Pipe connector and multi-way pipe joint

Abstract

This utility model relates to pipe connectors and multi-directional pipe fittings. The pipe connector includes a body, a first annular protrusion, a second annular protrusion, a third annular protrusion, and an annular groove. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an inner hole. The inner hole extends through from the first end to the second end. The first annular protrusion is adjacent to the first end, surrounds the body, and extends radially outward from the body. The outer diameter of the first annular protrusion gradually increases from the first end to the second end. The second annular protrusion is adjacent to the second end, surrounds the body, and extends radially outward from the body. The third annular protrusion is located between the first and second annular protrusions, surrounds the body, and extends radially outward from the body. The outer diameter of the third annular protrusion gradually increases from the first end to the second end. The annular groove is located between the second and third annular protrusions and is configured to receive an annular seal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a pipe connector configured to connect to a flexible tube, such as a nylon tube, and to form an excellent seal with said flexible tube. This disclosure also relates to a multi-directional pipe fitting comprising two or more of the aforementioned pipe connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Piping systems play a crucial role in numerous industrial and civil applications, transporting various fluids such as liquids and gases. Pipe fittings, as indispensable connecting components within piping systems, directly impact the stability and reliability of the entire system through their performance and design.

[0003] Traditional pipe connections typically employ threaded, welded, or flanged connections. While threaded connections are relatively simple to operate, they suffer from drawbacks such as sealing performance being significantly affected by thread machining precision and assembly torque, and a tendency to loosen. Welded connections offer high strength but require a high level of operator skill, and once welded, the pipe connection position is difficult to adjust, making them unsuitable for applications requiring frequent disassembly and assembly. Flange connections provide excellent sealing performance, but their structure is more complex, requiring precise alignment during installation, and they are relatively more expensive.

[0004] With technological advancements and diversified application demands, the market's need for reliable and high-sealing pipe fittings is increasingly urgent. Against this backdrop, pipe fittings with a so-called "cedar crown" structure have emerged. The "cedar crown" structure is uniquely designed, characterized by multiple annular protrusions on its outer periphery, resembling the crown of a cedar tree, hence the industry name. This structure is particularly suitable for flexible pipes such as nylon tubing, which can withstand higher pressures and offer better wear and corrosion resistance compared to rubber tubing. In practical applications, operators simply need to directly slip the flexible tubing, such as nylon tubing, onto the pipe fitting to complete the connection. The multiple annular protrusions on the fitting surface effectively expand the pipe wall, and the clamping force generated by the deformation of the flexible tubing creates multiple tight seals with the annular protrusions, achieving both assembly and effective prevention of fluid leakage through multiple sealing points, resulting in a highly efficient seal. This design significantly simplifies the installation process and reduces the difficulty of manual operation. The advantages of this pipe connector are: First, it replaces the traditional connection method of rubber hoses and clamps, solving the problem of complex clamp installation; second, the mechanical interlocking action of multiple annular protrusions achieves self-sealing and can adapt to a certain range of pipe wall thickness tolerances, ensuring sealing stability under high pressure or vibration environments. This pipe connector greatly improves the efficiency of pipe connections and is especially suitable for applications such as automotive braking systems, hydraulic systems, and water pipe connections in household appliances.

[0005] However, there is still room for improvement in the practical application of pipe fittings with a "fir tree head" structure currently on the market. For example, in high temperature, high pressure, vibration, or corrosive media environments, the long-term friction and chemical action between the annular protrusion structure and the pipeline will accelerate wear and aging, leading to a decrease in the sealing performance of the pipe fitting and affecting its sealing effect.

[0006] This disclosure aims to address the aforementioned technical background by proposing a structurally improved pipe connector to further enhance sealing performance and meet the demands of more stringent industrial applications. Utility Model Content

[0007] To overcome the shortcomings of existing pipe fittings, this disclosure provides a pipe fitting configured to connect with a flexible pipe, such as a nylon tube. Compared to existing pipe fittings, the pipe fitting of this disclosure can form a superior seal with the flexible pipe, achieving a better sealing effect. This disclosure also provides a multi-directional pipe fitting comprising two or more of the above-described pipe fittings for transmitting fluid in multiple directions.

