Pipe joint

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint having a configuration that can reliably lead a tube to the correct position with a simple operation and prevent the generation of abrasion debris and particles.SOLUTION: A pipe joint 1 pushes a tube T to a reception part 3 against the restoring force of a connection part 3a to deform the connection part 3a, thereby allowing a protrusion part 2b to be insertable into a gap part 3b. Further pushing the tube T leads the tube T to reach the correct position S2 to lock the tube T by pushing an operation part 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint for flowing a fluid.

Background Art

[0002] Pipe joints are widely used in piping connections of various manufacturing facilities and piping connections of equipment.

[0003] As conventional pipe joints, there are known configurations in which a tube is gripped by a metal spring built into a main body to prevent it from coming off, and a configuration in which a tube is held using a plurality of metal parts (Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-326976, Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-050457).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The prior art has a simple structure in which a tube is inserted into a main body and a gripping portion and a sealing portion are expanded and locked, but there is a problem that it is difficult to determine whether the tube has been inserted to the correct position. When the insertion amount of the tube is insufficient, fluid leakage is likely to occur and the tube may come off. As a countermeasure, there is also a method in which a marking indicating the insertion amount when the tube is inserted to the correct position is attached to the tube in advance, and the marked tube is inserted into the main body to check the marking position. However, the marking work and the confirmation work are complicated, and there is a problem that human errors such as overlooking are likely to occur in the visual confirmation work.

[0006] Moreover, it has recently been found that the pulsation of the fluid accompanying the application of pressure from the pressure source may cause the gripping portion to rub against the tube, generating particles, and the generated particles may affect the equipment and products. That is, when the rubbing debris or particles flow into the equipment attached to the secondary side of the pipe joint, the equipment may malfunction depending on the required cleanliness. In particular, in manufacturing facilities, the possibility of product contamination has emerged as a new issue.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a pipe joint configured to reliably bring the tube to the correct position with a simple operation and prevent the generation of rubbing debris and particles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] As one embodiment, the above problems are solved by the solution disclosed below.

[0009] The pipe joint according to the present invention includes a main body having a plurality of convex portions surrounding a through hole, a receiving portion in which a void portion and a connecting portion are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, a sealing portion and a gripping portion assembled to the receiving portion and movable along the axis inside the main body, and an operating portion through which a tube is inserted and movable along the axis together with the receiving portion. By pushing the tube into the receiving portion against the restoring force of the connecting portion to deform the connecting portion, the convex portion can be inserted into the void portion. By further pushing the tube, the tube reaches the correct position, and it is locked by pushing the operating portion.

[0010] According to this configuration, the tube can be reliably brought to the correct position with a simple operation, and the generation of rubbing debris and particles can be prevented.

[0011] As an example, when the tube does not reach the correct position and is not yet at the first position, the gripping portion maintains a state of not locking to the tube, and when the tube reaches the correct position, the gripping portion locks to the tube. Thereby, when attaching the tube, it is possible to prevent the gripping portion from rubbing against the tube.

[0012] As an example, when the tube has not reached the correct position, the sealing portion maintains a state of not pressing the tube, and by pressing the operation portion in a state where the tube has reached the correct position, the sealing portion seals the outer periphery of the tube. Thereby, when attaching the tube, it is possible to prevent the sealing portion from rubbing against the tube.

[0013] As an example, when locked, the tube and the gripping portion are integrated and movable along the axis. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the generation of rubbing debris and particles even against the pulsation of the fluid accompanying the application of pressure during use.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a pipe joint configured to reliably reach the correct position of the tube with a simple operation and to prevent the generation of rubbing debris and particles.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a pipe joint 1 having a configuration suitable for pipe connection of semiconductor-related equipment and various equipment in a clean room. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, members having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations may be omitted.

[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views showing an example of the pipe joint 1 according to the present embodiment. The main body 2 is an integral structure having a bottom portion 2d, a hexagonal portion 2e, and a housing portion 2f. The hexagonal portion 2e has a hexagonal shape that can be supported by a tool such as a spanner or a wrench. As an example, when connecting pipes of various manufacturing equipment or connecting pipes of equipment, the bottom portion 2d of the pipe joint 1 is attached to the input side of the device and used.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the pipe joint 1 includes a cylindrical main body 2 through which fluid passes via a tube T inserted from the outside. Further, the pipe joint 1 includes a receiving portion 3 built into the main body 2, a sealing portion 4 and a gripping portion 5 assembled to the receiving portion 3 and movable along the axis P1, and an operating portion 6 through which the tube T is inserted and movable along the axis P1 together with the receiving portion 3. In the pipe joint 1, the receiving portion 3, the sealing portion 4, the gripping portion 5, and the operating portion 6 are assembled to the main body 2 in this order. Here, in order to easily explain the positional relationship of each part of the pipe joint 1, the directions are indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z in the figure. When actually using the pipe joint 1, it is not limited to these directions, and it can be used in any direction without any problem.

