Pipe joint and pipe connection work tool

Abstract

To provide a connection work tool that can omit a pipe tip diameter enlarging process (by another work tool) that is necessary before performing a pipe connection work.SOLUTION: A connection work tool includes: a pipe gripping part 7 for pressing a tip of a pipe P for being connected to a pipe connection cylinder part 35 of a pipe joint Z in a straight state while omitting a flare process; and a round projection-shaped pipe induction guiding outside surface 38 for forming a tip diameter enlarged pipe part 25 in a pipe tip part with the pressing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool for connecting a pipe and a fitting. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 30, a diameter expanding tool (not shown) is used at the tip of a connected pipe 60 to expand it to a predetermined length L. 61 It was necessary to form the enlarged diameter pipe portion 61. Furthermore, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, similarly, before connecting the pipe fitting to the pipe, it was necessary to form an enlarged pipe section of a predetermined length at the tip of the pipe to be connected using an enlargement tool. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6976017 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6924538 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6924539 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, the work of forming the enlarged pipe section with a work tool before the connection work is a time-consuming and troublesome work, especially in a narrow piping work site where many piping pipes and various devices (equipment) are present, there is a problem that the work of forming the enlarged pipe section is troublesome and time-consuming.

[0005] Therefore, the pipe fitting and pipe connection work tool of the present invention aims to perform piping connection work smoothly and efficiently by eliminating the (conventional) enlarged pipe section formation work that was required before the connection work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is provided with a pipe gripping part which grips and presses a connected pipe in a straight tip state without any tip expansion processing such as flaring, by means of the convex-shaped pipe guiding and guiding outer surface, and applies a first stage pressing force to the pipe to fit the tip expansion tube portion against the outer peripheral surface of the pipe connection part; the pipe gripping part is configured to grip a pipe having a pipe connecting tube portion with a convex-shaped pipe guiding outer surface that reduces in diameter toward the tip and to form a tip expansion tube portion, and to apply a second stage pressing force in the axial direction to the closed annular ring in order to fit the closed annular ring against the outer peripheral surface of the tip expansion tube portion and to reduce in diameter the radially inward.

[0007] Furthermore, a single fluid pressure cylinder or a single electric actuator is commonly used as a drive source for generating the first stage pressing force and the second stage pressing force. In addition, two fluid pressure cylinders or two electric actuators parallel to each other are arranged as driving sources for generating the first stage pressing force and the second stage pressing force, and the pipe fitting and the pipe are set parallel to and equidistant from the two parallel fluid pressure cylinders or the two parallel electric actuators. Moreover, the fluid pressure cylinder is of a double acting type having a piston portion.

[0008] The pipe gripping portion is equipped with a pipe receiver and a pipe pressing tool having a groove portion having a substantially semicircular cross section; a clamp lever is attached which selectively switches between a pipe gripping state and a pipe non-gripping state using the groove portion of the pipe receiver and the groove portion of the pipe pressing tool; when the clamp lever is switched to the pipe gripping state, the first stage pressing force can be generated; and when the clamp lever is switched to the pipe non-gripping state, the front end face of the pipe gripping portion abuts against the closed annular ring, so that the second stage pressing force can be generated. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the work of forming an enlarged pipe as a pre-process of the pipe connection work can be completely omitted. This makes it possible to perform the entire pipe connection work efficiently. Furthermore, the pipe gripping part can apply a first stage pressing force to the pipe, and immediately thereafter, a second stage pressing force to fit the closed annular ring onto the pipe, making it possible to efficiently perform the pipe connection work quickly, smoothly and efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing an embodiment of a method for connecting a pipe joint and a pipe using a connecting work tool according to the present invention, illustrating a state in which the pipe is gripped by a gripping tool. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a process in which a pipe is gripped and pressed using the power tool of the present invention to form an enlarged tip tube portion and fit the enlarged tip tube portion onto the outer peripheral surface of a pipe connection tube portion. [Diagram 3] 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a process of using the power tool of the present invention to press a closed annular ring in the axial direction while fitting it externally, thereby compressing and deforming the tip enlarged diameter tube portion in the radially inward direction. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a completed state of connection between the pipe and the pipe joint. [Diagram 5] 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a state in which the straight tip portion of the connection pipe abuts against the tip of the pipe connection cylindrical portion; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the state after FIG. 5, in which the tip portion of the pipe starts to expand in diameter. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the state after FIG. 6, in which the tip of the pipe rides on the outer surface for guiding the pipe. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the state after FIG. 7, in which the end enlarged diameter tube portion of the pipe is fitted onto the pipe connection tube portion. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of an outer surface for guidance. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another example of an outer surface for guiding. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another example of an outer guiding surface. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of yet another example of an outer guiding surface. [Figure 13] 10 is an explanatory sectional view showing another embodiment (alternative to FIG. 1) of a connecting method using a pipe joint and a pipe connecting tool according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a process of using the power tool of the present invention to grip and press a pipe to form an enlarged tip tube portion while fitting the enlarged tip tube portion onto a pipe connection tube portion. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a process of using the power tool of the present invention to press a closed annular ring in the axial direction while fitting it externally, thereby compressing and deforming the tip enlarged diameter tube portion in the radially inward direction. FIG. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view of a modified pipe joint body which replaces the embodiment of the pipe joint body shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a comparative example to be compared with FIG. 5 showing the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a comparative example to be compared with FIG. 6 showing the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a comparative example to be compared with FIG. 7 showing the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a comparative example to be compared with FIG. 8 showing the present invention. [Figure 21] 1 or 13 during a process corresponding to FIG. 1 or 13, and is a plan view showing one embodiment of a connecting power tool according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a left side view of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 22 is a right side view of FIG. 21. [Figure 24] 15 is a simplified plan view of the connecting working tool according to the present invention, showing a process corresponding to FIG. 2 or FIG. 14. [Diagram 25] 16 is a simplified plan view of the connecting power tool according to the present invention, showing a completed state corresponding to FIG. 3 or FIG. 15. [Figure 26]1 or 13 during a process, and is a partially sectional plan view showing another embodiment of the connecting power tool according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a right side view of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] 15 is a partially sectional plan view of another embodiment of a connecting power tool according to the present invention, illustrating a process corresponding to FIG. 2 or FIG. 14. [Figure 29] 16 is a partially sectional plan view of another embodiment of a connecting power tool according to the present invention, showing a completed state corresponding to FIG. 3 or FIG. 15. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional connection method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below based on the illustrated embodiments. Fig. 4 shows the completed state of connection between the pipe P and the pipe joint Z, and Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are cross-sectional views for sequentially explaining each step of connecting the pipe joint Z and the pipe P using the connection work tool of the present invention (described later). The material of the pipe P is metal such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, etc., or hard synthetic resin such as polyethylene.

