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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
THE QUICK CONNECTOR IN PIPES HANDY FOR JUNCTION AND DISJUNCTION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2005/124218
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a handily detachable quick connector for piping, which allows a user to easily connect and separate fluid pipes by simply connecting and separating a plug and a connection socket, and which can endure fluid of high temperature by securing thermal resistance, corrosion resistance and chemical resistance. The quick connector includes a plug having an end connected with the first pipe and the other end having a protrusion; a connection socket having an end having the first hole for inserting the protrusion of the plug thereinto and the other end having the second hole coupled with the second pipe; a control valve mounted between the first hole and the second hole of the connection socket, allowing fluid to flow from the second pipe to the first pipe when the protrusion of the plug is inserted into the connection socket and stopping a flow of fluid when the protrusion of the plug is drawn out from the socket; and a connecting part for detachably connecting the plug and connection socket.

Inventors:
RHO YOUNG-GYU (KR)
Application Number:
PCT/KR2004/001432
Publication Date:
December 29, 2005
Filing Date:
June 16, 2004
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
CNTEK CORP (US)
RHO YOUNG-GYU (KR)
International Classes:
F16L29/02; F16L37/40; F16L41/00; F16L41/03; (IPC1-7): F16L41/00
Foreign References:
JPS6016985U1985-02-05
JP2001200976A2001-07-27
JPH0354764U1991-05-27
JPH09229272A1997-09-05
JPH07293719A1995-11-10
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Park, Hyeong-keun (Yongma Building 668-2 Yeoksam-don, Gangnam-gu Seoul 135-080, KR)
Download PDF:
Description:
[DESCRIPTION] [Invention Title] THE QUICK CONNECTOR IN PIPES HANDY FOR JUNCTION AND DISJUNCTION [Technical Field] <i> The present invention relates to a quick connector for piping, and more particularly, to a handily detachable quick connector for piping, which can easily detachably connect a number of fluid pipes by providing a plug and a connection socket which are easy in connection and separation, which provides excellent thermal resistance and corrosion resistance against heat and chemicals transmitted when fluid enduring high temperature and chemical reaction flows, and which can prevent fluid leakage when the connector is separated from the pipes by providing a control valve for controlling a flow of fluid. [Background Art] <2> In general, piping means work to install pipes by connecting the pipes or something to be installed for flowing fluid in water supply, water discharge, hot water supply, heating and cooling, or gas supply. As fluid flowing inside the pipe, liquid such as water or gas are generally used, and the fluid flows in a specified direction by the inner pressure difference of the pipe. <3> Cast iron pipes, steel pipes, copper pipes or synthetic resin pipes made of polyethylene are generally used as material for piping. The cast iron pipes are used for water supply, water discharge and gas piping, and the steel pipes are used for heating and cooling piping which are against low pressure and middle pressure and is not nearly corroded. The copper pipes are suitable for cases requiring anti-corrosion and thermal exchange such as hot water supply, heating or panel heating, and the steel pipes can be buried under the ground without any seams. Furthermore, PE (Polyethylene) pipes and PLP (Polyethylene) coated steel pipe)are used for underground-buried piping since they have excellent corrosion resistance. Particularly, the PE pipe is generally used in working pressure of less than 4kg/cm2. The PLP coated steel pipe is made by coating a carbon steel pipe for piping with polyethylene (synthetic resin) which is anti-corrosive material , and generally used for underground-buried piping. <4> The pipes need supplementary accessories, such as a connector, a flux controlling reducer, an elbow and a finishing cap, and there are various supplementary accessories according to shapes, functions and kinds of the pipes. For instance, to connect the pipes with each other, a rotary joint, a rotary union or a swing joint may be used. The rotary joint is for thermal exchange, generally used for transferring fluid such as cutting lubricant or special gas, and manufactured in various ways according to kindsof fluid flowing inside the pipe, pressure, temperature and supporting methods. Moreover, the swing joint is used at a joint portion where bending or tortional stress of one of the various pipes is generated. <5> Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, Korean Utility Model Registration No. 0277281 discloses an example of a conventional pipe connector. The conventional pipe connector includes a body 1' , a body surface 6' formed on the body 1', a threaded surface 7' formed inwardly from the body surface 6', an inclined surface 8'formed along the threaded surface 7', a packing surface 22' formed on the inclined surface 8', and an inner diameter 9' formed toward the inside of the body from the packing surface 22'. A pipe 2' connected to and seated on the inner diameter 9' inside the body l'has a circular slot 11' formed shortly and inwardly from an end portion 14' of the pipe 2, and a packing 3' is seated between the packing surface 