Self-locking tee
By combining the tapered guide surface with the elastic latch assembly, the problems of poor sealing and easy loosening of existing tee pipe joints are solved, and a self-locking tee pipe joint with high sealing performance and stable connection is realized.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HAIYAN PIPE FITTING MFG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing tee fittings have poor sealing performance and are not secure in high-pressure fluid transportation. They are also prone to loosening due to wear or fatigue deformation, making assembly inconvenient and production costs high.
A composite locking mechanism combining a tapered guide surface and an elastic latch assembly is adopted. The radial friction force generated by the tapered guide surface is used for pre-tightening, and the mechanical engagement of the elastic latch achieves staged locking, enhancing sealing performance and resistance to axial vibration.
The tee fitting achieves high sealing performance and resistance to loosening, enabling stable connection during high-pressure fluid transport, reducing wear and production costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN224315726U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of pipe connection, and in particular to the technical field of a self-locking tee pipe joint. Background Technology
[0002] Tee pipes are widely used in pipeline networks for transporting liquids and gases to change the direction of fluids. They can be used in water pipelines, oil pipelines, and pipelines for transporting various liquid chemical materials. They are mainly used in engineering fields such as medicine, water conservancy, energy, and construction.
[0003] To ensure a tight and secure pipe connection, threads or grooves are typically cut at the end of the pipe fitting to mate with the pipe threads or grooves. However, existing pipe fittings are not secure enough, have poor sealing performance, are not suitable for pipe connections of high-pressure fluids, and are inconvenient to assemble and have high production costs.
[0004] To address the problems mentioned above, for example, application number CN201320434362.2 discloses a tee pipe connector, including a "T"-shaped pipe body with three interconnected connector tubes. Each connector tube has a groove, and an "N"-shaped sealing ring is embedded in the groove. The sealing ring has a first annular groove and a second annular groove on both sides. When the connector tube is inserted into the pipe, the inner wall of the pipe squeezes the sealing ring. The radial squeezing force and axial friction force of the sealing ring cause the second annular groove of the sealing ring to close inward, while the first annular groove of the sealing ring slightly opens outward, resulting in a firm connection and good sealing performance.
[0005] However, the sealing ring in the above structure has poor wear resistance, and it is prone to damage after long-term use, thus affecting the performance of the joint.
[0006] To address the problems mentioned above, for example, application number CN201520678592.2 discloses a tee pipe connector, including a body in the shape of a T. The body comprises an integrally formed first pipe body, a second pipe body, and a third pipe body, which are interconnected. The first and second pipe bodies are arranged on the same axis, and the third pipe body is disposed between the first and second pipe bodies. The circumferential surfaces of the first and second pipe bodies are respectively provided with snap-fit grooves. A snap-fit piece is rotatably connected to the side of the third pipe body away from the end face. The snap-fit piece can complete the fixed connection between the tee pipe and the pipe body. At the same time, the snap-fit piece is not easily worn and has a long service life.
[0007] However, the above structure still has the following drawbacks:
[0008] The locking tabs are prone to fatigue deformation, which can reduce the locking force and make them unable to effectively resist loosening caused by axial vibration of the pipeline. Summary of the Invention
[0009] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems in the prior art by proposing a self-locking tee pipe joint that can achieve staged pre-tightening and mechanical anti-retraction effects through a composite locking mechanism of a tapered guide surface and an elastic latch group.
[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a self-locking tee pipe connector, comprising a connector body, interfaces, a tapered guide surface, a pipe, an annular groove, elastic latches, and barbs. The connector body includes at least three interfaces, each interface having a tapered guide surface on its inner wall, the tapered guide surface gradually decreasing in diameter along the pipe insertion direction. An elastic latch assembly is provided on the rear side of the tapered guide surface, the elastic latch assembly including at least two symmetrically distributed elastic latches, the ends of the elastic latches having inward barbs. The tapered guide surface and the elastic latches work together to generate radial friction force for pre-tightening when the pipe is inserted, and then continue insertion until the elastic latches spring into the annular groove on the outer wall of the pipe to complete mechanical locking.
[0011] Preferably, the root of the elastic latch and the tapered guide surface are transitioned by a continuous inclined surface, and the thickness of the root of the elastic latch is greater than the thickness of the end, forming a gradually varying stiffness structure.
[0012] Preferably, the inner side of the tapered guide surface is provided with an axially sliding friction ring, the outer wall of the friction ring is in contact with the tapered guide surface, the inner wall of the friction ring is in contact with the outer wall of the pipe, and the rear end of the friction ring is linked to the root of the elastic latch through an inclined surface.
[0013] Preferably, the inner wall of the friction ring is provided with a plurality of raised ribs, which contact the sidewall of the annular groove on the outer wall of the pipe to enhance the anti-reverse resistance.
[0014] Preferably, the elastic latches in the elastic latch group are symmetrically distributed around the interface circumferentially, and the barb direction of the elastic latches matches the oblique angle direction of the tapered guide surface to restrict the circumferential rotation of the pipe.
