JP2001141154A - Parts and method for fixing hose clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a parts to preliminarily fix a hose clamp to a hose which can rapidly and easily fix the hose clamp, and never damage the hose. SOLUTION: This parts for fixing the hose clamp integratedly comprises an attachment base which is formed of an elastically deformable material and has a projection to be fitted in a hole or a notch in the hose clamp, and a pair of arms facing each other which are provided on a side of the attachment base independently therefrom and provided in an arc-shape smaller in diameter than the hose, and an opening part as wide as to allow the hose clamp and the hose to be pressed thereinto by elastically expanding he arms is left behind between tips of a pair of arms.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hose clamp for fastening a connection portion of an elastically deformable hose such as a rubber hose to a hard pipe such as a metal pipe. The present invention relates to a hose clamp fixing component for preliminary fixing at a predetermined position near an end, and a preliminary hose clamp fixing method using this component.

According to the present invention, for example, a hose clamp is preliminarily fixed at an accurate position to various hoses such as an oil hose, a fuel hose, a refrigerant hose, an air hose, a radiator hose, a heater hose and a vacuum brake hose for automobiles. In this state, it is possible to carry the hose assembly process of a car manufacturer or the like from the hose manufacturing process of a component manufacturer or the like, and it is possible to significantly improve the efficiency of the hose assembly of the car manufacturer or the like.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a connecting portion of a rubber hose or the like to a hard pipe is fastened and fixed by a ring-shaped hose clamp, as shown in FIG. After connecting the hard pipe 1 and the hose 3 as shown in FIG. 1 (b), the hose clamp 2 is moved to the outer peripheral portion of the hose 3 and positioned at the position to be tightened. In this case, the hose clamp 2 is released from the tightening suspension state, and the connecting portion is tightened and fixed.

However, the above-described method requires a step of moving the hose clamp 2 toward the hose 3 and positioning the hose clamp 2 at a predetermined position after the connection between the hard pipe 1 and the hose 3, resulting in poor working efficiency. . Further, it is not easy to quickly and accurately position the hose clamp 2 at a predetermined position in a busy assembly process. In order to make this positioning as easy as possible, a mark for clamping the hose 3 is attached to the hose 3 in advance. An extra step was required.

On the other hand, by supplying a hose in a subassembly state by preliminarily fixing a hose clamp in a tightening suspension state to a scheduled tightening position of a rubber hose from a parts manufacturer to an automobile manufacturer or the like, the above assembly in the automobile manufacturer or the like is provided. Proposals have been made to improve the efficiency of the process, and hose clamp fixing parts for that purpose have been proposed.

For example, US Pat.
The “HOSE CLAMP LOCATION DEVICE” described in US Pat. No. 5,675,871 is a hose clamp fixing part made of synthetic resin or the like.
As shown in FIG. 2, there is disclosed a fixing component 6 including a curved base plate 4 abutting on the outer peripheral surface of a hose clamp, and a partially cut ring-shaped arm 5 for gripping the hose. I have.

[0007] As shown in FIG.
After the hose clamp 7 is assembled on the outer peripheral side of the hose clamp 7 which is in the tightening suspension state, the hose 8 is inserted through the center of the hose clamp 8 from the axial direction, and the gripping force of the arm 5 with respect to the hose 8 causes the hose clamp 7 to be tightened at the expected tightening position of the hose 8. Is fixed preliminary.

[0008] Also, United States Patent (USP) 5,8
Hose clamp with positioning device (HOSE CLAMP WITH POSITIONING DEVICE)
Is a hose clamp fixing part made of a synthetic resin or the like, and as shown in FIG. 4, a base plate 1 curved in a C-shape which comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the hose clamp 9 in a slightly expanded state.
A fixing component 13 comprising a fitting projection 11 and a sharp projection 12 at a predetermined position on the inner peripheral surface of the base plate 10 is disclosed.

The above-mentioned fixing part 13 is provided with a hose 14 in advance.
The outer peripheral portion of the hose clamp 9 inserted into the predetermined position is pushed in from the radial direction while expanding the opening of the base plate 10. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 11 is fitted into the hole or cut 15 of the hose clamp 9 to attach the fixing component 13 to the hose clamp 9, and the sharp protrusion 12 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the hose 14. The hose clamp 9 is preliminarily fixed to the position where the hose 14 is to be tightened by gripping the hose 14 by making it bite.

