Coupling assembly for connecting pipes and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pipe joint, and more particularly to a coupling assembly for connecting pipes and a manufacturing method thereof. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a coupling assembly for connecting pipes includes two or more couplers arranged opposite each other to connect pipes arranged continuously along an axial direction, and a coupling assembly for connecting the pipes is provided in a state in which fastening members are pre-assembled to the couplers.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint. More particularly, it relates to a coupling assembly for connecting pipes and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in order to connect pipes that are continuously arranged along an axial direction, the pipes are connected to each other using a coupling.

[0003] Such couplings include a number of segments that are arranged circumferentially around the pipe and can be connected to each other. The segments are placed at the ends of the pipes and then fastened to each other using a separate fastening member to connect the continuous pipes.

[0004] At this time, fastening grooves are formed along the circumferential direction on both ends of the pipe, and a part of the coupling is fastened in a state where it is inserted into such fastening grooves. This is to support the pipes through the coupling so that they do not widen even when a force is applied in a direction that widens the gap between adjacent pipes due to the pressure of the fluid inside the pipes.

[0005] In the case of conventional couplings, the segments are formed with arched surfaces that are inserted into such fastening grooves, and the fastening grooves are formed by partially recessing the outer circumferential surface of the pipe. At this time, the segments are fastened in a state in which the arched surfaces of the segments are positioned to rest in the fastening grooves. The radius of curvature of the arched surface is made the same as the radius of the outer circumferential surface of the fastening groove so that the segments are stably fixed.

[0006] However, due to the structural feature that the radius of the outer periphery of the pipe is larger than the radius of the outer periphery of the fastening groove, the worker first directly places the first sealing member to prevent fluid leakage on the outer periphery of the pipe, and then, with each segment placed on the top of the fastening groove, moves it radially downward to seat the arched surface of the segment in the fastening groove, and then fastens the segments together using the fastening members. However, when arranging and fastening the segments in this manner, the segments must be fastened with fastening members while maintaining the multiple segment arrangement state, making it difficult for a worker to work alone and reducing work efficiency.

[0007] To improve this, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which the radius of curvature of the arched surface of the segment is made larger than the radius of the outer circumferential surface of the pipe, thereby improving workability. That is, the radius of curvature of the arched surface of the segment is formed to be larger than the radius of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and such a segment is pre-assembled to a fastening member and moved in the axial direction of the pipe, and the pre-assembled segment moves through the outer peripheral surface of the pipe to a position where a fastening groove is formed, and when the fastening member is tightened, the radius of curvature of such an arched surface is described as being deformable to match the radius of the outer peripheral surface of the fastening groove.

[0008] At this time, a second sealing member for preventing leakage of fluid flowing through the pipe is provided inside the coupling, and this second sealing member moves in the axial direction of the pipe together with the coupling while being placed inside the coupling in a pre-assembled state. That is, since the second sealing member is disposed inside the coupling in a pre-assembled state, an operator cannot directly move the second sealing member by hand and has to move the second sealing member together with the coupling. Therefore, in order to allow the second sealing member to move smoothly, the circumferential length of the second sealing member is made longer than the circumferential length of the first sealing member.

[0009] However, the size of the internal space of the coupling (the space in which the sealing member is disposed) is designed taking into consideration the circumferential length of the first sealing member. However, when a second sealing member is disposed in such a coupling, the increased circumferential length of the second sealing member may cause circumferential deformation when the coupling is fastened, resulting in fluid leakage.

[0010] Therefore, the reality is that there is a need to develop technology that can improve this situation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] (Patent Document 1) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2007-0012723 (published on January 26, 2007) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a coupling assembly for connecting pipes, which can prevent circumferential deformation of a sealing member disposed inside a plurality of couplers during a process in which a plurality of couplers are disposed on the pipes in a pre-assembled state and then fastened to each other by a fastening member to connect continuous pipes, and a manufacturing method thereof.

