JP2004183703A

JP2004183703A - Piping joint

Info

Publication number: JP2004183703A
Application number: JP2002348868A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Makoto Yoshino; 誠吉野
Original assignee: Denso Corp
Current assignee: Denso Corp
Priority date: 2002-11-29
Filing date: 2002-11-29
Publication date: 2004-07-02
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-29
Also published as: JP4048936B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form a piping joint to connect a first piping member to a second piping member at a touch without generating assemblage error. SOLUTION: A lock member 10 is installed on a joint part 22 of the first piping member 2 to be connected to the second piping member 3. The lock member 10 is formed to have first groove parts 12 and second groove parts axially extended from both ends of a main body ring part 11 alternately. At both ends of the main body ring part 11, a pair of a first lock part 14 and a second lock part 15 are formed to be protruded from a thin part without having the grooves toward an axial center on both sides of each groove part. A pair of the lock parts 14 and 15 are disposed to face the axial center. As the second piping member 3 advances toward the first lock part 14 of the lock member installed on the first piping member 2, the first lock part flexes to enlarge diameter. When insertion is completed, the first lock part 14 locks a cylindrical part 31 of the second piping member 3. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は流体用配管部材、例えば、冷凍サイクルの冷媒用配管部材を連結するのに好適な配管継手に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に、冷凍サイクルの冷媒用配管部材を連結する配管継手においては、雄側継手としての第１の配管部材と雌側継手としての第２の配管部材を連結する際、配管継手の部品点数を少なくして配管作業を容易にしたり誤組付がないように行なったりすることが課題として挙げられていた。例えば、従来の配管継手においては、図１８に示すような配管継手構造（特許文献１）に使用されている配管継手や、図１９に示すような配管継手構造（特許文献２）に使用されている配管継手が知られている。
【０００３】
前者の特許文献１に示されている配管継手では、配管外周面より膨拡状の鍔部１０１を有する第１の配管部材１００とテーパ外面１０６を有する第２の配管部材１０５とを接続した後で、両配管部材１００・１０５を固定する配管継手としての第１の固定部材１１０と第２の固定部材１１５とが、それぞれ第１の配管部材１００と第２の配管部材１０５を覆うように構成されている。第１の固定部材１１０は、筒状に形成されるとともに内部に螺旋状の突起部１１１を備え、第２の固定部材１１５は、筒状に形成されるとともに突起部１１１に係合可能な爪部１１６を備えている。そして第１の配管部材１００が第２の配管部材１０５に挿入された後、第２の固定部材１１５を第１の固定部材１１０に対して回転させることによって、爪部１１６が突起部１１１に係合されて第１の固定部材１１０と第２の固定部材１１５がロックされ、それに伴って、第１の固定部材１１０の筒部の先端に形成される鍔部係合部１１２が、第１の配管部材１００の鍔部１０１を押圧し、第２の固定部材１１５のテーパ内面１１７が第２の配管部材１０５のテーパ外面１０６を押圧することによって、第１の配管部材１００と第２の配管部材１０５とが連結可能に構成される。
【０００４】
後者の特許文献２に示されている配管継手構造では、挿入部１２１に環状突起部１２２を有する配管部材１２０を雌側継手１２５の挿入受け口１２６に接続する際、円周上の一部を軸方向に沿って切り欠いたリング状の固定部材１３０を両者間に嵌め込むことによって配管部材１２０の軸方向への脱着を規制するように構成されている。固定部材１３０は、周方向に弾性を有する弾性ストッパとして形成され、雌側継手１２５の挿入受け口１２６に円周方向に形成された溝１２７に嵌入する円弧状凸条１３１を備えている。円弧状凸条１３１は、配管部材１２０が雌側継手１２５の挿入受け口１２６に挿入して環状突起部１２２の先端面を雌側継手１２５の受け面１２８に当接すると、環状突起部１２２を雌側継手１２５の受け面１２８との間で挟持するように配置される。
【０００５】
従って、円弧状凸条１３１は、雌側継手１２５の挿入受け口１２６に形成された溝１２７に嵌入して環状突起部１２２の後方への移動を規制することにより、配管部材１２０の雌側継手１２５からの脱着を防止することができる。しかも固定部材１３０は円周上の一部が軸方向に沿って切り欠かれていることから、周方向に弾性を有することになって円弧状凸条１３１を挿入受け口１２６の溝１２７に容易に嵌め込むことができる。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開平７−３３２５６３号公報（４〜５頁、図１）
【特許文献２】
特開平８−２００５７７号公報（３〜６頁、図１）
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、従来の公報に示されている配管継手のうち、前者の場合、第１の固定部材１１０と第２の固定部材１１５とを第１の配管部材１００と第２の配管部材１０５と別に製作してそれぞれ突起部１１１あるいは爪部１１６を備えてそれぞれ係合するように構成していることから、部品点数が増えて両固定部材１１０・１１５の成形費と組付作業費がコストアップとなっていた。
【０００８】
また、後者の場合、配管継手としての固定部材１３０は、装着する際に方向性があることから、左右逆方向に嵌め込むと配管部材１２０と雌側継手１２５との接触部が必ずしも一致するとは限らず、お互いの接触部位で隙間ができたりあるいは組付不能となってしまったりする虞れがあった。
【０００９】
従って、本発明は、上述の課題を解決するものであり、コスト低減は勿論のこと、組付を容易にするとともに誤組付を発生しない配管継手を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明に係る配管継手は、上記の課題を解決するために、請求項１記載の発明では、第１の配管部材と第２の配管部材を接続して固定する配管継手には、筒状に形成された本体の両端からそれぞれ交互に複数の第１の溝部と第２の溝部とが等間隔で形成され、溝部の形成されていない本体の両端薄肉部においては、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材と係止可能な係止部が設けられている。
【００１１】