[0010]

However, USP No. 5,6
In the invention of Japanese Patent No. 75,871, after the fixing part 6 is assembled in the hose clamp 7 in advance, when the hose 8 is inserted into both of them in the axial direction, a ring-shaped ring formed to have a slightly smaller diameter than the hose 8. There is a problem that the arm 5 is in the way and it is difficult to insert the hose 8. Further, since the positioning of the hose clamp 7 is performed in a state where the fixing component 6 is already mounted on the outer peripheral side of the hose clamp 7, there is a problem that it is difficult to visually recognize the exact fixing position of the hose clamp 7.

Further, in the invention of US Pat. No. 5,820,166, only the hose clamp 15 is inserted into the hose 14 in advance and is positioned at a predetermined position. Therefore, the insertion is easy, and the positioning of the hose clamp 15 is easy to visually recognize and fixed. Since the component 13 is pushed into the hose clamp 15 and the hose 14 from the radial direction, the assembly is easy.

However, when the fixing component 13 is pushed into the hose clamp 15 and the hose 14 and when the fixing component 13 is subsequently assembled, the sharp projection 12 causes the outer peripheral portion of the hose 14 to move. There is a problem of scratching. Further, since the fixing component 13 grips the hose 14 only by the point contact of the tip of the sharp projection 12, the base plate 10 is designed to have high rigidity and the sharp projection 1
2 needs to have a strong biting power. This further increases the damage to the hose 14, and also reduces the base plate 1
Because of the high rigidity of 0, it is difficult to release the fixing component 13 once assembled. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to loosen the assembly of the fixing component 13 to slightly shift the assembly for the reason of fine adjustment of the fixing position of the hose clamp 15, or to collect the fixing component 13 after the hose clamp 15 is tightened and fixed. Difficult to respond to.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention can quickly and easily perform a preliminary fixing operation of a hose clamp to a hose, without damaging the hose at that time and, if necessary, simplifying the preliminary fixing state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of preliminarily fixing a hose clamp which can be loosened and released, and a preliminary fixing part of the hose clamp used in the method.

[0014]

(Structure of the first invention) The structure of the first invention (the invention described in claim 1) for solving the above-mentioned problem is that the first invention is made of an elastically deformable material, and has an attachment base. And a hose grip portion, wherein the attach base includes at least one protrusion that can be fitted into a hole or a cutout of a hose clamp, and the hose grip portion is provided on a side of the attach base. A pair of arms formed opposite to each other with an arc shape along a circumference having a radius slightly smaller than that of the hose, with an opening having a width slightly narrower than the diameter of the circumference between the opposed arms. It is a part for fixing a hose clamp with a part left.

(Structure of the Second Invention) The structure of the second invention of the present application (the invention according to claim 2) for solving the above problems is as follows.
A hose, wherein the opposed arm according to the first invention is provided in an arch shape with the side portions on both sides of the attach base as base ends, and a tip end portion of the arch stands radially outward with respect to the arc shape of the arm. It is a clamp fixing part.

(Structure of Third Invention) The structure of the third invention (the invention according to claim 3) for solving the above-mentioned problem is as follows.
A hose clamp fixing component according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the upright portion of the arm is bent with a smooth curved shape.

(Structure of the Fourth Invention) The structure of the fourth invention (the invention according to claim 4) for solving the above-mentioned problem is as follows.
The hose clamps in the tightening suspension state are replaced with the following (a)-
This is a hose clamp fixing method in which the hose is preliminarily fixed at a predetermined position near the end of the hose by the process and function of (d).

(A) A process in which the hose clamp is inserted from the end of the hose to enter the predetermined position.

(B) The component for fixing a hose clamp according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention is mounted on the outer periphery of the hose clamp at the predetermined position in a radial direction while expanding an opening of the hose holding portion. A more intrusive process.

(C) A process of assembling the hose clamp fixing part into the hose clamp by fitting the projection of the attach base into a hole or a notch of the hose clamp.

(D) A function of gripping the outer peripheral surface of the hose by overall surface contact of the arm by utilizing the elastic restoring force of the opposed arm in the hose clamp fixing part assembled to the hose clamp.