[0015] Preferably, each of the three interfaces of the connector body is provided with an independent tapered guide surface and an elastic latch assembly, and the tapered guide surfaces of the three interfaces have the same oblique angle direction, forming a coordinated axial locking force.
[0016] Preferably, the cross-section of the barb of the elastic latch is trapezoidal.
[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0018] This invention achieves self-locking of pipes through the combined action of a tapered guide surface and an elastic latch assembly. When the pipe is inserted into the connector body, the tapered guide surface guides the pipe to center, and the radial friction generated by the inclined surface creates an initial lock. As the pipe continues to advance, the elastic latch is compressed towards its root by the outer wall of the pipe until the annular groove on the outer wall of the pipe reaches the position of the elastic latch. When the annular groove and the elastic latch are aligned, the elastic latch springs into the annular groove, completing the mechanical engagement. The tapered guide surface continuously compresses the friction ring due to the axial thrust of the pipe, generating additional radial pressure, further compressing the root of the elastic latch and enhancing the engagement strength. When the pipe is pulled back by an external force, the tapered guide surface increases the friction due to the reverse movement, forming the first anti-retraction barrier. The barb of the elastic latch locks against the side wall of the annular groove, thereby resisting the axial pull and forming the second anti-retraction barrier. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of a self-locking tee pipe connector according to this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the friction ring of a self-locking tee pipe joint according to this utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe installation of a self-locking tee pipe joint according to this utility model;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a self-locking tee pipe joint according to the present invention;
[0023] In the figure: 1-Connector body, 101-Interface, 1011-Conical guide surface, 2-Pipe, 201-Annular groove, 3-Elastic latch, 301-Barb, 4-Friction ring, 401-Rib. Detailed Implementation
[0024] See Figures 1 to 4This utility model discloses a self-locking tee pipe connector, comprising a connector body 1, an interface 101, a tapered guide surface 1011, a pipe 2, an annular groove 201, an elastic latch 3, and a barb 301. The connector body 1 includes at least three interfaces 101, each interface 101 having a tapered guide surface 1011 on its inner wall, the tapered guide surface 1011 having a gradually decreasing inner diameter along the insertion direction of the pipe 2. An elastic latch assembly is provided on the rear side of the tapered guide surface 1011, the elastic latch assembly including at least two symmetrically distributed elastic latches 3, the ends of the elastic latches 3 having inwardly pointing barbs 301. The tapered guide surface 1011 and the elastic latches 3 work together to ensure that the pipe 2 passes through the tapered guide surface first when inserted. 1011 generates radial friction force for pre-tightening. It continues to be inserted until the elastic latch 3 springs into the annular groove 201 on the outer wall of the pipe 2 to complete mechanical locking. When the pipe 2 is inserted, the tapered guide surface 1011 squeezes the outer wall of the pipe 2 through the gradually narrowing inclined surface, generating radial friction force to achieve initial alignment and pre-tightening. When the pipe 2 continues to be inserted to the position of the elastic latch group, the elastic latch 3 is squeezed by the pipe 2 and shrinks and deforms towards the root. When the annular groove 201 on the outer wall of the pipe 2 is aligned with the elastic latch 3, the elastic latch 3 springs back, and the end barb 301 is embedded in the annular groove 201 to form a hard mechanical lock. The friction force of the tapered guide surface 1011 and the mechanical engagement of the elastic latch 3 jointly resist the axial tension and prevent the pipe 2 from loosening.
[0025] See Figure 1 The root of the elastic latch 3 and the conical guide surface 1011 are connected by a continuous inclined surface. The thickness of the root of the elastic latch 3 is greater than that of the end, forming a gradually changing stiffness structure. This allows the elastic latch 3 to deform at the end when under pressure, thus avoiding fracture caused by stress concentration at the root. The continuous inclined surface between the root and the conical guide surface 1011 ensures smooth contact between the elastic latch 3 and the conical surface when it contracts, reducing wear.
[0026] See Figure 1 The inner side of the tapered guide surface 1011 is provided with an axially sliding friction ring 4. The outer wall of the friction ring 4 is in contact with the tapered guide surface 1011, and the inner wall of the friction ring 4 is in contact with the outer wall of the pipe 2. The rear end of the friction ring 4 is linked to the root of the elastic latch 3 through an inclined surface. When the pipe 2 is inserted, the friction ring 4 is squeezed by the tapered guide surface 1011 and slides axially. Its inner wall is in close contact with the outer wall of the pipe 2, increasing the friction force. The rear end of the friction ring 4 is linked to the root of the elastic latch 3 through an inclined surface. When the pipe 2 is subjected to tension, the friction ring 4 slides in the opposite direction, pushing the root of the elastic latch 3 to further press the pipe 2, forming a dynamic locking force.