[0019] As an example, the sealing portion 4 is made of an elastomer or elastic rubber or a composite material thereof, for example, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber, butadiene rubber, NBR, HNBR, EPDM, FKM, or a composite material thereof.

[0020] As an example, the main body 2, the receiving portion 3, the gripping portion 5, and the operating portion 6 are all made of a resin material, for example, PPS, PBT, polyacetal, polycarbonate, polyamide, liquid crystal polymer, fluororesin, or other known engineering plastics. According to this configuration, generation of metal powder can be prevented and weight reduction can be achieved. Note that the main body 2 is not limited to a resin material, and a metal material may be used depending on the application.

[0021] As an example, the main body 2 has a first stepped portion 7 in which a first through hole 7a is formed. The receiving portion 3 has a second stepped portion 8 in which a second through hole 8a is formed and a third stepped portion 9 in contact with the sealing portion 4. The sealing portion 4 has a lower body 4a in contact with the third stepped portion 9, a flange portion 4b disposed outside the lower body 4a and in contact with the gripping portion 5, and an upper body 4c continuous from the lower body 4a, and a third through hole 9a through which the tube T is inserted is formed. The gripping portion 5 has an annular portion 5a in contact with the flange portion 4b and a plurality of arm portions 5b standing on the annular portion 5a at a predetermined pitch around the axis P1 surrounding the tube T. The first through hole 7a and the second through hole 8a allow fluid to pass through via a tube T inserted from the outside.

[0022] As an example, the gripping portion 5 includes an annular portion 5a and arm portions 5b erected at the same intervals in the circumferential direction from the annular portion 5a. Each of the arm portions 5b has a claw 5c protruding toward the axis P1. The number of the arranged arm portions 5b is 4 or more and 12 or less, preferably 6 or more and 8 or less. The arm portions 5b surround the outer periphery of the tube T at a plurality of locations and act as a cantilever. When removing the tube T, the pressing state of the sealing portion 4 is released, the locking state of the claw 5c is released by the restoring force of the arm portion 5b, the tube T returns to a state where the sealing portion 4 does not press it, and the gripping portion 5 returns to a state where it does not contact the tube T.

[0023] As an example, in the sealing portion 4, a pair of recessed portions 4d are formed on both sides of the flange portion 4b. The receiving portion 3 has a cylindrical portion 3c, a connecting portion 3a disposed inside the cylindrical portion 3c, and a pair of fastening portions 3d extending from both sides of the cylindrical portion 3c in a direction approaching the gripping portion along the axis P1. According to this configuration, the sealing portion 4 is assembled to the receiving portion 3, the gripping portion 5 contacts the sealing portion 4, and the pair of fastening portions 3d are locked to the annular portion 5a of the gripping portion 5. That is, in a state where the receiving portion 3, the sealing portion 4, and the gripping portion 5 are combined, they are integrated and can move in the direction of the axis P1.

[0024] As an example, the main body 2 has a plurality of convex portions 2b protruding from the first stepped portion 7 in a direction approaching the operation portion 6 along the axis P1. The receiving portion 3 has a plurality of gap portions 3b surrounded by the second stepped portion 8, the connecting portion 3a, and the third stepped portion 9. The number of the arranged convex portions 2b is 2 or more and 8 or less, preferably 4 or more and 6 or less.

[0025] As an example, the main body 2 has a pair of window portions 2a formed at rotationally symmetric positions with respect to the axis P1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the window portions 2a are in a cross shape. The window portions 2a can also be in a rectangular shape such as a square or a rectangle, or a T shape. The operation portion 6 has a pair of guide portions 6a and a pair of movable handles 6b, and is configured to surround the tube T with the pair of guide portions 6a and the pair of movable handles 6b. The operation portion 6 has a base portion 6c where the pair of guide portions 6a and the pair of movable handles 6b are arranged, and a protruding portion 6e protruding from the base portion 6c in a direction approaching the seal portion 4 along the axis P1. The inner side of the protruding portion 6e is tapered. The end surface of the protruding portion 6e is in contact with the outside of the upper body 4c of the seal portion 4. That is, by the protruding portion 6e pressing the upper body 4c, the upper body 4c deforms in a direction approaching the axis P1 and presses the outer periphery of the tube T.

