. The external surface around the bite type sleeve 3 close to the distal end is a tapered surface 3a which is inclined by an angle β relative to the center axis. Meanwhile, the external surface around the bite type sleeve 3 is a surface substantially parallel to the center axis in the vicinity of the pressure receiving surface 45. That is to say, the bite type sleeve 3 is formed of a tapered portion 3b which includes the tapered surface 3a and a cylindrical portion 3c which includes a surface substantially parallel to the center axis. The bite type sleeve 3 is made of a copper alloy, and separate from the fastening nut 2. The external surface around the cylindrical portion 3d of the bite type sleeve 3 is adhered to the extending portion 41 of the fitting main body 1. As for the form of the primary deforming portion 32, the inclination angle α of the tapered surface 3a and the form of the notch 35 are the same as in the first embodiment.
The bite type tube connection structure according to the third embodiment is a structure in which the connection tube 5 is removably connected to the tube connection portion 13, and concretely, formed of the fitting main body 1 having a tube connection opening 16 into which the connection tube 5 is inserted, the fastening nut 2 which is fastened against the fitting main body 1, and the bite type sleeve 3 in cylindrical form. In addition, the bite type sleeve 3 is integrated with the fitting main body 1 through adhesion. The bite type sleeve 3 is formed of the primary deforming portion 32, which is inserted between the connection tube 5 and the fitting main body 1 as a result of the first pressing force, and the secondary deforming portion 33, which deforms and bites into the connection tube 5 as a result of the second pressing force in the axial direction, which is greater than the first pressing force.
Next, a method for connecting the connection tube 5 using a bite type tube fitting having the bite type tube connection structure according to a third embodiment is described.
The bite type sleeve 3 is adhered to the fitting main body 1 via an adhesion hole 42. In addition, the bite type sleeve 3 is formed integrally with the fastening nut 2. First, as shown in
Next, the fastening nut 2 is fastened by hand while the connection tube 5 is held, and thus, the fastening nut 2 approaches the fitting main body 1. In accordance with this, a pressing force is applied to the pressure receiving surface 45 of the bite type sleeve 3 in the fitting main body 1 by the fastening nut 2 (first pressing force). The bite type sleeve 3 is adhered to the adhesion hole 42 of the extending portion 41 with such strength as to come off when receiving the first pressing force. Therefore, at the stage where the fastening nut 2 is fastened by hand, the bite type sleeve 3 is separated from the fitting main body 1 and moves toward the rear end of the tube connection opening 16. In addition, as shown in
When the connection tube 5 is temporarily held against the fitting main body 1, the fastening torque increases, and it becomes unnecessary to hold the connection tube 5. Therefore, the worker can fasten the fastening nut 2 against the fitting main body 1 using a fastening tool without holding the connection tube 5. As the fastening nut 2 is further fastened, the distal end portion of the bite type sleeve 3 is pressed against the tapered guiding surface 17 as a result of the pressing force from the pressing surface 44 (second pressing force). As a result, as shown in
According to the third embodiment, advantages (1) to (4) and (8) to (15) of the first embodiment are obtained.
(1) The bite type sleeve 3 is integrated with the fitting main body 1. In addition, the secondary deforming portion 33 is separated from the fitting main body 1 as a result of the first pressing force before biting into the connection tube 5. In this configuration, the number of parts is small and the cost for manufacturing is reduced. In addition, the process for attaching the bite type sleeve 3 to the connection tube 5 and attaching it to the fitting main body 1 becomes unnecessary. Accordingly, the ease of work further increases.
(2) In the bite type sleeve 3, the primary deforming portion 32 is formed integrally with the distal end portion of the secondary deforming portion 33. In addition, the external surface around the cylindrical portion 3d of the bite type sleeve 3 is adhered to the internal surface around the adhesion hole 42 of the fitting main body 1. In addition, the bite type sleeve 3 is separated from the fitting main body 1 as a result of the pressing force in the axial direction, which is applied when the fastening nut 2 is fastened by hand (first pressing force). As a result, the bite type sleeve 3 is easily separated from the fitting main body 1 by fastening the fastening nut 2 by hand, and thus, the connection tube 5 is connected to the fitting main body 1 in such a manner that no fluid leaks out.