[0027] See Figure 2The friction ring 4 has multiple ribs 401 distributed in a ring on its inner wall. The ribs 401 contact the side wall of the annular groove 201 on the outer wall of the pipe 2 to enhance the anti-retraction resistance. When the pipe 2 is subjected to tension, the contact surface between the ribs 401 and the side wall of the annular groove 201 generates shear resistance, which complements the locking of the barb 301.
[0028] See Figure 1 The elastic latches 3 in the elastic latch group are symmetrically distributed around the interface 101, and the direction of the barb 301 of the elastic latches 3 matches the oblique angle direction of the tapered guide surface 1011 to restrict the circumferential rotation of the pipe 2.
[0029] See Figure 3 Each of the three interfaces 101 of the connector body 1 is provided with an independent conical guide surface 1011 and an elastic latch assembly. The conical guide surfaces 1011 of the three interfaces 101 are in the same direction, forming a coordinated axial locking force. This ensures that the axial locking force of each interface 101 is in the same direction when the pipe 2 is inserted, and the multi-directional locking forces are balanced to avoid excessive locking force on one side, which could lead to connector misalignment or sealing failure.
[0030] See Figure 3 The cross-section of the barb 301 of the elastic latch 3 is trapezoidal. When the barb 301 is embedded in the annular groove 201, it forms a self-locking angle. When the reverse tension is applied, it generates a greater normal pressure, preventing it from coming out.
[0031] The working process of this utility model:
[0032] In the operation of this self-locking tee pipe joint, when the pipe 2 is inserted into the joint body 1, the tapered guide surface 1011 guides the pipe 2 to center, and the radial friction force generated by the inclined surface extrusion forms a preliminary lock. As the pipe 2 continues to advance, the elastic latch 3 is compressed towards the root by the outer wall of the pipe 2 until the annular groove 201 on the outer wall of the pipe 2 reaches the position of the elastic latch 3. When the annular groove 201 and the elastic latch 3 are aligned, the elastic latch 3 springs into the annular groove 201, completing the mechanical engagement. The tapered guide surface 1011 continues to compress the friction ring 4 due to the axial thrust of the pipe 2, generating additional radial pressure, further compressing the root of the elastic latch 3 and enhancing the engagement strength. When the pipe 2 is pulled back by an external force, the tapered guide surface 1011 increases the friction force due to the reverse movement, forming the first anti-retraction barrier. The barb 301 of the elastic latch 3 is locked with the side wall of the annular groove 201, thereby resisting the axial pull force and forming the second anti-retraction barrier.
[0033] The above embodiments are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any simple modifications to the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A self-locking tee pipe fitting, characterized in that: The connector includes a connector body (1), an interface (101), a tapered guide surface (1011), a pipe (2), an annular groove (201), an elastic latch (3), and a barb (301). The connector body (1) includes at least three interfaces (101), and each interface (101) has a tapered guide surface (1011) on its inner wall. The inner diameter of the tapered guide surface (1011) gradually decreases along the insertion direction of the pipe (2). An elastic latch group is provided on the rear side of the tapered guide surface (1011). The elastic latch group includes at least two symmetrically distributed elastic latches (3). The end of the elastic latch (3) is provided with an inward barb (301). The tapered guide surface (1011) and the elastic latch (3) work together to generate radial friction force to pre-tighten the pipe (2) when it is inserted, and continue to insert until the elastic latch (3) springs into the annular groove (201) on the outer wall of the pipe (2) to complete the mechanical locking.
2. The self-locking tee pipe fitting as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The root of the elastic latch (3) and the tapered guide surface (1011) are connected by a continuous inclined surface. The thickness of the root of the elastic latch (3) is greater than the thickness of the end, forming a gradually changing stiffness structure.
3. A self-locking tee pipe fitting as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the tapered guide surface (1011) is provided with a friction ring (4) that can slide axially. The outer wall of the friction ring (4) is in contact with the tapered guide surface (1011), the inner wall of the friction ring (4) is in contact with the outer wall of the pipe (2), and the rear end of the friction ring (4) is linked to the root of the elastic latch (3) through an inclined surface.
4. A self-locking tee pipe fitting as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The friction ring (4) has multiple ribs (401) distributed in a ring on its inner wall. The ribs (401) contact the side wall of the annular groove (201) on the outer wall of the pipe (2) to enhance the anti-reverse resistance.
5. A self-locking tee pipe fitting as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic latches (3) in the elastic latch group are symmetrically distributed around the interface (101) and the direction of the barb (301) of the elastic latches (3) matches the oblique angle direction of the tapered guide surface (1011) to restrict the circumferential rotation of the pipe (2).
6. A self-locking tee pipe fitting as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connector body (1) has three interfaces (101) each with an independent tapered guide surface (1011) and an elastic latch assembly. The tapered guide surfaces (1011) of the three interfaces (101) have the same oblique angle direction, forming a coordinated axial locking force.
7. A self-locking tee pipe fitting as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the barb (301) of the elastic latch (3) is trapezoidal.