Nut-rotating jig and screw-rotating method

Abstract

A pipe joint nut, a pipe joint, a fluid pressure device and a fluid control system, a nut-rotating jig, and a screw-rotating method. A pipe joint nut (40, 42) formed of a resin material has a large-diameter cylindrical portion (170) having an internally threaded portion (178) engraved in an inner peripheral wall, and a small-diameter cylindrical portion (172) provided continuously with the large-diameter cylindrical portion (170) and formed hollow and in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the large-diameter cylindrical portion (170). A plurality of engagement grooves (186) that are recessed toward the diameter direction inner side of the small-diameter cylindrical portion (172) and extend in a length direction orthogonal to the diameter direction are formed in the outer peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion (172).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the following patent application:

[0002] Application Number: 202011038931.2

[0003] Application date: September 28, 2020

[0004] Invention Title: Nut for Pipe Fittings, Pipe Fittings, Fluid Pressure Equipment and Fluid Control System, Clamp for Nut Rotation and Helical Rotation Method Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to a nut for connecting a pipe for allowing fluid flow to a fitting body, a fitting consisting of the fitting body and the nut, a fluid pressure device including the fitting, a fluid control system including a plurality of the fluid pressure devices, a nut-rotating clamp preferably used to rotate the nut helically, and a method for rotating the nut helically. Background Technology

[0006] For example, in semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and food processing facilities, high-purity pharmaceutical solutions and ultrapure water are supplied from a source. Here, a flow control valve, a type of fluid pressure device, is installed in the piping. A fluid supply pipe is connected between the supply source and the flow control valve, and a fluid discharge pipe is connected between the flow control valve and the manufacturing or processing facility. The fluid supply pipe or fluid discharge pipe is connected to the flow control valve via a pipe fitting.

[0007] The pipe fitting is constructed by engaging an external thread engraved on the outer peripheral wall of the second fitting member with an internal thread engraved on the inner peripheral wall of the first fitting member. As is well known, the engagement of the external thread with the internal thread is achieved by rotating the first fitting member or the second fitting member using a suitable tool such as a screwdriver or wrench.

[0008] Recently, in order to achieve compactness in manufacturing equipment, multiple flow control valves may be centrally located. In this case, the pipe fittings installed at each flow control valve become densely packed. Under such circumstances, when a tool is turned to install a fluid supply or discharge pipe onto the flow control valve, the tool may interfere with other pipe fittings. This makes it difficult to further rotate the inner or outer nut; in other words, it makes tightening difficult. For the same reason, it is also difficult to rotate the inner or outer nut in the opposite direction to disengage them.

[0009] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-148319 discloses a threaded connector (pipe fitting) for eliminating the aforementioned problems. This threaded connector includes an inner nut as a first connector component and an outer nut as a second connector component. The inner nut includes a torque-applying portion that is hexagonal in shape when viewed from a direction orthogonal to its axis and a cylindrical portion with internal threads etched on its inner circumferential wall at its maximum outer diameter. The outer nut includes a cylindrical portion with external threads etched on its outer circumferential wall and a fixing portion that is hexagonal in shape when viewed from a direction orthogonal to its axis. The distance between opposite sides of the torque-applying portion and the fixing portion is set to be shorter than the outer diameter of the maximum outer diameter portion. Furthermore, a flow pipe for fluid flow passes through sleeves respectively housed in the inner and outer nuts.

[0010] In this structure, even when the pipe fittings are close together, the distance between adjacent torque-applying parts or fixing parts is greater than the distance between the largest outer diameter parts. As described above, this is because the distance between the opposite edges of the torque-applying and fixing parts is shorter than the outer diameter of the largest outer diameter part. Therefore, by clamping the torque-applying or fixing part with a tool and rotating the tool (applying torque to the torque-applying or fixing part), the inner or outer nut can be rotated. In either case, the engagement or disengagement of the external and internal threads is achieved.

[0011] Referring to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-148319 Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As can be seen, in the fluid supply system described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-148319, the supply / discharge pipe for supplying / discharging the pilot fluid that causes the flow control valve to open and close is located in a completely different location from the location where the fluid supply pipe and fluid discharge pipe are located. In contrast, it is assumed that the supply / discharge pipe is arranged parallel to the fluid supply pipe, or the supply / discharge pipe is arranged parallel to the fluid discharge pipe. In this case, when the flow control valve is centrally located, the supply / discharge pipes will inevitably be densely packed. Therefore, when the tool is rotated as described above, the tool is prone to interfering with the supply / discharge pipe. Consequently, it is difficult to further rotate the inner or outer nut; in other words, it is difficult to tighten it. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The main objective of this invention is to provide a pipe fitting nut that can be easily tightened even in a small space, such as when supply and drainage pipes are arranged side by side or when a component is arranged relative to the top surface of the supply and drainage pipes; a pipe fitting configured to include the pipe fitting nut; a fluid pressure device to which a pipe is connected via the pipe fitting; a fluid control system including multiple such fluid pressure devices; a preferred nut-rotating clamp for tightening by rotating the pipe fitting nut; and a helical rotation method for the pipe fitting nut using the nut-rotating clamp.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a nut for a pipe fitting made of resin material is provided, wherein the nut for the pipe fitting has an internal thread portion that engages with an external thread portion engraved on the outer peripheral wall of a fitting body made of resin material, and the nut for the pipe fitting has:

[0014] A hollow, large-diameter cylindrical section, with the aforementioned internal thread engraved on its inner circumferential wall; and

[0015] The small-diameter cylindrical section is continuously disposed from the large-diameter cylindrical section, and is formed as a hollow cylinder with a smaller diameter than the large-diameter cylindrical section. An insertion hole is formed on the top surface of the small-diameter cylindrical section for the pipe (150) to be inserted.

[0016] Multiple engaging grooves are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion. These multiple engaging grooves are recessed toward the inner side of the small-diameter cylindrical portion in the diameter direction and extend along the length direction orthogonal to the diameter direction.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a pipe fitting is provided, which is configured to include the aforementioned pipe fitting nut.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid pressure device is provided in which at least one of a fluid supply pipe or a fluid discharge pipe for fluid flow, or a pilot fluid flow pipe for pilot fluid flow, is connected via the aforementioned pipe fitting.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid control system is provided, which comprises a plurality of fluid pressure devices configured to include the aforementioned nut for pipe fittings arranged in parallel.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a nut-rotating clamp is provided for rotating a nut, the nut-rotating clamp having:

[0021] An arc-shaped attachment portion, which has an opening and is arc-shaped, is attached to the nut; and

[0022] The handle portion is connected to the arc-shaped attachment portion and extends in a straight line.

[0023] One or more claw portions are provided on the inner surface of the arc-shaped attachment portion, and the claw portions protrude towards the nut.

[0024] Furthermore, after the opening is widened, the arc-shaped attachment exhibits elasticity in the closing direction.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for helically rotating a nut for a pipe fitting is provided. The nut for the pipe fitting is rotated using the aforementioned nut-rotating clamp, thereby screwing the nut for the pipe fitting onto or off the fitting body. In this method for helically rotating the nut for the pipe fitting...

[0026] While widening the opening formed in the arc-shaped attachment portion constituting the nut rotation clamp using the pipe fitting nut, the pipe fitting nut is inserted into the opening.

[0027] The claw portion formed on the inner sidewall of the arc-shaped attachment portion engages with the engaging groove formed on the outer peripheral wall of the pipe fitting nut, and when the pipe fitting nut finishes entering the opening, the elasticity of the arc-shaped attachment portion closes the opening, thus attaching the arc-shaped attachment portion to the pipe fitting nut.