Next, a fourth embodiment is described in reference to
As shown in
The second cylindrical portion 52 has a tube connection portion 55 which is the same as the tube connection portion 13 in the first embodiment. A fastening nut 56 is threaded around the tube connection portion 55. A bite type sleeve 57 is provided between the fastening nut 56 and the end portion of the tube connection portion 55. The fastening nut 56 and the bite type sleeve 57 are the same as the fastening nut 2 and the bite type sleeve 3 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the fastening nut 56 is integrated with the bite type sleeve 57 before being fastened to the second cylindrical portion 52. Thus, the connection tube 58 has the same bite type tube connection structure as in the first embodiment, and is connected to the tube connection portion 55 of the closing valve 50. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, fluid is prevented from leaking from the connection portion with the connection tube 58, and the ease of work when connecting tubes increases.
Next, a fifth embodiment is described in reference to
As shown in
The tube fitting with different diameters 60 in the fifth embodiment is provided with tube connection portions 62 and 66 which extend in two directions, and the bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is applied to the tube connection structures of the respective tube connection portions 62 and 66. This tube fitting with different diameters 60 prevents fluid from leaking out from the tube connection portion 62 and 66, and thus, the ease of work when connecting tubes increases.
Next, the refrigerating cycle device according to a sixth embodiment is described in reference to
In the refrigerating cycle device according to the sixth embodiment, the connection structure between the closing valve 73 and the communicating tube 75 and between the tube fitting 74 and the communicating tube 75, which is removably connected, is the same as the bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, refrigerant is prevented from leaking from the tube connection portion of the communicating tube 75 and the ease of work when connecting the communicating tube 75 increases. In addition, a closing valve and the tube fitting where there is little refrigerant leakage, are used, and therefore, the reliability of the refrigerating cycle device using HC refrigerant increases.
Next, a refrigerating cycle device according to a seventh embodiment is described in reference to
In the above described configuration, the bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is applied to the tube connection portion of the closing valves 83, and concretely, the closing valve 50 of the fourth embodiment is used. In addition, the bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is applied to the tube connection portion of the tube fitting with different diameters 86, and concretely, the tube fitting with different diameters 60 of the fifth embodiment is used.
In the refrigerating cycle device according to the seventh embodiment, the bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is used in the tube connection portions between the main communicating tubes 84 and the branch tubes 85, which are assembled on-site. Therefore, the refrigerant is prevented from leaking from the tube connection portions between the main communicating tubes 84 and the branch tubes 85, and the ease of work when connecting the main communicating tubes 84 and the branch tubes 85 also increases. In addition, closing valves and the tube fittings with different diameters where there is little refrigerant leakage, are used, and thus, the reliability of the refrigerating cycle device using HC refrigerant increases.
Next, a refrigerating cycle device according to an eighth embodiment is described in reference to
In the hot water circuit having a heat exchanger for water 92, water flows through the bottom of the hot water tank 95, a water circulating pump 96, a heat exchanger for water 92, and the upper portion of the hot water tank 95 in this order. A hot water feeding tube 97 for supplying hot water to a hot water tap, a bath or the like is connected to the upper portion of the hot water tank 95, and a water supply tube 98 is connected to the bottom of the hot water tank 95.
The heat pump type hot-water supply device is provided with an outdoor unit 99 which includes a heat exchanger for the heat supply 94 and a fan 94a, and an indoor unit 100, and the indoor unit 100 is formed of a refrigerant circuit device which includes a compressor 91, a heat exchanger for water 92 and an expansion valve 93, and a hot water circuit device which includes a hot water tank 95 and a water circulating pump 96. A closing valve 101 is connected to the hole of the indoor unit 100, a tube fitting 102 is connected to the hole of the outdoor unit 99, and the closing valve 101 and the tube fitting 102 are connected via a communicating tube 103. The bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is applied in the connection portion of the communicating tube 103, and concretely, the closing valve 50 according to the fourth embodiment is used. In addition, the tube fitting according to the first embodiment is used as the tube fitting 102.
