Patent Application
20160076686
The present invention relates to a pipe-connecting device of the type which uses an inner ring, and more particularly to a pipe-connecting device which is preferred in piping for a liquid having high purity or ultrapure water that is handled in various technical fields such as production of semiconductor devices, production of medical equipment and medicines, food processing, and chemical industry.
A pipe-connecting device using an inner ring is configured by: a tubular screwing portion which is projected from a pipe joint body or a fluid apparatus in a state where an external thread is formed on the outer circumference; a seal inner ring in which an annular large-diameter portion is raised on the radially outward side; and a union nut in which an internal thread to be screwed with the external thread is formed. For example, the pipe-connecting device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is known.
The pipe-connecting device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes: a tubular screwing portion which is disposed in a pipe joint body in a state where an external thread is formed on the outer circumference; an inner ring in which an inner circumferential portion is formed as a fluid passage, and an annular large-diameter portion is raised on the radially outward side, and which is used for fixing a pipe; and a union nut in which an internal thread to be screwed with the external thread is formed.
In the above-described pipe-connecting device, when a tube is to be connected to the pipe joint body, the inner ring is firstly press-inserted into an end portion of the tube from an opening of the tube, and the end portion of the tube is flared and deformed by the annular large-diameter portion. Next, the tube which is flared and deformed, and which has the inner ring is inserted into the tubular screwing portion.
Next, the internal thread of the union nut is screwed with the external thread of the tubular screwing portion. Then, the union nut is fastened and crew-advanced, and this screw advancement causes the union nut to press the tube having the inner ring in the axial direction, thereby performing the connection of the tube.
The above-described pipe-connecting device is used in an assembled state where the union nut is turned and fastened to strongly press the flared portion of the tube in the axial direction to a degree by which the portion is recessed, by the seal pressing portion (see the pressing edge 3C in Patent Literature 1) that is a pointed place.
In the assembled state, the flared portion of the tube and a tip-contracted outer circumferential flared surface (see an inflated portion 15 in Patent Literature 1) of the inner ring are sealed, and a seal element portion of a basal end portion of the inner ring, and a seal forming portion of the pipe joint body (see the primary seal portion 5A and the like in Patent Literature 1) are more strongly pressed and sealed.
Moreover, also a seal portion (see the tertiary seal portion 5B in Patent Literature 1) where a reduced-diameter tube portion which is to be fitted onto a base-contracted reduced-diameter outer circumferential surface of the inner ring, and a tip-expanded inner circumferential surface of the tip end of a tubular screwing portion are pressed against each other is formed. As described above, the conventional pipe-connecting device has the configuration where seal portions are formed, i.e., an a seal portion formed by a tip end portion of the inner ring and the tube, a b seal portion formed by a basal end portion of the inner ring and the pipe joint body, and a c seal portion formed by the tubular screwing portion of the pipe joint body and the tube are formed.
In the conventional pipe-connecting device, a satisfactory seal performance is realized by the above-described three seal portions, but, as a result of continuous and intensive study, it has been known that there remain the following points to be improved. That is, depending on the dimension setting, errors, and the like, there are cases where the contact pressure of the b seal portion b is weak or substantially zero [see
As shown in
In this case, even when a leak occurs in the b seal portion b in the worst case, it is possible to avoid a leak from the pipe-connecting device A because of the c seal portion c in which firm contact is made. In view of the phenomenon in which, in the c seal portion c which depends on the fastening force of the union nut 2, the sealing force is reduced when the union nut 2 is loosened, however, it is ideally preferable that tight sealing is made by the b seal portion b which is closer to the fluid flow, and a fluid does not ooze between the tubular screwing portion 1A of the pipe joint body 1 and the inner ring 3.
Moreover, also the state where, as shown on
In the conventional pipe-connecting device, although an immediate leak does not occur and a practically problematic case is little caused, as described above, the function of the b seal portion b becomes unstable, and there is a possibility that the tip-end portion of the inner ring body 3A is excessively diameter-contracted and deformed. There remains room for improvement.
It is an object of the invention to provide a more improved pipe-connecting device in which the above-mentioned disadvantages are eliminated by further ingenuity, that is, a b seal portion satisfactorily functions, and a tip-end portion of an inner ring is not excessively diameter-contracted and deformed.
