Stainless steel corrugated pipe quick-connect structure

Abstract

This invention discloses a one-way quick-connect structure for stainless steel corrugated pipes, comprising a stainless steel corrugated pipe with a plastic distributor fixedly connected to one end. Each water outlet of the plastic distributor has a sealing cavity, a locking claw cavity, and an anti-detachment limiting step arranged coaxially within its inner cavity. This invention provides long-lasting and reliable sealing. The split-type force-bearing design avoids interference from axial tensile forces on the sealing components, and the double independent seals prevent leakage, adapting to conditions of water pressure fluctuations and thermal expansion / contraction. The locking claws engage with the corrugated troughs, and the anti-detachment buckle provides double limiting, with an axial tensile strength of 600N, suitable for complex scenarios involving foundation settlement and soil displacement, ensuring the interface never loosens. The entire roll of pipe requires only simple end treatment on-site, allowing direct insertion into the plastic distributor without adapter fittings or complex construction, truly achieving long-distance, uninterrupted one-way pipe laying. No professional tools or technicians are needed; ordinary workers can complete the installation. The insertion and positioning feel is clear, significantly improving construction efficiency and greatly reducing labor costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water supply and drainage pipe connection technology, specifically a quick-connect structure for stainless steel corrugated pipes that can be inserted from end to end. Background Technology

[0002] One-pipe-to-the-end water supply networks have become the mainstream deployment mode in urban and rural water supply and home improvement water supply due to fewer joints, lower risk of leakage, high construction efficiency, and low operation and maintenance costs. Stainless steel corrugated pipes have advantages such as good flexibility, resistance to foundation settlement, corrosion resistance, hygiene without leaching, and long service life, making them the ideal pipe material for one-pipe-to-the-end systems. When paired with plastic water distributors, they can achieve multi-household water distribution, meeting the water supply needs of entire villages and industrial parks.

[0003] However, the traditional single-pipe system has the following drawbacks: (1) The stainless steel corrugated pipe has a corrugated structure throughout, without a continuous smooth sealing surface. Conventional sealing rings cannot fit the pipe wall to form an effective seal. Direct quick insertion will inevitably result in water seepage and leakage, making it unsuitable for drinking water transportation scenarios. (2) Traditional threaded, capped and press-fit connections require a large number of adapter fittings and special construction tools. They require professional technicians to operate, and the construction process is complicated, the construction period is long and the cost is high, which destroys the core advantages of one pipe to the end without fittings and quick installation. (3) In the existing connection structure, the sealing element and the pull-out resistance element share the same pipeline part. The sealing force is superimposed and interfered with the axial tension and settlement tension. Long-term use is prone to sealing failure, loosening of the interface and breakage. (4) Existing corrugated pipe end treatments mostly use punching, flaring, and grooving processes, which damage the pipe body structure, leading to stress concentration at the end, thinning of the pipe wall, corrosion and cracking, and reducing the overall service life of the pipeline. (5) There is no dedicated connection solution for R-coil long-distance stainless steel corrugated pipe with plastic distributor in the industry, which makes it impossible to achieve simple on-site assembly and uninterrupted laying of one pipe to the end, thus restricting the large-scale application of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a quick-connect structure for stainless steel corrugated pipes, addressing the issues raised in the background section regarding the lack of a continuous smooth sealing surface in stainless steel corrugated pipes due to their corrugated structure. Conventional sealing rings cannot effectively seal the pipe wall, leading to inevitable seepage and leakage with direct quick-connection, making them unsuitable for drinking water transportation. Furthermore, traditional threaded, capped, and press-fit connections require numerous adapter fittings and specialized tools, necessitating skilled technicians, resulting in complex, time-consuming, and costly construction processes, thus undermining the core advantages of seamless, quick-connect installation. In existing connection structures… When sealing components and pull-out resistant components share the same pipeline section, the sealing stress, axial tension, and settlement tension interact and interfere with each other, which can easily lead to sealing failure, loosening of joints, and breakage after long-term use. Existing corrugated pipe end treatments mostly use punching, flaring, and grooving processes, which damage the pipe's structure, resulting in stress concentration at the end, thinning of the pipe wall, corrosion and cracking, and reducing the overall service life of the pipeline. There is no dedicated connection solution in the industry for long-distance stainless steel corrugated pipes with R-shaped rolls and plastic distributors, which makes it impossible to achieve simplified on-site assembly and uninterrupted laying of the pipe from start to finish, thus restricting the large-scale application of the product.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a stainless steel corrugated pipe quick-connect structure, comprising a stainless steel corrugated pipe; One end of the stainless steel corrugated pipe is fixedly connected to a plastic distributor. Each water distribution interface of the plastic distributor is coaxially provided with a sealing cavity, a claw locking cavity and an anti-detachment limiting step. The sealing cavity is fitted with a double radial sealing assembly. The claw locking cavity is fitted with a stainless steel elastic claw locking assembly. The anti-detachment limiting step is in contact with an axial anti-detachment limiting assembly. The stainless steel elastic claw locking assembly includes a stainless steel ring and several claw blocks. One side of each of the several claw blocks is fixedly connected to the outer side of the stainless steel ring. A locking ring is provided on the outer side of the stainless steel ring. Several claw grooves are opened inside the locking ring. The several claw blocks are respectively arranged corresponding to the several claw grooves. The axial anti-detachment limiting component includes an anti-detachment tube and two connecting seats. The two sides of the anti-detachment tube are fixedly connected to one end of the two connecting seats respectively. Angle plates are rotatably connected inside the two connecting seats. An anti-fastener is slidably connected to the opposite side of the two angle plates.