[0013] The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The coupling assembly for connecting pipes of the present invention is a coupling assembly in which two or more couplers are arranged opposite each other to connect pipes that are arranged continuously along an axial direction, and the pipes are connected in a state in which fastening members are pre-assembled to the plurality of couplers, the couplers including a body portion having an internal space for arranging a sealing member, locking portions extending radially inward from both ends of the body portion in a width direction and inserted into fastening grooves formed in the pipes, and fastening portions arranged at both ends of the body portion in a circumferential direction and through which the fastening member is passed and fastened, the sealing members including a base pressed by an inner surface of the body portion, sidewalls extending radially inward from the base, and legs extending from the sidewalls and deformed radially inward to support an outer surface of the pipe when the couplers are assembled, and an accommodation groove extending radially outward is provided on the inner surface of the body portion into which at least a portion of the base is inserted to prevent the sealing member from being deformed along the circumferential direction when the couplers are assembled.

[0015] In this case, the housing groove is formed to extend along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the body portion.

[0016] In this case, the circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving groove is formed to be a size equal to the difference between the overall circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member and the circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space, based on the state in which the legs are deformed to support the outer surface of the pipe as the coupler is assembled.

[0017] In this case, interference prevention grooves are provided on both sides of the locking portion to prevent interference between the locking portion and the pipe so that the outer circumferential surface of the pipe can pass through the pre-assembled coupler, and the interference prevention grooves are provided with a first extension surface extending radially outward and a second extension surface extending downward from the first extension surface and having a curvature and disposed concentrically with the lower surface of the locking portion, and the accommodating groove is provided with a first accommodating surface and a second accommodating surface spaced radially outward from the first extension surface and the second extension surface, respectively, by a first length.

[0018] In this case, one end and the other end of the first accommodating surface are arranged on a first extension line connecting the center of the body portion and one end and the other end of the first extended surface, respectively, and one end and the other end of the second accommodating surface are arranged on a second extension line connecting the center of the body portion and one end and the other end of the second extended surface, respectively.

[0019] In this case, the internal space disposed at the top of the body portion is formed to have a depth of a second length along a radial direction, and the second length is formed to be greater than or equal to the first length.

[0020] In this case, the circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the accommodating groove is formed to a size equal to the difference between the overall circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member and the circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space, based on the state in which the legs are deformed to support the outer surface of the pipe as the coupler is assembled.

[0021] Meanwhile, a method of manufacturing a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: manufacturing a coupler including a body portion having an internal space in which a sealing member is disposed, locking portions extending radially inward from both widthwise ends of the body portion to be inserted into fastening grooves formed in the pipe, and fastening portions disposed on both circumferential ends of the body portion and through which the fastening member is fastened; and forming an accommodating groove on an inner surface of the body portion into which at least a portion of a base provided on the sealing member is inserted, wherein the step of forming the accommodating groove on the inner surface of the body portion includes the step of forming a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the accommodating groove to be a difference between a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the entire sealing member and a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space, based on a state in which the legs of the sealing member support an outer surface of the pipe while being deformed as the coupler is assembled. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the coupling assembly for connecting pipes and the manufacturing method thereof according to the embodiment of the present invention connects continuous pipes in a manner that a plurality of couplers are arranged on pipes in a pre-assembled state, and then the plurality of couplers are fastened to each other by a fastening member. Since a receiving groove is provided on the radially outer side so that a portion of the body part of the sealing member is inserted into the inner surface of the body part of the coupler, circumferential deformation of the sealing members arranged inside the plurality of couplers can be prevented during the process of fastening the plurality of couplers, and therefore leakage of fluid flowing through the pipes can be effectively prevented.