[0008] Specifically, this disclosure provides a pipe connector comprising: a body including a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an inner hole extending through from the first end to the second end; a first annular protrusion adjacent to the first end, the first annular protrusion surrounding the body and extending radially outward from the body, the outer diameter of the first annular protrusion gradually increasing in the direction from the first end to the second end; a second annular protrusion adjacent to the second end, the second annular protrusion surrounding the body and extending radially outward from the body; a third annular protrusion located between the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion, the third annular protrusion surrounding the body and extending radially outward from the body, the outer diameter of the third annular protrusion gradually increasing in the direction from the first end to the second end; and an annular groove located between the second annular protrusion and the third annular protrusion and configured to receive an annular seal.

[0009] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the pipe connector further includes one or more fourth annular protrusions located between the first annular protrusion and the third annular protrusion, each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions surrounding the body and extending radially outward from the body, the outer diameter of each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions gradually increasing in the direction from the first end to the second end, and the maximum outer diameter of each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions being equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first annular protrusion.

[0010] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the maximum outer diameter of the second annular protrusion is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the third annular protrusion.

[0011] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the outer diameter of the second annular protrusion remains constant in the direction from the first end to the second end.

[0012] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the maximum outer diameter of the second annular protrusion is less than or equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first annular protrusion.

[0013] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the pipe connector further includes an annular seal received in the annular groove.

[0014] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the first annular protrusion, the third annular protrusion, and the fourth annular protrusion are all conical.

[0015] This disclosure also provides a multi-directional pipe fitting. The multi-directional pipe fitting includes two or more pipe connectors according to this disclosure, wherein a second end of each pipe connector is connected to each other such that the inner bore of each pipe connector communicates with each other.

[0016] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the inner bore of each pipe connector defines a central longitudinal axis, wherein the central longitudinal axes are arranged to be coplanar with each other.

[0017] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the inner bore of each pipe connector defines a central longitudinal axis, wherein the central longitudinal axes are arranged to be non-coplanar with each other.

[0018] Other areas of application of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0019] The foregoing is not intended to represent every embodiment or aspect of this disclosure. Rather, it merely provides examples of some novel concepts and features set forth herein. The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and accompanying advantages, will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, based on the following detailed description of illustrative examples and representative models for carrying out this disclosure. Furthermore, this disclosure expressly includes any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the elements and features set forth above and below.

[0020] It should be noted that embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to different subjects. In particular, some embodiments have been described with reference to device type claims, while others have been described with reference to method type claims. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the above and below description that, unless otherwise indicated, any combination of features related to different subjects, in particular any combination of features between device type claims and method type claims, is also considered to be disclosed in this application, except for any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The foregoing and other aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from examples of embodiments described below, and will be explained with reference to these examples. This disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to examples of embodiments, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of an existing pipe fitting is shown schematically.

[0023] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The front view of the pipe connector shown;

[0024] Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 2 The pipe fitting shown is a cross-sectional view along line AA;

[0025] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 The pipe connector shown has an annular seal received in an annular groove within it.

[0026] Figure 5 The illustration shows the flexible tube being sleeved on Figure 4 On the pipe fitting shown;

[0027] Figure 6 A perspective view of a pipe connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically;

[0028] Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 6 The front view of the pipe connector shown;

[0029] Figure 8 schematically shown Figure 7 The pipe fitting shown is a cross-sectional view along line BB;

[0030] Figure 9 schematically shown Figure 8 The pipe connector shown has an annular seal received in an annular groove within it.