[0022]

Operation and effect of the present invention (operation and effect of the first and fourth inventions)
Effect) The hose clamp fixing part of the first invention is used in accordance with the hose clamp fixing method of the fourth invention. Therefore, similarly to the invention of the above-mentioned USP 5,820,166, the hose clamp can be easily inserted into the hose, the positioning of the hose clamp can be easily recognized, and the fixing parts can be assembled to the hose clamp. Easy.

On the other hand, unlike the invention of US Pat. No. 5,820,166, the opposed arm of the hose gripper grips the outer peripheral surface of the hose by overall surface contact, so that the outer peripheral surface of the hose is fixed in the assembled state of the fixing parts. There is no risk of damage to the part. Also, the arm that holds the hose by overall surface contact can be designed to have relatively low rigidity, so that when the fixing part is pushed into the hose clamp and the hose, the arm holds the hose. There is no danger of injury.

(Function / Effect of the Second Invention) In the second invention, the distal ends of the opposing arch-shaped arms in the hose gripping portion are erected outside. It can be effectively used as a guide when pushing it into the clamp and the hose.

If necessary, the arm can be expanded by placing the operator's finger on the upright portion, so that the attachment of the fixing component to the hose clamp can be easily loosened or released. it can. Since the arm can be designed to have relatively low rigidity, the above-mentioned spreading of the arm is further facilitated. Therefore, it is very convenient when, for example, it is desired to loosen the assembly of the fixing parts for fine adjustment of the fixing position of the hose clamp to slightly displace it, or to collect the fixing parts after tightening and fixing the hose clamp. is there.

(Function / Effect of Third Invention) In the third invention, since the bent portion of the upstanding portion of the second invention is formed with a smooth curved shape, the outer peripheral wall of the hose at the time of assembling the fixing component is provided. Part damage is particularly effectively prevented.

[0027]

Next, embodiments of the first to fourth inventions will be described. In the following, simply "the present invention"
When it says, it points to 1st invention-4th invention collectively.

[Hose Clamp Fixing Part] The hose clamp fixing part according to the present invention is made of an elastically deformable material such as plastic or steel, and has at least an attach base and a hose gripping part.
The attach base and the hose gripper may be integrally formed of the same material, for example, as an integrally molded product of plastic, or may be separately formed of the same or different material and then integrally assembled. May be used.

[Attach Base] In the present invention, the attach base is a portion having an assembling function for the hose clamp, and has at least one protrusion that can be fitted into a hole or a cutout portion of the hose clamp. Because the attach base is not intended to participate in the hose gripping function due to its elastic deformation, there is no limitation on the shape or configuration based on the connection with the hose gripping function.

The shape and configuration of the attach base are not limited as long as the attach base has the protrusions. However, in consideration of the stability of the assembled state with respect to the hose clamp, a curved surface (with the above-mentioned projection) which can be brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the hose clamp in the tightening suspension state is provided, and / or Preferably, two or more projections are provided.

[Hose gripping part] The hose gripping part is a part having a function of gripping the hose when assembling the parts for fixing the hose clamp, and is formed to face the side part of the attach base as a base end. It consists of a pair of arc-shaped arms. At the time of assembling the hose clamp fixing parts, it is necessary to abut the attach base to the outer circumference of the hose clamp and the arm to abut the hose.
Preferably, the arm is formed slightly apart from the attach base.

Examples of embodiments of these arms include:
(1) When the opposed arm is formed on one side of the attach base, (2) When the opposed arm is formed on both sides of the attach base, and (3) As in the second invention, when the opposing arm is provided in an arch shape with the side portions on both sides of the attach base as base ends, and the tip end portion of the arch stands radially outward with respect to the arc shape of the arm, And the like.

An opening having a width slightly smaller than the diameter of the circumference formed by the arc shape is left between the tips of the opposed arms, and when the hose clamp fixing part is assembled to the hose clamp, The width of the opening is increased by the elastic deformation of the opposing arm, and the hose is received between the opposing arms.

Since the arc shape of the arm is formed along the circumference having a radius slightly smaller than that of the hose, the arm has an arc shape along the circumference having a radius slightly larger than the original shape when the hose is received. Elastically deformed,
The outer peripheral surface of the hose is gripped by the overall surface contact of the arm due to the elastic restoring force trying to return to the original shape.