[0023] It should be understood that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, but include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the present invention or the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention is fastened to a pipe.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a radial cross-sectional view showing a pre-assembled state of a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a radial sectional view showing a pre-assembled state of a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in the width direction showing a provisionally assembled state of a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a radial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention is fastened.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a radial sectional view showing a fastened state of a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view in the width direction showing a state in which a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention is fastened.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a coupler according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a radial cross-sectional view comparing the internal space, the receiving groove, and the sealing member of a coupler according to one embodiment of the present invention in terms of circumferential cross-sectional areas.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a radial cross-sectional view comparing the internal space, the receiving groove, and the sealing member of a coupler according to another embodiment of the present invention in terms of circumferential cross-sectional areas.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily carry out the present invention. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted in the drawings, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0038] The words and terms used in this specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as meanings and concepts that correspond to the technical ideas of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can define the terms and concepts in order to best describe his / her invention.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention is fastened to a pipe, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of the coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a radial cross-sectional view showing a pre-assembled state of the coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a radial cross-sectional view showing a pre-assembled state of a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a widthwise cross-sectional view showing a pre-assembled state of the coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the r direction means the radial direction, the a direction means the circumferential direction, and the w direction means the width direction (the same as the axial direction of the pipe). In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the explanation are omitted from the drawings.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to the present invention is configured to connect pipes 10 arranged continuously along an axial direction, in which two or more couplers 20 are arranged opposite each other, and to connect the pipes 10 in a state in which fastening members 30 are pre-assembled to the multiple couplers 20. In other words, the state in which the fastening member 30 is pre-assembled to a plurality of couplers 20 means a state in which two or more couplers 20 are arranged at a certain distance from each other, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, but the fastening member 30 prevents the two or more couplers 20 from being completely separated.

[0041] The worker moves two or more couplers 20 in the axial direction of the pipe 10 while they are pre-assembled to the fastening member 30, and as a result, the pre-assembled two or more couplers 20 and the sealing member 40 arranged in the internal space 100a move through the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 10 to the position where the fastening groove 11 is formed, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a radial cross-sectional view showing a fastened state of a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a radial cross-sectional view showing a fastened state of a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a width cross-sectional view showing a fastened state of a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an operator applies a fastening force to the fastening members 30 using a separate fastening tool so that two or more couplers 20 contact each other. Through this, two or more couplers 20 move in the radial direction r and pressurize the sealing member 40 arranged in the internal space 100a, and as shown in Figure 8, the sealing member 40 is pressed in the radial direction and comes into close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 10.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a coupler according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a coupler according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the coupler 20 includes a body portion 100 having an internal space 100a in which a sealing member 40 is disposed, locking portions 200 that extend inward in a radial direction r from both ends of the body portion 100 in a width direction w and are inserted into fastening grooves 11 formed in a pipe 10, and fastening portions 300 that are disposed at both ends of the body portion 100 in a circumferential direction a and through which a fastening member 30 is passed and fastened.

[0046] The inner diameter of the locking portion 200 is formed to have a size corresponding to the outer diameter of the fastening groove 11. That is, the inner diameter of the locking portion 200 is formed to have a size corresponding to the outer diameter of the fastening groove 11 so that the locking portion 200 is in close contact with the outer surface of the fastening groove 11. At this time, the inner diameter of the locking portion 200 may be formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fastening groove 11 . This is because the locking portion 200 is in close contact with the outer side of the fastening groove 11 in the radial direction. It is preferable that the difference in size between the inner diameter of the locking portion 200 and the outer diameter of the fastening groove 11 is formed to an extent that the locking portion 200 can be in close contact with the outer surface of the fastening groove 11 . In this configuration, the locking portion 200 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the fastening groove 11, thereby ensuring structural stability.

[0047] In addition, such couplers 20 are formed with fastening portions 300 through which the fastening members 30 pass, and the fastening members 30 simultaneously pass through the fastening portions 300 formed on the opposing couplers 20 and then fasten them together. When the couplers 20 provisionally assembled using the fastening members 30 are placed in the correct position, before fastening using the fastening members 30, the worker checks whether the couplers 20 are fastened properly by moving the couplers 20 arranged opposite each other in parallel toward the inside of the radial direction of the pipe 10 so that the bottom surfaces formed at the fastening portions 300 come into contact with each other. At this time, the coupler 20 is formed such that the bottom surfaces of the fastening parts 300 are in contact with each other without any additional deformation.