[0006] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the surface of the locking ring is provided with a plurality of grooves. The grooves increase the unevenness of the surface of the locking ring, making it easier for the user to grip the locking ring. As a further technical solution of the present invention, the inner side of the locking ring is fixedly connected to the locking cavity of the claw, and the stainless steel elastic claw locking assembly is installed on the locking cavity of the claw through the locking ring.

[0007] As a further technical solution of the present invention, rigid springs are fixedly installed on the opposite sides of the two angle plates, and one end of each of the two rigid springs is fixedly connected to the side of the anti-detachment tube. The opposite sides of the two buckles are in contact with the anti-detachment limiting step. The buckles are deflected at an angle relative to the connecting seat by the angle plates, and the angle plates squeeze the rigid springs. The rigid springs are elastic, and the elastic deformation of the rigid springs buffers the squeezing force, so that the buckles are tightly fastened to the inner wall of the anti-detachment limiting step.

[0008] As a further technical solution of the present invention, both of the aforementioned undercut components include a grooved undercut block and two movable rods. The two ends of one side of the grooved undercut block are respectively fixedly connected to one end of the two movable rods. A height shell is fixedly installed in the middle of one side of the grooved undercut block. A lead screw is threaded to one end of the height shell. According to the specifications of the anti-detachment limiting step, the user rotates the lead screw. The thread on the surface of the lead screw matches the thread on the inner wall of the height shell. Therefore, the lead screw rotates along the height shell to adjust the distance between the grooved undercut block and the angle plate.

[0009] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the other ends of the two movable rods are slidably connected to the angle plate, one end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the side of the angle plate directly opposite it, and the buckle is installed on the angle plate through the movable rod and the lead screw.

[0010] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the dual radial sealing assembly includes a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, and an isolation ring. One end of the first sealing ring is fixedly connected to one end of the isolation ring, and the other end of the isolation ring is fixedly connected to one end of the second sealing ring. The dual radial sealing assembly includes two EPDM food-grade sealing rings, and an isolation ring is provided between the two sealing rings to form a double-layer independent redundant sealing structure.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. The entire device is sealed for a long time and is reliable. The split force-bearing design avoids the seals from being interfered with by axial tensile force. The double independent seals prevent leakage and are suitable for water pressure fluctuations and thermal expansion and contraction conditions. 2. The chuck features a double-limited design with corrugated troughs and anti-loosening buckles, providing axial tensile strength of 600N. It is suitable for complex scenarios involving foundation settlement and soil displacement, ensuring the interface will never loosen. 3. The entire roll of long pipe is simply treated at the ends on site, directly inserted into the plastic distributor, without any adapter fittings or complicated construction, truly achieving long-distance uninterrupted laying of one pipe to the end; 4. No special tools or skilled workers are required; ordinary workers can complete the installation. The insertion and positioning feel is clear, greatly improving construction efficiency and significantly reducing labor costs. 5. Cold extrusion leveling does not damage the pipe structure, eliminates stress concentration and corrosion risks, retains all the performance advantages of corrugated pipes, and extends the service life of pipelines. 6. The innovative combination of four major technical features—end flattening, split force distribution, quick-connect, and exclusive plastic distributor—is not a simple superposition of existing technologies. It produces an unexpected sealing and anti-detachment effect, highlighting its novelty and creativity. 7. All accessories are standardized mass-produced parts. The plastic dispenser is produced by conventional injection molding. The leveling tooling cost is low and there is no need to add large-scale production equipment, making it suitable for large-scale promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the dual radial sealing assembly of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the stainless steel elastic claw locking assembly of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a side view of the axial anti-detachment limiting component of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the present invention; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the present invention; Figure 7 These are comparison images of the corrugated pipe end before and after leveling according to the present invention.

