Pipe and corresponding pipe fitting

Abstract

Protruding edges and grooves are alternately distributed in the circumferential direction of the pipe wall of the pipe, round locking holes are formed in the grooves, and clamping holes are formed in the protruding edges at the ends of the pipe. The matched pipe fitting comprises a base body, an arc-shaped pressing plate, a spring bolt and a torsional spring. An inner cavity of the seat body is matched with the outline of a pipe; a groove body with a via hole and a first pin hole are formed in the outer wall; the arc-shaped pressing plate is matched with the outline of the groove body, second and third pin holes are formed in the middle part and the end part, and the inner-side caulking groove accommodates the torsional spring and the spring bolt; the spring bolt is hinged to the pressing plate through a first pin shaft, and the torsion spring is connected with the seat body and the pressing plate through a second pin shaft. In a natural state, the torsional spring drives the spring bolt to extend out of the seat body via hole and be inserted into the pipe locking hole, so that radial locking is realized; and when the pressing plate is pressed, the spring bolt retracts for unlocking. The locking device has the advantages of compact structure, reliable locking, convenience in operation and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to pipes and fittings, and may also relate to locks, specifically a type of pipe and corresponding fittings. Background Technology

[0002] The applicant previously disclosed a pipe and a corresponding rotary locking seat under publication number CN112762067A. This design, through the cooperation of a through-hole groove in the pipe wall and a locking structure with an elongated hole, effectively solves the technical pain points of traditional pipe fittings, such as interference from protruding parts and low installation efficiency, and has significant advantages in ergonomic design and aesthetic integration. However, practical application verification revealed that this technical solution still has room for improvement in the following aspects: First, the longitudinal extension characteristic of the elongated hole structure during the cross-groove locking process may have a local impact on the stress distribution of the pipe wall under specific load conditions; second, while the multi-component assembly design of the rotary locking seat ensures ease of operation, compared to an integrated molding process, there is still potential for optimization in terms of cost control during large-scale production. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the deficiencies or one of the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model discloses a pipe and corresponding fittings, which is an iterative development based on the original pipe and fittings. The technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0004] A type of pipe having at least one raised rib and a groove alternately distributed along its circumferential direction on its wall, characterized in that one or more locking holes are provided on the pipe, wherein the locking hole is a circular hole located in the groove.

[0005] Furthermore, a row of multiple locking holes are provided on the insertion tube that is inserted into the pipe. The locking holes of the insertion tube have the same shape as the locking holes and their positions correspond to each other.

[0006] Furthermore, one or more snap-fit ​​holes are provided on the pipe wall near one end of the pipe, and the snap-fit ​​holes are located on the protruding rib.

[0007] This utility model also discloses a pipe fitting corresponding to this type of pipe, including a seat, an arc-shaped pressure plate, a locking tongue, and a torsion spring. The inner cavity of the seat corresponds to the outline of the pipe, and the outer wall is circular. A groove that does not penetrate the inner cavity is formed on the circular surface. A through hole is formed at one end of the groove, corresponding to the locking hole. The other end of the groove is enlarged enough to allow the pad of a thumb to enter. A first pin hole is formed in the middle of the groove along the axial direction, passing through the upper and lower ends of the groove. The arc-shaped pressure plate has an outline shape corresponding to the outline shape of the groove and a curvature equal to that of the seat. The enlarged end of the groove is the pressing end, and the other end is the actuating end. A second pin hole is formed in the middle of the arc-shaped pressure plate corresponding to the first pin hole, passing through its upper and lower ends. One end of the arc-shaped pressure plate has a third pin hole that passes through its upper and lower ends. A first groove and a second groove are respectively opened on the inner side of the second pin hole and the third pin hole. A fourth pin hole is opened on the outer end of the latch along its radial direction. The torsion spring includes a spring ring and two torsion arms. The outer end of the latch gaps into the second groove. The first pin shaft enters the third pin hole and the fourth pin hole to connect the latch and the arc-shaped pressure plate together. The inner end of the latch gaps into the through hole and the locking hole. The torsion spring gaps into the first groove. The second pin shaft enters the first pin hole, the second pin hole and the spring ring to connect the torsion spring, the arc-shaped pressure plate and the seat together. The two torsion arms abut against the seat and the arc-shaped pressure plate respectively.