[0031] Figure 10 The illustration shows the flexible tube being sleeved on Figure 9 On the pipe fitting shown;

[0032] Figure 11 A perspective view of a multi-directional pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically;

[0033] Figure 12 schematically shown Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the multi-directional pipe fitting shown;

[0034] Figure 13 A perspective view of a multi-directional pipe fitting according to another embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown; and

[0035] Figure 14 schematically shown Figure 13 The cross-sectional view of the multi-directional pipe fitting shown.

[0036] The illustrations in the accompanying drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. Note that the same reference numerals are intended to indicate the same or similar parts or features in different drawings.

[0037] This disclosure is readily adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, some representative embodiments of which are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the novel aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific forms shown in the foregoing drawings. Rather, this disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, combinations, sub-combinations, arrangements, groupings, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure, for example, as covered by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Certain terms may be used for reference only in the following description and are therefore not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to orientations in the referenced figures. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “side,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” describe the orientation and / or position of parts of a component or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, as will become clear from the text describing the component or element in question and the associated figures.

[0039] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used to describe individual components. These terms are used to describe the accompanying drawings and do not represent a limitation on the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, the teachings may be described herein in the form of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may include multiple hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform a specified function.

[0040] As used herein, the terms “downstream” or “upstream” may be used to indicate a direction relative to the direction of exhaust gas flow.

[0041] For the purposes of this detailed description, unless otherwise stated, the singular includes the plural, and vice versa; the words “and” and “or” shall be both conjunctions and adversative conjunctions; the words “any” and “all” shall both mean “any and all”; and the words “including,” “contains,” “has,” etc., shall each mean “including but not limited to.” Furthermore, approximate words such as “about,” “almost,” “basically,” “roughly,” “approximately,” etc., each may be used herein in the meaning of, for example, “within, close to, or almost,” or “within 0-5% of,” or “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof.

[0042] The following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of currently preferred embodiments of the apparatus according to this disclosure, and not as representing only the forms in which the apparatus of this disclosure can be constructed or utilized. This specification, in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, sets forth the features and steps of embodiments for constructing and using the apparatus of this disclosure. However, it should be understood that the same or equivalent functions and structures can be implemented through different embodiments, which are also intended to be included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. As indicated elsewhere herein, the same reference numerals are intended to indicate the same or similar parts or features.

[0043] Figure 1 A perspective view of an existing pipe connector 100 is schematically shown. Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The front view of the pipe connector 100 shown, and Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 2 The pipe connector 100 shown is a cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the pipe connector 100 includes a body 110. The body 110 includes a first end 112, a second end 114 opposite to the first end 112, and an inner hole 116. The inner hole 116 extends through from the first end 112 to the second end 114. The inner hole 116 defines a central longitudinal axis X. Figure 3 It can also be seen as Figure 2 The pipe connector 100 shown is a cross-sectional view along the central longitudinal axis X.

[0045] The pipe connector 100 also includes a plurality of annular protrusions 120. Figures 1 to 3 Four annular protrusions 120 are shown. Each annular protrusion 120 surrounds the body 110 and extends radially outward from the body 110. The outer diameter of each annular protrusion 120 gradually increases in the direction from the first end 112 to the second end 114.

[0046] The pipe connector 100 also includes another annular protrusion 130 located between the two annular protrusions 120 closest to the first end 112. The annular protrusion 130 surrounds the body 110 and extends radially outward from the body 110. The outer diameter of the annular protrusion 130 remains constant in the direction from the first end 112 to the second end 114.

[0047] The maximum outer diameter of each of the annular protrusions 120 is equal to that of the annular protrusion 130.

[0048] The pipe connector 100 also includes an annular groove 140. The annular groove 130 is located between the annular protrusion 120 and the annular protrusion 130 closest to the first end 112. The annular groove 140 is configured to receive an annular seal 150.

[0049] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 The pipe connector 100 shown includes an annular seal 150 received in an annular groove 140 of the pipe connector 100, and Figure 5 The illustration schematically shows the flexible tube T being sleeved on... Figure 4 On the pipe connector 100 shown. Figure 5 For clarity, no cross-sectional lines have been added to the flexible tube T.