[0048] Once the continuously arranged pipes 10 and the provisionally assembled coupler 20 are properly positioned, a fastening force is then applied using the fastening member 30. When a fastening force is applied in this manner, the couplers 20 arranged opposite each other move parallel to the inside of the radial direction r of the pipe 10, and when the fastening portions 300 formed on the couplers 20 come into contact, the couplers 20 stop moving any further, and in this state a constant level of fastening torque is applied to the fastening member 30. At this time, since the inner diameter of the locking portion 200 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fastening groove 11 so that the locking portion 200 can be in close contact with the outer surface of the fastening groove 11, deformation of the coupler 20 does not occur during the process of contacting the fastening portion 300 formed on the coupler 20.

[0049] Furthermore, when the coupler 20 moves parallel to the inside of the radial direction r of the pipe 10, the locking portion 200 formed on the coupler 20 is inserted into the fastening groove 11, and thereafter supports the pipe 10 so as to prevent it from expanding in the axial direction due to the fluid pressure inside the pipe 10.

[0050] In this case, the sealing member 40 includes a base 41 that is pressed by the inner surface of the body portion 100, a sidewall 42 that extends radially inward in the direction r from the base 41, and a leg 43 that extends from the sidewall 42 and is deformed radially inward in the direction r to support the outer surface of the pipe 10 when the coupler 20 is assembled. In other words, the outer surface of the base 41 and the outer surface of the sidewall 42 come into contact with the inner surface of the coupler 20, and when a fastening force is applied through the fastening member 30 to assemble the coupler 20, the base 41 and the sidewall 42 are pressurized by the coupler 20, and the leg 43 is deformed inward in the radial direction r and comes into close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 10.

[0051] However, as described above, the sealing member 40 provided in the coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed to have a longer length in the circumferential direction a than the conventional first sealing member. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member 40 in the width direction w is maintained, but the length in the circumferential direction a is increased, so that the overall volume of the sealing member 40 is larger than that of the conventional first sealing member.

[0052] For example, in the case of a coupler used to fasten a 50A pipe, the conventional first sealing member has a volume of about 30 cm 2However, the sealing member 40 provided in the coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention has a volume of about 37 cm 2 (about 7cm 2 The increase in volume is approximately the same. That is, when such a sealing member 40 is placed in a conventional coupler and fastened, the increased volume causes deformation of the sealing member 40 along the circumferential direction a.

[0053] In other words, when the sealing member 40 is pressurized during assembly of the coupler 20, the legs 43 are deformed radially inward in the direction r to fit tightly against the outer surface of the pipe 10. This deformation is necessary to prevent leakage of the fluid flowing inside the pipe 10, whereas the deformation of the sealing member 40 that occurs along the circumferential direction a is unintended, which results in leakage of the fluid.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a radial cross-sectional view comparing the circumferential cross-sectional areas of the internal space, receiving groove, and sealing member of a coupler according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a radial cross-sectional view comparing the circumferential cross-sectional areas of the internal space, receiving groove, and sealing member of a coupler according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In order to avoid the above-mentioned problems, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the inner surface of the body portion 100 is provided with an accommodation groove 110 extending outward in the radial direction r so that at least a portion of the base 41 can be inserted and positioned to prevent the sealing member 40 from being deformed in the circumferential direction a when assembling the coupler 20.

[0056] That is, basically, a fastening force is slowly applied to the fastening member 30 to assemble the coupler 20, and the sealing member 40 is slowly pressed inward in the radial direction r so that the leg 43 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 10. However, when a fastening force is continuously applied to the fastening member 30, causing deformation of the sealing member 40 along the circumferential direction a, the base 41 of the sealing member 40 is partially inserted into the accommodating groove 110 to prevent deformation in the circumferential direction a, thereby effectively preventing leakage of fluid.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the housing groove 110 is formed on the inner surface of the body portion 100 and extends along the circumferential direction a. In other words, with this configuration, the sealing member 40 is uniformly pressurized along the circumferential direction a by the coupler 20, thereby effectively preventing fluid leakage and making it easy to manufacture the accommodating groove 110 to correspond to the increased length of the sealing member 40 in the circumferential direction a.