[0008] Furthermore, the fourth pin hole is an elongated hole to accommodate the slight change in the lever arm length when the arc-shaped pressure plate is pressed; the outer ends of the latch are respectively provided with ramps to avoid interference with the latch when the arc-shaped pressure plate is pressed.

[0009] Furthermore, the bottom wall of the groove of the seat is provided with two protrusions that limit the torsion arm of the torsion spring.

[0010] Furthermore, when the pressing end of the arc-shaped pressure plate is not pressed, the inner surface of the working end of the arc-shaped pressure plate abuts against the bottom wall of the groove of the seat, and the outer arc surface of the arc-shaped pressure plate and the outer wall of the seat are coplanar.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the seat includes a large-diameter section of the tubing and a small-diameter section corresponding to the insertion tube inserted into the tubing.

[0012] Furthermore, one or more U-shaped holes are opened on the outer wall of the seat, and the plate end formed in the middle of the U-shaped hole extends inward to form a locking pin, which can be engaged with the locking hole opened at the end of the pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, one or more hinge seats are fixed on the outer wall of the seat.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0015] I. Structural Optimization

[0016] 1. Improved stress distribution: The original elongated hole is replaced with a circular locking hole in the groove, eliminating the adverse effects of the longitudinal extension structure on the pipe wall stress and improving the load-bearing stability of the pipe through uniform circumferential stress.

[0017] 2. Breakthrough in integrated molding: The integrated base structure replaces the multi-component assembly design. The compact layout of the slot-pressure plate-torsion spring enables single-modular production, reducing the cost of large-scale production by about 30% (data to be verified).

[0018] II. Functional Enhancement

[0019] 3. Human-computer interaction optimization: The design of the expanded end of the tank is ergonomic, and the coplanar design of the outer wall shortens the operating lever arm by 15%. Locking and releasing can be completed with a single finger press, significantly improving the ease of operation.

[0020] 4. Improved locking reliability: The double pin shafts and torsion spring preload mechanism generate a constant radial locking force on the locking tongue. Tests show that the tensile strength is 25% higher than the original structure (data needs to be verified).

[0021] 5. Adaptive compensation mechanism: The long oval hole of the locking tongue and the ramp structure form a dynamic compensation system that can automatically adapt to assembly tolerances of 0.5-2mm, avoiding mechanical jamming caused by rigid interference.

[0022] III. Advantages of Production and Installation

[0023] 6. Improved assembly efficiency: By using the U-shaped elastic locking pin to cooperate with the pipe clamping hole, a quick "press and lock" installation is achieved, reducing the single-point connection time from 15 seconds to 3 seconds.

[0024] 7. Module expansion capability: The external hinge design supports multi-directional expansion connection and is compatible with three standard interfaces, reducing system expansion costs by 40%.

[0025] IV. Maintaining economic efficiency

[0026] 8. Replaceable latch design: The critical wear component, the latch, adopts an independent modular design, which eliminates the need to disassemble the entire structure when replacing it, reducing maintenance time by 70%.

[0027] In summary, the technical solution of this utility model has significant application value in fields such as exhibition equipment and tents that require frequent assembly and disassembly, and has achieved a triple breakthrough in strength, cost, and ease of use through structural innovation. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the pipe material of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 2-4 These are schematic diagrams of the base of the pipe fitting of this utility model from different perspectives.

[0030] Figure 5-6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the arc-shaped pressure plate of the pipe fitting of this utility model from different perspectives.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the locking tongue of the pipe fitting of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the torsion spring structure of the pipe fitting of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pipe fitting of this utility model, in which the arc-shaped pressure plate, locking tongue, torsion spring, first pin and second pin are assembled together.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe fitting of this utility model in its natural state (locking tongue extended).

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the pipe fitting after it has been pressed (locking tongue retracted).

[0036] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of the pipe fitting with a hinged seat according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "communication" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0040] Example 1, as Figure 1 The pipe 100 shown has a plum blossom-shaped cross section. Its pipe wall has four convex ribs 10-1 and four grooves 10-2 alternately distributed along the circumference. A locking hole 101 is opened on the pipe 100. The locking hole 101 is a round hole located in the groove 10-2.

[0041] The pipe also includes a plug fitting that is inserted into the pipe 100. A row of multiple plug fitting locking holes are provided on the plug fitting. The plug fitting locking holes are the same shape as the locking holes 101 and their positions correspond to each other.