[0050] During operation, the annular seal 150 is placed in the annular groove 140, and then a flexible tube T, such as a nylon tube, is sleeved on the first end 112 of the tube connector 100 and pushed toward the second end 114 of the tube connector 100, so that the end of the flexible tube T passes in sequence past the annular protrusion 120 closest to the first end 112, the annular seal 150, the annular protrusion 130 and the remaining annular protrusions 120.

[0051] To ensure a proper seal, the annular seal 150 should extend radially outward beyond the maximum outer diameter of the annular protrusion 120 closest to the first end 112 (see [reference]). Figure 4This causes the annular seal 150 to be squeezed and deformed by the wall of the flexible tube T when the flexible tube T passes over it, generating sufficient compressive force between the wall of the flexible tube T and the annular seal 150, thereby forming a seal between the annular seal 150 and the wall of the flexible tube T.

[0052] Ideally, the annular seal 150 should be completely contained within the annular groove 140 by the wall of the flexible tube T. However, in actual use, because the annular seal 150 partially extends outward beyond the annular groove 140 in the radial direction, the following problem occurs when the flexible tube T is fitted onto the first end 112 of the pipe connector 100 and pushed towards the second end 114 of the pipe connector 100: the wall of the flexible tube T is blocked by the annular seal 150 after passing the annular protrusion 120 closest to the first end 112. Upon continued pushing, the wall of the flexible tube T will push against the annular seal 150, causing it to be partially pushed out of the annular groove 140. This results in the annular seal 150 becoming twisted and deformed, with a portion of the annular seal 150 located on the annular protrusion 130, between the annular protrusion 130 and the wall of the flexible tube T (see [reference]). Figure 5 Due to the tortuous deformation of the annular seal 150, the annular seal 150 and the wall of the flexible tube T are no longer in a good fit, and the sealing effect of the annular seal 150 is severely weakened. Moreover, since a part of the annular seal 150 is located between the annular protrusion 130 and the wall of the flexible tube T, a gap or insufficient compressive force exists between the wall of the flexible tube T and the subsequent annular protrusion 120, thereby weakening the sealing effect between the wall of the flexible tube T and the subsequent annular protrusion 120.

[0053] for Figures 1 to 5 The pipe connector 100 shown can mitigate the above problems by reducing the deformation of the annular seal 150. For example, the amount by which the annular seal 150 extends outward from the annular groove 140 in the radial direction can be reduced to decrease the deformation of the annular seal 150. However, after the flexible pipe T is installed, because the deformation of the annular seal 150 is reduced, the compressive force between the pipe wall of the flexible pipe T and the annular seal 150 is correspondingly reduced, thus the sealing effect of the annular seal 150 will also be correspondingly worse.

[0054] To address the aforementioned drawbacks of existing pipe connectors, this disclosure provides a structurally improved pipe connector. The pipe connector according to this disclosure is used in fluid transport systems to connect with flexible tubing, such as nylon tubing, for fluid transport.

[0055] Figure 6 A perspective view of a pipe connector 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 6 The front view of the pipe connector 200 shown, and Figure 8 schematically shown Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the pipe connector 200 along line BB is shown.

[0056] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the pipe connector 200 may include a body 210. The body 210 may include a first end 212, a second end 214 opposite to the first end 212, and an inner hole 216. The inner hole 216 extends through the first end 212 to the second end 214. The inner hole 216 defines a central longitudinal axis X. Figure 8 It can also be seen as Figure 7 The pipe connector 200 shown is a cross-sectional view along the central longitudinal axis X.

[0057] The pipe connector 200 may further include a first annular protrusion 220. The first annular protrusion 220 may be adjacent to the first end 212. The first annular protrusion 220 may surround the body 210 and extend radially outward from the body 210. The outer diameter of the first annular protrusion 220 may gradually increase in the direction from the first end 212 to the second end 214. The first annular protrusion 220 may be generally conical.

