Flat-end pipe joint

Abstract

The invention provides a flat-end pipe joint which comprises a coupling unit, the coupling unit comprises a shell, the shell comprises a shell base body, shoulder parts and joint keys, the shoulder parts are located on the two sides of the shell base body in the axial direction, the joint keys are located on the outer sides of the shoulder parts on the two sides, the joint keys are suitable for abutting against the outer surface of the flat-end pipe, and clamping grooves are formed between the joint keys and the shell base body; the fastening element is used for fastening and connecting two adjacent coupling units; the clamping ring is arranged in the clamping groove, the clamping ring comprises an annular part and a plurality of clamping teeth, the clamping teeth extend to the annular part at intervals, and after the fastening element is fastened in place, the clamping teeth abut against the outer surface of the flat-end pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipe connections, and more specifically to a flat-end pipe fitting. Background Technology

[0002] Pipe fittings are typically used to couple two pipe components, but are not limited to two pipes. These can include pipes and fittings such as elbows, valves, reducers, and tees; two fittings; pipes and equipment with tubular structures; and two pieces of equipment with tubular structures. Commonly used pipe components are grooved, shoulder-type, or ring-type components, which allow for flexible connections. However, flat-end pipe connections are rigid connections. When a piping system needs to compensate for uneven settlement, and the pipe component is a flat-end pipe without the possibility of creating grooved or other end designs, the effectiveness of the pipe connection cannot be guaranteed. If the axial misalignment caused by uneven settlement cannot be compensated for, the sealing ring will be repeatedly rubbed and displaced within the clamp groove, leading to leakage. The interlocking force between the clamp and the pipe wall will also be weakened, causing the clamp to detach. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a flat-end pipe connector, which uses a clamp-type retaining ring to connect the flat-end pipe to achieve a flexible connection.

[0004] The present invention provides a flat-end pipe connector, wherein the retaining ring includes a plurality of retaining teeth, which abut against the outer surface of the flat-end pipe to limit the axial displacement of the flat-end pipe.

[0005] The present invention provides a flat-end pipe connector, wherein the minimum inner diameter of the retaining teeth is smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the coupling unit, so that the end of the retaining teeth is exposed inside the coupling unit, thereby achieving an interference fit with the flat-end pipe and restricting the axial displacement of the flat-end pipe.

[0006] The present invention provides a flat-end pipe connector, wherein the retaining ring is clamped in the retaining groove of the coupling unit, and the radially inner end of the retaining tooth protrudes outside the retaining groove to abut against the outer surface of the flat-end pipe.

[0007] The present invention provides a flat-end pipe connector, wherein the coupling key of the coupling unit and the shell base form shoulders on both sides of the retaining ring in the axial direction, thereby restricting the axial displacement of the retaining ring and transmitting the force of the retaining ring to the coupling unit to restrict the axial displacement of the flat-end pipe.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a flat-end pipe connector is provided for coupling at least two flat-end pipes, comprising: At least two coupling units, each coupling unit including a housing, the housing including a housing base, at least two shoulders and at least two connecting keys, the shoulders being located on both sides of the housing base along the axial direction, the connecting keys being located on the outer sides of the shoulders on both sides, the connecting keys being adapted to abut against the outer surface of the flat-end tube, and a groove being formed between the connecting keys and the housing base; At least one fastening element for securely connecting two adjacent coupling units; and, A retaining ring is disposed in the retaining groove, wherein the retaining ring includes an annular portion and a plurality of retaining teeth, the plurality of retaining teeth extending at intervals in the annular portion, and when the fastening element is fastened in place, the retaining teeth abut against the outer surface of the flat end tube.

[0009] According to one example of the invention, the retaining tooth includes a limiting portion for abutting against the outer surface of the flat-end tube, wherein the minimum inner diameter of the limiting portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the engagement key.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the limiting portion extends obliquely and faces away from the opening of the coupling unit, and the inner diameter formed by the limiting portion gradually decreases.

[0011] According to one example of the present invention, the locking tooth includes a connecting portion, an extension portion, and a limiting portion, wherein the connecting portion, the extension portion, and the limiting portion are connected in sequence in a U-shape.

[0012] According to one example of the invention, the included angle between the limiting portion and the extension portion is an obtuse angle, such that the limiting portion abuts obliquely against the outer surface of the flat-end tube.