[0013] In the diagram: 1. Stainless steel bellows; 2. Plastic distributor; 3. Stainless steel elastic claw locking assembly; 31. Locking ring; 32. Claw groove; 33. Stainless steel ring; 34. Claw block; 35. Groove; 4. Axial anti-disengagement limiting assembly; 41. Anti-disengagement tube; 42. Connecting seat; 43. Angle plate; 44. Rigid spring; 45. Inverted fastener; 451. Inverted block with groove; 452. Movable rod; 453. Height shell; 454. Lead screw; 5. Double radial sealing assembly; 51. First sealing ring; 52. Second sealing ring; 53. Isolation ring. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0015] Please see Figure 1-7 The present invention provides a quick-connect structure for a stainless steel corrugated pipe, comprising a stainless steel corrugated pipe 1. One end of the stainless steel corrugated pipe 1 is fixedly connected to a plastic distributor 2. Each water distribution interface of the plastic distributor 2 is coaxially provided with a sealing cavity, a claw locking cavity and an anti-detachment limiting step. The sealing cavity is fitted with a double radial sealing component 5. The claw locking cavity is fitted with a stainless steel elastic claw locking component 3. The anti-detachment limiting step is contacted and connected to an axial anti-detachment limiting component 4. The stainless steel elastic claw locking assembly 3 includes a stainless steel ring 33 and several claw blocks 34. One side of each claw block 34 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the stainless steel ring 33. A locking ring 31 is provided on the outer side of the stainless steel ring 33. Several claw grooves 32 are provided inside the locking ring 31. The several claw blocks 34 are respectively arranged corresponding to the several claw grooves 32. The axial anti-detachment limiting component 4 includes an anti-detachment tube 41 and two connecting seats 42. The two sides of the anti-detachment tube 41 are fixedly connected to one end of the two connecting seats 42 respectively. Angle plates 43 are rotatably connected inside the two connecting seats 42. The opposite sides of the two angle plates 43 are slidably connected to the buckles 45.

[0016] The surface of the locking ring 31 has several grooves 35.

[0017] When in use, the groove 35 increases the unevenness of the surface of the locking ring 31, making it easier for the user to grip the locking ring 31.

[0018] The inner side of the locking ring 31 is fixedly connected to the locking cavity of the claw.

[0019] In use, the stainless steel elastic claw locking assembly 3 is installed on the claw locking cavity via the locking ring 31.

[0020] Rigid springs 44 are fixedly installed on the opposite sides of the two angle plates 43. One end of each rigid spring 44 is fixedly connected to the side of the anti-detachment tube 41. The opposite sides of the two inverted fasteners 45 are in contact with the anti-detachment limiting step.

[0021] In use, the reverse fastener 45 is deflected relative to the connecting seat 42 by the angle plate 43, and the angle plate 43 compresses the rigid spring 44. The rigid spring 44 is elastic and undergoes elastic deformation to buffer the compressive force, so that the reverse fastener 45 is tightly fastened to the inner wall of the anti-disengagement limiting step.

[0022] Both inverted fasteners 45 include a grooved inverted fastener block 451 and two movable rods 452. The two ends of one side of the grooved inverted fastener block 451 are fixedly connected to one end of the two movable rods 452 respectively. A height shell 453 is fixedly installed in the middle of one side of the grooved inverted fastener block 451. A lead screw 454 is threaded to one end of the height shell 453.

[0023] In use, the user rotates the lead screw 454 according to the specifications of the anti-detachment limiting step. The thread on the surface of the lead screw 454 matches the thread on the inner wall of the height shell 453, so the lead screw 454 rotates along the height shell 453 to adjust the distance between the grooved buckle block 451 and the angle plate 43.