[0058] The pipe connector 200 may also include a second annular protrusion 230. The second annular protrusion 230 may be adjacent to the second end 214. The second annular protrusion 230 may surround the body 210 and extend radially outward from the body 210.

[0059] The pipe connector 200 may further include a third annular protrusion 240. The third annular protrusion 240 may be located between the first annular protrusion 220 and the second annular protrusion 230. The third annular protrusion 240 may surround the body 210 and extend radially outward from the body 210. The outer diameter of the third annular protrusion 240 may gradually increase in the direction from the first end 212 to the second end 214. The third annular protrusion 240 may be generally conical.

[0060] The pipe connector 200 may also include an annular groove 250. The annular groove 250 may be located between the second annular protrusion 230 and the third annular protrusion 240 and is configured to receive an annular seal 260. The annular seal 260 may provide additional sealing beyond the annular protrusions.

[0061] In one embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the pipe connector 200 may also include one or more fourth annular protrusions 270 located between the first annular protrusion 220 and the third annular protrusion 240. Figure 7 and Figure 8Two fourth annular protrusions 270 are shown. However, the pipe connector 200 of this disclosure may include other numbers of fourth annular protrusions 270, or may not include any fourth annular protrusions 270. Each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions 270 may surround the body 210 and extend radially outward from the body 210. The outer diameter of each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions 270 may gradually increase in the direction from the first end 212 to the second end 214. Each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions 270 may be generally conical. The maximum outer diameter of each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions 270 may be equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first annular protrusion 220. By providing one or more fourth annular protrusions 270, the sealing effect of the pipe connector 200 can be further enhanced.

[0062] Figure 9 schematically shown Figure 8 The pipe connector 200 shown includes an annular seal 260 received in an annular groove of the pipe connector 200, and Figure 10 The illustration schematically shows the flexible tube T being sleeved on... Figure 9 On the pipe connector 200 shown. Figure 10 For clarity, no cross-sectional lines have been added to the flexible tube T.

[0063] During operation, the annular seal 260 is placed in the annular groove 250, and then a flexible tube T, such as a nylon tube, is sleeved on the first end 212 of the tube connector 200 and pushed toward the second end 214 of the tube connector 200, so that the end of the flexible tube T passes in sequence over the first annular protrusion 220, the fourth annular protrusion 270 (if any), the third annular protrusion 240, the annular seal 260, and the second annular protrusion 230.

[0064] To ensure a proper seal, the annular seal 260 should extend radially outward beyond the maximum outer diameter of the third annular protrusion 240 (see [reference]). Figure 9 This causes the annular seal 260 to be deformed by the wall of the flexible tube T when the flexible tube T passes over it, generating sufficient compressive force between the wall of the flexible tube T and the annular seal 260, thereby forming a seal between the annular seal 260 and the wall of the flexible tube T.

[0065] In the pipe connector 200 according to this disclosure, the annular groove 250 for receiving the annular seal 260 is positioned adjacent to the second end 214. That is, the annular groove 250 is located rearward in the direction from the first end 212 to the second end 214 (which is also the direction in which the flexible tube T is pushed during installation). During installation, the flexible tube T is pushed past all the "tree-head" annular protrusions, namely the first annular protrusion 220, the fourth annular protrusion 270 (if any), and the third annular protrusion 240, before encountering the annular seal 260. In this case, even if the annular seal 260 is twisted and deformed by being pushed against the wall of the flexible tube T and is partially pushed out of the annular groove 250, the sealing effect of the first annular protrusion 220, the fourth annular protrusion 270 (if any), and the third annular protrusion 240 will not be affected.