In addition, a tube fitting is also used in the hot water supply tube. That is to say, the hot water feeding tube 97 is connected to the upper portion of the hot water tank 95 via the tube fitting 105. In addition, the water supply tube 98 is connected to the bottom of the hot water tank 95 via the tube fitting 105. The bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is applied to the two tube fittings 105, and concretely, the bite type tube fittings according to the first embodiment are used.
In the heat pump type hot-water supply device according to the eighth embodiment, the heat pump is operated in a supercritical refrigeration cycle in such a state that the refrigerant circuit is filled with refrigerant, such as carbon dioxide, and thus, hot water is gained. In this refrigerant circuit, the pressure of the refrigerant becomes high, and therefore, it is important to prevent the refrigerant from leaking from the tube connection portion. Regarding this, according to the present invention, a closing valve 101 and a tube fitting 102 to which the bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is applied are used, and therefore, devices having high reliability are gained, and the ease of work when connecting tubes also increases. In addition, a tube fitting 105 to which the bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is applied is used in the tube connection structure for the hot water circuit, and therefore, an device having higher reliability is gained, and the ease of work when connecting tubes further increases. In addition, a heat exchanger for the heat supply in which the pressure becomes low is included in the outdoor unit 99 in this heat pump type hot-water supply device. Therefore, the heat exchanger for the heat supply 94 can be installed in an appropriate outside place while keeping heat loss at a low level.
Next, a refrigerating cycle device according to a ninth embodiment is described in reference to
As shown in
The hot water unit 121 includes a hot water circuit portion. In the hot water circuit, as shown by the broken arrows, water circulates through the bottom of the hot water tank 122 on the first stage side, the water circulation pump 123, the heat exchanger for water 113, the upper portion of the hot water tank 124 on the second stage side, the bottom of the hot water tank 124 on the second stage side, the upper portion of the hot water tank 122 on the first stage side and the bottom of the hot water tank 122 on the first stage side in this order. The hot water feeding tube 125 is connected to the upper portion of the hot water tank 124 on the second stage side, and the water supply tube 126 is connected to the bottom of the hot water tank 122 on the first stage side. Water heated by the heat exchanger for water 113 is sent to the upper portion of the hot water tank 124 on the second stage side. In addition, water at the bottom of the hot water tank 122 on the first stage side is sent to the heat exchanger for water 113. As a result, the hot water tank 124 on the second stage side is filled with hot water from the top to the bottom, and after that, the hot water tank 122 on the first stage side is filled from the top to the bottom, that is to say, when the operation is started, only the upper portion of the hot water tank 124 on the second stage side is filled with hot water, and as the operation continues, the entirety of the hot water tank 124 on the second stage side and the entirety of the hot water tank 122 on the first stage side are filled with hot water.
In the present embodiment, water distribution tubes 128 for connecting the hot water unit 121 and the heat supply unit 111 are connected to each other via tube fittings 129. Furthermore, the hot water feeding tube 125 and the water supply tube 126 are also connected to the hot water tank 124 on the second stage side and the hot water tank 122 on the first stage side via tube fittings 130, respectively. The bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is applied in the tube connection portions between the two tube fittings 129 and 130, and concretely, the bite type tube fittings according to the first embodiment are used.
In the hot-water supply device according to the ninth embodiment, as in the heat pump type hot-water supply device according to the eighth embodiment, the refrigerant circuit is filled with refrigerant, such as carbon dioxide, and the heat pump is operated in a supercritical refrigeration cycle, and thus, hot water is gained. In addition, tube fittings 129 and 130 having the bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment are used in the hot water circuit. Therefore, a highly reliable device in which there is little leakage of fluid is gained, and the ease of work when connecting tubes increases. In addition, unlike in the eighth embodiment, since a plurality of hot water tanks are provided, the area of the border between the high temperature layer and the low temperature layer in the water becomes small within the hot water tank, and as a result, the heating efficiency becomes high. In addition, the diameter of the body of the hot water tanks can be reduced, and the space for installing hot water tanks can be reduced.
Next, a bite type tube fitting using the bite type tube connection structure according to a tenth embodiment is described in reference to
In the tenth embodiment, the configuration of threads for connecting the fitting main body 1 and the fastening nut 2 is different from in the respective embodiments above. That is to say, in the tenth embodiment, an internal thread is provided on the fitting main body 1 and an external thread is provided on the fastening nut 2.