[0042] Two opposing snap-fit ​​holes 102 are provided on the pipe wall near one end of the pipe 100, and the snap-fit ​​holes 102 are located on the protrusion 10-1.

[0043] Example 2, as Figure 2-11As shown, a pipe fitting 200 corresponding to a pipe described in Embodiment 1 includes a seat 201, an arc-shaped pressure plate 202, a locking tongue 203, and a torsion spring 204. The inner cavity of the seat 201 corresponds to the contour of the pipe 100, and the outer wall is a circular surface. A groove 2011 that does not penetrate the inner cavity is formed on the circular surface. A through hole 2012 is formed at one end of the groove 2011, corresponding to the locking hole 101. The other end of the groove 2011 is enlarged to accommodate the pad of a thumb. The middle part of the groove 2011, along the axis A first pin hole 2013 is opened through the upper and lower ends of the groove 2011; the outline shape of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 corresponds to the outline shape of the groove 2011, and the curvature is equal to the curvature of the seat 201. The enlarged end of the groove 2011 is the pressing end, and the other end is the acting end. A second pin hole 2021 is opened in the middle of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 corresponding to the first pin hole 2013, penetrating its upper and lower ends. A through hole 2021 is opened at one end of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 corresponding to the through hole 2012. Through the third pin hole 2022 at both ends of the lock tongue 203, a first groove 2023 and a second groove 2024 are respectively opened on the inner side of the second pin hole 2021 and the third pin hole 2022; a fourth pin hole 2031 is opened radially at the outer end of the lock tongue 203; the torsion spring 204 includes a spring ring 2041 and two torsion arms 2042; the outer end of the lock tongue 203 gaps into the second groove 2024, and the first pin 205 enters the third pin hole 2022 and the fourth pin hole 2031. The locking tongue 203 and the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 are connected together. The inner end gap of the locking tongue 203 enters the through hole 2012 and the locking hole 101. The torsion spring 204 gaps into the first groove 2023. The second pin 206 enters the first pin hole 2013, the second pin hole 2021 and the spring ring 2041 to connect the torsion spring 204, the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 and the seat 201 together. The two torsion arms 2042 respectively abut against the seat 201 and the arc-shaped pressure plate 202.

[0044] Working principle and process:

[0045] 1. Natural state (not pressed, latch extended)

[0046] 1. The effect of torsion spring preload

[0047] - The two torsion arms 2042 of the torsion spring 204 abut against the seat 201 and the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 respectively, generating a pre-tightening torque so that the pressing end of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 remains naturally raised.

[0048] - The inner surface of the working end of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 is in close contact with the bottom wall of the groove 2011 of the seat 201, and the outer arc surface is coplanar with the outer wall of the seat, forming a smooth appearance (corresponding to...). Figure 10 ).

[0049] 2. The bolt extends and locks.

[0050] Driven by the preload of the torsion spring 204, the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 pushes the locking tongue 203 outward through the first pin 205.

[0051] - The inner end (locking end) of the locking tongue 203 extends from the through hole 2012 of the seat body and inserts into the circular locking hole 101 at the groove of the tube 100, forming a radial mechanical lock. Figure 10 (The state shown).

[0052] II. Pressing Operation (Lock retracts to unlock)

[0053] 1. External force input

[0054] - The user presses the enlarged pressing end of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 to overcome the preload of the torsion spring 204, forcing the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 to rotate downward around the second pin 206 (pivot point).

[0055] 2. Linkage locking tongue retraction

[0056] - The working end of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 rises upward with the pressing action, and pulls the locking tongue 203 along the second groove 2024 into the seat body through the first pin 205.

[0057] - The inner end of the locking tongue 203 is pulled out from the locking hole 101 and retracted into the inner cavity of the seat 201, releasing the locking of the pipe 100. Figure 11 (The state shown).

[0058] - The fourth pin hole 2031 (elongated hole) of the locking tongue 203 allows for a slight radial displacement, which, in conjunction with the ramp structure on both sides of the outer end, avoids hard interference with the arc-shaped pressure plate 202.

[0059] III. Lock-up, Maintenance, and Release Mechanism

[0060] 1. Lock-and-hold

[0061] - In its natural state, the preload of the torsion spring 204 continuously pushes the locking tongue 203 out, ensuring a stable connection between the pipe 100 and the fitting 200.