[0066] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the maximum outer diameter of the second annular protrusion 230 may be greater than the maximum outer diameter of the third annular protrusion 240. For example... Figure 9 As shown, by setting the maximum outer diameter of the second annular protrusion 230 to be greater than the maximum outer diameter of the third annular protrusion 240, the two sidewalls of the annular groove 250 are positioned such that the front side is lower than the rear sidewall (i.e., the sidewall near the first end 212 is lower than the sidewall near the second end 214). In this case, an annular seal 260 of appropriate size and material can be selected such that when the annular seal 260 is placed in the annular groove 250 (at which time the annular seal 260 is expanded to a certain extent in the radial direction to fit within the annular groove 250), the enlarged maximum outer diameter of the annular seal 260 is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the third annular protrusion 240 and smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the second annular protrusion 230. Because the enlarged maximum outer diameter of the annular seal 260 is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the third annular protrusion 240, it ensures that after the flexible tube T passes the third annular protrusion 240, the tube wall of the flexible tube T compresses and deforms the annular seal 260, generating sufficient compressive force between the tube wall of the flexible tube T and the annular seal 260, thereby forming a seal between them. Because the enlarged maximum outer diameter of the annular seal 260 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the second annular protrusion 230, when the tube wall of the flexible tube T compresses the annular seal 260, the second annular protrusion 230 acts as a barrier, preventing the annular seal 260 from being pushed out of the annular groove 250 by the tube wall of the flexible tube T, thus preventing the formation of a seal. Figure 5 The annular seal 150 in the existing pipe connector 100 shown is twisted and deformed, so as to maximize the sealing effect of the annular seal 260.

[0067] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the outer diameter of the second annular protrusion 230 may remain constant in the direction from the first end 212 to the second end 214. That is, the second annular protrusion 230 may be in the form of a cylindrical flange.

[0068] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the maximum outer diameter of the second annular protrusion 230 may be less than or equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first annular protrusion 220. In this case, the flexible tube T can be more easily fitted onto the second annular protrusion 230 after passing over the annular seal 260, thereby further enhancing the sealing effect.

[0069] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second annular protrusion 230 may be provided with a connecting mechanism for connection with other components in the fluid transport system.

[0070] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the pipe connector 200 may further include an annular seal 260 received in the annular groove 250. In this embodiment, the pipe connector 200 according to this disclosure may be a pipe connector with the annular seal pre-installed, thereby eliminating the need to install the annular seal when installing the flexible pipe T, simplifying the installation process.

[0071] Figure 11 A perspective view of a multi-directional pipe joint 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown, and Figure 12 schematically shown Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the multi-directional pipe fitting 300 shown.

[0072] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the multi-directional pipe fitting 300 may include two pipe connectors 200 according to the present disclosure. The second end 214 of each pipe connector 200 may be connected to each other such that the inner bore 216 of each pipe connector 200 communicates with each other.

[0073] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the central longitudinal axis X of each pipe connector 200 of the multi-directional pipe joint 300 is collinear with each other. However, in other embodiments, the central longitudinal axis X of each pipe connector 200 of the multi-directional pipe joint 300 may not be collinear with each other, but rather at an angle to each other.

[0074] Figure 13 A perspective view of a multi-directional pipe joint 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown, and Figure 14 schematically shown Figure 13 The cross-sectional view of the multi-directional pipe fitting 400 shown.

[0075] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the multi-directional pipe fitting 400 may include three pipe connectors 200 according to the present disclosure. The second end 214 of each pipe connector 200 may be connected to each other such that the inner bore 216 of each pipe connector 200 communicates with each other.

[0076] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the central longitudinal axes X of each pipe connector 200 of the multi-directional pipe joint 400 are coplanar with each other and intersect at a single point. However, in other embodiments, the central longitudinal axes X of each pipe connector 200 of the multi-directional pipe joint 400 may not be coplanar with each other or intersect at a single point.

[0077] The multi-directional pipe fittings of this disclosure may include other numbers (e.g., four, five, six, etc.) of pipe connectors 200 according to this disclosure. The second end 214 of each pipe connector 200 may be connected to each other such that the inner bore 216 of each pipe connector 200 communicates with each other.

[0078] The pipe fitting 200 of the multi-directional pipe joint disclosed herein may not include an annular sealing ring (e.g., Figure 11 and 12 (as shown), or may include an annular seal (such as...) Figure 13 and 14 (As shown).