[0028] Then, a torque is applied to the pipe fitting nut via the shank of the clamp that forms the nut rotation fixture, thereby rotating the pipe fitting nut.

[0029] According to the present invention, a smaller diameter cylindrical section, which has a smaller diameter than the larger diameter cylindrical section, is continuously provided with the larger diameter cylindrical section. Since multiple engaging grooves are formed in the smaller diameter cylindrical section, the operator rotating the pipe fitting nut only needs to engage the claw of the nut-rotating clamp with the engaging groove, and then apply torque to the smaller diameter cylindrical section by rotating the nut-rotating clamp. Consequently, the pipe fitting nut can be easily rotated.

[0030] Even when the large-diameter cylinder sections are adjacent to each other in a close manner, a larger gap is formed between the smaller-diameter cylinder sections compared to the large-diameter cylinder sections. It becomes easy to insert a nut-rotating clamp through this gap, and then engage the nut-rotating clamp with the smaller-diameter cylinder section as described above. Therefore, even in confined spaces, torque can be applied to the smaller-diameter cylinder section to rotate the pipe fitting nut. As a result, it becomes easy to forcefully engage the internal and external threads, and conversely, to disengage the internal and external threads.

[0031] Furthermore, after the opening is widened, the arc-shaped attachment of the nut-rotating clamp exhibits elasticity that acts in the closing direction. Therefore, when attaching the arc-shaped attachment to a nut such as a pipe fitting nut, it is sufficient to simply widen the opening while inserting the nut into the arc-shaped attachment. Thus, even in confined spaces, the arc-shaped attachment can be easily attached to the nut.

[0032] The above-described objectives, features, and advantages can be readily understood through the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 It is a general three-dimensional diagram of the fluid control system.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic three-dimensional view of the first pneumatic valve constituting the fluid control system.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the fluid control system.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the first pneumatic valve.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic 3D view of the key parts after the first nut has been removed from the valve body.

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of key parts.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of a key part showing the state in which the arc-shaped attachment (small semicircular ring) that applies torque to the small-diameter cylindrical part of the clamp (first tool) for rotating the nut is fitted onto the small-diameter cylindrical part.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of the key parts when using a second tool to tighten (tighten) a nut for a pipe fitting with an outer diameter that is approximately constant along the length direction, in the prior art.

[0041] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The key parts of the shown state are outlined in the main view.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view of the key parts when the nut (first nut) of the pipe joint is tightened (tightened) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The key parts of the shown state are outlined in the main view.

[0044] Figure 12This is a schematic perspective view of a key part of the pipe material in which a second tool for rotation is inserted between the pipe fitting nuts when they are facing each other in the prior art.

[0045] Figure 13 It means from Figure 12 A schematic three-dimensional view of the key parts of the pipe fitting with a nut, showing the state in which the second tool is displaced and externally embedded in one side.

[0046] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view of the key parts when one of the pipe fitting nuts (the first nut) is rotated, with the pipe fitting nuts (the first nut) facing each other in this embodiment.

[0047] Figure 15 It is the valve section from Figure 4 A schematic longitudinal sectional view of the first pneumatic valve in the open state, after it leaves the valve seat.

[0048] Figure 16 This is a general perspective view of a fluid control system constructed using a positioning and fixing component (end plate) without protrusions.

[0049] Figure 17 It means in Figure 16 In the structure shown, using Figure 8 The main view shows the key part of the pipe fitting with a nut, and the state of the central pipe fitting with the nut being helically rotated using a second tool.

[0050] Figure 18 It means in Figure 16 The key part of the structure shown is the front view of the state in which the first nut is used and the central first nut is helically rotated by the first tool. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, a detailed description will be given of the relationship between a pipe fitting provided in the fluid pressure device and configured to include a pipe fitting nut, a nut-rotating clamp for rotating the pipe fitting nut, and a helical rotation method of the pipe fitting nut using the nut-rotating clamp, and the following: Figure 4 and Figure 15 The bottom and top are shown in the diagram, but this is an appropriate setting to facilitate understanding and does not limit the direction when actually using the fluid pressure equipment. In addition, each pipe that supplies fluid and pilot fluid is shown as a cross-section.

[0052] First of all, Figure 1The fluid control system 10 shown will be described below. This fluid control system 10 includes a first pneumatic valve 14a to a third pneumatic valve 14c, which are respectively positioned and fixed on the base 12. These first pneumatic valves 14a to third pneumatic valves 14c are pneumatic devices (fluid pressure devices) that operate using compressed air as a pilot fluid, and function as flow control valves to control the flow rate of fluids such as high-purity pharmaceutical solutions and ultrapure water.

[0053] The first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c are normally closed valves that are closed when the pilot pressure is not applied. When the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c are open, fluid flows from the A1 side to the A2 side. Hereinafter, the direction from A1 to A2 will be referred to as the "flow direction". Therefore, the "upstream side of the flow direction" is the A1 side, and the "downstream side of the flow direction" is the A2 side.

[0054] The first pneumatic valve 14a is described below. (See the schematic perspective view as an example.) Figure 2 As shown, the first pneumatic valve 14a comprises, sequentially from the side closest to the base 12 (a designated component): an end plate 20 (a positioning and fixing component), a valve body 22, a first housing 24, and a second housing 26. The first pneumatic valve 14a is formed into a longitudinally elongated, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape by connecting these end plates 20, valve bodies 22, first housings 24, and second housings 26 on the same axis. Furthermore, the end plates 20, valve bodies 22, first housings 24, and second housings 26 are all formed of resin material. Preferred examples of resin materials include fluorinated compound resins with excellent chemical resistance and heat resistance, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and perfluoroalkoxyalkanes.

[0055] As shown in the schematic top view of the fluid control system 10 Figure 3 As shown, a first protrusion 28 is formed on one side of the end plate 20 of the first pneumatic valve 14a, protruding in a direction B1 orthogonal to the flow direction. The first protrusion 28 is integrally formed with the end plate 20 at a position biased towards the A2 side. Furthermore, a second protrusion 30 is formed on the other side, which is the back side of this first side, protruding in a direction B2, which is opposite to the B1 direction. The second protrusion 30 is integrally formed with the end plate 20 at a position biased towards the A1 side. That is, the first protrusion 28 and the second protrusion 30 protrude in opposite directions at points symmetrically positioned within the end plate 20. As a result, the first protrusion 28 and the second protrusion 30 are arranged in a so-called staggered configuration.

[0056] The first protrusion portion 28 and the second protrusion portion 30 are respectively formed with a first elongated hole 32 and a second elongated hole 34, which are through holes extending along their thickness direction. By passing the screw portion of the mounting screw 36 through these first elongated holes 32 and second elongated holes 34 and screwing the screw portion into the screw hole formed in the base 12, the first pneumatic valve 14a is positioned and fixed to the base 12.

[0057] A first nut 40 and a second nut 42, which serve as pipe fitting nuts in this embodiment, are respectively installed on the A1 side end face and the A2 side end face of the valve body 22, thereby forming a first pipe fitting portion 44 and a second pipe fitting portion 46 (both are pipe fittings). These first pipe fitting portions 44 and second pipe fitting portions 46 will be described in detail below.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the first pneumatic valve 14a. Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of key parts showing the state where the first nut 40 has been removed from the valve body 22. (See these examples.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a first connector body 48 protrudes from the A1 side end face of the valve body 22, and a second connector body 50 protrudes from the A2 side end face. The first connector body 48 extends towards the A1 side, and the second connector body 50 extends towards the A2 side. That is, the first connector body 48 and the second connector body 50 extend along the flow direction. Obviously, the first connector body 48 and the second connector body 50 are integrally formed with respect to the valve body 22. In other words, the first connector body 48 and the second connector body 50 are part of the valve body 22, and therefore are formed of resin material.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, an inlet flow path 52, a valve chamber 54, and an outlet flow path 56 are formed inside the valve body 22. The inlet flow path 52 extends from the top end of the first connector body 48 on the A1 side to the valve chamber 54 and opens towards the valve chamber 54. A valve seat 58 is provided near this opening. On the other hand, the outlet flow path 56 extends from the valve chamber 54 to the top end of the second connector body 50 on the A2 side. That is, the inlet flow path 52 and the outlet flow path 56 are connected via the valve chamber 54.