[0012] 1 to 3 and 4, reference numeral 1 denotes a joint body and 2 denotes a cap nut. The joint body 1 is what is called a "flare joint body" and has a male thread portion 1A and a tip reduced diameter tapered portion 1B, and for example, one specified in JIS B 8607 can be used. The female thread portion 2A of the cap nut 2 is screwed into the male thread portion 1A of the flare joint body 1. As this cap nut 2, one specified in JIS B 8607 can be used. In the hole 16 of this cap nut 2, a large diameter female thread portion 2A, a large diameter relief portion 2B, a tapered portion 2C, and a tip small diameter portion 2F are formed in this order from the base end to the tip.

[0013] The flare forming portion 31 is clamped (pressed) between the tapered portion 2C of the bag nut 2 and the tip reduced diameter tapered portion 1B of the flare fitting body 1, and an in-core 30 having a pipe connection tube portion 35 integrally connected to the small diameter side end edge 32 of the flare forming portion 31 is attached in an internally fitted manner. The pipe connection tubular portion 35 of the inner core 30 is connected to the small diameter side edge 32 of the flare forming portion 31 (as described above), and passes through the hole portion--the small diameter tip portion 2F--of the cap nut 2, and extends outward from the cap nut 2. The tip portion 5 of the pipe P (see FIG. 1), which remains straight (as described later), is pressed against the pipe connection tubular portion 35 of the inner core 30, which extends (protrudes) from the outer end surface 2E of the cap nut 2 in this manner.

[0014] Here, a connection method in which the straight tip portion 5 is fitted onto the outside of the pipe connection tube portion 35 protruding from the cap nut 2 and fixed as shown in Figure 4 (showing the final connection state) will be described below. As shown in Figures 1, 5 and 9, a pipe connection tubular portion 35 is formed in the pipe fitting Z so as to protrude in the axial direction, and a pipe guiding outer surface 38 having a convex radius and tapering in the direction of the tip is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip side of this pipe connection tubular portion 35.

[0015] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 and FIGS. 5 to 8, the curved pipe guiding outer surface 38 has a vertical cross-sectional shape of a constant radius R from a tip 38A to a base end 38B or a base end vicinity 38C. 0 In the figure, H indicates the range near the base end, and the total length of the pipe guiding outer surface 38 in the axial direction is set to H 0 Then, the range of the following formula 1 is defined. 0 <H≦ 0.3·H 0 Formula 1 Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the curved pipe guiding outer surface 38 has a longitudinal cross-sectional shape in which the radius R changes from a small value to a large value from a tip end 38A to a base end 38B or a base end vicinity 38C. 1 →R 2 →R 3 →R 4It is changing as follows. In addition, the R 1 →R 2 →R 3 →R 4 The change in can be freely selected from either a stepwise change or a continuous, stepless change.

[0016] 10, the range in the vicinity of the base end indicated by H in the figure and the total axial length H of the outer surface 38 for guiding the pipe are 0 The following formula 2 holds between them. (That is, it is the same as the above formula 1.) 0 <H≦ 0.3·H 0 Formula 2 Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, a straight region 13 with an infinite radius R is provided in the range from the base end vicinity 38C to the base end 38B.