In the invention of claim 1, a pipe-connecting device in which the device includes:
an inner ring 3 having: an outer circumferential portion 3G which, in a tip end portion, includes a tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a that is to be press-inserted from a tip end into a tube end portion 4C of a fluid transfer tube 4 to flare the tube end portion 4C, and a base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface 3c that is formed in a place that is on a side of a basal end with respect to the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a, in order to diameter-contract the flared tube end portion 4C; and an inner circumferential portion 3w constituting a fluid transfer path;
a pipe joint body 1 or fluid apparatus 1 that has a tubular screwing portion 1A in which an external thread 7 is formed on an outer circumference; and
a union nut 2 which has an internal thread 13 that is to be screwed with the external thread 7, and a tube pressing portion 12b in an inner circumferential portion,
an assembled state can be formed in which the tube pressing portion 12b is pressed against the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a through the tube 4 by screw advancement of the tubular screwing portion 1A of the union nut 2 in a direction of an axis Y, the screw advancement being caused by screwing the internal thread 13 in a state in which the inner ring 3 in which the tube end portion 4C is fitted onto the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a and the base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface 3c is inserted into the tubular screwing portion 1A, with the external thread 7, and is characterized in that a seal element portion y is formed in a basal end portion of the inner ring 3, a seal forming portion k corresponding to the seal element portion y is formed in the pipe joint body 1 or the fluid apparatus 1, and,
in the assembled state, the seal element portion y and the seal forming portion k are pressed against each other, and a diameter-contracted tube portion 4c which is in the tube end portion 4C, and which is fitted onto the base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface 3c, and the tubular screwing portion 1A are pressed against each other by a contact pressure which is lower than a contact pressure between the seal element portion y and the seal forming portion k, or separated from each other.
In the invention of claim 2, in the pipe-connecting device of claim 1, it is characterized in that a tip-end inner circumferential surface 8 which is in the tubular screwing portion 1A, and which is opposed to the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c is formed into a tip-expanded inner circumferential surface in which a uniform or substantially uniform gap is formed between the tip-end inner circumferential surface 8 and an outer circumferential surface of the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c.
In the invention of claim 3, in the pipe-connecting device of claim 1, it is characterized in that the seal forming portion k includes a tapered outer circumferential surface 18 or tapered inner circumferential surface 5 which is inclined with respect to the axis Y, and the seal element portion y includes an inclined inner circumferential surface 20 which is fitted onto the tapered outer circumferential surface 18, or an inclined outer circumferential surface 11 which is fitted into the tapered inner circumferential surface 5.
In the invention of claim 4, in the pipe-connecting device of claim 1, it is characterized in that the seal forming portion k includes an annular groove m or/and cylindrical part 27 which is formed in parallel to the axis Y, and the seal element portion y includes a cylindrical portion 14 that is press-inserted into the annular groove m or/and an annular groove portion 28 into which the cylindrical part 27 is press-inserted.
According to the invention of claim 1, in an assembled state where the union nut is fastened, the diameter-contracted tube portion and the tubular screwing portion are not butted against each other or are butted against each other at a low contact pressure, and therefore a state where the seal element portion of the inner ring, and the seal forming portion of the pipe joint body or the fluid apparatus are surely press-contacted with each other and sealing is achieved.
If, in accordance with the fastening of the union nut, the tubular screwing portion and the diameter-contracted tube portion which is fitted onto the base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface are hit each other before the seal element portion and the seal forming portion are butted against each other, the seal element portion and the seal forming portion are not butted against or lightly contacted with each other in the assembled state, and the tubular screwing portion and the diameter-contracted tube portion which is fitted onto the base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface are strongly press-contacted with each other. Therefore, there is a possibility that the seal due to the press contact between the seal element portion and the seal forming portion does not function. This is inconvenient.
In the invention, the diameter-contracted tube portion and the tubular screwing portion are pressed against each other by a contact pressure which is lower than the contact pressure between the seal element portion and the seal forming portion, or separated from each other. Therefore, the seal element portion and the seal forming portion are surely/satisfactorily press-contacted with each other, thereby producing a sealing function.
As a result, it is possible to provide a more improved pipe-connecting device in which a seal portion due to the basal end portion of the inner ring and the pipe joint body satisfactorily functions, and the tip-end portion of the inner ring is not excessively diameter-contracted and deformed.