[0060] Inside the valve body 22, a first cylindrical wall portion 60 and a second cylindrical wall portion 62 are provided, extending toward the first housing 24, to form a valve chamber 54 around the valve seat 58. An annular groove 64 is formed between the first cylindrical wall portion 60 and the second cylindrical wall portion 62. The outer edge of a diaphragm 66 is inserted into this annular groove 64. A valve portion 68 is formed protruding from the lower surface of the radial center of the diaphragm 66 toward the valve seat 58. By having the valve portion 68 sit on the valve seat 58, the communication between the inlet flow path 52 and the valve chamber 54 is cut off. In addition, a generally cylindrical engaging protrusion 70 is formed on the upper surface of the radial center of the diaphragm 66, protruding toward the first housing 24.

[0061] Furthermore, the A1-side end and the A2-side end of the outer peripheral wall of the second cylinder wall 62 are integrally connected to the generally rectangular outer wall of the valve body 22.

[0062] On the lower surface of the first housing 24 facing the valve body 22, an annular protrusion 72 is formed at a position opposite to the first cylindrical wall portion 60. This annular protrusion 72 inserts into the inner side of the second cylindrical wall portion 62 and, together with the first cylindrical wall portion 60, clamps the outer edge of the diaphragm 66. This clamping holds the diaphragm 66 between the valve body 22 and the first housing 24. On the other hand, on the upper surface facing the second housing 26, an annular engaging portion 74 with a larger diameter than the annular protrusion 72 is formed.

[0063] The first housing 24 is a hollow body, and its inner chamber is divided into a lower chamber 80 and an upper chamber 82 by a partition wall 76. The horizontal cross-section of the lower chamber 80 and the upper chamber 82 along the flow direction is approximately circular, and the upper chamber 82 has a larger diameter than the lower chamber 80. Furthermore, the lower chamber 80 is separated from the valve chamber 54 by a diaphragm 66. In other words, the diaphragm 66 cuts off the communication between the lower chamber 80 and the valve chamber 54. In addition, a breathing port 84 communicating with the lower chamber 80 is formed on the A2 side end face of the first housing 24. On the other hand, a first pilot port 86 communicating with the upper chamber 82 is formed on the A1 side end face of the first housing 24.

[0064] A first guide tube portion 88 is integrally provided in the partition wall 76. The lower end and the upper end of the first guide tube portion 88 protrude into the lower chamber 80 and the upper chamber 82, respectively. The first guide tube portion 88 is formed by a cylindrical part, which has a first guide hole 90 extending along its axial direction.

[0065] The second guide cylinder portion 92 and the third cylinder wall portion 94 protrude from the inner surface of the top wall of the second housing 26 toward the first housing 24. An annular first recess 96 is formed between the second guide cylinder portion 92 and the third cylinder wall portion 94. An annular second recess 98 is formed between the third cylinder wall portion 94 and the generally rectangular outer wall of the second housing 26. The first recess 96 houses most of the return spring 100, while an annular engaging portion 74 is inserted into the second recess 98. A second pilot port 102 is formed on the A1 side end face of the second housing 26. The first recess 96 and the second pilot port 102 are connected via a connecting flow path 104 that penetrates the third cylinder wall portion 94.

[0066] A valve stem 110 is housed in the first housing 24 and the second housing 26, and a piston portion 108 is integrally formed on the valve stem 110. The lower end of the return spring 100 rests on the upper end face of the piston portion 108, thereby always elastically applying force to the valve stem 110 towards the valve seat 58. As will be described later, the valve stem 110 is displaced by the pressure (pilot pressure) of the pilot fluid on the piston portion 108. Furthermore, a slight gap is formed between the longer side peripheral wall of the piston portion 108 and the inner peripheral wall of the upper chamber 82, but the two walls are sealed by an annular sealing member 126.

[0067] Additionally, the valve stem 110 also includes: a first shaft portion 112 protruding from the lower end face of the piston portion 108, a second shaft portion 114 protruding from the upper end face of the piston portion 108, and a third shaft portion 116 of a small diameter connected to the second shaft portion 114 and extending toward the top wall of the second housing 26. A locking hole 118 is formed in the first shaft portion 112, which recesses toward the piston portion 108. A locking protrusion 70, which is part of the diaphragm 66, engages in the locking hole 118. Through this engagement, the diaphragm 66 is held in the valve stem 110 via the locking protrusion 70.

[0068] The first shaft portion 112 is inserted into the first guide hole 90, which is formed in the first guide cylinder portion 88, which is part of the first housing 24. On the other hand, the second shaft portion 114 and the third shaft portion 116 are inserted into the second guide hole 120, which is formed in the second guide cylinder portion 92, which is part of the second housing 26. Since the second guide hole 120 opens into the top wall of the second housing 26, the operator or user of the fluid control system 10 can visually confirm the third shaft portion 116 (see reference 116) within the second guide hole 120 when looking down at the first pneumatic valve 14a. Figure 3 Furthermore, when the first pneumatic valve 14a is closed, the upper surface of the third shaft portion 116 is approximately flush with the upper surface of the top wall of the second housing 26.

[0069] With the first shaft portion 112 supported by the first guide sleeve portion 88 and the second shaft portion 114 supported by the second guide sleeve portion 92, the valve stem 110 is displaced. Furthermore, the side peripheral wall of the piston portion 108 extends extensively along the inner peripheral wall of the upper chamber 82, and the gap between the two walls is extremely small. Therefore, the axial direction of the valve stem 110 is prevented from tilting relative to the axial direction of the first pneumatic valve 14a. Moreover, it is evident that during the displacement of the valve stem 110, the first shaft portion 112 is guided by the first guide sleeve portion 88, and the second shaft portion 114 is guided by the second guide sleeve portion 92.

[0070] When the valve stem 110 is displaced, the engaging protrusion 70 of the diaphragm 66 is pushed out or pulled by the first shaft portion 112. Therefore, the diaphragm 66 displaces in the same direction as the valve stem 110. With this displacement, the valve portion 68 of the diaphragm 66 sits or separates from the valve seat 58. That is, the communication between the inlet flow path 52 and the valve chamber 54 is cut off or connected, thereby making the first pneumatic valve 14a either closed or open.

[0071] also, Figure 4 Reference numerals 122, 124, 126, 128, and 130 indicate annular sealing components. Additionally, screw fastening holes (not shown) are formed at the four corners of the end plate 20, and rod insertion holes (not shown) are formed at the four corners of the valve body 22, the first housing 24, and the second housing 26. A pull rod (not shown) is inserted through the rod insertion hole of the second housing 26, and the screw portion of the pull rod engages with the screw fastening hole. Thus, the end plate 20, valve body 22, first housing 24, and second housing 26 are fastened.