第１の溝部及び第２の溝部は端面が開口されていることから、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材に装着された配管継手は、挿入側のいずれかの配管部材を挿入する際に、薄肉部がいずれかの配管部材の挿入部に当接すると拡径していずれかの配管部材を挿入可能とし、いずれかの配管部材が挿入完了すると弾性復帰力によっていずれかの配管部材に係止部で係止することとなる。
【００１２】
従って、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材のいずれかを相手側の配管部材にワンタッチで挿入して固定できることから、組付作業を短時間で容易に行うことができる。しかも、配管継手は、左右両端に同様な溝部と係止部が形成されていることから、左右、逆方向に装着しても、組付に支障をもたらすことはなく誤組付を起こすことはない。
【００１３】
また、請求項２記載の発明では、第１の配管部材と第２の配管部材を接続して固定する配管継手には、筒状に形成された本体の両端からそれぞれ交互に一対の第１の溝部と第２の溝部とが軸心に対して対向する位置に形成され、溝部の形成されていない本体両端の薄肉部においては、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材と係止可能な係止部がそれぞれ一対設けられている。
【００１４】
つまり、この発明においては、それぞれの端部に形成された溝部の中心線を結ぶ仮想直線は左端側と右端側とでは十字状に形成されることとなる。
【００１５】
第１の溝部及び第２の溝部は端面が開口されていることから、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材に装着された配管継手は、挿入側のいずれかの配管部材が挿入する際に、薄肉部がいずれかの配管部材の挿入部に当接すると拡径していずれかの配管部材を挿入可能とし、いずれかの配管部材が挿入完了すると弾性復帰力によっていずれかの配管部材に係止部で係止することとなる。
【００１６】
従って、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材のいずれかを相手側の配管部材にワンタッチで挿入して固定できることから、請求項１記載の発明と同様、組付作業を短時間で容易に行うことができる。しかも、配管継手は、左右両端に同様な溝部と係止部が形成されていることから、左右、逆方向に装着しても、組付に支障をもたらすことはなく誤組付を起こさない。
【００１７】
請求項３記載の発明では、請求項１又は２記載の発明における係止部は、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材が挿入する際、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材と当接すると、第１係止部あるいは第２係止部に形成されたテーパ面部で案内されて拡径され，第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材の挿入部がテーパ面部を越えると、第１係止部あるいは第２係止部は弾性復帰力によって縮径されて第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材の外周面に係止することとなる。
【００１８】
従って、第１の配管部材と第２の配管部材との組付をワンタッチで行うことができて短時間で組付作業を行うことができる。
【００１９】
請求項４記載の発明では、薄肉部を軸方向及び径方向に弾性を有する弾性材料で形成していることから、配管継手は、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材の外周面と密着して係止できシール性を向上するとともに、請求項３記載で説明した作用を薄肉部の損傷を発生することなくスムーズに行うことができる。
【００２０】
請求項５記載の発明では、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材を配管継手内に挿通する際、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材に装着されたシール部材の外径が、自然状態において配管継手の薄肉部の内径より小径に形成されていることから、シール部材の外周面を損傷することなく第１の配管部材と第２の配管部材との接続を行うことができる。
【００２１】
請求項６記載の発明では、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材を配管継手内に挿通する際、自然状態における配管継手の薄肉部の内径が、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材の外径より小径に形成されていることから、薄肉部の弾性復帰力で第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材を係止する際、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材の外周面とのがたつきを吸収してシール性を向上することができる。
【００２２】
請求項７記載の発明は、第１の配管部材と第２の配管部材を配管継手で接続する配管継手構造であって、第１の配管部材と第２の配管部材を接続して固定する配管継手には、筒状に形成された本体の両端からそれぞれ交互に複数の第１の溝部と第２の溝部とが等間隔で形成され、溝部の形成されていない本体の両端薄肉部においては、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材と係止可能な係止部が設けられている。
【００２３】
第１の溝部及び第２の溝部は端面が開口されていることから、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材に装着された配管継手は、挿入側のいずれかの配管部材を挿入する際に、薄肉部がいずれかの配管部材の挿入部に当接すると拡径していずれかの配管部材を挿入可能とし、いずれかの配管部材が挿入完了すると弾性復帰力によっていずれかの配管部材に係止部で係止することとなる。
【００２４】
従って、第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材のいずれかを相手側の配管部材にワンタッチで挿入して固定できることから、組付作業を短時間で容易に行うことができる。しかも、配管継手は、左右両端に同様な溝部と係止部が形成されていることから、左右、逆方向に装着しても、組付に支障をもたらすことはなく誤組付を起こすことはない。
【００２５】
また、請求項８記載の発明では、請求項７記載の発明による第１の配管部材と第２の配管部材とが、それぞれテーパ面どうしで当接されることから、配管継手で接続して固定した状態では、配管継手が軸方向に弾性を有して形成されることによって、お互いのテーパ面どうしを圧接することとなって、広い範囲で接触できシール性を向上することができる。
【００２６】
さらに、請求項９記載の発明では、請求項７記載の発明による第２の配管部材の雌側継手を第１の配管部材側に延設して窓部を設けている。配管継手を第２の配管部材に装着する際に、配管継手の係止部を窓部に係合させることによって、軸方向に発生する負荷を、配管継手の係止部だけでなく雌側継手の延設筒部とともに受けることができることから、配管継手の係止部にかかる疲労を低減して配管継手の長寿命化を測ることができる。
【００２７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。
【００２８】
第１の形態の配管継手は、図１〜３に示すように、雄側継手を有する第１配管部材２を、雌側継手を有する第２の配管部材３に挿入して接続し、第１の配管部材２の先端部に装着した配管継手（以下、係止部材という。）１０で第２の配管部材３を第１の配管部材２側に係止するように構成されている。
【００２９】
第１の配管部材２は、冷媒を流通するために筒状に形成され、挿入側先端部が筒部２１より拡径された雄側の継手部２２として形成されている。継手部２２には、Ｏリング５が嵌入される溝２３が形成されるとともに、溝２３の反先端部側に膨拡部２４が形成され、膨拡部２４の前部に先端側に向かって小径となるテーパ外面２５が形成され、膨拡部２４の後部に配置される筒部２１と膨拡部２４との段差面が係止部材１０の係止部と係止する係止面２６として形成されている。
【００３０】
第２の配管部材３は、冷媒を流通するために筒状に形成され、挿入側先端部が筒部３１より拡径された雌側の継手部３２として形成されている。継手部３２には第１の配管部材２の継手部２２を内嵌する挿入口３３と、第１の配管部材２のテーパ外面２５に当接するテーパ内面３４を有する挿入口先端膨拡部３５を備えている。さらに、継手部３３の後端面は、係止部材１０の第１係止部１４、あるいは第２の係止部１５の内壁面に係合可能な係合面３６として形成されている。
