JP2019163860A - Set of pipe body connection device and fixing bracket - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a set of a pipe body connection device and a fixing bracket which enables work of covering a pipe body connection member with a heat insulating material to be easily performed and enables easy handling and construction and improvement of heat insulating effect by the heat insulating material.SOLUTION: A pipe body connection device 1 includes: a header (a pipe body connection member) 2 connected to a pipe body 8; and a heat insulating material 4 covering the header 2. The heat insulating material 4 is formed on an outer surface 20 of the header 2 so as to cover at least a part of the header 2 and is formed integrally with the header 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a set of a tube connecting device and a fixture.

  Conventionally, pipe connection members such as a header, a joint, and a valve to which a pipe such as a resin pipe through which a fluid flows are connected are known. Some tube connecting members are provided with a heat insulating material for covering and keeping the tube connecting member warm. In Patent Document 1, a sheet-shaped heat insulating material (heat insulating member) is wound around the outer peripheral surface of a header configured by connecting a plurality of header members having branch ports for connecting pipe bodies, and both end edges of the heat insulating material The header apparatus which coat | covered the header with the heat insulating material comprised by the cylindrical shape by heat-seal | fusing and joining is disclosed.

JP 2000-337589 A

  However, in the above-described header device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to wind a heat insulating material separately prepared around the outer peripheral surface of the header and to bond both ends of the heat insulating material by heat-sealing. Therefore, the operation of covering the header with the heat insulating material is very complicated. Moreover, since the header comprised by connecting several header members is a complicated shape, it is necessary to prepare the heat insulating material match | combined with the complicated shape. In addition, a header in a state where a heat insulating material is wound cannot be said to be easy to handle and construct (install) on site, and the heat insulating material may fall off. Such a problem also occurs in other tube connecting members other than the header.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and it is easy to handle and construct a heat insulating material for the tube connecting member, and to further improve the heat insulating effect of the heat insulating material. It is intended to provide a set of a device and a fixture.

  The tubular body connecting device of the present invention includes a tubular body connecting member to which the tubular body is connected, and a heat insulating material that covers the tubular body connecting member, and the heat insulating material is at least a part of the tubular body connecting member. Is formed on the outer surface of the tube connecting member, and is configured integrally with the tube connecting member.

  The tubular body connecting device includes a tubular body connecting member and a heat insulating material that covers the tubular body connecting member. And the heat insulating material is shape | molded on the outer surface of a tube connection member so that at least one part of a tube connection member may be coat | covered. That is, the heat insulating material is directly molded on the outer surface of the tube connecting member. Therefore, the adhesion between the tube connecting member and the heat insulating material can be improved, and the heat insulating effect of the heat insulating material can be improved.

  In addition, since the heat insulating material is directly formed on the outer surface of the tube connecting member, the heat insulating material is changed to the shape of the tube connecting member even if the shape of the tube connecting member (particularly the shape of the outer surface) is complicated. In addition, it can be formed with a predetermined shape and a predetermined thickness without a gap. Thereby, compared with the case where the heat insulating material prepared separately around the tube connection member is wound around conventionally, the covering operation of the heat insulating material to the tube connection member becomes easy. Further, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to separately prepare a heat insulating material that matches the shape of the tube connecting member, and it is not necessary to perform the work of covering the tube connecting member with the heat insulating material at the site.

  Further, the heat insulating material is configured integrally with the tube connecting member. That is, the heat insulating material is formed on the outer surface of the tube connecting member so as to be integrated with the tube connecting member using, for example, insert molding. Therefore, handling of the tube connecting device and construction (installation etc.) at the site are facilitated. Further, since the tube connecting member and the heat insulating material are integrated, the heat insulating material does not fall off from the tube connecting member.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tubular body connecting apparatus that is easy to cover the thermal insulation material on the tubular body connection member, and that is easy to handle and construct, and that can improve the thermal insulation effect of the thermal insulation material. Can do.

  In the tubular body connecting device, the tubular body connecting member is a header configured by connecting a plurality of header members, and the header is configured by connecting the header members so as to be relatively rotatable. Also good. In this case, even if the shape of the tube connecting member (header) is complicated, the effect that the heat insulating material can be easily covered can be more effectively exhibited. In addition, when there is a header member to be rotated, for example, if the heat insulating material is cut and divided at a connection portion between the header member and another header member, the header member is rotated together with the divided portion of the heat insulating material. Can be moved. Here, when the header members are relatively rotatable, the header members are relatively rotatable when viewed as a single header excluding the heat insulating material.

  In addition, when the header is configured by connecting a plurality of header members, a heat insulating material may be formed on the outer surface of the header in a state where the plurality of header members are connected, or on the outer surface of each header member. After forming the heat insulating material, the header may be configured by connecting these header members.