[0013] According to one example of the invention, the end of the limiting portion is serrated.

[0014] According to one example of the invention, the shell base includes a base and two protrusions located axially on both sides of the base, the protrusions protruding radially inward relative to the shell base to form a groove between the two protrusions.

[0015] According to one example of the invention, the flat-end fitting further includes a sealing ring disposed in a groove between the two protrusions.

[0016] According to one example of the invention, the inner diameter of the shoulder is smaller than the inner diameter of the engaging key and the protrusion. According to one example of the invention, the annular portion abuts against the side surface of the protrusion, the extension portion abuts against the side surface of the engagement key, the connecting portion abuts against the inner surface of the shoulder, and the minimum inner diameter of the limiting portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the engagement key.

[0017] According to one example of the invention, the retaining ring is made of a rigid material.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a pipe connection device is provided, comprising: As described above, the flat-end pipe fitting; At least two flat-end tubes are connected together, and the retaining teeth are located radially on the outside of the flat-end tubes and abut against the outer surface of the flat-end tubes. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a flat-end pipe connector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a flat-end pipe joint according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flat-end pipe fitting according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a retaining ring for a flat-end pipe fitting according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a flat-end pipe fitting pre-installed on a flat-end pipe according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a pipe connection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to their literal meanings, but are used solely by the inventors to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the invention is provided for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] While ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., will be used to describe various components, there is no limitation on which components are used herein. The term is used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component, without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprising" and / or "having" as used in this specification specify the presence of the described features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements, or groups thereof.

[0028] Reference manual attached Figures 1 to 6 As illustrated, this invention provides a pipe connection device, comprising at least one flat-end pipe connector 100 and a plurality of flat-end pipes 200, wherein the flat-end pipe connector 100 connects the ends of the plurality of flat-end pipes 200. The flat-end pipe connector 100 is used to couple at least two flat-end pipes. The at least two flat-end pipes can be two pipes, one pipe and one fitting, two fittings, one pipe and one device with a tubular structure, or two devices with a tubular structure. The ends of the flat-end pipes 200 have flat circumferential surfaces without grooves or other structures.

[0029] For example, in some examples, the flat-end fitting 100 is adapted to connect two substantially coaxial flat-end fittings 200. In other examples, the flat-end fitting 100 is also adapted to couple another flat-end fitting 200, which forms an included angle with the aforementioned two substantially coaxial flat-end fittings 200, thereby enabling the flat-end fitting 100 to form a tee connection device.

[0030] The flat-end pipe connector 100 includes a plurality of coupling units 10 and one or more fastening elements 20. Each of the coupling units 10 is fixedly connected to each other. After the flat-end pipe connector 100 is installed on the flat-end pipe 200, the fastening elements 20 fasten adjacent coupling units 10 together. The flat-end pipe connector 100 also includes at least one sealing ring 30 disposed on the inner surface of the coupling unit 10.

[0031] In this embodiment, the flat-end fitting 100 is illustrated as two fastening elements 20. In other embodiments, the flat-end fitting 100 may include one fastening element 20 and one or more pivoting elements.

[0032] The flat-end pipe joint 100 is formed by connecting multiple coupling units 10 one after the other in a circle. The multiple units can be at least two, such as two, three, four or more.

[0033] The coupling units 10 may be made of metal or plastic and are coupled together to form a substantially annular structure defining an inner cavity 101. In one embodiment, each coupling unit 10 has two C-shaped sides. The coupling unit 10 is adapted to move between an open state and a closed state, in which one side of the coupling unit 10 is moved away from the other coupling units 10, and in the closed state, the other side of the coupling unit 10 is moved to connect end-to-end with the other coupling units 10 to form the inner cavity 101 of the annular structure. The fastening element 30 is configured to fasten the coupling unit 10 in the closed state. When the flat-end fitting 100 is installed on the flat-end pipe 200, the sealing ring 30 is disposed in the inner cavity 101 formed by the coupling unit 10 to provide a sealing effect.

[0034] The coupling unit 10 includes a housing 11 and two fastening ends 12. The housing 11 is generally C-shaped. The two fastening ends 13 are located at opposite ends of the housing 11 and extend integrally to both sides from the opposite ends of the housing 11. The fastening ends 12 are provided with fastening holes 120, suitable for installing the fastening element 20.