According to the invention of claim 2, a uniform or substantially uniform gap is formed between the tip-expanded inner circumferential surface [a tip-end inner circumferential surface which is opposed to (i.e., outwardly surrounds) the diameter-contracted tube portion] which is the tip-end inner circumferential surface of the tubular screwing portion, and the outer circumferential surface of the diameter-contracted tube portion. As compared with the case where the both surfaces are lightly press-contacted with each other, therefore, the seal element portion and the seal forming portion are more surely and strongly press-contacted with each other. Therefore, there is an advantage that the above-described effects of the invention of claim 1 are enhanced.
Moreover, the seal element portion and the seal forming portion can have a configuration where, as in the invention of claim 3, the seal element portion is configured by an inclined inner circumferential surface or an inclined outer circumferential surface, and the seal forming portion is configured by a tapered outer circumferential surface or a tapered inner circumferential surface, or that where, as in the invention of claim 4, the seal element portion is configured by a cylindrical portion or an annular groove portion, and the seal forming portion is configured by an annular groove or a cylindrical part.
a) is a sectional view showing a state of a naturally contracted inner-circumferential flared surface of an inner circumferential portion of an end portion of the tube which appears as a result of that an end portion of the tube is flared and deformed by using a column that is formed so as to have the same diameter as a maximum-diameter portion of the inner ring, and
a) and 10(b) show troubled states of a conventional pipe-connecting device,
Hereinafter, embodiments of the pipe-connecting device of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In a pipe-connecting device A shown in
In the specification, it is defined that “tip end side” and “tip end” in components or the pipe joint body 1, the union nut 2, the inner ring 3, and the tube 4 indicate the side (or the direction) in which the tube 4 separates from the pipe joint body 1 in the direction of the axis Y in
As shown in
When the pipe joint body 1, the inner ring 3, and the tube 4 are made of the above-mentioned fluorine resin, the union nut 2 may be formed by a resin such as polyamide, polypropylene, or polyethylene. All of the pipe joint body 1, the union nut 2, the inner ring 3, and the tube 4 may be formed by a resin such as polyamide, polypropylene, or polyethylene.
As shown in
In the tubular screwing portion 1A, an external thread 7 is formed from the outer circumference of its tip end portion toward the basal end side, a tip-expanded inner circumferential surface [tip-end inner circumferential surface which is opposed to (i.e., outwardly surrounds) the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c in the tubular screwing portion 1A] 8 is formed on the inner circumference of its tip end portion, and a linear inner circumferential surface 9 having a constant diameter is formed on the basal end side of the tip-expanded inner circumferential surface 8.
A linear outer circumferential surface 10 having a constant diameter is formed on the radially outward side of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a, and an inclined inner circumferential surface (an example of “tapered outer circumferential surface”) 5 having a tip-expanded shape in which the diameter is gradually increased as further advancing toward the tip end side of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a is formed in a tip end portion on the radially inward side of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a.
A tubular annular groove m is formed between the outer circumferential surface 10 of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a and the inner circumferential surface 9 of the tubular screwing portion 1A.
As shown in
The inner diameter portion of the flange portion 12 is set as an inner circumferential surface 12a in which the diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 4 so that the tube 4 can pass therethrough. The basal end side of the flange portion 12 is configured as a tube pressing portion 12b that presses the tip-end side outer circumferential surface of the tube end portion 4C into which the inner ring 3 is press-inserted, in the direction of the axis Q of the union nut 2. In the outer circumference of the flange portion 12, six cut-shaped flat surfaces 2a which exhibit a substantially hexagonal shape as seen in the direction of the axis Q are formed so that turning by a spanner (wrench) is enabled.
The tube pressing portion 12b is formed as an inclined inner circumferential surface in which the base is widened so that the diameter is further increased as further approaching toward the side (basal end side) of the internal thread 13 in the direction of the axis Q. Specifically, the tube pressing portion 12b of the union nut 2 which clamps and presses the tube 4 with a tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring 3 is formed into an inclined inner circumferential surface which is inclined in the same direction as the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a with respect to the axis Q.
When the internal thread 13 is screwed with the external thread 7 of the tubular screwing portion 1A and the union nut 2 is screw-advanced, the tube pressing portion 12b presses the tip-end side outer circumferential surface of the tube end portion 4C of the tube 4 in the direction of the axis Q. The inner circumferential surface 12a of the flange portion 12 has a constant inner diameter, but may be formed into a tapered inner circumferential surface in which the inner diameter is gradually further increased as further separating from the internal thread 13.