The magnitude of the above-mentioned elastic restoring force in the arm is determined by the design of rigidity by selecting the thickness and material of the arm, or the design of the curvature of the arc shape of the arm. In the arm of the present invention, the elastic restoring force can be designed to be relatively small.

The upstanding portion at the tip of the arched arm in the second embodiment of the present invention is used as a guide for receiving a hose, and for various reasons for loosening or releasing the grip of the hose by the arm. It is very useful as a nail clip. When the upright portion is provided at the tip of the arm, it is preferable that the upright portion be bent with a smooth curved shape in order to avoid damage to the hose pushed through the opening between the arms.

[Hose Clamp Fixing Method] The hose clamp fixing method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) inserting a hose clamp in a tightening suspension state from a hose end to a predetermined fixing position; The hose clamp fixing part is pushed into the clamp and hose from the radial direction, (c) the projection of the attach base is fitted into the hole or notch of the hose clamp, and (d) the outer periphery of the hose by the arm of the hose gripping part. This is a method of gripping a surface. The type or shape of the hose clamp used in this method is not limited as long as the hose clamp has a hole or a notch in which the protrusion of the attach base can be fitted.
It is not limited at all.

If it is desired to slightly change the fixed position of the hose clamp once fixed, the operator can put a finger or the like on the tip of the arm to slightly expand the distance between the opposed arms, thereby alleviating the gripping state with respect to the hose. Thus, the hose clamp can be easily shifted laterally. As mentioned above,
In the arm of the present invention, the elastic restoring force can be designed to be relatively small, so that the operation of expanding the interval between the arms is easy. In particular, when the arm is formed in the shape of an arch and the tip of the arm stands outward as in the second aspect, the above operation can be performed particularly easily.

After the hose is connected to the pipe and fastened and fixed by the hose clamp, the hose clamp fixing part is generally unnecessary. However, the hose clamp fixing part is collected and used for other reasons. When detaching from the clamp, the distance between the arms can be extended by the same operation as in the case of changing the fixed position, and the clamp can be easily removed.

[0040]

Next, an embodiment of a hose clamp fixing part according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The hose clamp fixing part 20 shown in FIG.
Is an integrally molded product of plastic, and has a plate-shaped attach base 21 curved in an arc shape and an attach base 2 through bridges 22 provided on both sides of the attach base 21.
Hose gripper 2 integrally formed slightly away from 1
It consists of three.

As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the arcuate curved surface 24 on the inner peripheral side of the attach base 21 can be brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the hose clamp 25 in the tightening suspension state. The projections 26 are provided at both ends of the curved surface 24.

The hose grip 23 is attached to the attach base 21.
And a pair of symmetrical arch-shaped arms 27 and 28 formed to face each other with the bridge 22 provided on both sides of the arm 22 as a base end. These pair of arms 2
The respective arch bases 27a, 27b at 7, 28
And 28a, 28b are formed with a slightly wider interval than the width of the hose clamp 25. And between the arch bases 27a and 28a facing each other, and 27b and 28b
Between them, they rise in an arc shape that forms a ring having a constant radius as a whole. The radius of the ring is slightly smaller than the radius of the outer diameter of the hose 29 shown in FIG.

The distal ends of the pair of arch-shaped arms 27 and 28 are bent so as to stand radially outward with respect to the ring to form standing portions 27c and 28c. The bent portion has a smooth curved shape.
In addition, an opening 30 smaller than the diameter of the ring (and thus smaller than the outer diameter of the hose 29) is left between the arms 27 and 28 for receiving the hose 29.

(Hose Clamp Fixing Method) Next, an embodiment of the hose clamp fixing method according to the present invention using the hose clamp fixing component 20 configured as described above will be described.
A description will be given based on FIG.

In FIG. 7, the hose clamp 25 and the hose 29 are each simplified by a single solid line in order to avoid complication of the configuration of the drawing. or,
7 (b) and 7 (c), the arms 27, 28
In order to clarify the relative positional relationship between the hose 29 and
Although the inner peripheral portions of the pair of arch-shaped arms 27 and 28 are bent to the inside of the hose 29, the arms 27 and 28 are actually elastically deformed and their inner peripheral surfaces are deformed. Are in overall surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the hose 29.

