Pipe joint

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is 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. The 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).

Description

Pipe fittings

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

[0002] Pipe fittings are used in a wide range of applications, including piping connections in various manufacturing facilities and equipment.

[0003] Known conventional pipe fittings include those that use a metal spring built into the main body to grip the tube and prevent it from coming loose, and those that use multiple metal parts to hold the tube (Patent Document 1: JP 8-326976 A, Patent Document 2: JP 2001-050457 A).

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-326976 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-050457

[0005] While conventional technology has a simple structure in which the tube is inserted into the main body and the gripping and sealing sections are pushed apart to lock it in place, it has the drawback of being difficult to determine whether the tube is inserted to the correct position. If the tube is not inserted sufficiently, fluid leakage is likely to occur and the tube may come loose. One solution is to attach a marking to the tube in advance to indicate the correct insertion depth, and then insert the marked tube into the main body to check the marking position. However, the marking and confirmation processes are cumbersome, and visual confirmation is prone to human error, such as oversight.

[0006] Furthermore, it has recently been discovered that fluid pulsation caused by the application of pressure from the pressure source can cause the gripping part to rub against the tube, generating particles that can affect equipment and manufactured products. In other words, if scraping debris or particles flow into equipment attached to the secondary side of the pipe fitting, the equipment may malfunction depending on the required level of cleanliness. In particular, the possibility of product contamination in manufacturing facilities has emerged as a new issue.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pipe joint that is configured so that a tube can be reliably brought into the correct position with a simple operation and that can prevent the generation of rubbing debris and particles.

[0008] In one embodiment, the above problem is solved by the solution disclosed below.

[0009] The pipe fitting of the present invention comprises a main body having a plurality of protrusions arranged around a through hole, a receiving part having gaps and connecting parts arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, a sealing part and a gripping part assembled to the receiving part and movable along the axis inside the main body, and an operating part that can insert a tube and move along the axis together with the receiving part, and is characterized in that the tube is pushed into the receiving part against the restoring force of the connecting part to deform the connecting part so that the protrusions can be inserted into the gaps, the tube is pushed further so that the tube reaches the correct position, and the operating part is pressed to lock it.

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

[0011] For example, when the tube does not reach the first position without reaching the correct position, the gripping portion maintains a state in which it does not engage with the tube, and when the tube reaches the correct position, the gripping portion engages with the tube, thereby preventing the gripping portion from rubbing against the tube when the tube is attached.

[0012] For example, if the tube has not yet reached the correct position, the seal portion maintains a state in which it does not press the tube, and when the tube reaches the correct position, the operating portion is pressed to cause the seal portion to seal the outer periphery of the tube, thereby preventing the seal portion from rubbing against the tube when the tube is attached.

[0013] For example, when locked, the tube and the gripping portion can move integrally along the axis, which prevents the generation of scrapes and particles even when fluid pulsates due to pressure application during use.

[0014] According to the present invention, a pipe joint can be realized that allows a tube to be reliably positioned in the correct position with a simple operation and prevents the generation of scraping debris and particles.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a pipe fitting according to this embodiment, viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the pipe fitting shown in FIG. 1, viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the pipe fitting shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the pipe fitting shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a schematic development view of the pipe fitting shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the tube installation procedure for the pipe fitting of this embodiment, showing a state in which the tube has not yet reached the first position. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the tube installation procedure for the pipe fitting of this embodiment, showing a state in which the tube has reached the correct position. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the tube installation procedure for the pipe fitting of this embodiment, showing a state in which the tube has not yet reached the first position. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the tube installation procedure for the pipe fitting of this embodiment, showing a state in which the tube has reached the correct position.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a pipe fitting 1 that is suitable for connecting pipes in semiconductor-related equipment and various facilities in clean rooms. In all drawings used to explain the embodiment, members having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations may be omitted.

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

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the pipe fitting 1 includes a cylindrical main body 2 through which a fluid passes via a tube T inserted from the outside. The pipe fitting 1 also includes a receiving portion 3 built into the main body 2, a seal portion 4 and a grip portion 5 assembled to the receiving portion 3 and movable along an axis P1, and an operating portion 6 through which the tube T is inserted and which is movable together with the receiving portion 3 along the axis P1. The pipe fitting 1 has the receiving portion 3, seal portion 4, grip portion 5, and operating portion 6 assembled to the main body 2 in this order. Here, to make it easier to explain the positional relationship of each part of the pipe fitting 1, the directions are indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z in the figures. When actually using the pipe fitting 1, the orientation is not limited to these and any orientation will pose no problems.

[0019] As an example, the seal portion 4 is made of an elastomer or elastic rubber or a composite material thereof, such as 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, receiving portion 3, grip portion 5, and operating portion 6 are all made of a resin material, such as PPS, PBT, polyacetal, polycarbonate, polyamide, liquid crystal polymer, fluororesin, or other known engineering plastics. This configuration prevents the generation of metal powder and reduces weight. Note that the main body 2 is not limited to a resin material, and may be made of a metal material depending on the application.

[0021] As an example, the main body 2 has a first step portion 7 with a first through hole 7a formed therein. The receiving portion 3 has a second step portion 8 with a second through hole 8a formed therein and a third step portion 9 that contacts the seal portion 4. The seal portion 4 has a lower body 4a that contacts the third step portion 9, a flange portion 4b that is disposed on the outside of the lower body 4a and contacts the grip portion 5, and an upper body 4c that continues from the lower body 4a, and is formed with a third through hole 9a through which the tube T is inserted. The grip portion 5 has a ring portion 5a that contacts the flange portion 4b and a plurality of arms 5b that surround the tube T and are erected on the ring portion 5a at a predetermined pitch around the axis P1. Fluid passes through the first through hole 7a and the second through hole 8a via a tube T inserted from the outside.

