JP2006077949A - Hose connecting structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To independently perform a process for inserting a pressor cylinder to a hose and a process for incorporating the same to a connection cylindrical body. <P>SOLUTION: A fastening spring 4 elastically deformable in the radial direction and larger than an innermost diameter of the connection cylindrical body 3, is axially unmovably inserted and fixed in an annular groove 1c formed on a nipple 1, and a hose connection end part H1 in which the nipple 1 and the fastening spring are inserted and fixed, is inserted into the connection cylindrical body 3, thus the fastening spring 4 is brought into contact with an inner peripheral face 3a of the connection cylindrical body 3 to be elastically reduced in its diameter, then moved along the inner peripheral face 3a as it is, elastically enlarged and deformed when arriving at an annular recessed part 3b, and brought into contact with and engaged with the annular recessed part 3b in the hose axial direction to be rotatably retained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a hose connection structure used when connecting a hose to a water discharge device such as a shower head or a water supply fitting such as a water supply tap or a hot and cold water mixing tap.
Specifically, the connection end of the hose and the nipple inserted in the inner periphery thereof are inserted into the connection cylinder, and the hose connection end and the nipple are brought into contact with the inner surface of the connection cylinder in the hose axial direction. The present invention relates to a hose connection structure that prevents rotation from coming off together.

Conventionally, as a hose connection structure of this type, a connecting cylinder (nut for connecting appliances) and a presser cylinder (caulking cylinder) are sequentially inserted on the hose connection side, and a nipple bamboo child-shaped part is provided on the inner periphery of the hose connection end. After inserting the presser tube, the presser tube (caulking tube) is fitted into the outer periphery of the presser tube, so that the presser tube is integrally inserted with the hose connection end interposed therebetween. Thereafter, the outer side of the presser tube is connected to the connecting tube. By moving the hose or the connecting cylinder so as to be covered with the body, the annular projection protruding from the proximal inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder and the proximal end surface of the presser cylinder are brought into contact with and engaged with each other. There is one in which the hose connection end and the presser tube are rotatably prevented from coming off with respect to a connection tube body to which a water discharge device (shower head) is screwed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
In addition, a connecting cylinder (nut for connecting appliances) and a presser cylinder (caulking cylinder) are sequentially inserted into the hose connection side, and the bamboo nipple part of the nipple is inserted into the inner periphery of the hose connection end, and then the outer periphery thereof. By inserting a presser tube (crimping tube) into the hose or the connection, the presser tube is integrally inserted with the hose connection end in between, and then the outer side of the presser tube is covered with a connecting cylinder. The hose connection end part and the presser cylinder are moved by moving the cylinder and bringing the annular protrusion projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the base end of the connection cylinder into contact with the base end face of the presser cylinder. In addition, there is one in which a water supply fitting (water faucet fitting) is rotatably secured to a connection cylinder body (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-13832 (page 1, FIGS. 5 and 6) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-40397 (first page)