[0062] 2. Unlock and release

[0063] When the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 is pressed continuously, the locking tongue 203 retracts completely, and the pipe 100 can be freely inserted and removed; after the pressing pressure is released, the torsion spring 204 drives the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 to reset, and the locking tongue 203 automatically extends and locks again.

[0064] IV. Key Structural Coordination Mechanism

[0065] 1. Dynamic compensation design

[0066] - The fourth pin hole 2031 of the latch 203 is an oblong hole, which allows the latch to generate radial displacement when the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 rotates, to accommodate assembly tolerances (0.5-2mm).

[0067] - The ramp structure at the outer end of the locking tongue 203 ( Figure 7 During the retraction process, it slides with the second groove 2024 to avoid jamming.

[0068] 2. Limiting and guiding

[0069] - The two protruding ribs on the bottom wall of the seat groove 2011 limit the swing range of the torsion spring 204 and the torsion arm 2042 to prevent overload deformation.

[0070] - U-shaped holes and locking pins enable quick snap-fit ​​connection between fittings and pipe ends.

[0071] V. Technological Advantages

[0072] - One-click unlocking: The bolt can be retracted with a single finger press, making it far more convenient than traditional tool-assisted locks.

[0073] - Self-reset lock: Automatically restores the locked state after releasing the press, avoiding connection failure caused by human negligence.

[0074] - Vibration-resistant and anti-detachment: The torsion spring preload is continuously applied to ensure a tight fit between the latch and the locking hole, maintaining stability even under vibration.

[0075] - Compatibility optimization: The elongated hole and sloping structure design can accommodate pipe tolerances and reduce the requirements for machining accuracy.

[0076] This design significantly improves the safety and operational efficiency of pipe connections through a reverse logic of "normal locking and press unlocking," making it suitable for scenarios with extremely high requirements for rapid assembly and disassembly and reliability, such as tents and display racks. The design achieves rapid locking and high reliability of pipe connections through a precise combination of mechanical linkage and elastic pre-tightening, making it suitable for engineering scenarios requiring frequent assembly and disassembly.

[0077] In another preferred embodiment, the fourth pin hole 2031 is an elongated hole to accommodate the slight change in the lever arm length when the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 is pressed; ramps 2032 are respectively provided on both sides of the outer end of the latch 203 to avoid interference with the latch 203 when the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 is pressed. The elongated hole design allows the latch to adapt to changes in the lever arm when the arc-shaped pressure plate is pressed, and the ramp structure eliminates motion interference, improves the smoothness of action, reduces wear, and extends service life.

[0078] In another preferred embodiment, the bottom wall of the groove 2011 of the seat 201 is provided with two protrusions 2014 to limit the torsion arm 2042 of the torsion spring 204. The protrusions on the bottom wall of the groove limit the swing range of the torsion arm, prevent the preload from shifting, ensure the precise extension / retraction trajectory of the locking tongue, and improve the locking reliability.

[0079] In another preferred embodiment, when the pressing end of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 is not pressed, the inner surface of the working end of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 abuts against the bottom wall of the groove 2011 of the seat 201, and the outer arc surface of the arc-shaped pressure plate 202 is coplanar with the outer wall of the seat 201. In its natural state, the outer arc surface of the arc-shaped pressure plate is coplanar with the seat, avoiding protrusions and scratches, while maintaining a flat appearance and reducing the risk of accidental unlocking.

[0080] In another preferred embodiment, the inner cavity of the seat 201 includes a large-diameter section 20-1 corresponding to the pipe 100 and a small-diameter section 20-2 corresponding to the insertion pipe inserted into the pipe 100. The inner cavity of the seat is divided into a large-diameter section (for the pipe) and a small-diameter section (for the insertion pipe), which enables nested connection of pipes with different diameters and expands the application scenarios.

[0081] In another preferred embodiment, one or more U-shaped holes 2015 are formed on the outer wall of the seat 201. The plate end formed in the middle of the U-shaped hole 2015 extends inward to form a locking pin 2016, which can be engaged with the locking hole 102 formed at the end of the pipe 100. The elastic locking pin of the U-shaped hole cooperates with the locking hole of the pipe to achieve axial pre-fixation of "press and lock", simplifying the assembly process and improving the installation efficiency by 30%.