22' of the body 1' and the end portion 14'of the pipe 2'. The pipe 2' includes a small round protrusions 12' formed near the annular slot II1, and a supporting ring 4' for restricting movement of the pipe is mounted on the round protrusions 12'. A nut 5' having a protrusion passageway 15' for permitting the nut 5' to pass through the round protrusions 12' is connected to the pipe. <6> Such conventional pipe connector can connect the pipes without screwing or welding, endure shock and prevent fluid leakage. <7> However, the conventional pipe connector has several problems in that there is possibility to cause fluid leakage, and in that it is difficult to repeatedly attach and detach since it is connected permanently or semi¬ permanently. Even though the conventional pipe connector is detachably mounted, it is temporary, and the pipe connector may pollute surrounding environments due to leakage of fluid flowing inside the pipe when the pipe is attached and detached since it cannot control the flow of fluid. <8> Furthermore, the conventional pipe connector is applied to rigid metal pipes and not applied to flexible synthetic resin pipes, and cannot be applied to pipes in which fluid of high temperature flows since it is not heat-resistant. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem] <9> Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a handily detachable quick connector for piping, which can connect pipes by handily detachably mounting at least a pair of plug and socket. <io> Another object of the present invention is to provide a handily detachable quick connector for piping, which can prevent leakage and backward flow of fluid flowing inside the pipe when the pipes are separated from each other since a control valve mounted at a joint portion of the pipes is provided, which can endure fluid of high temperature causing corrosion by using a heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant material, and which can prevent separation of the pipes due to sliding. [Technical Solution] <π> To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a handily detachable quick connector for piping including: a plug having an end connected with the first pipe and the other end having a protrusion; a connection socket having an end having the first hole for inserting the protrusion of the plug thereinto and the other end having the second hole coupled with the second pipe; a control valve mounted between the first hole and the second hole of the connection socket, allowing fluid to flow from the second pipe to the first pipe when the protrusion of the plug is inserted into the connection socket and stopping a flow of fluid when the protrusion of the plug is drawn out from the socket; and a connecting part for detachably connecting the plug and connection socket. <i2> The quick connector according to the present invention further includes'■ a connection member mounted between the second hole and the second pipe for connecting the second hole with the second pipe; and a tube ring protruding from the outer circumference of the connection member for compressing the connection member and the second pipe. <i3> The control valve includes'• a cylindrical valve cover having an opened portion formed on the top thereof and a fluid inlet formed on the bottom thereof; a valve body formed inside the valve cover and having an opened lower portion and a fluid outlet formed on the top thereof, and slender openings formed on the circumference thereof; a spring elastically disposed inside the valve body; and a valve head formed between the spring and the valve body for opening and closing the fluid outlet by elevating by receiving motoricity from the spring and the protrusion. <14> The handily detachable quick connector for piping further includes: an annular O-ring groove formed on the upper portion of the inner circumference of the valve body; and an O-ring mounted on the O-ring groove for providing sealability to the valve body and the valve head. <15> The connecting part includes■" a connection rack protruding from the front end of the plug and having at least one connection jaws formed on the lower surface thereof; and a holding rack formed on a portion of the upper surface of the connection socket, and having at least one holding jaws caught to the connection jaws of the connection rack. <16> The connection rack includes: a rising portion extending upwardly from the front end of the plug; an elastic connection plate extending forwardly from the rising portion and having at least one connection jaws formed at a portion of the bottom thereof; and an elastic pressing plate rising from the upper surface of the rear of the connection plate and extending rearwardly to the upper surface of the plug, the pressing plate being formed integrally with the plug and the connection plate, wherein the connection plate and the pressing plate are opposed to each other from the rising portion and are elevatable. [Advantageous Effects] <18> As described above, the inventive quick connector for piping can easily detachably connect a number of fluid pipes. <i9> Furthermore, the present invention has improved elasticity and sealability, thereby preventing leakage and backward flow of fluid when the pipes are separated from each other. Moreover, the present invention can. endure high temperature and prevent separation of the pipes. [Description of Drawings] <20> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a