[0017] Next, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5, the leading end of the pipe P is brought close to the leading end 38A of the pipe guiding outer surface 38, and the axes Lp and Lp of the two are aligned. 35 In order to match these, it is also desirable to form an annular small projection 15 for preventing runout integrally with the tip 38A of the outer surface 38 for guiding the pipe, as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG.

[0018] As described above, the protruding pipe connection cylindrical portion 35 of the pipe joint Z is formed in advance with the rounded pipe guiding outer surface 38. On the other hand, the connecting pipe P does not have a tip enlarged portion such as a flare or an enlarged diameter portion (see the conventional enlarged diameter pipe portion 61 shown in FIG. 30). However, as shown in FIG. 5, it may be desirable to machine a small chamfer on the inner peripheral end of the tip portion Pf of the pipe P. In this manner, the tip portion Pf of the connecting pipe P is pressed in the direction of the arrow Fp as shown in Figures 5 and 6 with the straight tip portion 5 remaining as it is, without any tip enlargement process such as flaring or enlarging.

[0019] The outer surface 38 for guiding the pipe is formed in a convex shape with a radius that decreases toward the tip (as already explained with reference to Figs. 9 and 10). 1 4, the tip of the pipe P smoothly undergoes a radially expanding deformation and rides up along the outer pipe guiding surface 38. Next, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, 2 ,N 3 In the direction of the arrow A, the tip of the pipe P rides up onto the pipe connection cylindrical portion 35 (is tightly fitted onto the outside). In other words, by applying a pressing force in the direction of the arrow Fp (axial direction) to the straight tip portion 5 of the pipe P without flaring or enlarging the tip portion Pf, the straight tip portion 5 is deformed in diameter by the rounded pipe guiding outer surface 38, and the tip enlarged diameter pipe portion 25 is formed as shown in Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, and Fig. 8. This tip enlarged diameter pipe portion 25 is in close contact with the pipe connecting tube portion 35.

[0020] 17 to 20 show a "comparative example" to be compared with Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 of the present invention. That is, in the "comparative example" shown in Fig. 17 to 20, the pipe guiding outer surface 48 of the pipe connection cylindrical portion 35X has a "linearly inclined shape" in which the diameter decreases toward the tip. As shown in Figures 17, 18 and 19, when the pipe P is pushed in the direction of the arrow Fp, the tip Pf of the pipe P is expanded and deformed while sliding tightly against the linearly inclined pipe guiding outer surface 48.

[0021] 20, when the tip Pf of the pipe P reaches the maximum diameter end 48E of the pipe guiding outer surface 48, the tip Pf of the pipe P gradually separates from the pipe connection tube portion 35X. That is, from the maximum diameter end 48E, the pipe P forms an expanded diameter tapered portion 50 and becomes detached from the pipe connection tube portion 35. Thereafter, when high pressure acts on the inside of the piping, there is a risk of fluid leaking to the outside or detachment (disengagement) of the pipe P. Even if an attempt is made to reduce the diameter and fix it using a closed annular ring, the work is unstable and difficult, and the inventors have confirmed (through many prototypes and experiments) that after the piping is completed, fluid will leak to the outside. The connection method and connection structure according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 can solve the above-mentioned problems in the comparative example shown in FIGS.

[0022] Next, a description will be given of Figures 1 to 3. Figures 1 to 3 include all the steps shown in Figures 5 to 8 described above, and further include an additional step of crimping a closed annular ring 20. That is, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a pressing force Fp is applied to the pipe P with its straight tip portion 5 to form the tip enlarged tubular portion 25 while expanding its diameter, and then, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a ring crimping process is performed in which a closed annular ring 20 is press-fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the tip enlarged tubular portion 25. The pipe connection tube portion 35 has small protrusions 8 formed on its outer circumferential surface, the protrusions having a triangular cross section for fluid tightness and for preventing withdrawal.

[0023] And, Figure 4 shows a connection structure manufactured by the method of connecting a pipe and a pipe explained in Figures 1 to 3. In addition, in Figures 1 to 3 and 4, when explaining the other end side outside the left side of the drawing, it may have the same structure as Figures 1 to 4, or may be a tapered male thread type, or it may be something else.

[0024] Next, in FIGS. 13 to 15, another embodiment which replaces the above-mentioned FIGS. 1 to 3 is shown. 1 to 3 are omitted, and the in-core 30 (see Figs. 1 to 3) is integrated into the joint body 1. That is, in Figs. 13 to 15, the joint body 1 itself has integral pipe connection tubular portions 35, 35 protruding in both axial directions. On the outer peripheral surface on the tip side of each pipe connection cylindrical portion 35, a pipe guiding outer surface 38 having a rounded convex shape whose diameter decreases toward the tip (similar to Figs. 1 to 4) is formed.