[0024] The other ends of the two movable rods 452 are slidably connected to the angle plate 43, and one end of the lead screw 454 is rotatably connected to the side of the angle plate 43 directly opposite to it.

[0025] In use, the reverse fastener 45 is installed on the angle plate 43 via the movable rod 452 and the lead screw 454.

[0026] The dual radial sealing assembly 5 includes a first sealing ring 51, a second sealing ring 52, and an isolation ring 53. One end of the first sealing ring 51 is fixedly connected to one end of the isolation ring 53, and the other end of the isolation ring 53 is fixedly connected to one end of the second sealing ring 52.

[0027] In use, the dual radial sealing assembly 5 includes two EPDM food-grade sealing rings, with an isolation ring 53 between the two sealing rings, forming a double-layer independent redundant sealing structure.

[0028] In this invention, The stainless steel corrugated pipe 1 is a single-rolled, corrugated long pipe made of 304 / 316L food-grade stainless steel. The ends are cold-extruded and partially leveled to form a smooth, integrally molded cylindrical sealed straight pipe section of a set length. This sealed straight pipe section is seamlessly connected to the corrugated pipe body. The main body retains the corrugated flexibility and anti-settlement structure. The leveling process involves no punching, no wall thinning, and no stress cracking, with a roundness error of 0.1mm. The plastic distributor 2 is integrally injection molded from food-grade PP material. Each water distribution interface has a sealing cavity, a locking claw cavity, and an anti-detachment limiting step, coaxially arranged from the inside out. The sealing cavity and the locking claw cavity are distributed coaxially in a stepped manner. The interface cavity precisely matches the shape of the stainless steel corrugated pipe end, eliminating the need for external adapter fittings. The dual radial sealing assembly 5 is embedded in the sealing cavity, including two EPDM food-grade... The sealing ring and the sealing ring isolation ring are arranged independently along the axial direction and only radially fit with the outer wall of the smooth cylindrical sealing straight pipe section to achieve double-layer redundant sealing; the stainless steel elastic claw locking component 3 is a 304 stainless steel ring split elastic structure, which is embedded in the claw locking cavity. The inner side of the claw is set with locking teeth that are precisely matched with the corrugated pipe trough. It only bites with the corrugated pipe end trough and bears the axial tensile, anti-settlement and anti-loosening forces; the axial anti-loosening limiting component 4 is an annular anti-loosening buckle that is integrally injection molded into the interface cavity. It abuts against the corrugated end face of the corrugated pipe end to limit the insertion depth and prevent over-insertion and axial movement; the smooth cylindrical sealing straight pipe section is formed by four-lobed arc molded cold extrusion, with a length of 15-25mm and a roundness error of 0.1mm. The leveling process is free of punching, pipe wall thinning and stress cracking. The quick-connect method for the entire device includes the following steps: end leveling: After cutting the entire roll of stainless steel corrugated pipe 1 on-site, the pipe end is sent into the arc-shaped mold leveling fixture, and a smooth cylindrical sealed straight pipe section of a set length is cold-extruded and formed, removing burrs from the end; straight insertion assembly: The leveled end of the stainless steel corrugated pipe 1 is inserted axially and straight into the water distribution interface of the plastic distributor 2 until the pipe end face is against the anti-dislodgement buckle, and a clear locking feel and click positioning feedback are generated after insertion; automatic locking: the double sealing rings radially tighten the sealing straight pipe section to form a seal, the stainless steel elastic claws automatically elastically retract, and the locking teeth bite the corrugated pipe trough to complete the locking and anti-dislodgement, realizing rapid assembly without welding, threads, or special tools. This structure is compatible with commonly used stainless steel corrugated pipes for water supply and drainage, with nominal diameters of DN16 and DN20. It uses 304 food-grade stainless steel corrugated pipe of the corresponding specification, with a total roll length of 50m, suitable for rural and residential one-pipe water supply systems. For end treatment, the corrugated pipe ends are fed into a four-lobed arc-shaped mold-forming and leveling machine for cold extrusion processing into 15-25mm long smooth cylindrical sealed straight pipe sections with a roundness error of 0.1mm, without pipe wall cracking or thinning. The distributor is made of PP plastic and is integrally injection molded. The interface is sequentially equipped with a sealing cavity, a claw locking cavity, and an anti-detachment buckle. The sealing cavity is fitted with two EPDM sealing rings and an isolation retaining ring. The claw locking cavity is embedded with 304 stainless steel elastic claws. On-site assembly involves directly inserting the leveled corrugated pipe into the distributor interface, pressing it against the anti-detachment buckle. There is a clear click when it is fully inserted, and the sealing and locking are automatically completed. Performance testing shows no leakage at 1.6MPa water pressure, an axial tensile strength of 650N, and no failure in hot and cold cycle tests, meeting the requirements for long-term use. Comparative Example 1: An unflattened, solid stainless steel corrugated pipe 1 was directly inserted into a plastic distributor interface with the same double-seal and claw structure, and sealing and pull-out tests were conducted. Test results: The sealing ring does not fit tightly with the corrugated surface, and leakage occurs under 0.8MPa water pressure; the clamping force is uneven, the axial tensile strength is only 200N, and it is easy to loosen, which cannot meet the usage requirements; The present invention is applicable to corrugated pipes of commonly used water supply diameters. After testing, the roundness error of the leveled end of the standard DN16 and DN20 specifications is 0.08mm, there is no leakage after holding a water pressure of 1.6MPa for 30 minutes, the axial tensile strength reaches 650N, and there is no leakage or loosening in the foundation settlement simulation test. It fully meets the national standards and the requirements for the use of the one-pipe-to-the-end system.