As shown in
Inner circumferential portions 3w of the inner ring body 3A and the fitting tubular portion 3B are formed so as to have a constant diameter, and configured as a fluid passage.
In a tip end side of an outer circumferential portion 3G of the inner ring body 3A, a flared portion 3f is formed, and the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a is formed in the tip end side of the flared portion 3f. In the basal end side of the flared portion 3f, a base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface 3c in which the diameter is further reduced as further advancing toward the basal end is formed. A maximum-diameter portion 3b which is a portion having the largest diameter is formed between the base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface 3c and the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a. Then, a trunk outer-circumferential portion (trunk outer-circumferential surface) 3d having a constant outer diameter is formed on the side of the base end of the base-contracted diameter-contracted outer-circumferential surface 3c.
In the drawings of the application, the maximum-diameter portion 3b of the inner ring 3 is drawn to have a structure including a constant length in the direction of the axis P. Even in a structure corresponding to a boundary in which the maximum-diameter portion 3b is immediately changed to the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a and the base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface 3c, there is no technical difficulty.
The tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the flared portion 3f is formed into a convex curved surface in which the whole is radially outwardly convex, the maximum-diameter portion 3b is formed in the basal end side of the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a, and the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a and the maximum-diameter portion 3b are press-inserted into the tube end portion 4C, whereby the tube end portion 4C is deformed in a flared manner.
In a tip end portion of the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a, a base-contracted cut-shaped deformation preventing portion 16 is formed in which the diameter is further reduced as further advancing toward the basal end of the axis P of the inner ring body 3A. The deformation preventing portion 16 can substantially suppress or prevent a tip end portion of the flared portion 3f from, after the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a is press-inserted into the tube end portion 4C, diameter-reducing, deforming, and projecting in the radial inward direction (toward the fluid passage).
Furthermore, the deformation preventing portion 16 can prevent or suppress the tip end side of the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a from being further deformed and projected in the radial inward direction (toward the fluid passage) by the force and speed of the flow of the fluid.
In the fitting tubular portion 3B, a projecting cylindrical portion 14 which is press-inserted into the annular groove m of the pipe joint body 1, and an annular small projection 15 which is located in the radial inward side of the projecting cylindrical portion 14, and which includes an inclined outer circumferential surface 11 are formed. In a basal end side of the annular small projection 15, a tip-contracted cut-shaped deformation preventing portion 17 is formed in which the diameter is further reduced as further advancing toward the tip end of the axis P of the inner ring body 3A. The deformation preventing portion 17 can prevent the tip end side of the annular small projection 15 from deforming and projecting in the radial inward direction (toward the fluid passage).
The portion between the base-contracted inclined outer circumferential surface 11 of the annular small projection 15 and the inner circumferential surface 14a of the projecting cylindrical portion 14 is formed into an annular recess in which the base is expanded, and configured so that a tip end portion of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a of the pipe joint body 1 is fitted into the recess, and this fitting causes the inclined outer circumferential surface 11 of the annular small projection 15 and the inclined inner circumferential surface 5 of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a to be butted against each other.
In the tube 4, as shown in
In the state where the tube 4 is press-inserted into the inner ring 3, the diameter of an internal flow passage 4w configured by the inner circumferential surface 4A of the tube 4, that of the inner circumferential portion 3w constituting the fluid passage of the inner ring 3, and that of the inner circumferential surface 6 constituting the internal passage 6w of the pipe joint body 1 are set to have the same dimension and to be flush. However, the state is not limited to this.
In the tube 4, after the inner ring body 3A is press-inserted into the tube end portion 4C, the tube 4 having the inner ring is inserted and disposed into the tubular screwing portion 1A.
As shown in
This pressing causes the projecting cylindrical portion 14 of the inner ring 3 to be press-inserted into the annular groove m of the pipe joint body 1, and the inclined outer circumferential surface 11 of the inner ring 3 to be butted against and press-contacted with the inclined inner circumferential surface 5 of the pipe joint body 1. Alternatively, the pressing causes the projecting cylindrical portion 14 which is light pushed into the annular groove m by the insertion of the tube 4 having the inner ring into the tubular screwing portion 1A, to be further forcedly pushed and press-inserted, and the inclined outer circumferential surface 11 of the inner ring 3 to be butted against and press-contacted with the inclined inner circumferential surface 5 of the pipe joint body 1.