As shown in
As shown in
According to this embodiment, first the fastening nut 2 is fastened by hand against the fitting main body 1 from the state shown in
The bite type tube connection structure according to the present embodiment is a structure in which the connection tube 5 is removably connected to the tube connection portion 13, as in the first embodiment, and concretely, the fitting main body 1, which has a tube connection opening 16 into which the connection tube 5 is inserted, the fastening nut 2 for fastening the bite type sleeve against the fitting main body 1, and the bite type sleeve 3 in cylindrical form are provided, and the bite type sleeve 3 is formed integrally with the fastening nut 2. The bite type sleeve 3 is formed of a primary deforming portion 32 which is inserted between the connection tube 5 and the tube connection opening 16 as a result of the first pressing force, and a secondary deforming portion 33 which deforms as a result of the second pressing force in the axial direction, which is greater than the first pressing force, and bites into the connection tube 5.
In the bite type tube connection structure according to the tenth embodiment and the bite type tube fittings using the same, the same advantages as in the first embodiment are obtained. In addition, in the tenth embodiment, a protective cover 153 is provided around the external periphery of the bite type sleeve 3, and therefore, the bite type sleeve 3 can be prevented from being scratched when the fastening nut is fastened.
The respective embodiments described above may be modified as follows.
Although in the respective embodiments, the notch 35 in the bite type sleeve 3 is substantially a right triangle in a cross section, the form of the notch 35 in a cross section may be in inverted V-shape as shown in
In the fourth to ninth embodiments, the tube connection structure in the second, third or tenth embodiment may be applied in the tube connection portion. In this case also, fluid is prevented from leaking from the tube connection portion and the ease of work when connecting tubes increases.
In the first or tenth embodiment, the size of the thinnest portion 26a of the thin linking portion 26 may be adjusted so that the bite type sleeve 3 is separated from the fastening nut 2 as a result of the first pressing force, before the connection tube 5 is temporarily held. This modification can be applied to the fourth to ninth embodiments, in which the tube connection structure of the first embodiment is applied.
In the first to third and tenth embodiments, tubes of different diameters may be used for the fixed tube 4 and the connection tube 5. This modification may be applied to the fourth, sixth, eighth and ninth embodiments, in which the tube connection structure of the first embodiment is applied.
In the first, second and tenth embodiments, the substantially cylindrical portion 3c of the bite type sleeve 3 need not be in tapered form. That is to say, the external surface around the cylindrical portion 3c may be a surface parallel to the center axis. This modification may be applied to the fourth to ninth embodiments.
The bite type tube connection structure according to the first to third and tenth embodiments may be applied to valves other than the closing valve of the fourth embodiment, that is to say, other valves such as a control valve or a check valve.
The bite type tube connection structure according to the first to third and tenth embodiments may be used in a plurality of tube connection portions. Concretely, it may be applied to tube connection portions having tube fittings in two or more directions. In this case, tube connection portions having the same diameter may be used.
In the refrigerating cycle device in the sixth and seventh embodiments, refrigerants other than HC refrigerant may be used. In the eighth and ninth embodiments, refrigerants other than carbon dioxide may be used.
Although in the refrigerating cycle device in the sixth to ninth embodiments, the tube connection structure according to the first embodiment is applied to the connection of tubes when tubes are assembled, it may be applied to the connection of tubes in devices other than this. For example, a bite type tube fitting having the bite type tube connection structure according to the first embodiment may be used for all of the tubes connected to the hot water tanks 95, 122 and 124, in order to exchange the hot water tanks 95, 122 and 124 in the eighth and ninth embodiments.
The hot-water supply device may be a hot-water supply device other than a heat pump type hot-water supply device, such as a gas fired type hot-water supply device or an electric water heater. The bite type tube connection structure according to the present invention may be applied to water tubes used for such hot-water supply devices.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-023473 | Jan 2006 | JP | national |
| 2007-018244 | Jan 2007 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2007/051462 | 1/30/2007 | WO | 00 | 7/28/2008 |