[0029] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A stainless steel corrugated pipe quick-connect structure, including a stainless steel corrugated pipe (1). Its features are: One end of the stainless steel corrugated pipe (1) is fixedly connected to a plastic distributor (2). Each water distribution interface of the plastic distributor (2) is coaxially provided with a sealing cavity, a claw locking cavity and an anti-detachment limiting step. The sealing cavity is fitted with a double radial sealing assembly (5). The claw locking cavity is fitted with a stainless steel elastic claw locking assembly (3). The anti-detachment limiting step is contacted and connected to an axial anti-detachment limiting assembly (4). The stainless steel elastic claw locking assembly (3) includes a stainless steel ring (33) and a plurality of claw blocks (34). One side of each of the claw blocks (34) is fixedly connected to the outer side of the stainless steel ring (33). A locking ring (31) is provided on the outer side of the stainless steel ring (33). A plurality of claw grooves (32) are provided inside the locking ring (31). The plurality of claw blocks (34) are respectively arranged corresponding to the plurality of claw grooves (32). The axial anti-detachment limiting component (4) includes an anti-detachment tube (41) and two connecting seats (42). The two sides of the anti-detachment tube (41) are fixedly connected to one end of the two connecting seats (42). Angle plates (43) are rotatably connected inside the two connecting seats (42). The opposite sides of the two angle plates (43) are slidably connected to a buckle (45).

2. The stainless steel corrugated pipe quick-connect structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the locking ring (31) has several grooves (35).

3. The stainless steel corrugated pipe quick-connect structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the locking ring (31) is fixedly connected to the locking cavity of the claw.

4. The stainless steel corrugated pipe quick-connect structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Rigid springs (44) are fixedly installed on the opposite side of the two angle plates (43). One end of each of the two rigid springs (44) is fixedly connected to the side of the anti-detachment tube (41) facing each other. The opposite sides of the two buckles (45) are in contact with the anti-detachment limiting step.

5. The stainless steel corrugated pipe quick-connect structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both of the aforementioned undercut components (45) include a grooved undercut block (451) and two movable rods (452). The two ends of one side of the grooved undercut block (451) are respectively fixedly connected to one end of the two movable rods (452). A height shell (453) is fixedly installed in the middle of one side of the grooved undercut block (451), and a lead screw (454) is threaded to one end of the height shell (453).

6. The stainless steel corrugated pipe quick-connect structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The other ends of the two movable rods (452) are slidably connected to the angle plate (43), and one end of the lead screw (454) is rotatably connected to the side of the angle plate (43) directly opposite to it.

7. The stainless steel corrugated pipe quick-connect structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dual radial sealing assembly (5) includes a first sealing ring (51), a second sealing ring (52) and an isolation ring (53). One end of the first sealing ring (51) is fixedly connected to one end of the isolation ring (53), and the other end of the isolation ring (53) is fixedly connected to one end of the second sealing ring (52).

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