[0022] As an example, the gripping portion 5 includes a ring portion 5a and arms 5b standing upright from the ring portion 5a at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each arm 5b has a claw 5c protruding toward the axis P1. The number of arms 5b is between 4 and 12, and preferably between 6 and 8. The arms 5b surround the outer periphery of the tube T at multiple locations and act as cantilevers. When the tube T is to be removed, the pressing state of the seal portion 4 is released and the restoring force of the arms 5b releases the engagement state of the claws 5c, returning the tube T to a state where the seal portion 4 is no longer pressing against it and the gripping portion 5 is no longer in contact with the tube T.

[0023] As an example, the seal portion 4 has a pair of recesses 4d formed on both sides of the flange 4b. The receiving portion 3 has a tubular portion 3c, a connecting portion 3a disposed inside the tubular portion 3c, and a pair of fastening portions 3d extending from both sides of the tubular portion 3c along the axis P1 toward the grip portion. With this configuration, when the seal portion 4 is assembled to the receiving portion 3, the grip portion 5 contacts the seal portion 4, and the pair of fastening portions 3d engage with the ring portions 5a of the grip portion 5. In other words, the receiving portion 3, the seal portion 4, and the grip portion 5 are assembled together and can move together in the direction of the axis P1.

[0024] As an example, the main body 2 has a plurality of protrusions 2b protruding from the first step portion 7 along the axis P1 in a direction approaching the operating unit 6. The receiving portion 3 has a plurality of gaps 3b surrounded by the second step portion 8, the connecting portion 3a, and the third step portion 9. The number of protrusions 2b arranged is 2 to 8, and preferably 4 to 6.

[0025] As an example, the main body 2 has a pair of windows 2a formed at positions rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis P1. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the windows 2a are cross-shaped. The windows 2a may also be T-shaped or have a rectangular or other quadrangular shape. The operating unit 6 has a pair of guides 6a and a pair of movable handles 6b, which surround the tube T. The operating unit 6 has a base 6c on which the pair of guides 6a and the pair of movable handles 6b are disposed, and a protrusion 6e that protrudes from the base 6c along the axis P1 toward the seal unit 4. The protrusion 6e has a tapered inner surface. An end face of the protrusion 6e contacts the outer surface of the upper body 4c of the seal unit 4. In other words, the protrusion 6e presses the upper body 4c, causing the upper body 4c to deform toward the axis P1 and press against the outer periphery of the tube T.

[0026] As an example, the grip portion 5 has a pair of first protrusions 5d formed at positions rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis P1. The first protrusions 5d engage with the window portion 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 positions rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis P1. When the tube T reaches the normal position S2 and the operating portion 6 is pressed, the second protrusions 6d engage with the window portion 2a and lock. This allows the user to visually confirm that the device is locked from the outside. That is, in a plan view, the locking can be visually confirmed by the way the movable handle 6b opens. Furthermore, in a side view, the second protrusions 6d appear in the window portion 2a, so that the locking can be visually confirmed.

[0027] The movable handle 6b is arranged so that the end on the inlet side of the tube T can move in a direction approaching the axis P1, and when a user grasps the movable handle 6b and moves it closer to the axis P1, the second protrusion 6d comes out of the window 2a, allowing the operating unit 6 to be pulled out from the main body 2. When the operating unit 6 is pulled out from the main body 2, it reaches the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 5. In the initial position, the first protrusion 5d of the gripping portion 5 comes into contact with the wall of the window 2a, preventing the operating unit 6 from being pulled out beyond the initial position.

[0028] Next, the procedure for attaching the tube T to the pipe joint 1 will be described below based on the example shown in FIGS.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 9, when the tube T has not reached the first position S1, the sealing portion 4 maintains a state in which it does not press the tube T, and the gripping portion 5 maintains a state in which it does not engage with the tube T. Here, Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the tube T has not reached the first position S1, showing a state in which the protrusion 2b interferes with the gap 3b and prevents insertion.

[0030] 9, by pushing the tube T against the restoring force of the connecting portion 3a, the connecting portion 3a is deformed, and the tube T reaches the first position S1, expanding the gap 3b, allowing the protrusion 2b to be inserted into the gap 3b. If the tube T is further pushed in, it will reach the normal position S2 as shown in FIG. 10, whereby the claw 5c will engage with the tube T.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 10, by further pushing in the operating part 6, the seal part 4 seals the outer periphery of the tube T and the operating part 6 is locked, maintaining the locked state. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the tube T when it has reached the normal position S2, showing the state in which the protrusion 2b is inserted into the gap 3b.

[0032] According to this embodiment, a pipe joint 1 can be realized that allows the tube T to reliably reach the correct position S2 with a simple operation and prevents the generation of scraping debris and particles.

[0033] The above-described pipe fitting 1 has been described as being configured such that the bottom 2d of the main body 2 is attached to the input side of the device, but is not limited to this example. This embodiment may have a configuration in which a male thread is formed on the bottom 2d, and may also have a configuration in which the main pipe can be branched. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipe joint, comprising: a main body having a plurality of convex portions arranged around a through hole; a receiving portion having a void portion and a connecting portion 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, wherein the convex portion can be inserted into the void portion by pushing the tube into the receiving portion against the restoring force of the connecting portion to deform the connecting portion, and further pushing the tube causes the tube to reach a correct position, and locking is achieved by pushing the operating portion.

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

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

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

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