When, as described above, the union nut 2 is fastened in a state where the tube 4 having the inner ring 3 is inserted into the tubular screwing portion 1A, and the pipe-connecting device A is set to a connection state (assembled state), a first seal portion S1 and a second seal portion S2 are formed.
That is, the first seal portion S1 is formed by press contact between the tip-contracted press-contact portion 4a of the tube 4 and the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring body 3A.
By the press insertion between the inner ring 3 and the tube 4, the maximum flared press-contact portion 4b of the tube 4 and the maximum-diameter portion 3b of the inner ring body 3A are press-contacted with each other, the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c of the tube 4 and the base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface 3c of the inner ring body 3A are press-contacted with each other, and the trunk press-contact portion 4d of the tube 4 and the trunk outer circumferential portion 3d of the inner ring body 3A are press-contacted with each other. These press contact states between the tip-contracted press-contact portion 4a and the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a, the maximum flared press-contact portion 4b and the maximum-diameter portion 3b, the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c and the base-contracted diameter-contracted outer circumferential surface 3c, and the trunk press-contact portion 4d and the trunk outer circumferential portion 3d are sometimes enhanced by fastening of the union nut 2.
The second seal portion S2 is a seal portion configured by a press-insertion seal portion as on the side of the outer circumferential side, and a butt seal portion is on the side of the inner circumferential side.
The press-insertion seal portion as is a seal portion formed by: press contact between the outer circumferential surface of the fitting tubular portion 3B of the inner ring 3, specifically, an outer circumferential surface 14b of the projecting cylindrical portion 14 (an example of the seal element portion y) and the inner circumferential surface 9 (an example of the seal forming portion k) in the basal end side of the tubular screwing portion 1A of the pipe joint body 1; and that between the inner circumferential surface of the fitting tubular portion 3B, specifically, the inner circumferential surface 14a of the projecting cylindrical portion 14 (an example of the seal element portion y) and the outer circumferential surface 10 of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a (an example of the seal forming portion k) of the pipe joint body 1.
The butt seal portion is is a seal portion formed by press contact due to mutual pressing in the direction of the axis Y between the inclined outer circumferential surface 11 of the annular small projection 15 (an example of the seal element portion y) of the inner ring 3, and the inclined inner circumferential surface 5 of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a of the pipe joint body 1.
When the first seal portion S1 and the second seal portion S2 are configured, the fluid flowing through the tube 4, the inner ring 3, and the pipe joint body 1 is prevented from, due to entering contact surfaces of the tube 4 and the inner ring 3 or those of the inner ring 3 and the pipe joint body 1, leaking from between the tubular screwing portion 1A of the pipe joint body 1 and the tube end portion 4C, and a perfect seal is attained.
In the assembled state, as shown in
If, in accordance with the fastening of the union nut 2, the tip-expanded inner circumferential surface 8 and the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c are hit each other before the inclined outer circumferential surface 11 and the inclined inner circumferential surface 5 are butted against each other, the inclined outer circumferential surface 11 and the inclined inner circumferential surface 5 are not butted against each other or lightly contacted with each other in the assembled state, and the tip-expanded inner circumferential surface 8 and the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c are strongly press-contacted with each other. Therefore, there is a possibility that the butt seal portion ts (second seal portion S2) does not function. This is disadvantageous.
In the invention, therefore, the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c and the tubular screwing portion 1A have the configuration where they are pressed against each other at a contact pressure which is lower than that between the seal element portion y and the seal forming portion k, or, as in the embodiment, separated from each other. Therefore, the butt seal portion ts (second seal portion S2) surely/satisfactorily functions.
The first seal portion S1, specifically, a tip-end press-contact portion which is the press-contact portion between the tip-contracted press-contact portion 4a of the tube 4 and the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring body 3A is configured in the following manner.
As shown in
The natural tip-contracted inner circumferential flared surface 4u, and the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a which is larger in diameter than the tip-contracted inner circumferential flared surface 4u, and which is formed into a convex curved surface will be described with further reference to
In a column 30 shown in
Usually, the shape and dimensions of the natural tip-contracted inner circumferential flared surface 4u are varied depending on differences in material, thickness t4, flare amount [(D−d)/2], and the like of the tube 4. Each time when one of the material, thickness t4, and flare amount of the tube 4 is made different, the characteristics (shape and dimensions) of the tube are changed.