[0072] A rubber cap 134 is pressed into the rod insertion hole of the second housing 26 (see reference). Figures 1-3 The rubber cap 134 seals the rod insertion hole and screw fastening hole, maintaining them as airtight or liquid-tight. This prevents foreign matter such as dust and liquid from entering the rod insertion hole and screw fastening hole. Furthermore, since the metal rod is shielded by the rubber cap 134, it is protected from moisture and liquid. This effectively prevents corrosion of the rod due to moisture or liquid adhesion. In addition, even if foreign matter such as corrosive powder or metal powder is generated from the rod, it is sealed within the rod insertion hole by the rubber cap 134. Therefore, the possibility of foreign matter mixing with fluids is eliminated.

[0073] like Figure 1As shown, a first supply / discharge pipe 144 and a second supply / discharge pipe 146 (both pilot fluid flow pipes) are connected to the first pilot port 86 and the second pilot port 102 via the first connector 140 and the second connector 142, respectively. Specifically, internal threads are engraved on the inner peripheral walls of the first pilot port 86 and the second pilot port 102, and external threads are engraved on the outer peripheral walls of the first connector 140 and the second connector 142, respectively. Through the engagement of the external threads with the internal threads, the first supply / discharge pipe 144 and the second supply / discharge pipe 146 are held in the first housing 24 and the second housing 26 via the first connector 140 and the second connector 142, respectively.

[0074] Here, when the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c are configured as normally closed valves as described above, it is not necessary to install the second pilot port 102 on the second supply / discharge pipe 146. For example, the second pilot port 102 can also be blocked by a plug component.

[0075] Next, the first pipe joint 44 and the second pipe joint 46 provided on the valve body 22 will be described.

[0076] As Figure 5 and Figure 4 Enlarged view of key parts Figure 6 As shown, the first pipe fitting portion 44 includes a first fitting body 48 and a first nut 40 protruding from the A1 side end face of the valve body 22, and clamps the fluid supply pipe 150 (pipe) through these first fitting bodies 48 and the first nut 40. Obviously, the interior of the fluid supply pipe 150 is connected to the inlet flow path 52 in the first fitting body 48.

[0077] The first connector body 48 has a cylindrical base end 152 of a larger diameter integrally connected to the valve body 22. An external thread 154 is engraved on the outer peripheral wall of the base end 152.

[0078] In addition, the first connector body 48 has a cylindrical protruding shaft portion 156 with a smaller diameter that protrudes from the base end portion 152 toward the A1 side. At the end of the protruding shaft portion 156, a tapered surface 158 is provided that gradually increases in diameter from the A1 side toward the A2 side.

[0079] On the outer peripheral surface of the protruding shaft portion 156, a plurality of annular protrusions 164 are provided on the A2 side compared to the conical surface 158. These annular protrusions 164 abut against the inner wall surface of the expanded diameter portion 150a of the fluid supply pipe 150. The plurality of annular protrusions 164 have apex portions with approximately triangular cross-sections and are arranged side-by-side along the axial direction of the protruding shaft portion 156, spaced apart by a predetermined interval. Furthermore, the heights of the annular protrusions 164 are approximately the same. Additionally, in Figure 5 and Figure 6The example shown illustrates a case with five annular protrusions 164, but the number of annular protrusions 164 is not limited to this; for example, there could be only one.

[0080] On the other hand, the first nut 40 has a large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 and a small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 that is continuously disposed with the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 and protrudes towards the A1 side. It is obvious that the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 has a smaller diameter than the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170. Furthermore, both the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 are formed into a hollow cylindrical shape. Therefore, a first inner hole 174 is formed within the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170, and a second inner hole 176 is formed within the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172. The inner diameter of the first inner hole 174 is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the second inner hole 176.

[0081] Furthermore, an internal thread 178 is engraved on the inner peripheral wall of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 forming the first inner hole 174, which engages with the external thread 154 of the first connector body 48. Additionally, a plurality of engaging protrusions 180 are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170, protruding outward in the diametrical direction of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 (see reference). Figures 1-3 Therefore, in the first nut 40, the part with the largest outer diameter, i.e., the part with the largest outer diameter, is where the engaging protrusion 180 is provided. This outer diameter is defined as twice the distance from its center to its outer surface. Each engaging protrusion 180 extends along the length direction (flow direction) of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170, which is orthogonal to the diameter direction. Furthermore, in this case, six engaging protrusions 180 are provided, and they are spaced apart from each other at approximately equal intervals.

[0082] A circular insertion hole 182 is formed on the A1 side end face (top face) of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 for inserting the fluid supply pipe 150. Additionally, an annular pressing portion 184 with an acute-angled cross-section is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172. When the first nut 40 is tightened to the first connector body 48, the annular pressing portion 184 presses against the inclined outer peripheral surface of the fluid supply pipe 150 toward the conical surface 158.

[0083] The second inner hole 176 has a larger diameter than the insertion hole 182. The inner peripheral wall forming the second inner hole 176 is separated from each annular protrusion 164 of the protruding shaft portion 156 of the first connector body 48 at predetermined intervals. The separation distance between the tip of each annular protrusion 164 and the inner peripheral wall is smaller than the thickness of the enlarged diameter portion 150a when it is formed in the fluid supply pipe 150.

[0084] On the outer peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172, a plurality of ridges, more numerous than the engagement protrusions 180 on the outer peripheral wall of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170, protrude outward toward the diameter direction of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172. Each ridge extends along a length direction (flow direction) orthogonal to the diameter direction of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172. Therefore, engagement grooves 186 are formed between adjacent ridges, which are recessed toward the diameter direction of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 and extend along a length direction orthogonal to the diameter direction. By the ridges and engagement grooves 186 being interlaced along the circumferential direction of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172, the outer peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 becomes a shape engraved with so-called straight teeth.

[0085] The first nut 40, constructed as described above, is formed of the same resin material as the valve body 22 (connector body). The fluid supply pipe 150 is also formed of resin material. As a preferred example of the two resin materials, a fluorinated compound resin as described above can be cited.

[0086] The second pipe fitting portion 46, located on the A2 side end face of the valve body 22, is configured to include a second fitting body 50, a second nut 42, and a fluid discharge pipe 188, all configured similarly to the first fitting body 48, the first nut 40, and the fluid supply pipe 150. Therefore, a detailed description of the second pipe fitting portion 46 is omitted. Furthermore, the second fitting body 50 and the second nut 42 will be described using "A2" instead of "A1" in the description of the first fitting body 48 and the first nut 40. Additionally, the reference numeral for the enlarged portion of the fluid discharge pipe 188 is designated as 188a (refer to...). Figure 6 ).

[0087] The remaining second pneumatic valve 14b and third pneumatic valve 14c are configured identically to the first pneumatic valve 14a. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to mark the same structural elements, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0088] Figure 7 A first tool 200, serving as a nut-rotating clamp according to this embodiment, is shown. This first tool 200 applies torque to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 to rotate the first nut 40 (or the second nut 42). The first tool 200 has a small handle 202 serving as a shank and a small semi-circular ring portion 204 (arc-shaped attachment portion) formed of an arc-shaped and thin curved plate in a generally semi-circular shape. The rigidity of the small handle 202 is set to be greater than that of the small semi-circular ring portion 204.

[0089] The small semicircular ring portion 204 is shaped like an arc, with the ring body cut into a roughly semicircular shape. Therefore, an opening 205 is formed in the small semicircular ring portion 204. Furthermore, since the small semicircular ring portion 204 is formed from a thin, curved plate, it is elastic. That is, when an external force is applied to the opening 205 to cause it to expand, the opening 205 easily closes when the external force is released. In other words, the small semicircular ring portion 204 returns to its original shape.