[0025] In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 15, an example is shown in which both ends in the axial direction have (symmetrical) pipe guiding outer surfaces 38, 38. However, the other end may be provided with a tapered threaded portion (not shown) to form a male socket shape for screwing into a threaded hole in a valve body, other fitting, etc., or may have a different shape.

[0026] 16 shows a further modified example of Fig. 13 to Fig. 15. That is, in Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, a pair of outer flange portions 17, 17 having a hexagonal shape or the like is provided, but the spacing dimension H 17 is set small in FIG. In Fig. 16, small circular projections 15, 15 as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 are provided in series at both axial ends. Furthermore, a large number of small protrusions 8 are provided, and a seal groove 18 into which an O-ring or the like is fitted is formed.

[0027] Next, an embodiment of a pipe joint and pipe connecting tool according to the present invention is shown in Figs. 21 to 25, and the configuration, action, operation, etc. of the connecting tool according to the present invention will be described in detail below. 21 to 23 show the structure and initial (state) position of the power tool, Fig. 24 shows the process of expanding the diameter of the pipe, and Fig. 25 shows the process of crimping the closed annular ring 20. As shown in the plan view of Fig. 21 and the left side view of Fig. 22, the connecting power tool according to the present invention has a pipe joint gripping part 6 that holds the pipe joint Z shown in Fig. 16. Also, as shown in Fig. 21 (plan view) and Fig. 23 (right side view), it has a pipe gripping part 7 that holds the pipe P.

[0028] The pipe joint gripping portion 6 is attached to the rear end of the base 9 by a horizontal shaft 11 as indicated by an arrow M 6As shown in FIG. 1, the connector includes a first arm 10 that is pivotally attached so as to be able to swing up and down freely, an arc-shaped pipe joint pressing portion 12 at the tip of the first arm 10, and a locking member 21 attached to the tip of the pressing portion 12. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 21 and the right side view of FIG. 23, the pipe gripping portion 7 for gripping the pipe P is provided at the rear end of the base 22 with a horizontal shaft 23 and is supported by the shaft 23 as indicated by the arrow M. 7 As shown in FIG. 1, the pipe clamping device includes a second arm 24 that is pivotally mounted so as to be able to swing up and down freely, an arc-shaped pipe pressing portion 26 at the tip of the second arm 24, and a locking member 27 attached to the tip of the pressing portion 26. Furthermore, vertical plate pieces 9E and 22E are provided on the base 9 and base 22, respectively, so as to protrude upright.

[0029] And, 28 is a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid pressure cylinder. This cylinder 28 includes a cylinder barrel 29 and a rod portion 33. The cylinder barrel 29 (its tip portion) is fixed to the pipe joint gripping portion 6 side. In other words, the cylinder barrel 29 is not fixed to the pipe gripping portion 7 side, and the cylinder barrel 29 is inserted into the through hole 22G of the vertical plate piece 22E on the pipe gripping portion 7 side. Therefore, the cylinder barrel 29 can (freely) protrude and advance through the through-hole 22G of this vertical plate piece 22E.

[0030] As is apparent from FIGS. 21, 24, and 25, the cylinder barrel 29 is provided with an arrow F. 0 When the fluid is sent as shown in FIG. 1 (piping is omitted), the pipe joint gripping portion 6 to which the cylinder barrel 29 is fixed remains stationary, and the rod portion 33 of the cylinder 28 moves in the direction of the arrow F. 1 Move in the direction. The tip of the rod portion 33 is fixed to a connecting strip plate 42, and as the rod portion 33 expands and contracts, the connecting strip plate 42 moves in conjunction with it.

[0031] The two rods 43, 43 have their tips fixed to the connecting strip 42 by bolt and nut connections 44. Moreover, the base ends of the rods 43, 43 are fixed to the vertical plate piece 22E of the base 22 by other bolt and nut connections 45, 45. Therefore, the base 22, the rods 43, 43 and the connecting strip 42 always move as one unit. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, the arrow F of the rod portion 33 of the fluid pressure cylinder 28 1 and the action shown in FIG. 4 and the arrow F of the rod 43, 43. 2 ,F 2 Directional operation and arrow F on base 22 3 It is linked to directional operation.

[0032] In other words, the operation of the fluid pressure cylinder 28 (arrow F 1 ) is connected to the board 22 as indicated by the arrow F 3 It will move in the direction. 21, 23, etc., the base 22 is provided with a second arm 24 and an arc-shaped pipe pressing portion 26 (pipe gripping portion 7) at its tip. Moreover, the pipe gripping portion 7 is provided with a lower arc-shaped receiver 46 and the pipe pressing portion 26, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 23, and has a substantially semicircular recess that comes into pressure contact with the pipe P and is provided with a large number of small circumferential protrusions 47...