[0035] In this configuration, the two fastening ends 12 of the two coupling units 10 are aligned, so that the fastening holes 120 are aligned for mounting the fastening element 20. When the fastening element 20 is adjusted to secure the two coupling units 10 together, the distance between the two ends of the two coupling units 10 gradually decreases until the fastening element 20 is fully secured. The shapes of the two ends of the two coupling units 10 are mutually compatible and can be designed as oblique locks, male-female joints, etc.

[0036] The fastening element 20 includes a bolt 21 and a nut 22. The bolt 21 passes through the fastening ends 12 of the two coupling units 10 respectively and is fixed by the nut 22, so that the two coupling units 10 are fastened to each other.

[0037] In this invention, each of the coupling units 10 is substantially identical and can be manufactured using the same mold, reducing mold requirements, lowering production costs, and improving production efficiency. In other words, the coupling units 10 included in the flat-end pipe connector 100 are identical parts.

[0038] The housing 11 has opposing outer and inner surfaces, the inner surface facing the inner cavity 101, and the outer and inner surfaces facing opposite directions, with the outer surface facing the outside of the coupling unit 10. The sealing ring 30 is disposed on the inner surface of the housing 11.

[0039] The shell 11 includes a shell base 111, two shoulders 112 extending integrally outward from both ends of the shell base 111, and two connecting keys 113 extending integrally outward and inward from both ends of the two shoulders 112. (From the attached...) Figure 3 From the perspective of [the source], the shell 11, from left to right, consists of the connecting key 113, the shoulder 112, the shell base 111, another shoulder 112, and another connecting key 113.

[0040] An opening 102 is defined between the engagement keys 113 of the plurality of coupling units 10. As the fastening element 20 is tightened, the opening 102 can be narrowed until the engagement keys 113 are tightly engaged with the flat-end tube 200, and the coupling unit 10 is securely fixed to the flat-end tube 200. As the fastening element 20 is reversed, the opening 102 can be widened, the engagement keys 113 disengage from the outer surface of the flat-end tube 200, and the coupling unit 10 can be disassembled.

[0041] The sealing ring 30 is placed axially between the two engagement keys 113, and the sealing ring 30 is radially clamped by the coupling unit 10 to limit the displacement of the sealing ring 30.

[0042] The flat-end pipe connector 100 further includes at least one retaining ring 40, which is disposed on the inner surface of the housing 11 and adapted to engage with the outer surface of the flat-end pipe 200.

[0043] The minimum inner diameter of the retaining ring 40 is smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the coupling unit 10, so that a portion of the retaining ring 40 is exposed on the radial inner side of the coupling unit 10. After the fastening element 20 is fastened in place, the radial inner side of the retaining ring 40 can tightly abut against the outer surface of the flat end tube 200.

[0044] Furthermore, the retaining ring 40 is disposed on the inner surface of the shoulder 112.

[0045] The shell base 111 includes a base 1111 and two protrusions 1112, with the two protrusions 1112 located on both sides of the base 1111 along the axial direction. The protrusions 1112 protrude radially inward relative to the base 1111, defining a groove between the two protrusions 1112 for accommodating the sealing ring 30.

[0046] The protrusion 1112 protrudes radially inward relative to the shoulder 112. The engagement key 113 also protrudes radially inward relative to the shoulder 112. That is, the inner diameter of the shoulder 112 is larger than the inner diameter of the protrusion 1112, and the inner diameter of the shoulder 112 is larger than the inner diameter of the engagement key 113. From the inner surface of the housing 11, a groove 1120 is formed between the side surfaces of the shoulder 112, the engagement key 113, and the side surface of the housing base 111, connecting the engagement key 113 and the housing base 111.

[0047] The retaining ring 40 is disposed in the retaining groove 1120. That is, the retaining ring 40 is disposed between the engagement key 113 and the shell base 111, located on the inner surface of the shoulder 112.

[0048] The retaining ring 40 is integrally formed or assembled from multiple components and is disposed in the retaining groove 1120.

[0049] The retaining ring 40 includes an annular portion 41 and retaining teeth 42. The annular portion 41 is annular, and the number of retaining teeth 42 is plurality of. The plurality of retaining teeth 42 extend at intervals along the axial side surface of the annular portion 41 and bends into the inner cavity 101. One axial side surface of the annular portion 41 is adapted to abut against the axial side surface of the protrusion 1112. The retaining teeth 42 are adapted to abut against the axial side surface of the engagement key 113, that is, the retaining teeth 42 extend toward a direction closer to the opening 102 of the flat-end pipe connector 100.