[0090] Furthermore, three engaging claws 206 (claw portions) are formed on the inner sidewall of the small semicircular ring portion 204, protruding inward in the diametrical direction, i.e., towards the first nut 40 (or the second nut 42). The inner diameter of the small semicircular ring portion 204 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 of the first nut 40 and the second nut 42. In addition, the spacing or phase difference between adjacent engaging claws 206 is approximately equal to the spacing or phase difference between adjacent engaging slots 186. Therefore, the three engaging claws 206 can engage with the three engaging slots 186.

[0091] In addition, Figure 7 The example illustrates the case where there are three locking claws 206, but there is no particular limitation on the number of locking claws 206, as long as there is one or more. That is, there can be two or fewer locking claws 206, or there can be four or more locking claws.

[0092] Figure 8 A second tool 210 is shown, which is capable of applying torque to the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170. The second tool 210 has a large handle 212 that is thicker and longer than the small handle 202, and a large semicircular ring portion 214 with an arc shape whose inner diameter is larger than that of the small semicircular ring portion 204 and slightly larger than a semicircle. An opening 215 is formed in the large semicircular ring portion 214, and five engaging recesses 216 are recessed outwards in the diametrical direction on its inner wall. The inner diameter of the large semicircular ring portion 214 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 of the first nut 40 and the second nut 42. Furthermore, the spacing or phase difference between adjacent engaging recesses 216 is approximately equal to the spacing or phase difference between adjacent engaging protrusions 180. Therefore, the five engaging recesses 216 can engage with the five engaging protrusions 180.

[0093] In addition, Figure 8 The example illustrates a case where there are six engaging protrusions 180 (with a phase difference of approximately 60° between them) and five engaging recesses 216, but there is no particular limitation on the number of engaging protrusions 180 and engaging recesses 216. For example, even if there are six engaging protrusions 180, there can be four engaging recesses 216. Alternatively, it is possible to have five or fewer engaging protrusions 180 and more than six engaging recesses 216.

[0094] Both the first tool 200 and the second tool 210 are formed of resin material. Examples of resin materials include fluorinated compound resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl fluoride, and perfluoroalkoxyalkane, as described above, but other resin materials may also be used. Specific examples of other resin materials include polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0095] The first nut 40 and the second nut 42 (nuts for pipe fittings), the first pipe fitting part 44 and the second pipe fitting part 46, the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c (fluid pressure equipment), the fluid control system 10 including these, and the first tool 200 are basically configured as described above. Next, the effect of this configuration will be explained in relation to the helical rotation method of the pipe fitting nuts (first nut 40 and second nut 42) implemented during the assembly process of the fluid control system 10.

[0096] To construct the fluid control system 10, firstly, the first pneumatic valves 14a to 14c are positioned and fixed on the base 12. To do this, the screw portion of the mounting screw 36 is passed through the first elongated hole 32 of the first protrusion portion 28 and the second elongated hole 34 of the second protrusion portion 30 of each of the first pneumatic valves 14a to 14c, and the screw portion is slightly screwed into the screw hole formed in the base 12. At this moment, the first pneumatic valves 14a to 14c can be displaced along the length direction of the first elongated hole 32 and the second elongated hole 34. That is, the position of the first pneumatic valves 14a to 14c can be adjusted. Afterward, the mounting screw 36 is tightened.

[0097] Because the first protruding portion 28 and the second protruding portion 30 are staggered (see reference) Figure 3 Therefore, for example, the second protrusion 30 of the first pneumatic valve 14a and the first protrusion 28 of the second pneumatic valve 14b are arranged side by side along the upstream side (A1 side) and downstream side (A2 side) of the flow direction. That is, the second protrusion 30 of the first pneumatic valve 14a is not configured to be side by side with the first protrusion 28 or the second protrusion 30 of the second pneumatic valve 14b on the B1 side or B2 side. Therefore, the separation distance between the valve bodies 22 of the first pneumatic valve 14a and the second pneumatic valve 14b is approximately equal to the protrusion length of the second protrusion 30 of the first pneumatic valve 14a in the B2 direction (or the protrusion length of the first protrusion 28 of the second pneumatic valve 14b in the B1 direction).

[0098] Therefore, the first pneumatic valve 14a and the second pneumatic valve 14b are brought into the closest possible contact. The same applies to the second pneumatic valve 14b and the third pneumatic valve 14c. For the reasons stated above, the fluid control system 10 can be made compact.

[0099] In addition, Figure 3In this example, the side of the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c with the first pilot port 86 and the second pilot port 102 is designated as the fluid inlet side, and its back side as the fluid outlet side. However, this is only an example. That is, at least one of the first pneumatic valves 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c can also be configured such that the side with the first pilot port 86 and the second pilot port 102 is designated as the fluid outlet side, and its back side as the fluid inlet side.

[0100] Next, the first supply pipe 144 is connected to the first pilot port 86 via the first connector 140, and the second supply pipe 146 is connected to the second pilot port 102 via the second connector 142. Alternatively, the first supply pipe 144 and the second supply pipe 146 can be connected to the first pilot port 86 and the second pilot port 102 respectively before the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c are positioned and fixed on the base 12.

[0101] Next, the first pipe fitting portion 44 is constructed. Specifically, firstly, the end of the fluid supply pipe 150 is inserted into the insertion hole 182 of the first nut 40, and the end of the fluid supply pipe 150 is pulled out to a predetermined length from the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 side. Next, the first fitting body 48 is inserted into the hollow interior of this end.

[0102] Then, the protruding shaft portion 156 of the first connector body 48 is inserted into the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 of the first nut 40, and the internal thread portion 178 of the first nut 40 is helically rotated along the external thread portion 154 of the first connector body 48. That is, the first nut 40 is tightened. Tightening can be, for example, by the operator performing what is called hand-tightening, and then tightening it.

[0103] As the first nut 40 is screwed in, the fluid supply tube 150 expands in diameter sequentially from the top side along the tapered surface 158 of the protruding shaft portion 156. Furthermore, the inner peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 of the first nut 40 gradually coincides with the protruding shaft portion 156 of the first connector body 48 in the axial direction. As a result, a plurality of annular protrusions 164 of the protruding shaft portion 156 sequentially oppose the inner peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 forming the second inner hole 176, starting from the side closest to the tapered surface 158. The inner peripheral wall opposite the annular protrusions 164 presses the outer wall surface of the expanded fluid supply tube 150 toward the annular protrusions 164.

[0104] That is, after the fluid supply pipe 150 is expanded in diameter by the extended shaft portion 156, it is sequentially squeezed and deformed from the side closest to the conical surface 158. As a result, the inner peripheral wall of the expanded portion 150a is compressed at the part that contacts each annular protrusion 164, and bulges inward in the diametrical direction on both sides, thereby entering the space between adjacent annular protrusions 164.

[0105] Thus, an enlarged diameter portion 150a is formed in the fluid supply pipe 150, and this enlarged diameter portion 150a is clamped between the plurality of annular protrusions 164 of the protruding shaft portion 156 and the inner peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 of the first nut 40. That is, the inner peripheral wall of the enlarged diameter portion 150a is in close contact with the plurality of annular protrusions 164. As a result, a seal is formed between the tip of the annular protrusions 164 and the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter portion 150a.

[0106] When the first nut 40 is screwed on by hand or by tightening, the fluid supply pipe 150 is pressed between the conical surface 158 of the protruding shaft portion 156 and the annular pressing portion 184 of the first nut 40. As a result, the conical surface 158 is pressed tightly against the inclined inner wall surface of the fluid supply pipe 150, which is pressed by the inner peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172. Therefore, a seal is also formed between the conical surface 158 and the inclined inner wall surface of the fluid supply pipe 150.