  Further, in the heat insulating material, a mark for dividing the heat insulating material may be provided at a position corresponding to a connection portion of the header members in the header. In this case, for example, the heat insulating material can be divided by cutting or the like at a mark provided on the heat insulating material, and the header member can be rotated together with the divided portion of the heat insulating material.

  Moreover, the said header member WHEREIN: The connection location of the said header members may be coat | covered with the metal cylindrical members. In this case, for example, when the heat insulating material is cut and divided using a blade or the like at a position corresponding to a connection portion between the header members, the header member can be prevented from being damaged by the blade or the like. This is particularly effective when the header member has a portion made of resin or the like.

  The tubular body connecting member includes all members to which the tubular body is connected, such as a header, a joint, and a valve. In addition, as the header, for example, a header configured by connecting a plurality of header members having one or a plurality of branch ports for connecting pipe bodies, a header configured by a single member having a plurality of branch ports, and the like is there.

It is a perspective view showing a tube connection device. (A) is a side view which shows a tube connection device, (B) is a top view which shows a tube connection device. It is a partial cross section explanatory view showing a tube connection device. (A) And (B) is partial explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a heat insulating material is cut | disconnected and divided | segmented with a blade. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the 3rd header member of the header of a tubular body connection apparatus is rotated. It is a perspective view which shows the construction example of a tubular body connection apparatus. It is a perspective view showing a tube connection device. It is a perspective view which shows the construction example of a tubular body connection apparatus. (A) is a perspective view which shows a pipe body connection apparatus, (B) is a partial cross section explanatory drawing which shows a pipe body connection apparatus. It is a partial cross section explanatory view showing a tube connection device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the tube connection device 1 of this embodiment includes a header (tube connection member) 2 to which the tube 8 is connected, and a heat insulating material 4 that covers the header 2. ing. The heat insulating material 4 is formed on the outer surface 20 of the header 2 so as to cover at least a part of the header 2, and is configured integrally with the header 2. Hereinafter, the tube connection device 1 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the tube connection device 1, the header 2 is configured by connecting three header members 3 (a first header member 3 a, a second header member 3 b, and a third header member 3 c). Has been. The main part of each header member 3 is made of a synthetic resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin.

  Each header member 3 (first header member 3a, second header member 3b, third header member 3c) includes a main pipe portion 31 and a branch pipe portion 32 protruding from the main pipe portion 31 in a direction perpendicular to the main pipe portion 31. Have. The first header member 3 a and the second header member 3 b are formed in a T shape by the main pipe portion 31 and the branch pipe portion 32. The third header member 3 c is formed in an L shape by the main pipe portion 31 and the branch pipe portion 32.

  A main flow path 311 (not shown) through which fluid (water) flows is formed inside the main pipe portion 31. A branch channel 321 (not shown) for allowing fluid to flow is formed inside the branch pipe portion 32. Both ends of the main flow path 311 are open. One end of the branch channel 321 communicates with the main channel 311. The other end of the branch channel 321 is open.

  In the first header member 3 a, a connection portion 312 for connecting a fluid introduction tube body 8 for introducing a fluid (water) into the header 2 is provided on one end side of the main pipe portion 31. The connection portion 312 is formed with a connection port 313 into which the tubular body 8 is inserted and connected. A connecting portion 314 for connecting adjacent second header members 3b is provided on the other end side of the main pipe portion 31.

  In the second header member 3b, a connecting portion 314 for connecting the adjacent first header member 3a and third header member 3c is provided on one end side and the other end side of the main pipe portion 31, respectively.

  In the third header member 3c, a connecting portion 314 for connecting the adjacent second header member 3b is provided on one end side of the main pipe portion 31. The other end side of the main pipe part 31 is connected to the branch pipe part 32 as it is.

  In each header member 3 (the first header member 3a, the second header member 3b, and the third header member 3c), a fluid discharge tube 8 that discharges fluid from the header 2 is provided at the opening end side of the branch pipe portion 32. A connection portion 322 for connecting the two is provided. The connecting portion 322 is formed with a branch port 323 into which the tubular body 8 is inserted and connected. The branch ports 323 of each header member 3 are all open in the same direction.

  The header members 3 are arranged such that the main pipe portions 31 are arranged in a straight line by fitting the concave connection portion 314 in one header member 3 with the convex connection portion 314 in the other header member 3. In addition, the main flow paths 311 of the main pipe portions 31 are connected so as to communicate with each other.