However, in such a conventional hose connection structure, the nipple and the presser cylinder are inserted while the hose is passed through the connecting cylinder, and this nipple and presser cylinder can be easily detached from the hose. Force is required to forcefully move the presser tube in the direction of the hose axis after forcibly pushing the nipple so that it is difficult to insert the nipple or presser tube due to the connection cylinder At the same time, it is necessary to move the hose or the connecting cylinder and insert the nipple or the presser cylinder into the connecting cylinder after the mounting, so that the workability is poor and cannot be automated, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost. There was a problem.
In particular, there are multiple types of water discharge devices such as shower heads, for example, different colors, lengths and functions, etc., and there are also multiple types of shower head hooks (connection cylinders) and hoses connected to these, The number of these combinations is enormous, but in the conventional hose connection structure, inventory management is performed in a completed state in which the hose and connection cylinder are assembled. There was also a problem that it was not possible to respond quickly to orders, which necessitated inventory management and inventory space, which increased costs.
Some showerheads manufactured in foreign countries have a structure in which a flat packing is sandwiched between the end face of the head and the shower head hook (connecting cylinder) to prevent water leakage. In the structure, the shower head hook (connecting cylinder) penetrates and there is no flat packing receiving surface, so it cannot be connected. Such foreign shower heads are used in existing hose connection structures manufactured in Japan. There was also the problem of not being able to do it.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention aims to separate the insertion of the nipple into the hose and the assembly into the connecting cylinder into separate steps.
In addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1, the invention described in claim 2 is intended to smoothly rotate while preventing the nipple from rattling with respect to the connecting cylinder.
In addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the invention described in claim 3 is intended to prevent water leakage by inserting a packing between the end face of the shower head.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized in that an annular groove facing the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder is formed in the nipple, and the annular recess facing the annular groove is connected to the connecting cylinder. An inner peripheral surface of the body is recessed, and a fastening spring that is elastically deformable in the radial direction and larger than the innermost diameter of the connection cylinder is inserted in the annular groove so as to be immovable in the axial direction. It is elastically contracted and deformed by contact with the inner peripheral surface, and expanded and deformed toward an annular recess recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the connection cylinder so as to abut and engage in the hose axial direction. It is characterized by being prevented from coming off freely.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, a fitting portion that is rotatably inserted into the distal end surface of the reduced diameter portion of the connecting cylinder is connected to the nipple. In this state, a configuration is added in which the tip surface of the reduced diameter portion and the fitting portion are brought into surface contact through a slight gap for rotation.
The invention according to claim 3 adds a configuration in which the connecting cylinder is a hanging tool for a shower head and a pedestal for receiving a packing is provided on the inner periphery of the structure according to the invention according to claim 1 or 2. It is characterized by that.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a fastening spring that is elastically deformable in the radial direction and is larger than the innermost diameter of the connecting cylinder is inserted in the annular groove formed in the nipple so as not to move in the axial direction. Thus, just by inserting the hose connection end portion into which these are inserted into the connection cylinder, the fastening spring abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the connection cylinder and elastically reduces the diameter, and as it is along the inner peripheral surface. When it moves and reaches the annular recess, the fastening spring elastically expands and deforms, abuts and engages with the annular recess in the hose axial direction, and is rotatably prevented.
Therefore, the insertion of the nipple into the hose and the assembly into the connecting cylinder can be separated and performed in separate steps.
As a result, compared to the conventional system in which the nipple is inserted while the hose is passed through the connecting cylinder, the entire device can be easily assembled, the workability is improved, it can be easily automated, and the manufacturing cost is greatly increased. Reduction can be achieved.
Furthermore, if an intermediate part with a hose and nipple connected is prepared in advance, assembly to the connecting cylinder can be performed instantaneously, so that various orders can be quickly handled, thereby reducing inventory management and inventory space. Cost reduction can be achieved.

In the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, a fitting portion that is rotatably inserted into the tip surface of the reduced diameter portion of the connecting cylinder is connected to the nipple, and the inserted state Thus, the connecting cylinder and the nipple are rotationally supported without rattling by bringing the tip surface of the reduced diameter portion and the fitting portion into surface contact through a slight gap for rotation.
Therefore, it is possible to rotate smoothly while preventing the nipple from rattling with respect to the connecting cylinder.

In addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the invention of claim 3 has a packing receiving base projectingly provided on the inner periphery of the shower head hanger so that the packing is sandwiched between the base and the base. It becomes possible.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water leakage by sandwiching the packing between the end face of the shower head.
As a result, a shower head manufactured in a foreign country can be used on an existing hanger manufactured in Japan.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the hose connection structure A of the present invention has both connection ends H1 and H1 of a hose H, a water discharge device B such as a shower head, a water tap and a hot and cold water mixing tap. This shows a case of a hose connection structure for a shower hose that is connected to a water supply fitting C such as a nipple 1 that is mainly inserted into the inner periphery of each hose connection end H1, and is inserted into the outer periphery thereof. The presser cylinder 2, the connecting cylinder 3 covering the outside of the presser cylinder 2, and a fastening spring 4 that can be elastically deformed in the radial direction for rotatably locking the nipple 1 with respect to the connecting cylinder 3. The