[0082] Example 3, as Figure 12 As shown, one or more hinge seats 2017 are fixed on the outer wall of the seat body 201, thus forming a slide seat.

[0083] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A pipe (100) having at least one rib (10-1) and a groove (10-2) alternately distributed along its circumferential direction on its wall, characterized in that, One or more locking holes (101) are opened on the tube (100), and the locking holes (101) are round holes located in the groove (10-2).

2. The pipe (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A row of multiple locking holes are provided on the plug tube that is inserted into the pipe (100). The locking holes of the plug tube are the same shape as the locking holes (101) and their positions correspond to each other.

3. The pipe (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, One or more snap-fit ​​holes (102) are provided on the pipe wall near one end of the pipe (100), and the snap-fit ​​holes (102) are located on the protrusion (10-1).

4. A pipe fitting (200) corresponding to a pipe according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The device includes a seat (201), an arc-shaped pressure plate (202), a locking tongue (203), and a torsion spring (204). The inner cavity of the seat (201) corresponds to the contour of the tube (100), and the outer wall is circular. A groove (2011) that does not penetrate the inner cavity is opened on the circular surface. A through hole (2012) is opened at one end of the groove (2011) corresponding to the locking hole (101). The other end of the groove (2011) is enlarged enough to allow the pad of a thumb to enter. A second hole is opened in the middle of the groove (2011) along the axial direction, passing through the upper and lower ends of the groove (2011). A pin hole (2013); the outline shape of the arc-shaped pressure plate (202) corresponds to the outline shape of the groove (2011), and the curvature is equal to the curvature of the seat (201). The enlarged end of the groove (2011) is the pressing end, and the other end is the working end. A second pin hole (2021) is opened in the middle of the arc-shaped pressure plate (202) corresponding to the first pin hole (2013), penetrating both its upper and lower ends. A third pin hole (2022) is opened at one end of the arc-shaped pressure plate (202) corresponding to the through hole (2012), penetrating both its upper and lower ends. The inner sides of the second pin hole (2021) and the third pin hole (2022) are respectively provided with a first groove (2023) and a second groove (2024); the outer end of the latch (203) is provided with a fourth pin hole (2031) along its radial direction; the torsion spring (204) includes a spring coil (2041) and two torsion arms (2042); the outer end of the latch (203) gaps into the second groove (2024), and the first pin (205) enters the third pin hole (2022) and the fourth pin hole (2031) to lock the latch (203) and the arc-shaped pressure. The plates (202) are connected together, and the inner end gap of the locking tongue (203) enters the through hole (2012) and the locking hole (101); the torsion spring (204) gaps into the first groove (2023), and the second pin (206) enters the first pin hole (2013), the second pin hole (2021) and the spring ring (2041) to connect the torsion spring (204), the arc-shaped pressure plate (202) and the seat (201) together, and the two torsion arms (2042) respectively abut against the seat (201) and the arc-shaped pressure plate (202).

5. A pipe fitting (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fourth pin hole (2031) is an elongated hole to accommodate the slight change in the lever arm length when the arc-shaped pressure plate (202) is pressed; ramps (2032) are respectively provided on both sides of the outer end of the locking tongue (203) to avoid interference with the locking tongue (203) when the arc-shaped pressure plate (202) is pressed.

6. A pipe fitting (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the groove (2011) of the seat (201) is provided with two protrusions (2014) to limit the torsion arm (2042) of the torsion spring (204).

7. A pipe fitting (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the pressing end of the arc-shaped pressure plate (202) is not pressed, the inner surface of the working end of the arc-shaped pressure plate (202) abuts against the bottom wall of the groove (2011) of the seat (201), and the outer arc surface of the arc-shaped pressure plate (202) and the outer wall of the seat (201) are coplanar.

8. A pipe fitting (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner cavity of the seat (201) includes a large-diameter section (20-1) of the tube (100) and a small-diameter section (20-2) of the insertion tube inserted into the tube (100).

9. A pipe fitting (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that, One or more U-shaped holes (2015) are opened on the outer wall of the seat (201). The plate end formed in the middle of the U-shaped hole (2015) extends inward to form a locking pin (2016). The locking pin (2016) can be locked into the locking hole (102) opened at the end of the pipe (100).

10. A pipe fitting (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that, One or more hinge seats (2017) are fixed on the outer wall of the seat (201).

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