[0058] At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the receiving groove 110 is formed to extend from one end of the body part 100 to the other end of the body part 100 via the top of the body part 100 . The cross-sectional area Ah of the accommodating groove 110 in the circumferential direction a is formed to be the difference between the cross-sectional area As of the entire sealing member 40 in the circumferential direction a and the cross-sectional area Ab of the internal space 100a in the circumferential direction a, based on the state in which the leg 43 is deformed and supports the outer surface of the pipe 10 as the coupler 20 is assembled.

[0059] In other words, the cross-sectional area As in the circumferential direction a is measured based on the state in which the leg 43 of the sealing member 40 is deformed inward in the radial direction r so as to be in close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 10, and the cross-sectional area Ab in the circumferential direction a of the internal space 100a inside the coupler 20 is measured, and the size of the cross-sectional area Ah in the circumferential direction a of the accommodating groove 110 is determined by the difference between these cross-sectional areas.

[0060] As described above, the sealing member 40 provided in the coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed to have a longer length in the circumferential direction a than the conventional first sealing member, and therefore the cross-sectional area As in the circumferential direction a of the sealing member 40 is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area Ab in the circumferential direction a of the internal space 100a inside the coupler 20. Therefore, by forming the size of the cross-sectional area Ah of the accommodating groove 110 in the circumferential direction a to correspond to this difference in cross-sectional area size, it is possible to prevent the sealing member 40 from being deformed in the circumferential direction a when assembling the coupler 20, thereby effectively preventing fluid leakage.

[0061] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, interference prevention grooves 210 are provided on both sides of the locking portion 200 to prevent interference between the locking portion 200 and the pipe 10 so that the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 10 can pass through between the temporarily assembled coupler 20. The interference prevention groove 210 is provided with a first extension surface 211 extending outward in the radial direction r, and a second extension surface 212 extending downward from the first extension surface 211 and having a curvature that is arranged concentrically with the lower surface of the engagement portion 200.

[0062] That is, when the locking portion 200 is configured to be in close contact with the outer surface of the fastening groove 11, structural stability can be ensured. However, as a result, when multiple couplers 20 are pre-assembled by fastening members 30 and then inserted along the outer surface of the pipe 10 in the axial direction, a problem occurs in that the pre-assembled multiple couplers 20 cannot be inserted because the locking portion 200 is locked onto the outer surface of the pipe 10.

[0063] Therefore, in order to solve this problem, as shown in FIG. 11, interference prevention grooves 210 are formed on both sides of the locking portion 200. Such interference prevention grooves 210 form a gap between the pre-assembled couplers 20 so that the outer surface of the pipe 10 can pass through.

[0064] In other words, not only is structural stability ensured by the locking portion 200 being in close contact with the outer surface of the fastening groove 11, but also, since interference prevention grooves 210 are formed on both sides of the locking portion 200, the coupler 20 can be installed while penetrating the pipe 10 in the axial direction in a pre-assembled state, thereby improving workability.

[0065] At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the locking portion 200 has an inner surface that faces the outer surface of the fastening groove 11, and the above-mentioned interference prevention groove 210 has a first extension surface 211 that is formed by extending from the inner surface of the locking portion 200 outward in the radial direction r. That is, since the first extension surface 211 extends from the inner surface of the engaging portion 200 outward in the radial direction r, it becomes easy to ensure a gap between the engaging portion 200 and the outer surface of the pipe 10.

[0066] Further, the interference prevention groove 210 is formed with a second extension surface 212 that is formed by extending downward from the first extension surface 211 and that has a curvature and is disposed on a concentric circle with the inner surface of the locking portion 200 . In other words, with the first extension surface 211 being extended outward in the radial direction r, the second extension surface 212 is additionally extended from the first extension surface 211, and a gap is secured between the engagement portion 200 and the outer surface of the pipe 10 only in the portion where the first extension surface 211 and the second extension surface 212 are formed.