【００３１】
係止部材１０は、樹脂製の材料、また金属材料、あるいは樹脂製の材料と金属材料を混合させて一体的に成形して軸方向及び径方向に弾性を有して形成され、図４〜７に示すように、実施形態では、第１の配管部材２の外周面に装着するように薄肉リング状に形成され、リング状の本体リング部１１の両端から、それぞれ端面を開口した溝部がそれぞれ円周上の対称位置に交互に配置されて、第１溝部１２、第２溝部１３として形成されている。
【００３２】
第１溝部１２は、図４中、本体リング部１１の右端から左端付近まで延設して形成され、右端を開口している。そして第１溝部１２は、実施形態においては、本体リング部１１の軸心に対して、対称位置に対向するように一対形成されている。
【００３３】
第２溝部１３は、第１溝部１２を本体リング部１１の軸心に対して９０°回転した位置において、図５中、本体リング部１１の左端から右端付近まで延設して形成され左端を開口している。そして第２溝部１３は、実施形態においては、本体リング部１１の軸心に対して対称位置に対向するように一対形成されている。
【００３４】
本体リング部１１の両端部における溝部が形成されていない薄肉部は、軸心に向かって突出する係止部が配置されて、それぞれ第１係止部１４と第２係止部１５とを形成している。
【００３５】
第１係止部１４は、図４に示すように、第１溝部１２が形成されていない本体リング部１１の薄肉端部１１ａから第１溝部１２を挟んで両側に一組配置されるとともに、軸心に向かって突出して対称位置に対向するように一組の係止部１４が一対形成されている。第１係止部１４の内周面は、直線部１４ａと直線部１４ａから端面に向かって大径となるテーパ面部１４ｂとを形成している。
【００３６】
第２係止部１５は第２溝部１３が形成されていない本体リング部１１の薄肉端部１１ｂから第２溝部１３を挟んで両側に一組配置されるとともに、軸心に向かって突出してそれぞれ対称位置に対向するように一組の係止部１５が一対形成されている。第２係止部１５の内周面は、直線部１５ａと直線部１５ａから端面に向かって大径となるテーパ面部１５ｂとを形成している。
【００３７】
なお、第１溝部１２あるいは第２溝部１３は、円周上に２箇所でなく、軸心に対して等間隔であれば３箇所以上形成されていてもよく、また、第１係止部１４あるいは第２係止部１５も溝部を挟んだ一組が２箇所でなくても、溝部に対応して３箇所以上でもよい。
【００３８】
次に、上記のように構成された配管継手構造を構成する手順を図１及び図８〜９に基づいて説明する。
【００３９】
図８に示すように、係止部材１０は、一方の第２係止部１５の内壁面を第１の配管部材２の膨拡部２４の後端係止面２６に当接するとともに、第２係止部１５の直線部１５ａを筒部２１の外周面に係合するように装着している。この係止部材１０を第１の配管部材２に装着する場合は、本体リング部１１の第２係止部１５側の第２溝部１２が形成されていない薄肉端部１１ｂを拡径して開くことによって、係止部材１０を容易に第１の配管部材２の継手部２２に装着することができる。
【００４０】
この状態で、第２の配管部材３の継手部３２を、第１の配管部材２の継手部２２に対向する位置に配置させると、係止部材１０の第１係止部１４が第２の配管部材３の継手部３２に対向する位置に配置されることになる。
【００４１】
次に、図９に示すように、係止部材１０を装着した第１の配管部材２を第２の配管部材３、あるいは第２の配管部材３を第１の配管部材２に進入させて両者を接続させる際、第２の配管部材３の継手部３２における先端膨拡部３５が、係止部材１０の第１係止部１４に当接することによって、第２の配管部材３の先端膨拡部３５が、係止部材１０の第１係止部１４のテーパ面部１４ｂを押圧することになり、第１係止部１４を、第２係止部１５の内側端部から薄肉端部１１ｂを中心にして拡径する方向に撓ませる。
【００４２】
第２の配管部材３の先端膨拡部３５がさらに係止部材１０内をさらに進入することによって、先端膨拡部３５は、本体リング部１１の内周面に沿って薄肉部を押圧しながら移動しつつ、第１の配管部材２の継手部２２を第２の配管部材３の挿入口３３に収納する。
【００４３】
第２の配管部材３の先端膨拡部３５が、さらに進入して第１の配管部材２の膨拡部２４に形成されたテーパ外面２５に、第２の配管部材３における先端膨拡部３５の内周面に形成されたテーパ内面３４が当接すると、図１に示すように、第１係止部１４は、弾性復帰して、第１係止部１４の内壁面が第２の配管部材３の継手部２２の係合面３６に係合するとともに、直線部１４ａが第２の配管部材３の一般部外周面（筒部３１）に係合する。
【００４４】
なお、上記の係止部材１０は、第１溝部１２と第２溝部１３とが軸心に対して９０°位相がずれた位置に形成されて、それぞれ反対側の端部に向かって延設していることから、係止部材１０を左右逆方向に配置して、第１の配管部材２に装着したとしても、第２係止部１５が、第２の配管部材３を挿入するにあたっては、前述の第１係止部１４と同様の作用を行うこととなって、何等支障を起こすことなく第２の配管部材３を第１の配管部材２に挿入することができ、前述の作用と同様に行うことができる。
【００４５】
従って、実施形態の係止部材１０を使用して第１の配管部材２と第２の配管部材３とを接続させれば、係止部材１０の一方の端部に配置された第１係止部１４あるいは第２係止部１５が、第１溝部１２あるいは第２溝部１３の形成によって、第２の配管部材３の挿入時に、拡径・縮径できるように形成されることから、ワンタッチで第２の配管部材３を第１の配管部材２に接続することができる。また、本体リング１１の薄肉部は、軸方向及び径方向に弾性力を有していることから、係止部材１０の第１係止部１４が第２の配管部材３における継手部３２後面の係合面３６及び一般部外周面３１に係合する際、第２の配管部材３ときつく嵌合するとともに第１の配管部材２側に押圧することができることから、第２の配管部材３の第１の配管部材２からの脱着を防止することができる。
【００４６】
なお、本発明の配管継手は、上記の形態に限定するものではなく、例えば、第２の形態として係止部材１０を第２の配管部材３に装着して第１の配管部材２を第２の配管部材３に挿入して接続することもできる。
【００４７】
この場合、図１０に示すように、係止部材１０は、一方の第１係止部１４の内壁面を第２の配管部材３の継手部３２の後端係合面３６に当接するとともに、係止部１４の直線部１４ａを筒部３１の外周面に係止するように装着している。この係止部材１０を第２の配管部材２に装着する場合は、本体リング部１１の係止部１４側の第２溝部１３が形成されていない薄肉端部１１ａを拡径して開くことによって、係止部材１０を容易に第２の配管部材３の継手部３２に装着することができる。
【００４８】
この状態で、第１の配管部材２の継手部２２を、第２の配管部材３の継手部３２に対向する位置に配置させると、係止部材１０の第１係止部１５が第１の配管部材２の継手部２２に対向する位置に配置されることになる。
【００４９】
次に、図１１に示すように、係止部材１０を装着した第２の配管部材３を第１の配管部材２あるいは第１の配管部材２を第２の配管部材３に進入させて両者を接続すると、第１の配管部材２の継手部２２における先端部が第２の配管部材３の挿入口３３内に収納され、さらに第１の配管部材２の継手部２２が第２の配管部材３の挿入口３３内に進入する際、第１の配管部材２の膨拡部２４が係止部材１０の第２係止部１５のテーパ面部１５ｂを押圧することによって、第２係止部１５を、第１係止部１４の内側端部から薄肉端部１１ａを中心にして拡径する。
【００５０】
そして、図１２に示すように、第１の配管部材２における膨拡部２４に形成されたテーパ外面２５が、第２の配管部材３の先端膨拡部３５の内面に形成されたテーパ内面３４に当接すると、第１係止部１５は、弾性復帰して、第２係止部１５の内壁面が第１の配管部材３の膨拡部２４に形成された後端係止面２６に係合するとともに、直線部１５ａが第１の配管部材２の一般部外周面（筒部２１）に係止する。
【００５１】
従って、第１の形態または第２の形態の係止部材１０を第１の配管部材あるいは第２の配管部材のいずれかに装着して第１の配管部材２と第２の配管部材３とを接続させれば、係止部材１０の一方の端部に配置された第１係止部１４あるいは第２係止部１５が、第１溝部１２あるいは第２溝部１３の形成によって、第２の配管部材３の挿入時に、拡径・縮径できるように形成されることから、ワンタッチで第２の配管部材３を第１の配管部材２に接続することができる。また、本体リング１１の薄肉部は、軸方向及び径方向に弾性力を有していることから、係止部材１０の第２係止部１５が第１の配管部材２の継手部２２における後端係止部２６及び一般部外周面２１に係合する際、第１の配管部材２ときつく嵌合するとともに第２の配管部材３側に押圧することができることから、第１の配管部材２の第２の配管部材３からの脱着を防止することができる。