[0050] The annular portion 41 is a complete ring, or it can be a ring with a certain gap. The gap in the annular portion 41 facilitates the radial installation of the retaining ring 40.

[0051] The retaining tooth 42 is generally U-shaped, with one end connected to the annular portion 41 and the other end being an abutment end 423, adapted to abut against the side surface of the engagement key 113. The retaining tooth 42 extends laterally from one side of the annular portion 41. The minimum inner diameter of the retaining tooth 42 is smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the annular portion 41, making the retaining tooth 42 suitable for abutting against the outer surface of the flat-end tube 200. Furthermore, the minimum inner diameter of the retaining tooth 42 is smaller than the inner diameter of the engagement key 113, so as to abut against the outer surface of the flat-end tube 200 more tightly than the engagement key 113.

[0052] The locking tooth 42 includes a connecting portion 421, an extension portion 422, and a limiting portion 423. The connecting portion 421, the extension portion 422, and the limiting portion 423 are connected sequentially in a U-shape. The connecting portion 421 is connected to the annular portion 41 and extends laterally from the annular portion 41. The extension portion 422 is connected to the connecting portion 421 and is bent relative to the connecting portion 421 so as to face the side of the annular portion 41. The limiting portion 423 is connected to the extension portion 422 and is bent relative to the extension portion 422 so that the locking tooth 42 is U-shaped.

[0053] The extension length of the extension portion 422 is greater than the radial length of the annular portion 41, such that a portion of the extension portion 422 extends beyond the annular portion 41 toward the inner cavity 101. The limiting portion 423 is located radially inside the inner edge of the annular portion 41, and the inner diameter of the limiting portion 423 is smaller than the inner diameter of the annular portion 41. The limiting portion 423 extends obliquely toward the opening 102, and the inner diameter of the limiting portion 423 gradually increases.

[0054] Furthermore, the end of the limiting portion 423 is serrated. The included angle between the extension portion 422 and the connecting portion 421, and the included angle between the connecting portion 421 and the annular portion 41, are approximately 90°. The included angle between the limiting portion 423 and the extension portion 422 is approximately obtuse, such that the limiting portion 423 extends inward at an angle relative to the extension portion 422.

[0055] The limiting part 423 is a movable end. When pressed by external force, it can bend to a certain extent towards the annular part 41 to achieve an interference fit with the flat end tube 200. The retaining tooth 42 has a certain degree of mobility relative to the annular part 41. When pressed by external force, it can move slightly relative to the annular part 41.

[0056] The coupling unit 10 has two symmetrical slots 1120. At least two coupling units 10 of each flat-end pipe joint 100 cooperate to form two complete slots 1120, which are suitable for assembling two retaining rings 40. Each retaining ring 40 is adapted to be sleeved on the outer surface of a flat-end pipe 200 to limit the axial displacement of the flat-end pipe 200.

[0057] Specifically, the retaining ring 40 is fitted into the retaining groove 1120. The annular portion 41 abuts axially against the side surface of the protrusion, and the connecting portion 421 abuts radially against the inner surface of the shoulder 112. The extension portion 422 abuts axially against the side surface of the engagement key 113, and the limiting portion 423 is located radially inside the connecting portion 421. The two retaining rings 40 are respectively adjacent to the openings 102 on both sides of the flat-end pipe connector 100, and the ends of the limiting portions 423 of each of the two retaining rings 40 face away from the openings 102 adjacent to the two retaining rings 102. That is, the limiting portion 423 extends obliquely into the inner cavity 101 in a direction away from the opening 102.

[0058] The minimum inner diameter of the limiting part 423 is smaller than the inner diameter of the engagement key 113, so that the end of the limiting part 423 is exposed on the radial inner side of the engagement key 113.

[0059] When the flat-end pipe connector 100 is connected to the flat-end pipe 200, the retaining ring 40 is sleeved on the outer surface of the flat-end pipe 200. As the fastening element 20 is tightened, the distance between the corresponding two fastening ends 12 decreases, causing the coupling unit 10 to approach the flat-end pipe 200. This causes the retaining ring 40 to be gradually pressed against the outer surface of the flat-end pipe 200 by the coupling unit 10, and the retaining teeth 42 are squeezed and tightly abut against the outer surface of the flat-end pipe 200.