The nipple 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape using, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or a hard synthetic resin. For example, as disclosed in FIG. A bamboo shoot-like portion 1a having a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the connection end H1 is integrally formed.
Further, a projection 1b facing the inner peripheral surface 3a of the connecting cylinder 3 described later is provided at an axially intermediate position of the nipple 1, and a fastening spring 4 described later is inserted into the outer peripheral surface of the projection 1b. An annular groove 1c is formed, and a concave portion 1d for accommodating the U packing P1 is formed in the outer periphery on the other axial end side.

In the case of the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 1 b protrudes like a bowl over the entire outer periphery of the nipple 1.
In addition, this protrusion 1b can also project partially along the outer periphery of the nipple 1 if the annular groove 1c can be continuously formed in the circumferential direction.
You may do it.
Further, the other end of the nipple 1 is continuously provided with a fitting portion 1e that is rotatably inserted into a distal end surface of a reduced diameter portion 3f of the connecting cylinder 3 described later. In the inserted state, these reduced diameters are provided. The tip surface of the portion 3f and the fitting portion 1e are brought into surface contact with each other through a slight gap for rotation.

  The presser cylinder 2 is formed into a thin cylindrical shape with a metal such as stainless steel or a hard constituent resin, for example. The inner diameter of the presser cylinder 2 is set as shown in FIGS. 5 to 6 of Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-13832. The diameter is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the hose connection end H1 into which the 1 bamboo shoot-like portion 1a is inserted.

  The connecting cylinder 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an appropriate thickness with a material such as hard synthetic resin or metal, and has an inner diameter slightly larger than the presser cylinder 2 and a maximum diameter of a fastening spring 4 described later. A small diameter is set, and an annular recess 3b into which the fastening spring 4 can enter is formed opposite to the annular groove 1c of the nipple 1 at an intermediate position in the axial direction of the inner peripheral surface 3a. The nipple 1 and the presser cylinder 2 are inserted from the insertion side opening 3c.

In the case of the illustrated example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cross-sectional shape of the annular recess 3 b is formed in an arc shape that fits with a fastening spring 4 described later, that is, the front side in the nipple insertion direction, that is, the front side. An annular step 3d is formed on the lower side in the figure, and a tapered surface 3e that gradually decreases in diameter from the annular step 3d toward the back in the nipple insertion direction, that is, the upper side in the figure, is provided continuously. An inner peripheral surface 3a from 3c to the annular step portion 3d is a surface parallel to the axial direction.
The taper surface 3e prevents the tip of the U-packing P1 from being caught or damaged by the annular recess 3b when the U-packing P1 is inserted along with the nipple 1 along the inner peripheral surface 3a of the connecting cylinder 3. It has the effect | action which guides to.

  The cross-sectional shape of the annular recess 3b may be any other shape as long as a later-described fastening spring 4 abuts and engages at least toward the nipple insertion side opening 3c, and the annular recess 3b. The shape of the inner peripheral surface 3a up to the above may be another shape, for example, the nipple insertion side opening 3c is most widened and is inclined so as to be slightly reduced in diameter toward the annular recess 3b.

  Further, on the inner peripheral surface 3a of the connecting cylinder 3 on the side opposite to the opening portion 3c on the nipple insertion side, a packing receiving pedestal on which the flat packing P2 is placed as a reduced diameter portion 3f is provided in a protruding manner. An outer threaded portion B1 engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the water discharger B such as a shower head or an outer threaded portion C1 engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the water supply fitting C such as a water faucet or a hot water mixer An inner screw 3g to be screwed is engraved.