[0079] The central longitudinal axis X of the pipe connector 200 of the multi-directional pipe fitting disclosed herein can be arranged so that they are coplanar (e.g., Figures 11 to 14 As shown), they can also be arranged so that they are not coplanar (not shown) to accommodate various different needs. For example, the central longitudinal axis X of the pipe connector 200 of the multi-directional pipe fitting of this disclosure may or may not intersect at a point in a common plane, or may intersect at a point or not intersect at a point in three-dimensional space.

[0080] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, description, and appended claims. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components may be varied as needed and / or desired, provided that such variations do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, directly connected or contacting components may have intermediate structures arranged between them, provided that such variations do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the function of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. All advantages are not necessarily present simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each feature unique compared to the prior art, individually or in combination with other features, should also be considered as a separate description by the applicant of a further inventive creation, including structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such features. It should be understood that one or more steps within the method may be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each of the embodiments described above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with reference to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any of other embodiments, even if such combinations are not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and substitutions of one or more embodiments for each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0081] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “next to,” “on top,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between the first and second elements in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally).

[0082] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in this disclosure refers to “one or more” of the desired choices. As an example, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in this disclosure refers to “only one single choice” or “both of two choices” if the number of choices is two. As another example, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in this disclosure refers to “only one single choice” or “any combination equal to or more than two choices” if the number of choices is equal to or more than three. Furthermore, the term “and / or” as used in this disclosure refers to “either one or both.” For example, the phrase “at least one of A and B” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, in this disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B”.

[0083] It should be understood that numerous further modifications and substitutions to various aspects of the described embodiments are possible. Therefore, the described aspects are intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0084] References to any existing publications (or information derived therefrom) or any known content in this specification are not and should not be construed as an acknowledgment or endorsement or any form of advice that constitutes part of the general knowledge in the field of effort covered by this specification.

Claims

1. A pipe connector, characterized in that, The pipe connector includes: The body includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an inner hole extending through from the first end to the second end; A first annular protrusion is adjacent to the first end, the first annular protrusion surrounds the body and extends radially outward from the body, and the outer diameter of the first annular protrusion gradually increases in the direction from the first end to the second end; A second annular protrusion is adjacent to the second end and surrounds the body and extends radially outward from the body. A third annular protrusion, located between the first and second annular protrusions, surrounds the body and extends radially outward from the body; the outer diameter of the third annular protrusion gradually increases from the first end to the second end. An annular groove, located between the second and third annular protrusions and configured to receive an annular seal.

2. The pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe connector further includes one or more fourth annular protrusions located between the first annular protrusion and the third annular protrusion, each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions surrounding the body and extending radially outward from the body, the outer diameter of each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions gradually increasing in the direction from the first end to the second end, and the maximum outer diameter of each of the one or more fourth annular protrusions being equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first annular protrusion.

3. The pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum outer diameter of the second annular protrusion is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the third annular protrusion.

4. The pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the second annular protrusion remains constant in the direction from the first end to the second end.

5. The pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum outer diameter of the second annular protrusion is less than or equal to the maximum outer diameter of the first annular protrusion.

6. The pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe connector also includes an annular seal received in the annular groove.

7. The pipe connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first annular protrusion, the third annular protrusion, and the fourth annular protrusion are all conical.

8. A multi-directional pipe fitting, characterized in that, The multi-directional pipe fitting includes two or more pipe connectors according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the second end of each pipe connector is connected to each other such that the inner bore of each pipe connector is in communication with each other.

9. The multi-directional pipe fitting according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inner bore of each pipe connector defines a central longitudinal axis, wherein the central longitudinal axes are arranged to be coplanar with each other.

10. The multi-directional pipe fitting according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inner bore of each pipe connector defines a central longitudinal axis, wherein the central longitudinal axes are arranged to be non-coplanar with each other.

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