【００５２】
さらに、係止部材１０は、左右方向に逆に装着しても、同様に作用できることから、誤組付を起こさずに第２の配管部材３を第１の配管部材２にワンタッチで接続させることができる。
【００５３】
また、第３の形態では、図１３〜１５に示すように第２の配管部材３Ａに、先端膨拡部３５Ａから前方に延設した延設筒部３７を設け、延設筒部３７に軸心に対して対向する位置に一対の窓部３８・３８を形成して、係止部材１０の第２係止部１５を挿入可能に形成することもできる。延設筒部３７の外径は第１の形態における先端膨拡部３５の外径と略同径に形成されている。
【００５４】
この第２の配管部材３Ａに係止部材１０を装着した状態で、第１の配管部材２を挿入して接続すると、図１０〜１２で説明した作用と同様の作用により第１の配管部材２を第２の配管部材３に挿入して接続することができる。
【００５５】
つまり、図１３に示すように、第１の配管部材２の継手部２２を第２の配管部材３Ａの延設筒部３７に対向する位置に配置させた後、図１４に示すように、係止部材１０を装着した第２の配管部材３Ａを第１の配管部材２あるいは第１の配管部材２を第２の配管部材３に進入させて両者を接続すると、第１の配管部材２の継手部２２における先端部が第２の配管部材３の挿入口３３内に収納され、さらに第１の配管部材２の継手部２２が第２の配管部材３の挿入口３３内に進入する際、第１の配管部材２の膨拡部２４が係止部材１０の第２係止部１５のテーパ面部１５ｂを押圧することによって、第２係止部１５を、第１係止部１４の内側端部から薄肉端部１１ａを中心にして拡径して第２係止部１５を窓部３８から脱着させる。
【００５６】
そして、図１５に示すように、第１の配管部材２における膨拡部２４に形成されたテーパ外面２５が、第２の配管部材３の先端膨拡部３５の内面に形成されたテーパ内面３４に当接すると、第１係止部１５は、弾性復帰して、延設筒部３７の窓部３８内に進入して第２係止部１５の内壁面が第１の配管部材３の膨拡部２４に形成された後端係止面２６に係合するとともに、直線部１５ａが第１の配管部材２の一般部外周面（筒部２１）に係止する。
【００５７】
係止部材１０の第２係止部１５は、第２の配管部材３Ａの延設筒部３７に形成された窓部３８に支持されることとなって、軸方向を拘束されて第１の配管部材２を第２の配管部材３に固定される。
【００５８】
この形態によって、係止部材１０の第２係止部１５は、第１の配管部材２の膨拡部２４を第２の配管部材３Ａ側に付与する力の反力を第２の配管部材３Ａの延設筒部３７とともに受けることになるから、係止部材１０の疲労を少なくして係止部材１０の長寿命化を図ることができる。
【００５９】
また、図１６に示すように、第３の形態における第２の配管部材３Ａの継手部３２Ａの外周面を小径にして、係止部材１０の第２係止部１５の拡径量を小さくすることもできる。この場合、第１の配管部材２Ａの継手部２２Ａを筒部２１の外径より僅かに大きく形成して前述の形態の膨拡部２４を削除する。そして、第１の配管部材２Ａの継手部２２Ａに膨拡部がなくなった分、第２の配管部材３Ｂの継手部３２Ｂを前述の形態より小径となって延設筒部３７Ｂを含めてストレート状に形成する。延設筒部３７Ｂには窓部３８Ｂが形成され、第２の配管部材３Ｂの継手部３２Ｂ端面に第１係止部１４が係止されている係止部材１０の第２係止部１５が窓部３８Ｂに挿入可能に構成される。
【００６０】
この形態によって、係止部材１０の第２係止部１５の拡径量を小さくすることができ、係止部材１０の疲労を少なくして長寿命化を図ることができるとともに、第１の配管部材２Ａと第２の配管部材３Ｂとの外径が小さくなることによる加工工数を低減してコスト低減を図ることができる。
【００６１】
さらに図１７に示すように、係止部材１０の第１係止部１４及び第２係止部１５の内周面（直線部１４ａ、１５ａ）の内径を、第１配管部材２の継手部２２に装着したＯリング５の外径より大きく形成して、係止部材１０を第２の配管部材３Ｃに装着する際に、第１係止部１４又は第２係止部１５の内周面でＯリング５を擦らずに挿入することができる。この場合、第１の配管部材２の継手部２２の外径を筒部２１と同径かそれより小さく形成することによって行われ、必要に応じては、第２の配管部材３Ｃの継手部３２Ｃの肉厚を前述の形態の継手部３２または３２Ｂより厚く形成することとなる。これによって、Ｏリング５の損傷を防止することができる。
【００６２】
また、係止部材１０の第１係止部１４（又は第２係止部１５）における直線部１４ａ（または１５ａ）の内径を筒部２１の外径より小さく形成すれば、第１係止部１４（又は第２係止部１５）が第１の配管部材２あるいは第２の配管部材３に係止する際にきつく嵌合できて、第１の配管部材２と第２の配管部材とをがたつきのない状態で固定することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の形態による配管継手構造を示す一部断面図である。
【図２】図１におけるＡ矢視図である。
【図３】図１におけるＢ矢視図である。
【図４】図１における配管継手としての係止部材を示す一部断面図である。
【図５】図４におけるＤ矢視図である。
【図６】図４におけるＣ−Ｃ断面図である。
【図７】図４におけるＥ矢視図である。
【図８】第２の配管部材を第１の配管部材に挿入する作用を示す一部断面図である。
【図９】第２の配管部材を第１の配管部材への挿入作用を示す一部断面図である。
【図１０】第２の形態における第１の配管部材を第２の配管部材に挿入する作用を示す一部断面図である。
【図１１】同第２の配管部材を第１の配管部材への挿入作用を示す一部断面図である。
【図１２】同第１の配管部材と第２の配管部材が接続した状態を示す一部断面図である。
【図１３】第３の形態における第１の配管部材を第２の配管部材に挿入する作用を示す一部断面図である。
【図１４】同第２の配管部材を第１の配管部材への挿入作用を示す一部断面図である。
【図１５】同第１の配管部材と第２の配管部材が接続した状態を示す一部断面図である。
【図１６】図１５における第２の配管部材の継手部の別の形態を示す一部断面図である。
【図１７】図１５における配管継手構造の別の形態を示す一部断面図である。
【図１８】従来の配管継手構造を示す一部断面図である。
【図１９】従来のさらに別の配管継手構造を示す一部断面図である。
【符号の説明】
２第１の配管部材
３、３Ａ第２の配管部材
５Ｏリング
１０係止部材
１１本体リング部
１２第１溝部
１３第２溝部
１４第１係止部
１４ａ直線部（直線係合部）
１４ｂテーパ面部
１５第２係止部
１５ａ直線部（直線係合部）
２２継手部
２４膨拡部
２５テーパ外面
２６係止面
３２、３２Ａ継手部
３３挿入口
３４テーパ内面
３６係合面
３７延設筒部
３８窓部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pipe joint suitable for connecting a fluid piping member, for example, a refrigerant piping member of a refrigeration cycle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, in a pipe joint for connecting a refrigerant pipe member of a refrigeration cycle, when connecting a first pipe member as a male joint and a second pipe member as a female joint, the number of parts of the pipe joint is reduced. It has been pointed out that it is necessary to facilitate the piping work or to perform the work so that there is no wrong assembly. For example, in a conventional pipe joint, a pipe joint used in a pipe joint structure as shown in FIG. 18 (Patent Document 1) or a pipe joint structure as shown in FIG. 19 (Patent Document 2). There are known pipe fittings.