[0067] At this time, the second extension surface 212 is formed to have a curvature that is disposed concentrically with the inner surface of the locking portion 200, as shown in FIG. In this way, when the second extension surface 212 is formed to have a curvature that is concentric with the inner surface of the engagement portion 200, the second extension surface 212 is concentric with the outer surface of the fastening groove 11 formed in the pipe 10 and the outer surface of the pipe 10. As a result, when the second extension surface 212 is positioned radially outward from the outer surface of the pipe 10 in the radial direction r, an operator can easily check with the naked eye whether the locking portion 200 is stably attached to the outer surface of the fastening groove 11 based on the arrangement of the outer surface of the pipe 10 and the second extension surface 212. For this purpose, it is preferable that the first extension surface 211 is formed to have a length that allows the second extension surface 212 to be positioned outside the outer surface of the pipe 10 in the radial direction r.

[0068] At this time, the receiving groove 110 is provided with a first receiving surface 111 and a second receiving surface 112 that are spaced apart from the first extension surface 211 and the second extension surface 212 by a first length D1, respectively, outward in the radial direction r. That is, basically, a fastening force is slowly applied to the fastening member 30 to assemble the coupler 20, and the sealing member 40 is slowly pressed inward in the radial direction r so that the leg 43 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 10. However, when a fastening force is continuously applied to the fastening member 30, causing deformation of the sealing member 40 along the circumferential direction a, the base 41 of the sealing member 40 is partially inserted and positioned along the first accommodating surface 111 and the second accommodating surface 112, thereby preventing deformation in the circumferential direction a, and thereby effectively preventing leakage of fluid.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 12, one end and the other end of the first accommodating surface 111 may be arranged on a first extension line L1 connecting the center c of the body portion 100 and one end and the other end of the first extension surface 211, respectively, and one end and the other end of the second accommodating surface 112 may be arranged on a second extension line L2 connecting the center c of the body portion 100 and one end and the other end of the second extension surface 212, respectively.

[0070] Such a first extension line L1 may include a 1-1 unit extension line L1-1 connecting the center c of the body part and one end of the first extension surface 211, and a 1-2 unit extension line L1-2 connecting the center c of the body part and the other end of the first extension surface 211. The second extension line L2 may include a 2-1 unit extension line L2-1 connecting the center c of the body portion 100 and one end of the second extension surface 212, and a 2-2 unit extension line L2-2 connecting the center c of the body portion 100 and the other end of the second extension surface 212.

[0071] In this manner, by configuring one end and the other end of the first accommodating surface 111 to be positioned on a first extension line L1 that connects the center c of the body portion 100 and one end and the other end of the first extension surface 211, respectively, and configuring one end and the other end of the second accommodating surface 112 to be positioned on a second extension line L2 that connects the center c of the body portion 100 and one end and the other end of the second extension surface 212, respectively, the positions of the first accommodating surface 111 and the second accommodating surface 112 are formed consistently, thereby improving not only manufacturability but also structural stability.

[0072] At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the internal space 100a disposed at the top of the body portion 100 is formed to have a depth of only a second length D2 along the radial direction r, and the second length D2 is formed to be greater than or equal to the first length D1. That is, by forming the second length D2 to be greater than or equal to the first length D1, the degree to which the base 41 of the sealing member 40 is inserted into the internal space 100a located at the top of the body portion 100 is increased, thereby more effectively preventing deformation in the circumferential direction a when the sealing member 40 is pressurized.