quick connector according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. <2i> FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the quick connector according to the present invention. <22> FIG. 3 is a partially sectional view of the quick connector according to the present invention. <23> FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a control valve according to the present invention. <24> FIG. 5 is a partial side view of a connection part according to the present invention. <25> FIG. 6 is an explanatory view for explaining a flow of fluid through the control valve. <26> FIG.7 is a perspective view of a quick connector according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. <27> FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a quick connector according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. <28> FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional pipe connector. <29> FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the conventional pipe connector. [Best Mode] <30> Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.The structure and functions of the present invention are not restricted by the embodiments, and also the technical field of the present invention is not restricted by the drawings or the preferred embodiments. <3i> A handily detachable quick connector for piping according to the present invention can be applied to various products, such as a mat, an electrical hot pack, an air bed or a hot pad by handily attaching and detaching pipes. That is, the present invention allows various thermally exchanging products to be connected to one boiler, and prevent accidents such as a burn by preventing fluid leakage by restricting a flow of fluid when the pipes are exchanged. Furthermore, the present invention can endure high temperature, maintain elasticity since it is made of a heat-resistant material such as silicon or vitalHum, and prevent fluid leakage since it has sealability. <32> FIGS. 1 to 3 are a perspective view, an exploded perspective view and a partially sectional view of the quick connector according to the present invention. The handily detachable quick connector for piping according to the present invention includes a plug 10, a connection socket 20, a control valve 40, and connecting parts 51 and 52. <33> The connection socket 20 is lightweight, has excellent heat resistance and corrosion resistance to be used and treated handily. Moreover, the connection socket 20 is made of flexible material, and in the form of an elliptical cylinder. In the present invention, the connection socket 20 ismade of heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant material and manufactured by a process of providing heat resistance and corrosion resistance, but is not restricted by specified material and process. <34> The silicon resin is polyorganosiloxane, and has good physical property values in incombustibility, fire-retardant, chemical resistance, weather resistance, acid resistance, water repellent, non-adhesion, insulation, radiation resistance, deformation property, adhesive property, and selective permeability to oxygen according to kinds of materials. The silicon material has excellent molding property, and so, can be easily molded on paste and molded or injection-molded in a mixed state with crude rubber. For instance, the silicon material can be molded through a process of adding crosslink agent in order to heat and harden the mixture or carrying out sheeting or rolling work after mixing crosslink agent after making a base compound by mixing reinforcing filler and additive. ^35> Meanwhile, the connection socket 20 has connection members 30. The connection member 30 includes a tube ring 31 formed by protruding from the outer circumference of the connection member 30. A second pipe 200 and the connection member 30 receive friction force from the tube ring 31, so that the second pipe 200 is forcedly fit into a second hole 21a of the connection socket 20. A joint portion between the second pipe 200 and the connection member 30 is sealed by elasticity of the tube ring 31, so as to prevent fluid leakage. <36> The connection socket 20 has a first hole 21 formed at a side thereof, and protrusion 11 of the plug 10 is fit into the hole 21. The first hole 21 is indented inwardly from the other side of the connection socket 20 to a predetermined depth, and symmetric with the connection members 30. At this time, it is preferable that the first hole 21 is in the form of a truncated cone. <37> FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the control valve according to the present invention. The control valve 40 is disposed between the first hole 21 and the connection member 30 for restricting a flow of fluid induced from the second pipe 200. <38> The control valve 40 includes a valve cover 41, a valve body 45, a spring 42 and a valve head 43. Not shown in the drawings in detail, but the control valve 40 may further includes an annular 0-ring groove formed on the inner circumference of the upper part thereof for inserting and fixing an 0- ring 44 thereinto. That is, for instance, the annular Oring groove (not shown) is formed in the inner circumference of the upper part of the valve body 45 to a predetermined depth for fixing the 0-ring 44, and the 0-ring 44 is inserted and fixed into the annular 0-ring groove . <39> Preferably, the valve cover 41 is in the form of a cylinder which is opened at the top thereof. The valve