[0003]
In the former pipe joint shown in Patent Literature 1, after connecting a first pipe member 100 having a flange portion 101 expanding and expanding from a pipe outer peripheral surface and a second pipe member 105 having a tapered outer surface 106. Then, the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 115 as a pipe joint for fixing the two piping members 100 and 105 are configured to cover the first piping member 100 and the second piping member 105, respectively. Have been. The first fixing member 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes a spiral projection 111 inside, and the second fixing member 115 is formed in a cylindrical shape and can engage with the projection 111. A section 116 is provided. Then, after the first piping member 100 is inserted into the second piping member 105, the second fixing member 115 is rotated with respect to the first fixing member 110, so that the claw portion 116 engages with the projection portion 111. The first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 115 are locked together, and accordingly, the flange engaging portion 112 formed at the distal end of the cylindrical portion of the first fixing member 110 is By pressing the flange 101 of the pipe member 100 and the tapered inner surface 117 of the second fixing member 115 pressing the tapered outer surface 106 of the second pipe member 105, the first pipe member 100 and the second pipe member 105 is connectable.
[0004]
In the pipe joint structure shown in the latter Patent Document 2, when connecting a pipe member 120 having an annular projection 122 to an insertion receptacle 126 of a female joint 125, a part of the circumference is pivoted. A ring-shaped fixing member 130 cut out along the direction is fitted between the two so as to restrict the attachment and detachment of the pipe member 120 in the axial direction. The fixing member 130 is formed as an elastic stopper having elasticity in the circumferential direction, and includes an arc-shaped ridge 131 that fits into a groove 127 formed in the insertion receptacle 126 of the female joint 125 in the circumferential direction. When the pipe member 120 is inserted into the insertion receptacle 126 of the female joint 125 and the distal end surface of the annular projection 122 abuts on the receiving surface 128 of the female joint 125, the arc-shaped ridge 131 causes the annular projection 122 to be female. It is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the receiving surface 128 of the side joint 125.
[0005]
Accordingly, the arc-shaped ridge 131 is fitted into the groove 127 formed in the insertion port 126 of the female joint 125 to restrict the rearward movement of the annular projection 122, whereby the female joint 125 of the pipe member 120 is adjusted. Can be prevented from being detached. In addition, since the fixing member 130 is partially cut out along the circumference in the axial direction, the fixing member 130 has elasticity in the circumferential direction, so that the arc-shaped ridge 131 can be easily inserted into the groove 127 of the insertion port 126. Can be fitted.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-332563 (pages 4 to 5, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-200577 (pages 3 to 6, FIG. 1)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, among the pipe joints shown in the conventional publication, in the former case, the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 115 are manufactured separately from the first pipe member 100 and the second pipe member 105. Then, since the projections 111 and the pawls 116 are provided so as to be engaged with each other, the number of parts increases, and the molding cost and the assembly operation cost of the fixing members 110 and 115 increase. I was
[0008]
In the case of the latter, since the fixing member 130 as a pipe joint has directionality at the time of mounting, when fitted in the left and right opposite directions, the contact portions between the pipe member 120 and the female side joint 125 do not always match. Not limited to this, there is a possibility that a gap may be formed between the contact portions with each other, or assembly may not be possible.
[0009]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to provide a pipe joint that facilitates assembling and does not cause erroneous assembling, as well as cost reduction.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the pipe joint according to the present invention is configured such that, in the invention according to claim 1, a pipe joint for connecting and fixing the first pipe member and the second pipe member has a tubular shape. A plurality of first grooves and second grooves are alternately formed at equal intervals from both ends of the formed main body, respectively. In the thin portions at both ends of the main body where the grooves are not formed, the first piping member or the second groove is formed. A locking portion capable of locking with the second piping member is provided.
[0011]
Since the first groove portion and the second groove portion have open end faces, the pipe joint mounted on the first pipe member or the second pipe member is used when inserting any of the pipe members on the insertion side. When the thin portion abuts on the insertion portion of one of the piping members, the diameter increases and any of the piping members can be inserted. It will be locked by the locking portion.
[0012]
Therefore, since either the first piping member or the second piping member can be inserted and fixed to the mating piping member with one touch, the assembling operation can be easily performed in a short time. In addition, since the pipe joint has similar grooves and locking parts at the left and right ends, even if it is installed in the left and right, opposite directions, it will not hinder assembly and will not cause erroneous assembly. Absent.
[0013]
In the invention according to claim 2, the pipe joint for connecting and fixing the first pipe member and the second pipe member is provided with a pair of first pipe members alternately from both ends of a cylindrical main body. The groove and the second groove are formed at positions opposed to the axis, and the thin portions at both ends of the main body where the groove is not formed can be locked to the first pipe member or the second pipe member. A pair of locking portions are provided.
[0014]
That is, in the present invention, the virtual straight line connecting the center lines of the grooves formed at the respective ends is formed in a cross shape on the left end side and the right end side.
[0015]
Since the first groove portion and the second groove portion have open end faces, the pipe joint mounted on the first pipe member or the second pipe member is inserted when any of the pipe members on the insertion side is inserted. When the thin portion abuts on the insertion portion of one of the piping members, the diameter increases and any of the piping members can be inserted. It will be locked by the locking portion.
[0016]
Therefore, either the first pipe member or the second pipe member can be inserted and fixed to the mating pipe member with a single touch, so that the assembling operation can be easily performed in a short time as in the case of the first aspect. It can be carried out. In addition, since the pipe joint has similar grooves and locking portions formed at both left and right ends, even if the pipe joint is mounted in the right and left and reverse directions, it does not hinder assembly and does not cause erroneous assembly.
[0017]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the first piping member or the second piping member is inserted, the locking portion according to the first or second aspect of the present invention is configured such that the locking portion is in contact with the first piping member or the second piping member. When abutting, the diameter is increased by being guided by the tapered surface portion formed in the first locking portion or the second locking portion, and when the insertion portion of the first piping member or the second piping member exceeds the tapered surface portion, The first locking portion or the second locking portion is reduced in diameter by the elastic return force and locked on the outer peripheral surface of the first piping member or the second piping member.
[0018]
Therefore, the first pipe member and the second pipe member can be assembled with one touch, and the assembly operation can be performed in a short time.
[0019]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the thin portion is formed of an elastic material having elasticity in the axial direction and the radial direction, the pipe joint is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe member or the second pipe member. As a result, the sealability can be improved, and the operation described in claim 3 can be smoothly performed without causing damage to the thin-walled portion.
[0020]
In the invention according to claim 5, when the first pipe member or the second pipe member is inserted into the pipe joint, the outer diameter of the seal member attached to the first pipe member or the second pipe member is In the natural state, the first pipe member and the second pipe member can be connected to each other without damaging the outer peripheral surface of the seal member because the pipe joint is formed to have a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the thin portion of the pipe joint.