By contrast to the natural tip-contracted inner circumferential flared surface 4u, as shown in
Because of the existence of the tip-end press-contact portion, a wide range of the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring 3 is in contact with the inner circumferential portion of the tube end portion 4C, and a press-contact portion which is so wide as to extend over the whole of the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring can be formed between the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring 3 and the inner circumferential portion of the tube 4.
Therefore, a further effect is attained in which, even when the inner ring 3 is press-inserted into the tube 4 while being somewhat inclined to each other, the press-contact portion which is formed between the tube end portion 4C and the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring 3 is not interrupted, and a substantially whole of the portion in the circumferential direction is surely press-contacted, whereby a situation where the fluid penetrates therebetween from the tip end side of the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a can be effectively prevented from occurring.
In the pipe-connecting device A of the embodiment, the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring body 3A is formed as a spherical convex curved surface so as to be relatively largely convex, and, because of the elasticity of the resin, the shape of a natural flared deformed portion 4H of the tube 4 is usually formed into a shape such as shown in
Even in the case where the natural flared deformed portion 4H is flared in a concave curved surface-like manner or in a linear manner, therefore, the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a and the tip-contracted press-contact portion 4a can be set to a press-contact state without increasing the dimension of the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a in the direction of the axis P.
Next, the pressing structure due to the union nut 2 in the first seal portion S1 will be described.
As described above, the tube pressing portion 12b which clamps and presses the tube 4 with the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the union nut 2 is formed into the inclined inner circumferential surface which is inclined in the same direction as the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a with respect to the axis Y of the tubular screwing portion 1A. More specifically, the pressing angle θ which is the angle of the inclined inner circumferential surface 12b with respect to the axis Y (axis Q in
In
A diameter related to the axis Y (axis Q in
In the tip-end press-contact portion, by fastening (screw advancement) caused by turning of the union nut 2, the inclined inner circumferential surface 12b is caused to press in the direction of the axis Y the tip-contracted press-contact portion 4a which is press-contacted with and fitted onto the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a. In this configuration, the tube 4 is pressed by a wide surface. Therefore, the pressure (surface pressure) of the portion which presses the tube 4 can be explicitly reduced as compared with the conventional structure where pressing is performed by a pointed edge (see “pressing edge 3C” in FIGS. 1 and 2 of Patent Literature 1). Consequently, it is possible to reduce the creep phenomenon.
In summary, the seal performance and the security against the slipping off of the tube are not impaired, and a strong fastening work is not required. Therefore, the workability is largely improved, and the deformation can be suppressed to the minimum level (or as far as possible), whereby the life of a product can be prolonged.
According to the pipe-connecting device A of Embodiment 1, because of the above-described configuration of the tip-end press-contact portion, the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring 3 and the tube end portion 4C are already in close contact with each other prior to fastening of the union nut 2. Even when the pressing force applied by the union nut 2 is weaker than that in the prior art, therefore, sufficient seal and tube slipping-off preventing performances are obtained in the first seal portion S1. Consequently, the deformation of the tube end portion 4C due to pressing can be reduced (minimized).
According to the pipe-connecting device A of Embodiment 1, the pressing angle θ is set to be larger than the pressure receiving angle α. In the portion which is in the tip-contracted press-contact portion 4a, and which is pressed by the inclined inner circumferential surface 12b, therefore, the amount of compression is further increased as closer to the side opposite to the pipe joint body 1 in the direction of the axis Y (axis X), whereby a wedge action is produced, and the effect of preventing the tube 4 from slipping off can be further enhanced.
When a pulling force in the direction of extracting the tube 4 from the pipe joint body 1 acts on the tube, namely, the tube 4 is more strongly clamped between the inner ring 3 which is conjointly pulled, and the inclined inner circumferential surface 12b. In the tube 4, therefore, a wedge action is produced also in the pulling direction.
The minimum diameter r of the inclined inner circumferential surface 12b is set to be equal to or larger than the minimum diameter n of the press fitting portion M which is the portion where the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a and the tube 4 are in close contact with each other. Therefore, a wasted operation of pressing a portion where the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a and the tube end portion 4C are not in close contact with each other, i.e., an unnecessary pressing force is not applied. The fastening by the union nut 2 can be efficiently performed. In other words, the union nut 2 can be fastened by a force which is smaller than that in the prior art.