[0073] At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the accommodating groove 110 is a portion surrounded by a first accommodating surface 111 and a second accommodating surface 112 that extend outward in the radial direction r from an extension line EL of the inner surface of the body portion 100, and the cross-sectional area Ah of the accommodating groove 110 in the circumferential direction a is formed to be a size equal to the difference between the cross-sectional area As of the entire sealing member 40 in the circumferential direction a and the cross-sectional area Ab of the internal space 100a in the circumferential direction a, based on the state in which the leg 43 supports the outer surface of the pipe 10 while deforming as the coupler 20 is assembled. In this case, the cross-sectional area Ab of the internal space 100a in the circumferential direction a is the cross-sectional area in the circumferential direction from one end of the body portion 100 having a depth of the first length D1 through the top of the body portion 100 having a depth of the second length D2, which is formed greater than or the same as the first length D1, to the other end of the body portion 100 having a depth of the first length D1.

[0074] In other words, the cross-sectional area As in the circumferential direction a is measured based on the state in which the leg 43 of the sealing member 40 is deformed inward in the radial direction r so as to be in close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 10, and the cross-sectional area Ab in the circumferential direction a of the internal space 100a inside the coupler 20 is measured, and the size of the cross-sectional area Ah in the circumferential direction a of the accommodating groove 110 is determined by the difference between these cross-sectional areas.

[0075] As described above, the sealing member 40 provided in the coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed to have a longer length in the circumferential direction a than the conventional first sealing member, and therefore the cross-sectional area As in the circumferential direction a of the sealing member 40 is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area Ab in the circumferential direction a of the internal space 100a inside the coupler 20. Therefore, by forming the size of the cross-sectional area Ah of the accommodating groove 110 in the circumferential direction a to correspond to this difference in cross-sectional area size, it is possible to prevent the sealing member 40 from being deformed in the circumferential direction a when assembling the coupler 20, thereby effectively preventing fluid leakage.

[0076] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 13, a method of manufacturing a coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to another aspect of the present invention includes a step (S100) of manufacturing a coupler 20 including a body part 100 having an internal space 100a in which a sealing member 40 is disposed, locking parts 200 extending inward in a radial direction r from both ends of the body part 100 in a width direction w to be inserted into fastening grooves 11 formed in a pipe 10, and fastening parts 300 disposed at both ends of the body part 100 in a circumferential direction a to pass through and fasten a fastening member 30, and a step (S200) of forming a receiving groove 110 on an inner surface of the body part 100 into which at least a portion of a base 41 provided on the sealing member 40 is inserted. The step of forming the accommodating groove 110 on the inner surface of the body portion 100 (S200) includes a step of forming a cross-sectional area Ah of the accommodating groove 110 in the circumferential direction a with a size equal to the difference between the cross-sectional area As of the entire sealing member 40 in the circumferential direction a and the cross-sectional area Ab of the internal space 100a in the circumferential direction a, based on a state in which the legs 43 of the sealing member 40 are deformed and support the outer surface of the pipe 10 as the coupler 20 is assembled (S210).

[0078] In other words, the cross-sectional area As in the circumferential direction a is measured based on the state in which the leg 43 of the sealing member 40 is deformed inward in the radial direction r so as to be in close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 10, and the cross-sectional area Ab in the circumferential direction a of the internal space 100a inside the coupler 20 is measured, and the size of the cross-sectional area Ah in the circumferential direction a of the accommodating groove 110 is determined by the difference between these cross-sectional areas. With this configuration, the sealing member 40 is prevented from being deformed in the circumferential direction a when the coupler 20 is assembled, and leakage of fluid can be effectively prevented.

[0079] As described above, in the coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention, basically, in order to assemble the coupler 20, a fastening force is slowly applied to the fastening member 30, and the sealing member 40 is slowly pressurized inward in the radial direction r, so that the leg 43 is in close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 10. However, if deformation occurs in the sealing member 40 along the circumferential direction a due to the continuous application of a fastening force to the fastening member 30, the base 41 of the sealing member 40 is partially inserted into the accommodating groove 110, thereby preventing deformation in the circumferential direction a, and thereby effectively preventing fluid leakage.