[0021]
In the invention according to claim 6, when the first pipe member or the second pipe member is inserted into the pipe joint, the inner diameter of the thin portion of the pipe joint in the natural state is equal to the first pipe member or the second pipe member. Since the diameter is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the member, when the first pipe member or the second pipe member is locked by the elastic restoring force of the thin portion, the first pipe member or the second pipe member is locked. The rattling with the outer peripheral surface can be absorbed to improve the sealing property.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 7 is a pipe joint structure for connecting the first pipe member and the second pipe member with a pipe joint, and the pipe for connecting and fixing the first pipe member and the second pipe member. In the joint, a plurality of first grooves and second grooves are alternately formed at equal intervals from both ends of the main body formed in a cylindrical shape, and in the thin portions at both ends of the main body where no grooves are formed, An engaging portion that can be engaged with the first piping member or the second piping member is provided.
[0023]
Since the first groove portion and the second groove portion have open end faces, the pipe joint mounted on the first pipe member or the second pipe member is used when inserting any of the pipe members on the insertion side. When the thin portion abuts on the insertion portion of one of the piping members, the diameter increases and any of the piping members can be inserted. It will be locked by the locking portion.
[0024]
Therefore, since either the first piping member or the second piping member can be inserted and fixed to the mating piping member with one touch, the assembling operation can be easily performed in a short time. In addition, since the pipe joint has similar grooves and locking parts at the left and right ends, even if it is installed in the left and right, opposite directions, it will not hinder assembly and will not cause erroneous assembly. Absent.
[0025]
Also, in the invention according to claim 8, the first piping member and the second piping member according to the invention according to claim 7 are abutted by tapered surfaces, so that the first piping member and the second piping member are connected and fixed by the piping joint. In this state, since the pipe joint is formed to have elasticity in the axial direction, the tapered surfaces of the pipe joints are brought into pressure contact with each other, so that contact can be made in a wide range and the sealing property can be improved.
[0026]
Further, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the female joint of the second piping member according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is extended toward the first piping member to provide a window. When the pipe joint is attached to the second pipe member, the load generated in the axial direction can be reduced not only by the pipe joint but also by the female side joint by engaging the engagement part of the pipe joint with the window. Can be received together with the extended cylindrical portion of the pipe joint, so that fatigue of the engaging portion of the pipe joint can be reduced, and the life of the pipe joint can be prolonged.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pipe joint of the first embodiment inserts a first pipe member 2 having a male joint into a second pipe member 3 having a female joint and connects the first pipe member 2 to the first pipe member 3. The second pipe member 3 is configured to be locked to the first pipe member 2 side by a pipe joint (hereinafter, referred to as a locking member) 10 attached to a distal end portion of the pipe member 2.
[0029]
The first piping member 2 is formed in a tubular shape for flowing the refrigerant, and is formed as a male-side joint portion 22 whose insertion-side tip portion is larger in diameter than the tubular portion 21. A groove 23 into which the O-ring 5 is fitted is formed in the joint part 22, and an expansion part 24 is formed on the opposite end side of the groove 23, and a front part of the expansion part 24 is formed toward the front end. A tapered outer surface 25 having a small diameter is formed, and a step surface between the cylindrical portion 21 and the expansion portion 24 disposed at the rear portion of the expansion portion 24 serves as a locking surface 26 that locks with the locking portion of the locking member 10. Is formed.
[0030]
The second piping member 3 is formed in a tubular shape for flowing the refrigerant, and is formed as a female-side joint portion 32 whose tip on the insertion side is enlarged in diameter from the tubular portion 31. The joint portion 32 has an insertion port 33 for internally fitting the joint section 22 of the first piping member 2 and an insertion port tip expanding portion 35 having a tapered inner surface 34 in contact with the tapered outer surface 25 of the first piping member 2. Have. Further, a rear end surface of the joint portion 33 is formed as an engagement surface 36 that can be engaged with the inner wall surface of the first locking portion 14 or the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10.
[0031]
The locking member 10 is made of a resin material, a metal material, or a mixture of a resin material and a metal material and integrally molded to have elasticity in the axial direction and the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 7, in the embodiment, grooves are formed in a thin ring shape so as to be mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the first piping member 2, and groove portions each having an open end face from both ends of the ring-shaped main body ring portion 11 are respectively provided. The first groove 12 and the second groove 13 are alternately arranged at symmetrical positions on the circumference.
[0032]
The first groove portion 12 is formed to extend from the right end to the vicinity of the left end of the main body ring portion 11 in FIG. 4, and has an open right end. In the embodiment, a pair of the first groove portions 12 are formed so as to face symmetric positions with respect to the axis of the main body ring portion 11.
[0033]
The second groove portion 13 is formed to extend from the left end to the vicinity of the right end of the main body ring portion 11 in FIG. 5 at a position where the first groove portion 12 is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the axis of the main body ring portion 11, and the left end is formed. It is open. In the embodiment, a pair of the second groove portions 13 are formed so as to face symmetric positions with respect to the axis of the main body ring portion 11.
[0034]
In the thin portions where the grooves are not formed at both end portions of the main body ring portion 11, locking portions protruding toward the axial center are arranged to form first locking portions 14 and second locking portions 15, respectively. are doing.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 4, the first locking portions 14 are arranged as a pair on both sides of the first groove portion 12 from the thin end portion 11 a of the main body ring portion 11 where the first groove portion 12 is not formed. A pair of locking portions 14 are formed so as to protrude toward the axis and face the symmetric position. The inner peripheral surface of the first locking portion 14 forms a straight portion 14a and a tapered surface portion 14b having a larger diameter from the straight portion 14a toward the end face.
[0036]
The second locking portions 15 are arranged on both sides of the thin end portion 11b of the main body ring portion 11 where the second groove portion 13 is not formed, with the second groove portion 13 interposed therebetween. A pair of locking portions 15 are formed so as to face the symmetric position. The inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion 15 forms a straight portion 15a and a tapered surface portion 15b whose diameter increases from the straight portion 15a toward the end face.
[0037]
The first groove portion 12 or the second groove portion 13 may be formed not at two places on the circumference but at three or more places at equal intervals with respect to the axis. Alternatively, the pair of the second locking portions 15 may not be two places sandwiching the groove, but may be three or more corresponding to the groove.
[0038]
Next, a procedure for configuring the pipe joint structure configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 8, the locking member 10 abuts the inner wall surface of one second locking portion 15 on the rear end locking surface 26 of the expanded portion 24 of the first piping member 2, and The linear portion 15 a of the locking portion 15 is mounted so as to engage with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 21. When the locking member 10 is mounted on the first piping member 2, the thin end portion 11 b of the main body ring portion 11 on the side of the second locking portion 15 where the second groove portion 12 is not formed is enlarged and opened. Thereby, the locking member 10 can be easily attached to the joint portion 22 of the first piping member 2.
[0040]
In this state, when the joint 32 of the second piping member 3 is disposed at a position facing the joint 22 of the first piping member 2, the first locking portion 14 of the locking member 10 It will be arrange | positioned in the position facing the joint part 32 of the piping member 3. FIG.
