Branch connectors for high-pressure branched fuel pipe

A combination of branch connectors and a high-pressure main fuel pipe, said combination comprising:

• a main pipe having a generally cylindrical wall with opposed inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface defining an axially extending circulation passage through which high-pressure fuel circulates, the wall defining a radially thickness T extending from the inner surface to the outer surface thereof;
• a plurality of holes extending radially through the wall of the main pipe and communicating with the circulation passage, the holes being spaced from each other axially of the passage;
• pressure-receiving seat surfaces each formed around a respective one of the holes of the main pipe, the pressure-receiving seat surfaces defining curved surfaces symmetrical about a radius of the main pipe extending centrally through the respective hole and the diameter of the curved pressure receiving sent surface increasing at radially outwardly disposed locations on the wall of the main pipe, the branch connectors being juxtaposed on the holes, each said branch connector having a fluid passage extending axially therethrough and being in communication with the circulation passage of the main pipe, the push head portion bearing against the pressure-receiving seat surface;
• coupling metal fittings mounted to surround the main pipe, each said coupling metal fitting having threads for fastening the branch connectors to the main pipe;
• the push head portions of the respective branch connectors being substantially spherical surfaces having centers located on the axes of the respective branch connectors;
• the spherical push head portion of each branch connector contacting the respective pressure-receiving seat surface on a line;
• the spherical push heads and the curved pressure-receiving seat surfaces being dimensioned such that a distance l from the inner surface of the main pipe to said line of contact between the spherical push head portion of each branch connector and the respective curved pressure-receiving seat surface is such that the relations 1/5 T<l<3/4 T hold whereby efficient sealing between the branch connectors and the main pipe is achieved without deterioration to the main pipe at the inner and outer surfaces thereof.