[0033] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, the arrow F of the fluid pressure cylinder 28 1 As the direction changes, the arrow F 2 ,F 3 As shown, rod 43 and base 22 move, and while biting into small protrusions 47 of pipe gripping portion 7 provided on base 22, it moves from FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 (in the direction of arrow Fp). 1 and 2, the pipe P can be pressed (as indicated by arrow Fp) against the outer circumferential surface of the pipe connection tube 35 while the straight tip 5 remains in place. By pressing in the direction of arrow Fp in this manner, the tip 5 can be expanded in diameter by the curved pipe guiding outer surface 38. In this manner, the tip expanded diameter tube portion 25 is formed.

[0034] In this manner, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pressing force for fitting the tip enlarged diameter tube portion 25 to the outer circumferential surface of the pipe connection tube portion 35 is set as the “first-stage pressing force V 1 In the subsequent process, the pressing force for fitting the closed annular ring 20 onto the pipe connection tube portion 35 as shown in FIG. 3 (from FIG. 2) is called the "second pressing force V 2 " shall be called "

[0035] Now, regarding the closed annular ring 20, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, it is attached in advance in a manner of fitting around the pipe P. As shown in Fig. 2, when the end enlarged diameter tube portion 25 of the pipe P is formed and fitted around the pipe connection tube portion 35, the pipe pressing portion 26 is immediately moved (in the direction of the arrow F) as shown in Fig. 3. 26 As shown in Figure 3, by moving the pipe P slightly open (slightly releasing the grip on the pipe P), a minute gap G 1 ,G 1 This results in: In this state, the pipe pressing portion 26 and the front end faces 26A, 46A of the pipe receiving tool 46 press the closed annular ring 20 with a second-stage pressing force V 2 2) while being pressed, as shown in FIG. 3, it can be quickly (efficiently) fitted onto the end enlarged diameter tube portion 25 of the pipe P.

[0036] The previously mentioned small gap G 1 In order to form the above, the clamp lever 51 of the pipe gripping portion 7 shown in FIG. 21 is moved to the swing position of the clamp lever 51 shown in FIG. 24 (as indicated by the arrow M 5 Just rock it (like this) to switch. FIG. 25 is a view corresponding to FIG. 15 (FIG. 3), in which the clamp lever 51 is moved in the direction of the arrow M. 6 The clamp can be released by further rocking it as shown in FIG.

[0037] 13, 14, and 15 correspond to FIG. 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The pipe P is pressed against the rounded pipe guiding outer surface 38 with a first-stage pressing force V. The pipe P is kept in a straight-shaped tip portion 5 without any tip enlargement such as flare processing or enlargement processing of the large-diameter short cylinder portion at the tip portion Pf of the pipe P. 1 The end enlarged tubular portion 25 can be efficiently and precisely formed while being pressed with the second pressing force V, and the end enlarged tubular portion 25 can be fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the pipe connection tube portion 35. Thereafter, the closed annular ring 20 is pressed with the second pressing force V, as shown in FIG. 15 (FIG. 3). 2 Then, press it down to fit it onto the outside.

[0038] The connecting tool for carrying out the method of connecting the pipe joint and the pipe according to the present invention as exemplified in Figures 1 to 4, 5 to 8, and 13 to 15 is not limited to the one shown and described in Figures 21 to 25, and it is also preferable to apply another connecting tool using an electric actuator (not shown). In other words, it is also possible to provide a single electric actuator instead of the single fluid pressure cylinder 28. It is also preferable to apply a lubricant (material) that reduces frictional resistance to the outer surface 38 for guiding the pipe in advance (before the work).

[0039] Next, Figs. 26 to 29 show another embodiment of the connecting power tool. 26 and 27 show the initial (state) position, FIG. 28 shows the process of expanding the diameter of the pipe, and FIG. 29 shows the process of crimping the closed annular ring 20.

[0040] As shown in the plan view of Figure 26, this connection work tool has a pipe joint gripping part 6 that grips a pipe joint Z. Also, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, it has a pipe gripping part 7 that clamps (grabs) a pipe P. The pipe fitting gripping portion 6 comprises a first arm 10 pivotally attached to the rear end of a base 9 so as to be able to swing up and down freely around a horizontal axis, an arc-shaped pipe fitting pressing portion 12 of the first arm 10, and a locking member 21 attached to the pressing portion 12.

[0041] In the (other) embodiments shown in Figs. 26 to 29, the first-stage pressing force V 1 (See FIG. 28), and the second stage pressing force V 2 As a drive source for generating the force (see FIG. 29), two fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28 are disposed in parallel to each other. The two fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance W 28 The two fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28 are disposed in parallel with each other, and the axis of the pipe joint Z and the axis of the pipe P are set in parallel and at an equal distance between the two fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28. In other words, when set, the axial centers of the pipe joint Z and the pipe P are aligned in a straight line, and the fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28 are arranged parallel to each other and equidistant from each other on either side of the line.