[0041]
Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the first piping member 2 with the locking member 10 is inserted into the second piping member 3, or the second piping member 3 is made to enter the first piping member 2 so that When the second pipe member 3 is connected, the tip expansion part 35 of the joint part 32 of the second pipe member 3 comes into contact with the first locking part 14 of the locking member 10, so that the tip expansion of the second pipe member 3 is expanded. The part 35 presses the tapered surface part 14 b of the first locking part 14 of the locking member 10, and the first locking part 14 is moved from the inner end of the second locking part 15 to the thin end 11 b. It is bent in the direction of increasing the diameter around the center.
[0042]
When the distal end expanding portion 35 of the second piping member 3 further enters the locking member 10, the distal end expanding portion 35 presses the thin portion along the inner peripheral surface of the main body ring portion 11. While moving, the joint portion 22 of the first piping member 2 is stored in the insertion port 33 of the second piping member 3.
[0043]
The distal end expanding portion 35 of the second piping member 3 further enters the tapered outer surface 25 formed on the expanding portion 24 of the first piping member 2, and the distal end expanding portion 35 of the second piping member 3. When the tapered inner surface 34 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first contact portion abuts, as shown in FIG. 1, the first locking portion 14 elastically returns, and the inner wall surface of the first locking portion 14 becomes the second pipe. The linear portion 14 a engages with the outer peripheral surface of the general portion (the cylindrical portion 31) of the second piping member 3 while engaging with the engaging surface 36 of the joint portion 22 of the member 3.
[0044]
The locking member 10 is formed at a position where the first groove portion 12 and the second groove portion 13 are out of phase by 90 ° with respect to the axis, and extends toward the opposite ends. Therefore, even if the locking member 10 is disposed in the left-right opposite direction and mounted on the first piping member 2, the second locking portion 15 does not allow the second piping member 3 to be inserted. By performing the same operation as the above-described first locking portion 14, the second piping member 3 can be inserted into the first piping member 2 without causing any trouble, and the same operation as the above-described operation is performed. Can be done.
[0045]
Therefore, if the first piping member 2 and the second piping member 3 are connected by using the locking member 10 of the embodiment, the first locking member disposed at one end of the locking member 10 is formed. The portion 14 or the second locking portion 15 is formed by forming the first groove portion 12 or the second groove portion 13 so that the diameter can be expanded and reduced when the second piping member 3 is inserted. The second piping member 3 can be connected to the first piping member 2. Further, since the thin portion of the main body ring 11 has an elastic force in the axial direction and the radial direction, the first locking portion 14 of the locking member 10 is formed on the rear surface of the joint portion 32 in the second piping member 3. When engaging with the engagement surface 36 and the outer peripheral surface 31 of the general portion, the second piping member 3 is tightly fitted and can be pressed toward the first piping member 2 side. Detachment from the first piping member 2 can be prevented.
[0046]
The pipe joint of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, as a second embodiment, the locking member 10 is attached to the second pipe member 3 and the first pipe member 2 is connected to the second pipe member 2. Can be inserted into the piping member 3 and connected.
[0047]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the locking member 10 abuts the inner wall surface of the first locking portion 14 on the rear end engaging surface 36 of the joint portion 32 of the second piping member 3, The linear portion 14 a of the locking portion 14 is attached so as to be locked on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31. When the locking member 10 is mounted on the second piping member 2, the thin end 11 a on the locking portion 14 side of the main body ring portion 11 where the second groove 13 is not formed is enlarged and opened. Thus, the locking member 10 can be easily attached to the joint portion 32 of the second piping member 3.
[0048]
In this state, when the joint portion 22 of the first piping member 2 is disposed at a position facing the joint portion 32 of the second piping member 3, the first locking portion 15 of the locking member 10 becomes the first locking portion 15. It will be located at a position facing the joint 22 of the pipe member 2.
[0049]
Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the second piping member 3 with the locking member 10 attached thereto is made to enter the first piping member 2 or the first piping member 2 into the second piping member 3, and the two are joined. When connected, the distal end of the joint portion 22 of the first piping member 2 is housed in the insertion port 33 of the second piping member 3, and the joint portion 22 of the first piping member 2 is further connected to the second piping member 3. When the swelling portion 24 of the first piping member 2 presses the tapered surface portion 15b of the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10, the second locking portion 15 The diameter of the first locking portion 14 is expanded from the inner end to the thin end 11a.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 12, the tapered outer surface 25 formed on the expanded portion 24 of the first pipe member 2 is replaced with the tapered inner surface 34 formed on the inner surface of the distal expanded portion 35 of the second pipe member 3. The first locking portion 15 is elastically restored, and the inner wall surface of the second locking portion 15 is brought into contact with the rear end locking surface 26 formed on the expanded portion 24 of the first piping member 3. At the same time, the linear portion 15a is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the general portion (the cylindrical portion 21) of the first piping member 2.
[0051]
Therefore, the locking member 10 of the first mode or the second mode is attached to either the first pipe member or the second pipe member to connect the first pipe member 2 and the second pipe member 3 to each other. When connected, the first locking portion 14 or the second locking portion 15 arranged at one end of the locking member 10 is turned into the second pipe by forming the first groove portion 12 or the second groove portion 13. When the member 3 is inserted, the second pipe member 3 can be connected to the first pipe member 2 with one touch because the member 3 is formed so that the diameter can be expanded and reduced. In addition, since the thin portion of the main body ring 11 has an elastic force in the axial direction and the radial direction, the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10 is located behind the joint portion 22 of the first piping member 2. When engaging with the end locking portion 26 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the general portion, the first piping member 2 is tightly fitted and can be pressed toward the second piping member 3. Can be prevented from being detached from the second piping member 3.
[0052]
Further, since the locking member 10 can be operated in the same manner even if the locking member 10 is mounted in the right and left direction, the second piping member 3 can be connected to the first piping member 2 with one touch without causing erroneous assembly. Can be.
[0053]
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the second pipe member 3 A is provided with an extended cylindrical portion 37 extending forward from the distal end expanding portion 35 A. It is also possible to form a pair of windows 38 at positions opposed to the center so that the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10 can be inserted. The outer diameter of the extension cylindrical portion 37 is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the distal end expanding portion 35 in the first embodiment.
[0054]
When the first piping member 2 is inserted and connected in a state where the locking member 10 is attached to the second piping member 3A, the first piping member 2 is operated by the same operation as that described with reference to FIGS. Can be inserted and connected to the second piping member 3.
[0055]
That is, as shown in FIG. 13, after the joint portion 22 of the first piping member 2 is arranged at a position facing the extended cylindrical portion 37 of the second piping member 3A, as shown in FIG. When the second piping member 3A with the stop member 10 is inserted into the first piping member 2 or the first piping member 2 is inserted into the second piping member 3, and the two are connected, the joint of the first piping member 2 is formed. The tip of the portion 22 is housed in the insertion port 33 of the second pipe member 3, and when the joint portion 22 of the first pipe member 2 enters the insertion port 33 of the second pipe member 3, When the expansion portion 24 of the first piping member 2 presses the tapered surface portion 15 b of the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10, the second locking portion 15 is moved to the inner end of the first locking portion 14. The second locking portion 15 is detached from the window 38 by expanding the diameter around the thin end portion 11a.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 15, the tapered outer surface 25 formed on the expanded portion 24 of the first pipe member 2 is replaced with a tapered inner surface 34 formed on the inner surface of the distal expanded portion 35 of the second pipe member 3. When it comes into contact with the first engaging portion 15, the first engaging portion 15 elastically returns, enters the window 38 of the extension tubular portion 37, and the inner wall surface of the second engaging portion 15 expands the first pipe member 3. The straight portion 15a is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the general portion (the cylindrical portion 21) of the first piping member 2 while engaging with the rear end engaging surface 26 formed on the enlarged portion 24.