cover 41 includes a number of holding portions 41a extending from the top thereof for preventing separation of the valve body 45, and a fluid inlet 41b formed at the center of the bottom thereof. <40> The valve body 45 is inserted into the valve cover 41. The bottom of the valve body 45 is opened, and includes a fluid outlet 45b formed at the center of the top thereof, and a number of slender type openings 45a formed on the circumference thereof. <4i> The valve head 43 has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the fluid outlet 45b formed at the center of the valve body 45. Moreover, the valve head 43 has a vertically bent side surface, and the diameter of the fluid outlet 45b formed on the top of the valve body 45 is smaller than the outer diameter of the valve head 43. <42> The spring 42 may be a helical spring which is against compression force. The spring 42 is elastically sprung out from the inside of the valve body 45 when compression force applied from the protrusion 11, and so, pushes the valve head 43 to the inner surface of the upper portion of the valve body 45. <43> An assembly process of the control valve 40 will be described hereinafter. First, the spring 42 is inserted into the opened upper portion of the valve cover 41, and the 0-ring 44 is inserted and fixed into the 0- ring groove formed in the valve body 45. The valve body 45 is inserted into the valve cover 41. At this time, the valve head 43 is arranged between the valve body 45 and the valve cover 41. It is preferable that the valve body 45 is somewhat lower than the valve cover 41 so that the valve body 45 is completely inserted into the valve cover41. The holding portions 41a of the valve cover 41 are bent in order to prevent separation of the valve body 45 from the valve cover 41, and then, the valve body 45 is fixed into the valve cover 41. <44> At this time, the fluid outlet 45b formed on the top ofthe valve body 45 and the fluid inlet 41b formed on the bottom of the valve cover 41 are exposed to the outside. The fluid outlet 45b of the control valve 40 is in a close contact with the first hole 21, and the fluid inlet 41b is interlocked and fixed to the connection member 30. <45> At this time, it is preferable that the rearmost diameter of the first hole 21 is smaller within an error range of several millimeters than the diameter of the front end of the protrusion 11 so that the front end portion of the protrusion 11 passes through the fluid outlet 45b and is indented toward the inside of the control valve 40 to a predetermined depth while controlling a spring constant of the spring 42. The protrusion 11 is forcedly fit and fixed into the first hole 21, and so water-tightness is secured when fluid flows through the first hole 21 and the protrusion 11 inside the pipe. The upper portion of the control valve 40 opposed to the first hole 21, and fluid induced through the connection member 30 connected with the second pipe 200 flows through the control valve 40, the first hole 21 and the protrusion 11. <46> The plug 10 is fit into the first hole 21 of the connection socket 20, and the protrusion 11 for opening the control valve 40 protrudes toward the front from the front end surface of the plug 10. The first pipe 100 for discharging fluid induced through the protrusion 11 is connected to the rear end portion of the plug 10. The protrusion 11 is in the form of a hollow cylinder for allowing the flow of fluid. <47> It is preferable that the plug 10 has the same shape and size as the connection socket 20 for providing a beautiful outward appearance and easiness in handling. <48> FIG. 5 is a partially sectional view of a connection part of the present invention. The plug 10 has a rising portion 51a which is formed at the front end of the plug 10 and has a vertically rising section. The front surface of the rising portion 51a is extended forwardly, and a connection plate 51b is formed on the extended portion of the rising portion 51a. The connection plate 51b has a number of saw-shaped jaws 51c formed on the bottom surface thereof. A pressing plate 51d rises from the upper surface of the connection plate 51b and extended rearwardly. The pressing plate 51d extends to the upper surface of the plug 10 adjacent to the rear of the rising portion 51a, so that the pressing plate 51b is integrally formed with the plug 10 and the connection plate 51b. <49> Connecting parts 51 and 52 are mounted in parallel with the plug 10 and the connection socket 20, and so, keep the coupled state between the plug 10 and the connection socket 20. The plug 10 has a connection rack 51 rising from the front end thereof and having the plurality of the saw-shaped connection jaws 51c inwardly formed. The connection socket 20 has a holding rack 52 having a number of outwardly formed holding jaws 52c caught to the connection jaws 51c. The holding jaws 52c are in a saw shape and caught to the connection jaws 51c. It is preferable that the connection rack 51 and the holding rack 52 are respectively symmetric with the upper and lower portions of the plug 10 and the connection socket 20 and they are formed in pairs. <50> Here, at least one holding jaws 52 can be formed outwardly in series and integrated with the connection socket 20, or joined to the upper and lower surfaces of the connection socket 20 after forming the holding rack 52 separately. <5i> When the pressing plate 51d is compressed, the connection plate 51b is separated from the rising