[0042] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, the two fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28 are rotated in the direction of the arrow F. 1 ,F 1 By performing the extending operation in this manner, the pipe P (located in the central position) can be fitted onto the pipe connecting tube portion 35 of the pipe joint Z in a well-balanced and smooth manner (as shown in Figures 26 to 28). Furthermore, as mentioned in FIG. 26 After the pipe pressing tool 26 is operated as described above, the two fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28 are rotated in the direction of the arrow F as shown in FIG. 1 ,F 1 2, the closed annular ring 20 can be fitted onto the outside.

[0043] As is clear from Figures 26, 28 and 29, the pipe fitting Z, pipe P and closed annular ring 20 are arranged in the center between two parallel fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28, equidistant from each cylinder 28, and allow the pipe P and then the ring 20 to be smoothly fitted onto the pipe connection cylindrical portion 35. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fluid pressure cylinder 28 is a double-acting cylinder having a piston portion 34. In other words, there is an advantage that a return spring or the like can be omitted, making it possible to make the entire device more compact. 26 to 29, it is also preferable to use an electric actuator as the fluid pressure cylinder 28. For example, it is free to use an actuator composed of a screw shaft rotated by an electric motor and a nut that can reciprocate.

[0044] As described above, the connecting work tool according to the present invention is a pipe fitting Z having a pipe connecting tubular portion 35 having a convex pipe guiding outer surface 38 with a radius that reduces in diameter toward the tip, the pipe connecting tubular portion 35 being provided in a protruding manner in the axial direction, the pipe P to be connected being in a state of a straight tip portion 5 without a tip enlargement portion such as a flare processing or diameter enlargement processing, is gripped and pressed against the pipe connecting tubular portion 35, the straight tip portion 5 is enlarged in diameter by the convex pipe guiding outer surface 38, and a first pressing force V for fitting the tip enlarged diameter tube portion 25 onto the outer circumferential surface of the pipe connecting tubular portion 35 is applied. 1 The pipe gripping portion 7 applies a second stage pressing force V to the pipe P; and the closed annular ring 20 is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the end diameter expansion tube portion 25 to reduce the diameter in the radial inward direction. 2 The pipe gripping portion 7 is configured to provide the above.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 21 to 25, the first-stage pressing force V 1 and the second stage pressing force V 2 As a drive source for generating the force, a single fluid pressure cylinder 28 or a single electric actuator is commonly used. In addition, the pipe gripping portion 7 of the connection work tool according to the present invention is equipped with a pipe receiver 46 having a groove portion 46C having an approximately semicircular cross section, and a pipe pressing tool 26 having a groove portion 26C having an approximately semicircular cross section (see Figure 23).

[0046] In the present invention, specifically, "approximately semicircular shape" refers to a central angle in a large range of 135° to 225°. That is, for example, the central angle of the recessed groove portion 46C of the pipe receiver 46 is set to 190° to 225°, while the central angle of the recessed groove portion 26C of the pipe pressing tool 26 is set to 135° to 170°, and when combined as shown in Fig. 23, they form 360°. Arrow M around horizontal axis 23 of second arm 24 7 The directional swing allows smooth operation when gripping, separating and removing the pipe P.

[0047] When the clamp lever 51 is switched to the pipe gripping state, the first stage pressing force V 1 Furthermore, when the clamp lever 51 is switched in the opposite direction to the pipe non-gripping state, the front end faces 26A, 46A of the pipe gripping portion 7 come into contact with the closed annular ring 20, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 15, and the second stage pressing force V 2 can occur.

[0048] According to the connecting work tool of the present invention, the pipe joint Z is formed with a pipe connection tubular portion 35 protruding in the axial direction, and the outer peripheral surface of the tip side of the pipe connection tubular portion 35 is formed with a convex-shaped pipe guiding outer surface 38 for guiding a pipe, which reduces in diameter toward the tip; the tip end Pf of the pipe P to be connected is not subjected to a tip enlargement section such as flaring or enlargement, and is pressed against the pipe connection tubular portion 35 of the pipe joint Z in its straight tip end 5 state, so that the tip enlarged diameter tube portion 25 is formed while the straight tip end 5 is enlarged in diameter by the convex-shaped pipe guiding outer surface 38; the tip enlarged diameter tube portion 25 can be fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the pipe connection tubular portion 35, and therefore it is possible to completely omit the troublesome and time-consuming preliminary processing of forming an enlarged diameter tube portion 61 (see Figure 30) at the tip of the pipe P before work. In particular, the above-mentioned preliminary processing (work) in a small work site where many piping pipes and various devices and equipment are present is troublesome and time-consuming, but the present invention makes it possible to eliminate such preliminary processing, thereby significantly improving the work efficiency of the entire piping connection work.