[0057]
The second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10 is supported by the window 38 formed in the extended cylindrical portion 37 of the second piping member 3A, and is restrained in the axial direction, thereby causing the first locking portion 15 to move in the first direction. The piping member 2 is fixed to the second piping member 3.
[0058]
With this configuration, the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10 causes the second pipe member 3A to exert a reaction force of a force for applying the expansion portion 24 of the first pipe member 2 to the second pipe member 3A side. Therefore, the fatigue of the locking member 10 can be reduced, and the life of the locking member 10 can be prolonged.
[0059]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the outer peripheral surface of the joint portion 32A of the second piping member 3A in the third embodiment is reduced in diameter, and the amount of diameter expansion of the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10 is reduced. You can also. In this case, the joint portion 22A of the first pipe member 2A is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 21, and the swelling portion 24 of the above-described embodiment is omitted. The joint portion 32B of the second pipe member 3B has a smaller diameter than that of the above-described embodiment, and has a straight shape including the extended cylindrical portion 37B, since the joint portion 22A of the first pipe member 2A has no expansion portion. Formed. A window 38B is formed in the extended cylindrical portion 37B, and the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10 in which the first locking portion 14 is locked to the end face of the joint portion 32B of the second piping member 3B is provided. It is configured to be insertable into the window 38B.
[0060]
With this configuration, the amount of diameter expansion of the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10 can be reduced, the fatigue of the locking member 10 can be reduced and the life can be extended, and the first piping can be achieved. Since the outer diameter of the member 2A and the second piping member 3B is reduced, the number of processing steps can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.
[0061]
Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the inner diameters of the inner peripheral surfaces (linear portions 14 a, 15 a) of the first locking portion 14 and the second locking portion 15 of the locking member 10 are set to the joint portions 22 of the first piping member 2. When the locking member 10 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the O-ring 5 mounted on the second piping member 3C, the inner circumferential surface of the first locking portion 14 or the second locking portion 15 The O-ring 5 can be inserted without rubbing. In this case, the outer diameter of the joint portion 22 of the first pipe member 2 is formed to be the same as or smaller than the cylindrical portion 21, and if necessary, the joint portion 32C of the second pipe member 3C is formed. Is formed to be thicker than the joint portion 32 or 32B of the above-described embodiment. Thereby, damage to the O-ring 5 can be prevented.
[0062]
If the inner diameter of the linear portion 14a (or 15a) of the first locking portion 14 (or the second locking portion 15) of the locking member 10 is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 21, the first locking portion 14 (or the second locking portion 15) can be tightly fitted when locked to the first piping member 2 or the second piping member 3, so that the first piping member 2 and the second piping member can be connected to each other. It can be fixed without rattling.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view showing a pipe joint structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a view as seen from the arrow B in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a locking member as a pipe joint in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view as seen from an arrow D in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a view as seen from an arrow E in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an operation of inserting a second piping member into the first piping member.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of inserting a second piping member into the first piping member.
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an operation of inserting a first piping member into a second piping member in the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an operation of inserting the second piping member into the first piping member.
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the first piping member and the second piping member are connected.
FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an operation of inserting a first piping member into a second piping member in the third embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an operation of inserting the second piping member into the first piping member.
FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the first piping member and the second piping member are connected.
FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the joint portion of the second piping member in FIG.
17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the pipe joint structure in FIG.
FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view showing a conventional pipe joint structure.
FIG. 19 is a partial sectional view showing still another conventional pipe joint structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 First piping member
3, 3A second piping member
5 O-ring
10 Locking member
11 Body ring
12 First groove
13 Second groove
14 First locking part
14a Linear part (linear engaging part)
14b tapered surface
15 Second locking part
15a Linear part (linear engaging part)
22 Joint part
24 Expansion part
25 Tapered outer surface
26 Locking surface
32, 32A Joint part
33 insertion slot
34 Inner surface of taper
36 engagement surface
37 Extension tube
38 Window

Claims

A pipe joint for connecting a first piping member arranged with a male joint and a second piping member arranged with a female joint,
A plurality of first grooves each extending from the end surface are formed at positions equidistant from the axis from one end of the cylindrical main body,
At an intermediate position between the plurality of first groove portions, a plurality of second groove portions extending from an end surface opposite to the first groove portion are formed,
At both ends of the main body, locking portions protruding toward the axial center are formed at a plurality of places on a thin portion on the circumference where the first groove or the second groove is not formed,
A piping joint attached to either the first piping member or the second piping member.

A pipe joint for connecting a first piping member arranged with a male joint and a second piping member arranged with a female joint,
A pair of first grooves extending from the respective end surfaces are formed at positions facing the axis from one end of the cylindrical body,
At a position rotated by 90 ° with respect to the first groove, a pair of second grooves extending from an end surface opposite to the first groove is formed,
Positions at both ends of the main body where locking portions projecting toward the axis are opposed to the axis at thin portions on the circumference where the first groove or the second groove is not formed. At least one pair is formed,
A piping joint attached to either the first piping member or the second piping member.

The engaging portion is formed including a linear engaging portion that engages with the first piping member or the second piping member, and a tapered surface portion that is disposed from the linear engaging portion toward an end surface. The pipe joint according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

4. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein the thin portion is formed of an elastic material having an elastic force in a radial direction or an axial direction.

The male member of the first pipe member is provided with a seal member attached thereto, and the outer diameter of the seal member is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the engaging portion of the pipe joint. The pipe joint according to 2, 3 or 4.

The inner diameter of the locking portion is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of a general portion of the first pipe member or the second pipe member. Plumbing fittings.

There is a piping joint structure that connects a first piping member arranged with a male joint and a second piping member arranged with a female joint with a piping joint,
In the pipe joint, a plurality of first grooves extending from an end face are formed at positions equidistant from an axis from one end of a cylindrical main body, and the plurality of first grooves are formed. At an intermediate position between the grooves, a plurality of second grooves extending from an end face opposite to the first groove are formed, and the first groove or the second groove at both ends of the main body. In the thin portion on the circumference where the groove is not formed, locking portions projecting toward the axis are formed at a plurality of locations,
The pipe joint is mounted on either the first pipe member or the second pipe member, and connects any first pipe member or second pipe member not mounted with the pipe joint. In this case, the engaging portion of the pipe joint is configured to be able to expand and contract in diameter.

The pipe joint structure according to claim 7, wherein the first pipe member and the second pipe member are in contact with each other with tapered surfaces.

In the female joint of the second piping member, a tubular portion extending toward the first piping member is formed integrally with the female joint, and the extended tubular portion is formed along the circumferential direction. The pipe joint structure according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a window portion engageable with the locking portion of the pipe joint is arranged.