In the hose clamp fixing method according to the present embodiment, first, the hose clamp 2 in the tightening suspension state is set.
5 is inserted through the end of the hose 29 and positioned at a predetermined fixed position. Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, the hose clamp fixing component 20 is pushed into the hose clamp 25 positioned by inserting the hose 29 from the radial direction. The pushing of the hose clamp fixing part 20 is performed from the direction of the opening 30. At this time, the arms 27 and 28 elastically expand to each other to enable the pushing.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), when the hose clamp fixing component 20 is completely pushed, the projection 26 of the attach base 21 is inserted into a hole or a cut-out portion of the hose clamp 25, both of which are shown in the drawing. By fitting, the assembly state of the hose clamp fixing part 20 to the hose clamp 25 is stabilized (the procedure is described in USP No.
No. 5,820,166).

In the state shown in FIG. 7B, the arms 27 and 28 are respectively connected to the arch bases 27a and 27b.
And 28a and 28b are in overall surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the hose 29, and the outer diameter of the hose is slightly larger than the radius of the circular arc shape. It is elastically deformed into a shape. Therefore, the hose is gripped by the general surface contact of the arch bases 27a, 27b, 28a, 28b due to the elastic restoring force of the arch bases 27a, 27b, 28a, 28b returning to the original shape.

The hose clamp fixing method according to the present embodiment is performed as described above.
After the hose 29 to which the hose 5 has been preliminarily fixed is carried into, for example, an assembly line of an automobile, and the hose 29 is connected to a hard pipe, the stopper 31 holding the hose clamp 25 in the clamped state is removed, and the hose is connected. The part is tightened and fixed.

For various reasons as described above, there are cases where it is desired to relax the gripping state of the arms 27 and 28 with respect to the hose 29 or to remove the hose clamp fixing part 20 after the hose connection portion is tightened and fixed. In such a case, for example, when the index finger 21 of the operator's both hands is attached to the attachment base 21 of the hose clamp fixing component 20 and the thumb of each operator's one hand is attached to the pair of upright portions 27c, 28c, the arms 27, 28 can be easily expanded to achieve the above object.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a method of using a conventional hose clamp.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a conventional hose clamp fixing part.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a use state of the hose clamp fixing part of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a conventional hose clamp fixing part.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a used state of the hose clamp fixing part of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a hose clamp fixing part according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing a simplified process of using the hose clamp fixing part of FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 Hose clamp fixing component 21 Attach base 23 Hose gripping part 25 Hose clamp 26 Projection 26 27, 28 Arm 27a, 27b Arch base 28a, 28b Arch base 29 Hose 30 Opening

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A component made of an elastically deformable material and integrally provided with an attach base and a hose holding portion, wherein the attach base is at least one that can be fitted into a hole or a notch of a hose clamp. The hose gripping portion includes a pair of arms formed to face each other with an arc shape along a circumference having a radius slightly smaller than the hose, with the side portion of the attach base as a base end, and A hose clamp fixing part, wherein an opening having a width slightly smaller than the diameter of the circumference is left between the tips. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the opposing arm is provided in an arch shape with the side portions on both sides of the attach base as base ends, and a tip end portion of the arch stands radially outward with respect to the arc shape of the arm. The hose clamp fixing part according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The hose clamp fixing part according to claim 2, wherein the upright portion of the arm is bent with a smooth curved shape. 4. The hose clamp in the tightening suspension state is moved by the following processes and functions (a) to (d).
A hose clamp fixing method, wherein the hose is preliminarily fixed at a predetermined position near an end of a hose. (A) a process of inserting the hose clamp through an end of the hose and entering the predetermined position. (B) a process of radially pushing the hose clamp fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 3 into the outer periphery of the hose clamp at the predetermined position while expanding an opening of the hose gripping portion. . (C) A process of assembling the hose clamp fixing part to the hose clamp by fitting the projection of the attach base into a hole or a notch of the hose clamp. (D) A function of gripping the outer peripheral surface of the hose by overall surface contact of the arm by utilizing the elastic restoring force of the opposed arm in the hose clamp fixing part assembled to the hose clamp.