[0080] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment presented in this specification, and a person skilled in the art who understands the concept of the present invention can easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components within the scope of the same concept, which are also included within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

[0081] [Project unique number]003170012

[0082] [Subject number] 2022003170012

[0083] [Department name] Environment Department

[0084] [Name of issue management (specialized) organization] Korea Environmental Industry Technology Institute

[0085] [Research Project Name] Green Innovation Business Growth Support Project

[0086] [Research title] Commercialization of green innovation technology innovation grooved joint that meets KS and ANSI standards for smart water management

[0087] [Contribution rate] 1 / 1

[0088] [Name of project implementing organization] New Asia Co., Ltd.

[0089] [Research period] 2022.04.01~2024.12.31

[0090] This research was conducted with support from the Korea Environmental Industry Technology Institute's Green Innovation Business Growth Support Project, funded by the Ministry of Environment. (2022003170012)

Claims

1. A coupling assembly in which two or more couplers are arranged opposite each other to connect pipes that are continuously arranged along an axial direction, and the pipes are connected in a state in which fastening members are pre-assembled to the couplers, The coupler includes a body portion having an internal space for disposing a sealing member therein, locking portions extending radially inward from both ends of the body portion in a width direction and inserted into fastening grooves formed in the pipe, and fastening portions disposed on both ends of the body portion in a circumferential direction and through which the fastening member is passed and fastened, the sealing member includes a base pressed by an inner surface of the body portion, a sidewall extending radially inward from the base, and a leg extending from the sidewall and deformed radially inward to support an outer surface of the pipe when the coupler is assembled; a housing groove extending radially outwardly into which at least a portion of the base is inserted to prevent the sealing member from being deformed in a circumferential direction when the coupler is assembled, the housing groove being provided on an inner surface of the body portion, the housing groove extending radially outwardly into which at least a portion of the base is inserted to prevent the sealing member from being deformed in a circumferential direction when the coupler is assembled.

2. 2. The coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to claim 1, wherein the receiving groove is formed on an inner surface of the body portion so as to extend in a circumferential direction.

3. 3. The coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to claim 2, wherein a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the accommodating groove is formed to a size equal to a difference between a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the entire sealing member and a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space, based on a state in which the legs support the outer surface of the pipe while being deformed by assembling the coupler.

4. An interference prevention groove is provided on both sides of the locking portion to prevent interference between the locking portion and the pipe so that an outer circumferential surface of the pipe can be inserted between the pre-assembled couplers, The interference prevention groove includes a first extension surface extending radially outward, and a second extension surface extending downward from the first extension surface and disposed concentrically with a lower surface of the locking portion, the second extension surface having a curvature.

2. The coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to claim 1, wherein the receiving groove is provided with a first receiving surface and a second receiving surface spaced radially outward from the first extension surface and the second extension surface by a first length, respectively.

5. one end and the other end of the first housing surface are disposed on a first extension line that connects a center of the body portion and one end and the other end of the first extension surface, respectively; 5. The coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to claim 4, wherein one end and the other end of the second accommodating surface are disposed on a second extension line that connects a center of the body portion and one end and the other end of the second extension surface, respectively.

6. The internal space disposed at the top of the body portion is formed to have a depth of a second length along a radial direction, 5. The coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to claim 4, wherein the second length is greater than or equal to the first length.

7. 5. The coupling assembly for connecting pipes according to claim 4, wherein a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the accommodating groove is formed to a size equal to a difference between a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the entire sealing member and a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space, based on a state in which the legs support the outer surface of the pipe while being deformed by assembling the coupler.

8. 2. A method for manufacturing a pipe coupling assembly according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: manufacturing a coupler including a body portion having an internal space in which a sealing member is disposed, locking portions extending radially inward from both ends of the body portion in a width direction and inserted into fastening grooves formed in the pipe, and fastening portions disposed on both ends of the body portion in a circumferential direction and through which the fastening member is passed and fastened; and forming an accommodating groove on an inner surface of the body portion into which at least a portion of a base provided on the sealing member is inserted; forming the accommodating groove on the inner surface of the body portion includes forming a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the accommodating groove to a size equal to a difference between an overall circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member and a circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space, based on a state in which the legs of the sealing member are deformed to support the outer surface of the pipe as the coupler is assembled.

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