[0060] The retaining teeth 42 abut against the outer surface of the flat-end tube 200 in a radial direction, and the multiple retaining teeth 40 on the retaining ring 40 surround the outer periphery of the flat-end tube 200 in a circumferential direction, so that the outer periphery of the flat-end tube 200 is abutted against by the retaining teeth 42 in a radial direction, so as to firmly lock the flat-end tube 200.

[0061] One axial side of the retaining ring 42 is the engagement key 113, and the other axial side is the protrusion 1112 of the shell base 111. After the flat-end pipe connector 100 is fixed to the outer surface of the flat-end pipe 200, the engagement key 113 abuts against the outer surface of the flat-end pipe 200, and the protrusion 1112 abuts against the outer surface of the flat-end pipe 200. The retaining ring 40 is clamped by the engagement key 113 and the protrusion 1112. When the flat-end pipe 200 is subjected to a force in one axial direction, one side of the retaining ring 40 is blocked by the engagement key 113; when the flat-end pipe 200 is subjected to a force in another axial direction, the other side of the retaining ring 40 is blocked by the protrusion 1112. The engagement key 113 and the protrusion 1112 form two shoulders of the retaining ring 40 along the axial direction.

[0062] The retaining ring 40 is made of a rigid material, and the retaining teeth 42 do not retract in the axial direction because they transmit all the axial load to the engagement key 113 and the protrusion 1112.

[0063] The axial force on the flat-end tube 200 is transmitted to the coupling unit 10 through the retaining ring 40. The engagement key 113 and the protrusion 1112 are part of the coupling unit 10 and are rigid structures. The coupling unit 10 is rigidly supported and directly bears and offsets these axial loads, thereby preventing the flat-end tube 200 from moving axially.

[0064] In other words, the retaining ring 40 provides radial positioning through these retaining teeth 42, providing the necessary flexible connection and compensating for uneven settlement of the pipeline system. The serrated metal retaining teeth 42 engage with the flat-end pipe 200 under bolt force, restricting the axial displacement of the pipeline. Simultaneously, the engagement key 113 and the protrusion 1112 also provide axial restraint; the radial positioning and axial restraint work together to constrain the axial displacement of the flat-end pipe 200.

[0065] The outer diameter of the annular portion 41 (i.e., the diameter of the outer edge of the annular portion 41) is adapted to the inner diameter of the inner surface of the shoulder portion 112, so that the outer edge of the annular portion 41 abuts against the inner surface of the shoulder portion 112, thereby limiting the radial displacement between the annular portion 41 and the shoulder portion 112 and preventing the retaining ring 40 from wobbling radially relative to the coupling unit 10.

[0066] The maximum distance from the extension 422 to the annular portion 41 is adapted to the spacing between the engagement key 113 and the protrusion 1112, such that the extension 422 abuts against the side surface of the engagement key 113 and the annular portion 41 abuts against the side surface of the protrusion 1112. Alternatively, the maximum distance from the extension 422 to the annular portion 41 may be appropriately slightly smaller than the spacing between the engagement key 113 and the protrusion 1112, to allow a certain gap between the retaining ring 40 and the engagement keys 113 and the protrusions 1112 on both sides.

[0067] Furthermore, the included angle between the limiting part 423 and the extension part 422 is an obtuse angle, so that the limiting part 423 abuts against the outer surface of the flat end tube 200 at an angle, and can limit the flat end tube 200 in the axial direction.

[0068] In some examples, the flat-end pipe connector 100 is a quick-connect connector. During the installation of the flat-end pipe connector 100 onto the flat-end pipe 200, it is not necessary to disassemble the fastening element 20 and the sealing ring 30. In other words, the entire flat-end pipe connector 100 is installed onto the flat-end pipe 200 to couple the flat-end pipe 200 with the sealing ring 30 disposed within the coupling unit 10 and the fastening element 30 disposed within the coupling unit 10.