[0049] The convex guiding surface 38 has a vertical cross-sectional shape of a constant radius R from the tip 38A to the base end 38B or the vicinity of the base end 38C. 0 Therefore, the pipe connection tube 35 has a simple cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 9, and can be smoothly and tightly fitted from the tip to the base of the pipe connection tube 35 as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8. In particular, compared with FIG. 17 to FIG. 20 showing a comparative example, the pipe connection tube 35 and the inner surface of the pipe P are always in a stable and tight pressure contact state, and the present invention can reliably prevent the fluid from leaking to the outside. In addition, in the state shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 20, thin vertical scratches may occur on the inner surface of the pipe P, causing fluid leakage, and the inner surface of the pipe P may be seized at the maximum diameter end 48E. However, the present invention can solve such problems.

[0050] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the curved guidance outer surface 38 is such that the radius R changes from a small value to a large value from the tip 38A to the base end 38B or the vicinity of the base end 38C, and the change is set to be stepwise or continuous, resulting in a (so to speak) bullet shape as shown in Figure 10, which enables the pipe P to be tightly guided into the outside while undergoing an expansion and deformation more smoothly than in Figures 5 to 8.

[0051] In addition, if the range from the base end vicinity 38C to the base end 38B is configured to include a straight region 13 with an infinite radius R, the constant radius R shown in FIG. 0As a result, the pipe P gradually expands in diameter as it deforms from the tip 38A of the pipe guiding outer surface 38 to the vicinity of the base end 38C, or as a result of the radius R changing from a small value to a large value as shown in Figure 10. Thereafter, when passing through the straight region 13, the most distal portion of the pipe P maintains a straight tubular shape (having a radius) that matches the radial dimension of the straight region 13. In other words, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of the diameter-enlarging tapered portion 50 as in the comparative example shown in FIG.

[0052] The leading end 38A of the guiding outer surface 38 receives the leading end Pf of the pipe P, and the axis Lp of the pipe P and the axis L of the pipe connection tube portion 35 are aligned. 35 If an annular small protrusion 15 for preventing runout is integrally formed to align the two shaft centers Lp and Lp (see Figs. 11 and 12), the small protrusion 15 corrects the runout at the moment when the tip Pf of the pipe P first contacts the guiding outer surface 38. 35 will match reliably and easily. That is, at the moment shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, and FIG. 13, the small protrusion 15 causes the two shaft centers Lp and L 35 will be automatically corrected to match.

[0053] In addition, a first-stage pressing force V 1 After the tip enlarged diameter tube portion 25 is fitted onto the outside, the closed annular ring 20 is pressed against the second stage pressing force V 2 As a result, a ring crimping process has been added in which a ring is press-fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the tip enlarged tube portion 25, so that the ring crimping process can be carried out smoothly and quickly (as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 15).Moreover, the inner surface of the tip enlarged tube portion 25 of the pipe P is strongly pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the pipe connection tube portion 35 by the force of the ring 20 in the diameter reducing direction, thereby ensuring both a tight seal and preventing the pipe from being pulled out.

[0054] As described above in detail, according to the pipe fitting and pipe connecting tool of the present invention, a pipe fitting Z has a pipe connecting tubular portion 35 having a convex pipe guiding outer surface 38 with a radius that reduces in diameter toward the tip, and the pipe P to be connected is in a state of being in a straight tip portion 5 state without a tip enlargement portion such as a flare processing or a diameter enlargement processing, and is pressed against the pipe connecting tubular portion 35 of the pipe fitting Z, and the straight tip portion 5 is enlarged in diameter by the convex pipe guiding outer surface 38 to form the tip enlarged diameter tube portion 25, and a first pressing force V for fitting the tip enlarged diameter tube portion 25 to the outer circumferential surface of the pipe connecting tubular portion 35 is applied. 1 The pipe gripping portion 7 applies a second stage pressing force V to the pipe P; and the closed annular ring 20 is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the end diameter expansion tube portion 25 to reduce the diameter in the radial inward direction. 2 Since the pipe gripping portion 7 is configured to apply the first stage pressing force V 1 This allows the straight tip portion 5 to be smoothly fitted onto the pipe connection tube portion 35 of the pipe joint Z while being expanded in diameter. 2 In this way, the first stage pressing force V can be smoothly and quickly switched to the state in which the first stage pressing force V acts almost continuously. 1 and the second stage pressure V 2 can be sequentially applied to the pipe P and the closed annular ring 20, the efficiency of the work of connecting the pipe joint and the pipe is extremely excellent. Moreover, as shown in Figure 30, it is possible to omit the troublesome and time-consuming preliminary processing of forming the enlarged diameter tube portion 61 in advance at the tip of the pipe P using a separate tool. Moreover, the tool itself is easy to carry, compact, and easy to handle, and does not require skill.

[0055] In addition, the present invention provides the first stage pressing force V 1 and the second stage pressing force V 2 Since a single fluid pressure cylinder 28 or a single electric actuator is used as a drive source for generating the force, the power tool can be made lighter and more compact, and can be easily carried.

[0056] In addition, the present invention provides the first stage pressing force V 1 and the second stage pressing force V 2 As a driving source for generating this, two parallel fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28 or two electric actuators are arranged, and further, the pipe fitting Z and the pipe P are set parallel and at an equal distance from the two parallel fluid pressure cylinders 28, 28 or two parallel electric actuators, so that the axes of the pipe fitting and the pipe are stably aligned, and the connection work can be performed smoothly.