[0026] As an example, the gripping portion 5 has a pair of first protrusions 5d formed at rotationally symmetric positions with respect to the axis P1. The first protrusions 5d are engaged with the window portions 2a so as to be movable along the axis P1. As an example, the movable handle 6b has a pair of second protrusions 6d formed at rotationally symmetric positions with respect to the axis P1. When the tube T reaches the correct position S2 and the operation portion 6 is pressed, the second protrusions 6d are locked and locked in the window portions 2a. Thereby, the user can visually confirm from the outside that the locking has been performed. That is, in a plan view, it can be visually confirmed that the locking is performed by the opening method of the movable handle 6b. Also, in a side view, since the second protrusions 6d appear in the window portions 2a, it can be visually confirmed that the locking has been performed.

[0027] The movable handle 6b is arranged such that the end portion on the inlet side of the tube T is movable in a direction approaching the axis P1. When the user picks up the movable handle 6b and brings it closer to the axis P1, the second protrusions 6d are disengaged from the window portions 2a and the operation portion 6 can be pulled out from the main body 2. When the operation portion 6 is pulled out from the main body 2, it reaches the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. In the initial position, the first protrusions 5d of the gripping portion 5 are in contact with the wall of the window portion 2a, and the operation portion 6 is prevented from being pulled out more than the initial position.

[0028] Next, based on the examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the attachment procedure of the tube T to the pipe joint 1 will be described below.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 9, when the tube T has not reached the first position S1, the seal portion 4 maintains a state of not pressing the tube T, and the gripping portion 5 maintains a state of not locking to the tube T. Here, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view in a state where the tube T has not reached the first position S1, showing a state where the convex portion 2b interferes with the gap portion 3b and cannot be inserted.

[0030] Following the state of FIG. 9, by pushing the tube T against the restoring force of the connecting portion 3a, the connecting portion 3a is deformed, and when the tube T reaches the first position S1, the gap portion 3b expands, and the convex portion 2b can be inserted into the gap portion 3b. Further pushing the tube T, as shown in FIG. 10, when reaching the correct position S2, the claw 5c locks to the tube T.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 10, by further pushing the operation portion 6, the seal portion 4 seals the outer periphery of the tube T and the operation portion 6 is locked and the locked state is maintained. Here, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in a state where the tube T has reached the correct position S2, showing a state where the convex portion 2b is inserted into the gap portion 3b.

[0032] According to the present embodiment, a pipe joint 1 can be realized in which the tube T surely reaches the correct position S2 with a simple operation and the generation of rubbing dust and particles can be prevented.

[0033] In the above-described pipe joint 1, the configuration in which the bottom portion 2d of the main body 2 is attached to the input side of the device has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this example. In the present embodiment, the bottom portion 2d may be configured to have a male screw, and the main pipe may be configured to be branchable. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0034] 1 Pipe joint 2 Body, 2a Window portion, 2b Protrusion, 2d Bottom portion, 2e Hexagonal portion, 2f Accommodation portion 3 Receiving portion, 3a Connecting portion, 3b Gap portion, 3c Cylindrical portion, 3d Securing portion 4 Sealing portion, 4a Lower body, 4b Flange portion, 4c Upper body, 4d Depression portion 5 Gripping portion, 5a Ring portion, 5b Arm portion, 5c Claw, 5d First protrusion 6 Operating portion, 6a Guide portion, 6b Movable handle, 6c Base portion, 6d Second protrusion, 6e Protruding portion 7 First step portion, 7a First through hole 8 Second step portion, 8a Second through hole 9 Third step portion, 9a Third through hole P1 Axis S1 First position S2 Normal position T Tube

Claims

1. A main body with a plurality of convex portions arranged around a through hole, a receiving portion with void portions and connecting portions alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, a sealing portion and a gripping portion assembled to the receiving portion and movable along the axis inside the main body, and an operating portion through which a tube is inserted and movable along the axis together with the receiving portion, By pushing the tube into the receiving portion against the restoring force of the connecting portion to deform the connecting portion, the convex portion can be inserted into the void portion. By further pushing the tube, the tube reaches the correct position, and by pushing the operating portion, it is locked. A pipe joint characterized by the above.

2. When the tube does not reach the correct position and is short of the first position, the gripping portion maintains a state of not locking the tube, and when the tube reaches the correct position, the gripping portion locks the tube. The pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. When the tube does not reach the correct position, the sealing portion maintains a state of not pressing the tube, and when the tube reaches the correct position, by pushing the operating portion, the sealing portion seals the outer circumference of the tube. The pipe joint according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. By the above locking, the tube, the gripping portion, and the sealing portion are integrated and their relative positional relationship does not change. The pipe joint according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

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