  The header members 3 are connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable. Each header member 3 is configured to be rotatable about the central axis of the main pipe portion 31 (main flow path 311). By rotating the header member 3, the direction of the branch pipe part 32 (the opening direction of the branch port 323 of the connection part 322) can be freely changed in the direction orthogonal to the main pipe part 31. The header members 3 being rotatable relative to each other means that the header members 3 are relatively rotatable when viewed as the header 2 alone.

  A metallic cylindrical member 33 is fitted on the connecting portion between the header members 3. The cylindrical member 33 has a small thickness and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical member 33 is made of a highly rigid metal material such as stainless steel. The cylindrical member 33 suppresses the bending (deformation) in the radial direction of the connecting portion between the header members 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the heat insulating material 4 is formed on the outer surface 20 of the header 2 so as to cover almost the entire outer surface 20 of the header 2 and to enclose almost the entire header 2. , With a predetermined shape and a predetermined thickness. The heat insulating material 4 is insert-molded so as to be integrated with the header 2. That is, the header 2 and the heat insulating material 4 are integrally configured.

  The heat insulating material 4 covers the outer peripheral surface 310 of the main pipe portion 31 of each header member 3 except for the tip portion of the connection portion 312 of the header 2. In the heat insulating material 4, the portion covering the main pipe portion 31 of each header member 3 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape together with the main pipe portion 31.

  The heat insulating material 4 covers the outer peripheral surface 320 of the branch pipe portion 32 of each header member 3 except for the tip portions of the three connection portions 322 of the header 2. In the heat insulating material 4, the portion covering each branch pipe portion 32 of each header member 3 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape together with the branch pipe portion 32.

  In the heat insulating material 4, a portion covering the main pipe portion 31 and the branch pipe portion 32 of each header member 3 is integrally formed as a whole. In the heat insulating material 4, a concave portion 41 is provided between the portions covering the branch pipe portion 32 of each header member 3 to form a gap therebetween. In the recess 41, a fixing member (fixing bracket 52 to be described later) for fixing the tube connecting device 1 is disposed.

  On the outer surface 40 of the heat insulating material 4, two concave grooves 42 that are marks for dividing the heat insulating material 4 are formed along the circumferential direction. In the heat insulating material 4, the portion of the dividing groove 42 is thinner than the surroundings. In the heat insulating material 4, the dividing groove 42 is located at a position (metal) corresponding to a connection portion between the first header member 3 a and the second header member 3 b in the header 2 and a connection portion between the second header member 3 b and the third header member 3 c. The cylindrical member 33 made of metal is provided at a position where it is fitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the tubular body connecting apparatus 1, a fluid introducing tubular body 8 is inserted and connected to the connecting portion 312 (connecting port 313) of the header 2. The fluid discharge tubes 8 are inserted and connected to the three connection portions 322 (branch ports 323) of the header 2, respectively. The tubular body 8 is a resin pipe. The tube 8 is made of a synthetic resin such as polyolefin (crosslinked polyethylene, polybutene, etc.).

Next, the manufacturing method of the tube body connection apparatus 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
First, the header 2 in which the three header members 3 are connected is arranged in a mold for molding the heat insulating material 4. At this time, a predetermined gap is provided between the inner surface of the mold and the outer surface 20 of the header 2. Further, the connection port 313 and the branch port 323 of the header 2 are closed using a closing member such as a cap or a lid that closes the opening.

  Next, urethane foam serving as the heat insulating material 4 is poured into the mold (specifically, between the inner surface of the mold and the outer surface 20 of the header 2). The urethane foam is a foamed resin material obtained by adding a foaming agent to a urethane resin. The foamed urethane poured into the mold is foamed to fill the mold and harden. Thereby, the heat insulating material 4 having a predetermined thickness and a predetermined shape is formed (insert molding) on the outer surface 20 of the header 2.

  Thereafter, the integrated header 2 and heat insulating material 4 are removed from the mold. Further, the blocking member that has blocked the connection port 313 and the branch port 323 of the header 2 is removed. Thereby, almost the entire header 2 is covered with the heat insulating material 4, and the tube connecting device 1 in which the header 2 and the heat insulating material 4 are integrated is obtained.

Next, a construction example of the tube connection device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
In this example, in the header 2, the branch port 323 of the first header member 3a, the branch port 323 of the second header member 3b, and the branch port 323 of the third header member 3c are opened in opposite directions (directions different by 180 degrees). FIG. 6 is an example of installing the tube connection device 1 (FIG. 6 to be described later).