In this case, when a configuration where θ>α and r≧n is employed, in the portion of the inclined inner circumferential surface 12b which is caused to press the tube end portion 4C by screw advancement of the union nut 2, the part which applies the strongest pressing force is in the vicinity of or in the minimum-diameter portion of the inclined inner circumferential surface 12b in the press fitting portion M. Therefore, there is an advantage that the effect of preventing slipping off of the tube 4 by the wedge action, and that of reducing the force of fastening the union nut 2 are synergistically enhanced.
In addition, the second seal portion S2 is formed by press contact between the seal element portion y which is formed in the basal end side of the inner ring 3, and the seal forming portion k which is disposed in the pipe joint body 1, and the first and second seal portions S1, S2 provide a sufficient seal performance.
The pipe-connecting device A of the invention is configured so that, in the assembled state, the tip-expanded inner circumferential surface 8 of the pipe joint body 1 and the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c of the tube 4 are not butted or very lightly butted even when they are butted against each other, and the first seal portion S1 and the second seal portion S2 surely function.
That is, the first seal portion S1 blocks the fluid from oozing between the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring 3 and the tube 4, and the second seal portion S2 blocks the fluid from oozing between the fitting tubular portion 3B of the inner ring 3, and the small-diameter tubular portion 1a and annular groove m of the pipe joint body 1. When the first and second seal portions S1, S2 surely function, oozing of the fluid between the inner ring 3 and the tubular screwing portion 1A, the inner ring 3 and the tube end portion 4C, and the tubular screwing portion 1A and the tube end portion 4C does not occur.
If, in the assembled state, the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c and the tip-expanded inner circumferential surface 8 are press-contacted with each other to impart the sealing function to the press-contact portion, the pressing force due to the fastening of the union nut 2 is scattered, the press contact forces acting on the first seal portion S1 and the second seal portion S2 are correspondingly reduced, and there is a possibility that the sealing force of the entire pipe-connecting device may be reduced.
In the pipe-connecting device A of the invention, however, the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c and the tip-expanded inner circumferential surface 8 are not press-contacted with each other in the assembled state, and therefore the press contact force acts concentrically on the first seal portion S1 and the second seal portion S2, with the result that the sealing force of the entire pipe-connecting device can be maximally exerted.
From the above, the pipe-connecting device A can be configured in which, in the assembled state, in the configuration where a gap can be formed between the diameter-contracted tube portion 4c and the tip-expanded inner circumferential surface 8, or that where the elements are hit each other at a degree by which a press contact force is not produced, the first and second seal portions S1, S2 can function more surely and a more perfect seal is attained than in the configuration where the two elements 4c, 8 are butted against each other.
The tube pressing portion 12b of the union nut 2 is configured as a tapered surface as described above, or alternatively may be configured as an arcuate surface which forms a surface contact along the outer circumferential surface of the tip-contracted press contact portion 4a in the tube end portion 4C that covers the tip-contracted outer-circumferential flared surface 3a of the inner ring 3.
As shown in
In the fitting tubular portion 3B of the inner ring 3, namely, the outer circumferential surface 3e, the inner circumferential portion 3w, and an inclined inner circumferential surface 20 which is in the rear end surface, and in which the diameter is further contracted as further advancing toward the tip end side of the inner ring 3 are formed. In the pipe joint body 1, by contrast, the tip-contracted small-diameter tubular portion 1a having a tapered outer circumferential surface 18 in which the diameter is further reduced as advancing toward the tip end of the pipe joint body 1 is formed on the radially inward side of the root portion (basal end side) of the tubular screwing portion 1A. A tip-expanded annular groove 19 into which the basal end side of the fitting tubular portion 3B is to be fitted is formed between the tapered outer circumferential surface 18 of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a and the inner circumferential surface 9 of the tubular screwing portion 1A.
In the tip end portion of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a, the tip end side of the small-diameter tubular portion 1a is deformed and projected in the radial inward direction (toward the fluid path), thereby forming a cut-shaped deformation preventing portion 21 for preventing the fluid from entering and staying.
The assembly situation in the pipe-connecting device A of Embodiment 2 is as follows. The union nut 2 is screwed and advanced by fastening to the tubular screwing portion 1A of the pipe joint body 1, and the tip-end side outer circumferential surface (outer circumferential surface of the tip-contracted press-contact portion 4a) of the tube end portion 4C is pressed in the direction of the axis Y by the tube pressing portion 12b of the union nut 2.