[0107] here, Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the tightening of a nut 230 onto a prior art pipe fitting. Furthermore, for visual confirmation and ease of understanding, [the diagram is shown in the original text]. Figure 8 In this document, the valve body 22, housing 24, etc., are omitted, and the locking protrusion 180 is marked with the same reference symbol as the locking protrusion 180 of the first nut 40. In addition, the outer diameter of the pipe fitting nut 230 is the same as the outer diameter of the large diameter cylindrical portion 170 of the first nut 40, and is approximately constant along the length of the pipe fitting nut 230.

[0108] As described above, the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c are arranged side by side. Therefore, the pipe fittings of the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c are arranged side by side from the B1 side to the B2 side using nuts 230.

[0109] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 The example illustrates the use of a second tool 210 to tighten a nut 230 on a pipe fitting located on a second pneumatic valve 14b. In this case, the nut 230 is rotated to engage the pipe fitting with the engagement recess 216 of the second tool 210 and the engagement protrusion 180, as shown in the example. Figure 17 As is known, the distance P1 between adjacent pipe fitting nuts 230 needs to be set to a value greater than or equal to the sum of the outer diameter of the largest outer diameter portion of the pipe fitting nut 230 (twice the distance from the center of the pipe fitting nut 230 to the outer surface of the engaging protrusion 180) and the tool width. This is because when the distance P1 is less than the above value, when the second tool 210 moves along the length direction of the pipe fitting nut 230, the pipe fitting nut 230 will interfere with the semicircular portion 214.

[0110] Therefore, the first pneumatic valve 14a and the second pneumatic valve 14b, and the second pneumatic valve 14b and the third pneumatic valve 14c, cannot be brought closer together to a point smaller than the sum of the outer diameter of the maximum outer diameter portion of the pipe fitting nut 230 and the tool width. That is, in this case, it is difficult to bring the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c as close as described above.

[0111] Moreover, such as Figure 9 As shown, when the pipe fitting nut 230 is rotated, during the period when the rotation angle θ1 is small, the first connector 140, the first supply / discharge pipe 144, and the large handle 212 of the second tool 210 interfere with each other. In this case, although the semicircular portion 214 can be temporarily disengaged from the pipe fitting nut 230, and the large handle 212 can be returned to its original position to engage the engaging recess 216 with the engaging protrusion 180 and rotate the pipe fitting nut 230 again, the tightening operation becomes complicated when this is done many times.

[0112] Furthermore, when θ1 is less than the phase difference between adjacent engaging protrusions 180 (60° in the illustrated example where there are six engaging protrusions 180), the nut 230 of the pipe fitting of the first pneumatic valve 14a may interfere with the large handle 212 when attempting to re-engage the engaging recess 216 with the engaging protrusion 180. In this case, re-engaging the engaging recess 216 with the engaging protrusion 180 is difficult in itself.

[0113] On the other hand, in this embodiment, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, even when the large-diameter cylindrical portions 170 of the first nut 40 are closest to each other, a large gap is formed between adjacent small-diameter cylindrical portions 172 because their diameter is smaller than that of the large-diameter cylindrical portions 170. When tightening the first nut 40 provided on the second pneumatic valve 14b, after the operator inserts the small semicircular ring portion 204 of the first tool 200 through this gap, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 enters through the opening 205 of the small semicircular ring portion 204. Because the small semicircular ring portion 204 is elastic, the opening 205 of the small semicircular ring portion 204 easily expands at this time. Therefore, it is easy for the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 to enter through the opening 205.

[0114] Approximately simultaneously with the completion of the entry of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 from the opening 205, the widened opening 205 closes due to the elasticity of the small semicircular ring portion 204. Approximately simultaneously or before this, the three engaging claws 206 formed on the inner wall of the small semicircular ring portion 204 engage with the three engaging slots 186 respectively. Thus, the first tool 200 is attached (externally embedded) to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 without detaching from it. In this state, when the operator applies torque to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 by rotating the small handle 202, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 connected to it rotate as a unit. Since the rigidity of the small handle 202 is greater than that of the small semicircular ring portion 204, the torque is effectively transmitted from the small handle 202 to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172.

[0115] In this embodiment, where the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 is provided on the first nut 40, the first nut 40 can be rotated even when the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 is brought into close contact. That is, depending on the situation, especially... Figure 16 and Figure 18 As shown, the distance P2 between adjacent first nuts 40 can be made approximately equal to the outer diameter of the largest outer diameter portion of the first nut 40 (twice the distance from the center of the large diameter cylindrical portion 170 to the outer surface of the engaging protrusion 180). Therefore, the first pneumatic valves 14a to the third pneumatic valves 14c can be arranged side by side with the closest possible contact as described above.

[0116] Moreover, such as Figure 11 As shown, since the outer diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 is smaller than that of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170, when the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 of the first nut 40 is rotated, the rotation angle θ2 until the first connector 140, the first supply pipe 144, and the small handle 202 of the first tool 200 interfere with each other is larger than the rotation angle θ1. Therefore, the first nut 40 can be rotated significantly by applying a single torque to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172. When the first connector 140, the first supply pipe 144, and the small handle 202 interfere with each other, the small semicircular portion 204 can be temporarily disengaged from the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172, and the small handle 202 can be returned to its original position, so that the engaging claw 206 can re-engage with the engaging groove 186, and the first nut 40 can be rotated again. Since the rotation angle θ2 of the first nut 40 corresponding to one rotation can be increased, the number of times the first nut 40 can be rotated again can be reduced.

[0117] Furthermore, because the spacing or phase difference between adjacent engaging slots 186 is small, interference between the first nut 40 of the first pneumatic valve 14a and the small handle 202 is effectively avoided during re-engagement. Therefore, it is easy to re-engage the engaging claw 206 into the engaging slot 186. For the reasons stated above, tightening is easy even when the rotation angle θ2 is small.

[0118] The second pipe connector portion 46 can be configured in the same way as described above, by fastening the second nut 42 to the second connector body 50. Furthermore, since the first pilot port 86 and the second pilot port 102 are not provided on the second pipe connector portion 46 side (A2 side), neither the first tool 200 nor the second tool 210 will interfere with the first connector 140, the first supply / discharge pipe 144, etc., regardless of which tool 200 or 210 is used. In this case, the second tool 210 can also be used to rotate the second nut 42.

[0119] Specifically, for the five engaging protrusions 180 provided on the outer peripheral wall of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 of the second nut 42, the five engaging recesses 216 formed on the inner side wall of the large semicircular annular portion 214 of the second tool 210 are engaged with... Figure 8 The parts engage in the same manner. Then, torque is applied to the large-diameter cylinder 170 via the large handle 212. As a result, the large-diameter cylinder 170 and the small-diameter cylinder 172 connected to it rotate as a unit.

[0120] In this way, by providing engaging protrusions 180 on the outer peripheral walls of the large-diameter cylindrical portions 170 of the first nut 40 and the second nut 42, not only can the first nut 40 and the second nut 42 be rotated by applying torque to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 with the first tool 200, but also by applying torque to the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170 with the second tool 210. Furthermore, in the latter case, a larger torque can be applied compared to rotating the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172. Therefore, the following advantage can be obtained: the tightening operation of the first nut 40 and the second nut 42 can be easily performed in areas such as pipes where the material is not dense and the second tool 210 is easily rotated.