[0069] An opening 102 is defined between the two fastening connections 13 of the two coupling units 10, such that the opening 102 is large enough for the end of one of the flat-end tubes 200 to pass through, allowing the entire flat-end tube connector 100 to be directly installed onto the flat-end tube 200 without removing the sealing ring 30 and the fastening element 20. After the flat-end tube connector 100 is fully installed onto the flat-end tube 200, the opening 102 can be reduced by adjusting the fastening element 20 to securely install the flat-end tube connector 100 onto the flat-end tube 200. Before installation, the sealing ring 30 is disposed in the inner cavity 101 of the housing 11, and the bolt 21 and the nut 22 are installed on the fastening end 12. When the flat-end tube connector 100 is installed onto the flat-end tube 200, the sealing ring 30 does not need to be removed from the housing 11, and the bolt 21 and the nut 22 do not need to be removed from the fastening end 12.

[0070] As the bolt 21 and the nut 22 are gradually tightened, the distance between the corresponding two fastening ends 12 gradually approaches until the bolt 21 and the nut 22 are tightened in place, the two fastening ends 12 abut against each other, and the flat end pipe joint 100 is securely installed outside the flat end pipe 200, sealingly connecting the flat end pipe 200.

[0071] The sealing ring 30 seals the connection between the two flat-end tubes 200. The sealing ring 30 is tightly clamped between the coupling unit 10 and the flat-end tube 200 to achieve a sealing effect.

[0072] In some examples, the flat-end pipe connector 100 can be implemented as a non-quick-connector connector. The sealing ring 30 is installed at the connection point of the flat-end pipe 200, the coupling unit 10 is installed outside the sealing ring 30, and the bolt 21 and nut 22 are then installed on the coupling unit 10. Only the coupling unit 10 is tightened, achieving a tight connection between the flat-end pipe connector 100 and the flat-end pipe 200. The retaining ring 40 is pre-installed in the retaining groove 1120 of the coupling unit 10 before the coupling unit 10 is installed on the flat-end pipe 200.

[0073] The basic principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in the present invention are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the present invention to the necessity of employing the specific details described above.

[0074] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this invention are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as "comprising," "including," "having," etc., are open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to" and are used interchangeably with them. The terms "or" and "and / or" as used herein are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "such as" as used herein refers to the phrase "such as but not limited to" and is used interchangeably with it.

[0075] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, device, and method of the present invention, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of the present invention.

[0076] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0077] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. A flat-end pipe connector for coupling at least two flat-end pipes, characterized in that, include: At least two coupling units, each coupling unit including a housing, the housing including a housing base, at least two shoulders and at least two connecting keys, the shoulders being located on both sides of the housing base along the axial direction, the connecting keys being located on the outer sides of the shoulders on both sides, the connecting keys being adapted to abut against the outer surface of the flat-end tube, and a groove being formed between the connecting keys and the housing base; At least one fastening element is provided to securely connect two adjacent coupling units; as well as A retaining ring is disposed in the retaining groove, wherein the retaining ring includes an annular portion and a plurality of retaining teeth, the plurality of retaining teeth extending at intervals in the annular portion, and when the fastening element is fastened in place, the retaining teeth abut against the outer surface of the flat-end tube.

2. The flat-end pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking teeth include a limiting portion for abutting against the outer surface of the flat-end tube, and the minimum inner diameter of the limiting portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the engaging key.

3. The flat-end pipe connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting portion extends obliquely and faces away from the opening of the coupling unit, and the inner diameter of the limiting portion gradually decreases.

4. The flat-end pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking teeth include a connecting part, an extension part, and a limiting part. The connecting part, the extension part, and the limiting part are connected in sequence to form a U-shape. The included angle between the limiting part and the extension part is an obtuse angle, so that the limiting part abuts against the outer surface of the flat-end tube at an angle.

5. The flat-end pipe connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The end of the limiting part is serrated.

6. The flat-end pipe connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shell base includes a base and two protrusions located on both sides of the base along the axial direction. The protrusions protrude radially inward relative to the shell base to form a groove between the two protrusions.

7. The flat-end pipe connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flat-end pipe joint also includes a sealing ring disposed in a groove between the two protrusions.

8. The flat-end pipe connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the shoulder is smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting key and the protrusion.

9. The flat-end pipe connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The annular portion abuts against the side surface of the protrusion, the extension portion abuts against the side surface of the engagement key, the connecting portion abuts against the inner surface of the shoulder, and the minimum inner diameter of the limiting portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the engagement key.

10. The flat-end pipe fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The retaining ring is made of a rigid material.

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