  The fastening spring 4 is a ring spring formed in an annular shape by an elastically deformable material such as a metal such as stainless steel or a hard constituent resin, for example, and has a maximum outer diameter in a pressureless state where no pressure is applied in the radial direction. 3 is set to be larger than the inner peripheral surface 3a, and when inserted into the connecting cylinder 3, the diameter is elastically reduced with the contact with the inner peripheral surface 3a.

  In the case of the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 2, the fastening spring 4 is a C-shaped retaining ring (C-ring), and both ends thereof approach each other to be reduced in diameter by applying pressure in the radial direction.

On the other hand, the hose H is not limited to the illustrated single-layer structure, and a laminated hose (blade hose) in which a blade (reinforcing thread) is spirally wound and integrated as a reinforcing layer between an inner layer and an outer layer, As a reinforcing material between an opaque inner layer and a transparent outer layer, a spiral reinforcing hose in which a belt-shaped reinforcing material having a rectangular cross section whose surface is shining in a metallic color and a linear reinforcing material having a circular cross section are spirally wound and integrated. Forlan hose) is preferred.
Other than that, between the outer layer and the inner layer, only one of the band-shaped reinforcing material having a rectangular cross section and the linear reinforcing material having a circular cross section is wound to be integrated, or, for example, a thread-shaped reinforcing material such as glass fiber or flame retardant fiber. May be a conventionally known soft hose that is braided or spirally wound and integrated, or a single layer structure.

  Next, the connection method of the hose connection structure A will be described according to the order of steps. When the hose connection end H1 is connected to the water discharger B such as the shower head described above, water supply such as a water tap and a hot water mixing tap is provided. Since it is the same as the metal fitting C, the connection to the water discharge device B will be described based on the drawings, and the connection to the water supply metal fitting C will be omitted.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, after passing the presser tube 2 through the hose H, the bamboo child-like portion 1a of the nipple 1 is inserted into the inner periphery of the hose connection end H1, and the hose connection end H1 is partially expanded. Thereafter, the presser cylinder 2 is forcibly moved and inserted into the outer periphery of the expanded portion, the hose connection end H1 is sandwiched, and the presser cylinder 2 is integrally inserted into the outer periphery.

  In this state, by inserting the fastening spring 4 into the annular groove 1c of the nipple 1 or by inserting the fastening spring 4 in advance, at least the outer peripheral portion 4a of the fastening spring 4 is the protrusion 1b of the nipple 1. It protrudes outward.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the already integrated hose connection end H1 and nipple 1 are inserted from the nipple insertion side opening 3c of the connection cylinder 3, the outer peripheral portion 4a of the fastening spring 4 is obtained. Is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface 3a of the connecting cylinder 3 to be elastically deformed and reduced in diameter, and can be moved along the inner peripheral surface 3a as it is.

When the nipple 1 and the fastening spring 4 pushed in as they reach the position of the annular recess 3b, the fastening spring 4 released from the inner peripheral surface 3a is elastically expanded and deformed as shown in FIGS. It fits in the annular recess 3b.
At this time, the U-packing P1 reaches the annular recess 3b before the fastening spring 4, but due to the action of the tapered surface 3e, the tip of the U-packing P1 is fitted into the annular recess 3b and becomes difficult to be pushed further. Or smoothly passes through the annular recess 3b without being damaged.

As a result, the outer peripheral portion 4a of the fastening spring 4 and the annular step portion 3d of the annular recess 3b are brought into contact with each other in the hose axis direction so as to be freely rotatable and prevented from coming off.
That is, the fastening spring 4 serves as a rotating means and a retaining means for the nipple 1 and the connecting cylinder 3.

  Further, in this state, the fitting portion 1e continuously provided at the tip of the nipple 1 is rotatably inserted into the tip end surface of the packing receiving pedestal that is the reduced diameter portion 3f of the connecting cylinder 3, and both of them are slightly rotated. Since the surface contact is made through the gap, the hose connection end H1, the nipple 1 and the presser cylinder 2 can be smoothly rotated with respect to the connection cylinder 3 while preventing backlash.