[0121] That is, by forming an engaging groove 186 in the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 and providing an engaging protrusion 180 in the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170, both the first tool 200 and the second tool 210 can be used selectively. Therefore, when the supply pipe or the like interferes with the second tool 210, the first tool 200 can be used to reliably rotate the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 even in a confined space, and when the supply pipe or the like does not interfere with the second tool 210, the second tool 210 can be used to apply a large torque to the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170.

[0122] Furthermore, it is assumed that a fluid controller is installed upstream (or downstream) of the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c. For example... Figure 12As shown, in the prior art, when the fluid controller is brought close to the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c along the flow direction, the pipe fitting nut 230 provided on the fluid controller is opposite to the pipe fitting nuts 230 provided on the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c. Because the second tool 210 is thick and wide, and lacks flexibility (bendability), the opening of the semi-circular portion 214 hardly increases. As a result, in this situation, for example, it is difficult to directly insert the semi-circular portion 214 onto the pipe fitting nut 230 of the second pneumatic valve 14b.

[0123] Therefore, in order to tighten the pipe fitting nut 230 of the second pneumatic valve 14b, firstly, the fluid supply pipe 150 exposed between the pipe fitting nut 230 of the fluid controller and the pipe fitting nut 230 of the second pneumatic valve 14b is passed through the semi-circular portion 214 (see reference). Figure 12 ), then, as Figure 13 As shown, the second tool 210 needs to be positioned towards the pipe fitting nut 230 side (A2 side) of the second pneumatic valve 14b and displaced. As a result, the engaging recess 216 of the second tool 210 engages with the engaging protrusion 180 of the pipe fitting nut 230.

[0124] Conversely, when the second nut 42 is used for the fluid controller and the first nut 40 is used for the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c, and the fluid controller is brought close to the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c in the flow direction, such as Figure 14 As shown, the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 of the second nut 42 is opposite to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 of the first nut 40. Because the first tool 200 is thin and has a small width, and is highly flexible (flexible), the opening 205 of the small semi-circular ring portion 204 can easily expand when it is desired to insert the small semi-circular ring portion 204 into the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172. Therefore, it is easy for the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 to enter through the opening 205.

[0125] Furthermore, after the small semicircular ring portion 204 is inserted into the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172, the opening 205 closes due to its elasticity. The engaging claw 206 engages with the engaging groove 186. Thus, the first tool 200 is attached to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172. Therefore, the small semicircular ring portion 204 can be directly externally fitted into the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 of the first nut 40 of the second pneumatic valve 14b, and then a torque can be applied to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 to rotate the first nut 40.

[0126] Therefore, it is not necessary for the fluid supply pipe 150 to be exposed between the second nut 42 of the fluid controller and the first nut 40 of the opposite second pneumatic valve 14b. Depending on the situation, the downstream end face of the second nut 42 can also abut against the upstream end face of the first nut 40. Correspondingly, the fluid controller can be placed close to the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c, thus further enabling the compactness of the fluid control system 10, in other words, enabling integration.

[0127] The flow control of the fluid based on the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c is performed as follows.

[0128] In order to open the first pneumatic valve 14a (or the second pneumatic valve 14b, the third pneumatic valve 14c) to allow the flow of high-purity pharmaceutical solutions, ultrapure water, etc., pilot air is supplied to the upper chamber 82 from the first supply / discharge pipe 144 via the first pilot port 86. As a result, the internal pressure of the upper chamber 82 rises, and the piston portion 108 constituting the valve stem 110 is pressed from its lower surface by the pilot air. Consequently, as... Figure 15 As shown, the valve stem 110 is displaced toward the second housing 26 by an amount corresponding to the pilot pressure of the pilot air (i.e., Figure 4 and Figure 15 The valve stem 110 is displaced (upper part). At this time, the first shaft portion 112 and the second shaft portion 114, which constitute the valve stem 110 and protrude from the piston portion 108, are guided by the inner peripheral walls of the first guide hole 90 and the second guide hole 120, respectively. In addition, the outer peripheral wall of the piston portion 108 slides in contact with the inner peripheral wall of the upper chamber 82. Furthermore, the return spring 100 is compressed by the piston portion 108.

[0129] As the valve stem 110 moves upward, the diaphragm 66, which engages with the engaging hole 118 of the first shaft portion 112, moves in the same direction as the valve stem 110 (i.e., upward). As a result, the valve portion 68 of the diaphragm 66 disengages from the valve seat 58. Furthermore, since the volume of the lower chamber 80 decreases as the diaphragm 66 moves upward, air inside the lower chamber 80 is expelled through the breather port 84.

[0130] The inlet flow path 52 and the valve chamber 54 are connected because the valve part 68 separates from the valve seat 58, and the inlet flow path 52 and the outlet flow path 56 are connected via the valve chamber 54. Therefore, fluid arriving at the inlet flow path 52 via the fluid supply pipe 150 is introduced into the valve chamber 54, and then flows from the valve chamber 54 to the fluid discharge pipe 188 via the outlet flow path 56. This allows high-purity pharmaceutical solutions, ultrapure water, etc., to be supplied to manufacturing or processing equipment.

[0131] When the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c are in the open state, the upper end of the third shaft portion 116 is exposed from the second guide hole 120. The operator or user can visually confirm that the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c are in the open state by visually confirming the exposed third shaft portion 116.

[0132] To stop the flow of fluids such as high-purity pharmaceutical solutions and ultrapure water, simply reverse the above procedure by placing the valve portion 68 into the valve seat 58. That is, the supply of pilot air from the first supply / discharge pipe 144 is stopped. Then, the pilot air in the upper chamber 82 is discharged via the first pilot port 86. As the internal pressure of the upper chamber 82 decreases with this discharge, the spring force of the return spring 100 exceeds the internal pressure of the upper chamber 82. As a result, the return spring 100 extends, thereby applying a spring force to the piston portion 108 toward the first housing 24. Through this, the valve stem 110, including the piston portion 108, is displaced downwards and returns to its original position.

[0133] As the volume of the lower chamber 80 increases due to this displacement, air is introduced into the lower chamber 80 via the breather port 84. Alternatively, the second pilot port 102 can also function as a breather port. In this case, it is not necessary to install the second supply / exhaust pipe 146 on the second pilot port 102. Furthermore, it is evident that when the valve stem 110 displaces downward, the first shaft portion 112 and the second shaft portion 114 are also guided by the inner peripheral walls of the first guide hole 90 and the second guide hole 120.

[0134] As the valve stem 110 returns to its original position (displaces downward), the diaphragm 66 moves downward integrally with the valve stem 110, causing its valve portion 68 to settle into the valve seat 58. This settling cuts off the communication between the inlet flow path 52 and the outlet flow path 56 via the valve chamber 54. That is, it prevents fluid in the inlet flow path 52 from flowing downstream of the valve chamber 54.

[0135] When the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c are in the closed state, the upper end of the third shaft portion 116 returns to the second guide hole 120. The operator or user can visually confirm that the upper surface of the third shaft portion 116 is approximately flush with the upper surface of the top wall of the second housing 26, and thus know that the first pneumatic valve 14a to the third pneumatic valve 14c have returned to the closed state.

[0136] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0137] For example, fluid pressure equipment can also use working oil as the pilot fluid. Additionally, fluid pressure equipment can also be devices other than flow control valves such as actuators.

[0138] In addition, in this embodiment, the pipe fitting configured to connect a pipe for supplying fluid with controlled flow includes a first nut 40 and a second nut 42. However, the pipe fitting used to connect the first supply pipe 144 and the second supply pipe 146 to the first pilot port 86 and the second pilot port 102 may also be configured to include a first nut 40 and a second nut 42.