portion 51a, and when the pressing force applied to the pressing plate 51d is removed, the connection plate 51b is restored to its original position. The plug 10 and the connection socket 20 can be coupled or separated through the connecting parts 51 and 52, which includes the connection rack 51 of the plug 10 and the holding rack 52 of the connection socket 20 coupled with each other. <52> Hereinafter an example for using the quick connector according to the present invention will be described. <53> First, the first pipe 100 is connected and fixed to the plug 10 and the second pipe 200 is connected and fixed to the connection socket 20. For instance, the connection socket 20 is a connection part of fluid induced from a boiler. Fluid induced into the second pipe 200 can flow toward the first pipe 100 used for thermal exchange of a hot water mat, but is in a state that the flow of fluid is stopped by the control valve 40. <54> The protrusion 11 of the plug 10 is inserted into the first hole 21 of the connection socket 20. At this time, when a user presses the pressing plate 51d of the plug 10 a little, the connection plate 51b is separated from the plug 10, the protrusion 11 is inserted into the first hole 21, and the connection jaws 51c of the connection plate 51b are caught to the holding jaws 52c in order. When the protrusion 11 is completely inserted into the first hole 21, the pressed pressing plate 51d and the connection plate 51b are restored to their original positions, and thereby, the connection jaws 51 are perfectly caught to the holding jaws 52c. As a result, the plug 10 is fixed to the connection socket 20. <55> When the insertion of the protrusion 11 is finished, the protrusion 11 passes through the fluid outlet 45b of the control valve 40 and compresses the valve head 43. As shown in FIG. 6, when the insertion of the protrusion 11 is finished, the valve head 43 is inserted into the control valve 40 in order to open the control valve 40. <56> By the above process, fluid can flow between the two pipes, and the plug 10 and the connection socket 20 can maintain their coupled state by the connecting parts 51 and 52. <57> To disconnect the quick connector of the present invention for the purpose of repair or exchange, the user can easily disconnect the quick connector by disassembling it in a contrary order of the connecting process. <58> When the protrusion 11 is separated form the control valve 40, the valve head 43 is moved upwardly from the valve body 45 by the spring 42. When the plug 10 is completely separated from the connection socket 20, the flow of fluid inside the second pipe 200 is shorted. The reason is that the control valve 40 stops the flow of the fluid flowing inside the second pipe 200. By the above process, the plug 10 and the connection socket 20 can be easily disconnected without fluid leakage. <59> FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a quick connector according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. For instance, in case where there are one fluid supply part and a number of fluid demand part, a number of plugs 10' can be simultaneously connected to one connection socket 20'. <60> As described above, for instance, when supply fluid of a large volume is induced from a second pipe 200' and a number of the plugs 10' are connected to the connection socket 20', fluid can flow to each fluid demand part of each plug 10'. At this time, considering that fluid of a large volume will flow, the second pipe 200' may have the inner sectional diameter larger than that of a first pipe 100'. <6i> In the above case, only a supply of fluid is carried out since fluid induced from the second pipe 200'flows in a single direction flown out from the first pipe 100'. <62> Furthermore, the quick connector according to the present invention can provide convenience in maintenance by connecting a number of the pipes 100' and 200' with one another at a special space. That is, in case where there are fluid supply parts and fluid demand parts of the same number, the first and second pipes are connected by the quick connector of the present invention at the special place. Since the connected portions of the pipes are not scattered in several places but located at the special space, when fluid leakage or other error occurs, the user can disconnect and check the plugs 10' and the connection sockets 20' in order at the special place. <63> FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a quick connector according to a further another preferred embodiment of the present invention. <64> As shown in the drawing, for instance, in case where an excessive amount of fluid flows and fluid supply and demand are needed at the same time, a connection socket 20" having a number of first holes 11" is connected with a plug 10" having a number of protrusions 11", so that the present invention can satisfy all of supply and demand of fluid. <65> In this case, fluid can flow bidirectionalIy through the plug 10" and the connection socket 20", so that the present invention can satisfy all of supply and demand of fluid. <66> While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. <67> For instance, the 0-ring 44 can be used selectively, and a number of contact ends 11a are formed on the outer circumference of the protrusion 11 for improving watertightness, and thereby, the protrusion 11 can be firmly fixed into the first hole 21 when the quick connector is connected to the pipes.