[0057] In addition, since the fluid pressure cylinder 28 is a double acting type having a piston portion 34, the coil spring 3 (shown in FIG. 21) for restoring the cylinder to the extended direction is omitted, making the appearance of the device neater and easier to work with. Moreover, the cylinder can be restored to its initial state (at the start of work) more quickly and stably than the coil spring 3.

[0058] In addition, in the present invention, the pipe gripping portion 7 includes a pipe receiving tool 46 and a pipe pressing tool 26 having grooves 46C and 26C each having a substantially semicircular cross section; a clamp lever 51 is provided for selectively switching between a pipe gripping state and a pipe non-gripping state by the groove 46C of the pipe receiving tool 46 and the groove 26C of the pipe pressing tool 26; when the pipe gripping state is achieved by switching the clamp lever 51, the first-stage pressing force V 1 When the clamp lever 51 is switched to the pipe non-gripping state, the front end faces 26A, 46A of the pipe gripping portion 7 come into contact with the closed annular ring 20, and the second stage pressing force V 2 Since the first stage pressing force V is generated, the operator can easily and quickly select the pipe gripping state or the non-gripping state by manually switching the clamp lever 51. 1 and a subsequent second stage pressing force V 2 The processes of imparting the properties can be switched smoothly, quickly, and easily in sequence (manually). [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 5 Straight tip 7 Pipe gripping part 13 Straight Area 15 Circular small protrusion 20 Closed Annular Ring 25 Tip enlarged tube section 26 Pipe Pressing Tool 26A Front end surface 26C Groove 28 Fluid pressure cylinder 34 Piston section 35 Pipe connection tube 38 Pipe Guidance Outer Surface 38A Tip 38B Proximal end 38C Near the base 46 Pipe holder 46A Front end surface 46C Groove 51 Clamp lever L 35 Axial center Lp axis center P Pipe Pf Connected tip R radius R 0 Constant Radius V 1 First stage pressure V 2 Second stage pressure Z Pipe Fittings

Claims

1. A pipe joint (Z) has a pipe connection tubular portion (35) having a pipe guiding outer surface (38) with a convex radius that decreases toward the tip, and the pipe connection tubular portion (35) is provided so as to protrude in the axial direction. The connected pipe (P) in the state of a straight tip portion (5) without any tip enlargement processing such as flaring or diameter enlargement is gripped and pressed, and the straight tip portion (5) is enlarged in diameter by the curved pipe guiding outer surface (38) to form a tip enlarged tube portion (25), and a first pressing force (V) is applied to fit the tip enlarged tube portion (25) onto the outer circumferential surface of the pipe connection tube portion (35). 1 a pipe gripping portion (7) for applying the pipe (P) to the pipe (P), Moreover, in order to fit the closed annular ring (20) onto the outer circumferential surface of the end diameter-enlarged pipe portion (25) and to deform the closed annular ring (20) in the radially inward direction by reducing its diameter, a second-stage pressing force (V 2 ) is applied by the pipe gripping portion (7). A tool for connecting pipes and pipe fittings.

2. The first stage pressing force (V 1 ) and the second stage pressing force (V 2 2. The pipe joint and pipe connecting tool according to claim 1, wherein a single fluid pressure cylinder (28) or a single electric actuator is used as a drive source for generating the pressure.

3. The first stage pressing force (V 1 ) and the second stage pressing force (V 2 2. The pipe fitting and pipe connecting work tool according to claim 1, further comprising: two parallel fluid pressure cylinders (28)(28) or two electric actuators arranged as a drive source for generating a force (V) between the pipe fitting (Z) and the pipe (P) and is set in parallel and at an equal distance from the two parallel fluid pressure cylinders (28)(28) or the two parallel electric actuators.

4. 4. The tool for connecting a pipe joint and a pipe according to claim 3, wherein said fluid pressure cylinder (28) is of a double acting type having a piston portion (34).

5. The pipe gripping portion (7) includes a pipe receiving tool (46) having grooves (46C) (26C) each having a substantially semicircular cross section, and a pipe pressing tool (26). A clamp lever (51) is provided for selectively switching between a pipe gripping state and a pipe non-gripping state by the groove portion (46C) of the pipe receiving tool (46) and the groove portion (26C) of the pipe pressing tool (26); When the clamp lever (51) is switched to the pipe gripping state, the first stage pressing force (V 1 ) can occur, When the clamp lever (51) is switched to the non-gripping state of the pipe, the front end faces (26A) (46A) of the pipe gripping portion (7) come into contact with the closed annular ring (20), and the second-stage pressing force (V 2 4. A pipe joint and pipe connecting tool according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said tool is configured so as to generate a state in which a pressure difference between said pipe joint and said pipe is greater than said pressure difference.

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