This causes the rear end portion of the fitting tubular portion 3B of the inner ring 3 to be press-inserted into the annular groove 19 of the pipe joint body 1, and the tapered outer circumferential surface 18 (an example of the seal forming portion k) of the pipe joint body 1 and the inclined inner circumferential surface 20 (an example of the seal element portion y) of the inner ring 3 to be butted against and press-contacted with each other, and the second seal portion S2 is formed.
In order to enable the inclined inner circumferential surface 20 of the fitting tubular portion 3B to butt against the tapered outer circumferential surface 18 of the annular groove 19 so that the second seal portion S2 can regularly function, it is preferred that the end surface of the basal end side of the fitting tubular portion 3B is formed into a cut-shaped butting avoiding portion 25 which separates from the annular groove 19 in the direction of the axis Y.
When a pulling force in the direction of extracting the tube 4 from the pipe joint body 1 acts on the tube, in the second seal portion S2 in Embodiment 2, the inclined inner circumferential surface 20 and the tapered outer circumferential surface 18 separate from each other, and there is a possibility that the sealing function is lowered or deactivated. By contrast, the second seal portion S2 in Embodiment 1 having the outer circumference-side press-insertion seal portion as configured by the projecting cylindrical portion 14 and the annular groove m is advantageous in that, even when the projecting cylindrical portion 14 is somewhat pulled and moved in conjunction with the pulled movement of the tube 4, the press fitting state of the annular groove m and the projecting cylindrical portion 14 is maintained, and therefore the sealing function is ensured.
The connection of the tube 4 and the pipe joint body 1 by using the inner ring 3 in the pipe-connecting device A of Embodiment 2 is similar to the configuration of the pipe-connecting device A of Embodiment 1 shown in
As shown in
That is, the outer circumferential surface 3e of the fitting tubular portion 3B is slightly smaller in diameter than the inner circumferential surface 9 of the tubular screwing portion 1A, and a plurality of annular ridges 26 which project in a ring-like manner from the outer circumferential surface 3e toward the radially outward side are formed in a manner in which they are separated from each other in the direction of the axis Y. The others are identical with those of the pipe-connecting device of Embodiment 1. In this case, the plurality of annular ridges and the inner circumferential surface 9 are press-contacted with each other, and the sealing function can be exerted in each of the annular ridges 26.
As shown in
As shown in
An outer circumferential cylindrical portion 32 which is fitted into the outer circumferential groove 29, an annular groove portion 28 into which the cylindrical part 27 is fitted, and a small-diameter cylindrical portion 31 including the inclined inner circumferential surface 20 which is press-contacted with the tapered outer circumferential surface 18 formed on the small-diameter tubular portion 1a are formed in the basal end portion of the inner ring 3.
That is, the press-insertion seal portion as on the side of the outer circumference is formed by the seal element portion y which is the annular groove portion 28, and the seal forming portion k which is the cylindrical portion 27, and the butt seal portion ts on the side of the inner circumference is formed by the seal element portion y which is the inclined inner circumferential surface 20, and the seal forming portion k which is the tapered outer circumferential surface 18. The second seal portion S2 is configured by the press-insertion seal portion as on the side of the outer circumference, and the butt seal portion ts on the side of the inner circumference.
The portions constituting the seal element portion y in the pipe joint body 1, and those constituting the seal forming portion k in the inner ring 3 may be formed in the respective opposite members. Namely, the outer circumferential cylindrical portion, the annular groove portion, and the small-diameter tubular portion may be formed in the side of the pipe joint body 1, and the outer circumferential groove, the cylindrical part, and the small-diameter tubular portion may be formed in the side of the inner ring 3.
The configuration other than the second seal portion S2 is identical with that of the pipe-connecting device A of Embodiment 1 shown in
It is assumed that the fluid transfer tube 4 which is a sealing object in the pipe-connecting device A includes a tube-like portion (tubular screwing portion 1A) that is projected from another pipe joint body, or a fluid apparatus such as a pump or a valve. In the pipe-connecting device A of the invention, a fluid apparatus 1 may be used as a component element in place of the pipe joint body 1. Namely, the apparatus may be a pump, a valve, or the like in which the tubular screwing portion 1A is integrated with a case. Such a pump, a valve, and the like are generally defined as the fluid apparatus 1.
In
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-098313 | May 2013 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2014/058003 | 3/24/2014 | WO | 00 |