This completes the assembly of the hose H to the connection cylinder 3.
As a result, the insertion of the nipple 1 and the presser cylinder 2 into the hose H and the assembly into the connection cylinder 3 can be separated and performed in separate steps.

  Then, with the flat packing P2 placed on the packing receiving pedestal 3f of the assembled connecting cylinder 3, an outer screw portion engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the water discharger B such as a shower head on the inner screw 3g If B1 is screwed, the flat packing P2 is sandwiched between the end surface B2 of the water discharger B and water leakage is prevented, so that the hose between the water discharger B and the shower head hanger as the connecting cylinder 3 is provided. Connection is complete.

  Further, the external thread C1 engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the water fitting C such as a water faucet or a hot water / water mixing faucet is screwed into the internal thread 3g of the connection cylinder 3 assembled to the other hose connection end H1. If worn, the hose connection between the water supply fitting C and the connecting cylinder 3 is completed.

  In the previous embodiment, the hose connection structure A of the present invention includes both connection ends H1 and H1 of the hose H, a water discharge device B such as a shower head, and a water supply fitting C such as a water tap and a hot water mixing tap. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be used to connect other industrial hoses or the like.

Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the case where the fastening spring 4 is a C-shaped retaining ring is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a material other than the C-shaped retaining ring can be substituted if it can be elastically deformed in the radial direction. good.
Further, the flat packing P2 is sandwiched between the packing receiving pedestal 3f of the connecting cylinder 3 and the end face B2 of the water discharger B to prevent water leakage. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other known means are used to stop the water leakage. Water may be used.

It is a vertical front view of the hose connection structure which shows one Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional plan view taken along line (2)-(2) in FIG. 1. It is a partial notch front view which shows a decomposition | disassembly state. (A) And (b) is a vertical front view which shows the assembly | attachment middle in order of a process.

Explanation of symbols

A Hose connection structure B Water discharge device B1 External screw part C Water supply fitting C1 External screw part H Hose H1 Hose connection end P1 U packing P2 Flat packing 1 Nipple 1a Part (bamboo child-like part) 1b Protrusion 1c Annular groove 1d Concave 1e Fitting Joint part 2 Presser cylinder 3 Connection cylinder 3a Inner peripheral surface 3b Annular recess 3c Nipple insertion side opening 3d Annular step 3e Tapered surface 3f Reduced diameter part, base for packing reception 3g Inner screw 4 Fastening spring 4a Outer peripheral part

Claims (3)

The connecting end (H1) of the hose (H) and the nipple (1) inserted on the inner periphery thereof are inserted into the connecting cylinder (3), and the hose (H) is connected to the inner surface of the connecting cylinder (3). In the hose connection structure in which the connection end (H1) and the nipple (1) are abutted and engaged in the hose axial direction to prevent the connection from rotating freely.
An annular groove (1c) facing the inner peripheral surface (3a) of the connecting cylinder (3) is formed in the nipple (1), and an annular recess (3b) facing this annular groove (1b) is connected to the connecting cylinder ( 3) The inner peripheral surface (3a) is recessed, and a fastening spring (4) that is elastically deformable in the radial direction and is larger than the innermost diameter of the connecting cylinder (3) is axially disposed in the annular groove (1b). And is elastically reduced in diameter by contact with the inner peripheral surface (3a) of the connection cylinder (3), and the inner peripheral surface (3a) of the connection cylinder (3). The hose connection structure is characterized in that the diameter is expanded and deformed toward the annular recess (3b) provided in the shape of the hose, and abuts and engages in the hose axial direction to prevent it from coming off freely. The nipple (1) is continuously provided with a fitting portion (1e) that is rotatably inserted into the distal end surface of the reduced diameter portion (3f) of the connecting cylinder (3). The hose connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the tip surface of the portion (3f) and the fitting portion (1e) are brought into surface contact with each other through a slight gap for rotation. The hose connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting cylinder (3) is a shower head hanger, and a pedestal for receiving a packing is provided as a reduced diameter portion (3f) on the inner periphery thereof.

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