[0139] Furthermore, the first pilot port 86 and the second pilot port 102 can also be arranged side by side with the second connector body 50.

[0140] Furthermore, as well as, Figure 16 As shown, the end plate 250 can also be constructed without the first protruding portion 28 and the second protruding portion 30. In this case, a screw hole (not shown) is engraved on the lower surface of the end plate 250 and an elongated hole (not shown) is formed through the base 12, and a mounting screw (not shown) passing through the elongated hole is screwed into the screw hole. In this case, since the first protruding portion 28 and the second protruding portion 30 are absent, the first pneumatic valve 14a and the second pneumatic valve 14b, and the second pneumatic valve 14b and the third pneumatic valve 14c can be brought closer together.

[0141] In this structure, such as Figure 17 As shown, when using the existing pipe fitting nut 230, the distance P1' between adjacent pipe fitting nuts 230 can be set to be greater than... Figure 8 The spacing P1 shown is small. However, even in this case, it is necessary to ensure that the spacing P1' is greater than or equal to the sum of the outer diameter of the nut 230 (outer diameter of the large diameter cylinder 170) and the tool width of the second tool 210. Therefore, it may be impossible to make the first pneumatic valve 14a and the second pneumatic valve 14b, and the second pneumatic valve 14b and the third pneumatic valve 14c, come into closest contact.

[0142] In contrast, such as Figure 18 As shown, when using the first nut 40 (or the second nut 42), a large gap is formed between adjacent small-diameter cylindrical portions 172. When the first nut 40 (or the second nut 42) is helically rotated, as described above, the small semicircular ring portion 204 of the first tool 200 can be inserted through this gap and the small semicircular ring portion 204 is externally fitted into the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172.

[0143] Therefore, even in this case, the distance P2' between adjacent first nuts 40 (or second nuts 42) can be set to be the same as the outer diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 170. Thus, the first tab portion 28 and the second tab portion 30 can be omitted to achieve the closest possible contact between the first pneumatic valve 14a and the second pneumatic valve 14b, and between the second pneumatic valve 14b and the third pneumatic valve 14c, thereby enabling a compact fluid control system 10.

[0144] It is obvious that even in Figure 18 In the structure shown, the first nut 40 (or the second nut 42) can be easily tightened by engaging the engaging claw 206 of the first tool 200 with the engaging groove 186 formed in the small-diameter cylindrical portion 172 of the first nut 40 (or the second nut 42).

[0145] Unlike the above, the first pneumatic valves 14a to the third pneumatic valves 14c can also be configured as normally open valves. In this case, the return spring 100 is disposed on the lower surface side of the piston portion 108, thereby causing the piston portion 108 to elastically apply force towards the second housing 26. Alternatively, the second supply pipe 146 can be installed on the second pilot port 102, and the first pilot port 86 can be closed with a plug component.

[0146] Alternatively, the first pneumatic valves 14a to the third pneumatic valves 14c can be configured as so-called double-acting valves. In this case, pilot fluid is supplied to the upper chamber 82 from the first pilot port 86 to set the first pneumatic valves 14a to the third pneumatic valves 14c to the open state, and pilot fluid is supplied to the second housing 26 from the second pilot port 102 to set them to the closed state. Therefore, in this structure, it is not necessary to specially assemble the return spring 100.

Claims

1. A nut-rotating clamp (200) for rotating nuts (40, 42), characterized in that, The nut is a resin-made pipe fitting nut, which has an internal thread (178) that engages with an external thread (154) engraved on the outer peripheral wall of the resin fitting body (48, 50). The nut has the following characteristics: The hollow large-diameter cylindrical portion (170) has the internal thread portion engraved on its inner circumferential wall; and A small-diameter cylindrical section (172) is continuously disposed from the large-diameter cylindrical section. The small-diameter cylindrical section is formed as a hollow cylinder with a smaller diameter than the large-diameter cylindrical section, and an insertion hole (182) is formed on the top surface of the small-diameter cylindrical section for the pipe (150) to be inserted. A plurality of engaging grooves (186) are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion. These grooves are recessed toward the inner side of the small-diameter cylindrical portion in the diametrical direction and extend along the length direction orthogonal to the diametrical direction. The engaging groove is a groove used to engage with the claw portion of the nut-rotating clamp. The clamp for rotating the nut has the following features: An arc-shaped attachment portion (204), which has an opening (205) and is arc-shaped, is attached to the nut; and The handle (202) is connected to the arc-shaped attachment and extends in a straight line. The nut-rotating clamp integrally comprises the arc-shaped attachment portion and the handle portion and is made of resin material. One or more claw portions (206) are provided on the inner surface of the arc-shaped attachment portion, and the claw portions engage with the engaging slots. Furthermore, the arc-shaped attachment is formed by a curved plate, the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of which are curved and connected to the handle, and the arc-shaped attachment exhibits elasticity in the closing direction after the opening is widened.

2. The nut-rotating clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigidity of the handle is greater than that of the arc-shaped attachment.

3. A method for helically rotating a nut for a pipe fitting, wherein the nut (40, 42) is rotated by a nut-rotating clamp (200), thereby screwing the nut onto or off the fitting body (48, 50), the method being characterized in that... The nut is a resin-made pipe fitting nut, which has an internal thread (178) that engages with an external thread (154) engraved on the outer peripheral wall of the resin fitting body (48, 50). The nut has the following characteristics: The hollow, large-diameter cylindrical portion (170) has the internal thread portion engraved on its inner circumferential wall; and A small-diameter cylindrical section (172) is continuously disposed from the large-diameter cylindrical section. The small-diameter cylindrical section is formed as a hollow cylinder with a smaller diameter than the large-diameter cylindrical section, and an insertion hole (182) is formed on the top surface of the small-diameter cylindrical section for the pipe (150) to be inserted. A plurality of engaging grooves (186) are formed on the outer peripheral wall of the small-diameter cylindrical portion. These grooves are recessed toward the inner side of the small-diameter cylindrical portion in the diametrical direction and extend along the length direction orthogonal to the diametrical direction. As a clamp for rotating the nut, it has: An arc-shaped attachment portion (204), which has an opening (205) and is arc-shaped, is attached to the nut for the pipe fitting; and The handle (202) is connected to the arc-shaped attachment and extends in a straight line. The nut-rotating clamp integrally comprises the arc-shaped attachment portion and the handle portion and is made of resin material. One or more claw portions (206) are formed on the inner surface of the arc-shaped attachment portion, and the claw portions engage with the engaging slots. Furthermore, the arc-shaped attachment is formed of a curved plate, the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of which are curved and connected to the handle. Moreover, after the opening is widened, the arc-shaped attachment exhibits elasticity in the closing direction. While widening the opening with the nut of the pipe fitting, the nut of the pipe fitting is inserted into the opening. The claw engages with the engaging groove (186) formed on the outer peripheral wall of the pipe fitting nut, and when the pipe fitting nut is inserted into the opening, the opening is closed by the elasticity of the arc-shaped attachment portion, thereby attaching the arc-shaped attachment portion to the pipe fitting nut. Then, a torque is applied to the nut of the pipe fitting via the shank, thereby rotating the nut of the pipe fitting.

4. The helical rotation method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pipe fitting nut has a large-diameter cylindrical portion (170) and a small-diameter cylindrical portion (172), and the engaging groove is formed in the small-diameter cylindrical portion. At least two fluid pressure devices (14a-14c) on which the pipe fitting nut is provided are adjacent to each other, so that the pipe fitting nuts are adjacent to each other. When the distance between the pipe fitting nuts is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion, the arc-shaped attachment is inserted between the adjacent small-diameter cylindrical portions.

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