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the blade 51 is used in the thickness direction at the position of the dividing groove 42 provided between the second header member 3b and the third header member 3c in the heat insulating material 4. Make a notch 43. The cut 43 is formed over the entire circumference of the heat insulating material 4 in the circumferential direction. At this time, even if a force is applied to the blade 51 inadvertently, a metal cylindrical shape is formed at the position of the dividing groove 42 of the heat insulating material 4, that is, at the connection portion between the second header member 3b and the third header member 3c. Since the member 33 is externally fitted, the risk of damaging the resin portions of the second header member 3b and the third header member 3c can be reduced. Thereby, the heat insulating material 4 is cut | disconnected and divided | segmented in the position of the division | segmentation groove | channel 42, ie, the position which put the cut 43.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the third header member 3 c is rotated 180 degrees from the original position with the central axis of the main pipe portion 31 as a base axis. Accordingly, the branch port 323 of the first header member 3a, the branch port 323 of the second header member 3b, and the branch port 323 of the third header member 3c are opened in opposite directions (directions different by 180 degrees).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the pipe connecting device 1 is fixed (installed) to a concrete structure (not shown) to be fixed. Specifically, the tube connection device 1 is fixed to the structure using two fixing fittings 52. The plate-shaped fixing bracket 52 includes a semicircular gripping part 521 and a pair of fixing piece parts 522 provided at both ends of the gripping part 521.

  The holding portion 521 of the fixing bracket 52 holds the tube connection device 1 along the outer surface 40 of the heat insulating material 4 at the position of the dividing groove 42 of the heat insulating material 4 (the position of the connecting portion between the header members 3). ing. Of the two fixing brackets 52, the holding portion 521 of one fixing bracket 52 is disposed so as to pass through the recess 41 of the heat insulating material 4. A pair of fixing pieces 522 of each fixing bracket 52 is fixed to the structure using a concrete pin 53.

  In the tube connection device 1 fixed to a concrete structure to be fixed, the tube 8 is connected to the connection portion 312 (connection port 313) and the connection portion 322 (branch port 323) of the header 2, respectively. The In FIG. 6, some of the tubes 8 are illustrated, and the other tubes 8 are not illustrated.

Next, the effect in the tube connection apparatus 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
The tube connection device 1 of this embodiment includes a header 2 that is a tube connection member, and a heat insulating material 4 that covers the header 2. And the heat insulating material 4 is shape | molded on the outer surface 20 of the header 2 so that the whole header 2 may be coat | covered. That is, the heat insulating material 4 is directly molded with respect to the outer surface 20 of the header 2. Therefore, the adhesion between the header 2 and the heat insulating material 4 can be improved, and the heat insulating effect by the heat insulating material 4 can be improved.

  Further, since the heat insulating material 4 is directly formed on the outer surface 20 of the header 2, the heat insulating material 4 is matched to the shape of the header 2 even if the shape of the header 2 (particularly the shape of the outer surface 20) is complicated. , And can be molded without gaps in a predetermined shape and a predetermined thickness. Thereby, compared with the case where the heat insulating material prepared separately around tube body connection members, such as a header, is wound conventionally, the covering operation | work of the heat insulating material 4 with respect to the header 2 becomes easy. In addition, it is not necessary to separately prepare a heat insulating material that matches the shape of the pipe connecting member such as the header as in the conventional case, and it is not necessary to perform the work of covering the pipe connecting member such as the header with the heat insulating material in the field. Good.

  The heat insulating material 4 is configured integrally with the header 2. That is, the heat insulating material 4 is formed on the outer surface 20 of the header 2 so as to be integrated with the header 2 by using, for example, insert molding as in the present embodiment. Therefore, handling of the tube connection device 1 and construction (installation, etc.) at the site are facilitated. Further, since the header 2 and the heat insulating material 4 are integrated, the heat insulating material 4 does not fall off from the header 2.

  Further, in the tube connecting device 1, the header 2 is configured by connecting a plurality of header members 3, and the header 2 is configured by connecting the header members 3 so as to be relatively rotatable. That is, even if the shape of the header 2 is complicated, the effect that the heat insulating material 4 is easily covered can be more effectively exhibited. Further, as in the present embodiment, when there is a header member 3 (third header member 3c) to be rotated, the header member 3 (third header member 3c) and the other header member 3 (second header member 3b). ), The header member 3 (third header member 3c) can be rotated together with the divided portion of the heat insulating material 4 if the heat insulating material 4 is divided by cutting or the like.

  Further, in the heat insulating material 4, a mark (dividing groove 42) for dividing the heat insulating material 4 is provided at a position corresponding to a connection portion between the header members 3 in the header 2. Therefore, as in this embodiment, the heat insulating material 4 is divided by cutting or the like at the position of the mark (dividing groove 42) provided on the heat insulating material 4, and the header member 3 (third header member 3c) is divided into the heat insulating material 4 It can be rotated with the divided parts.

  In addition, in the header 2, the connection portion between the header members 3 is covered with a metallic cylindrical member 33. Therefore, when the heat insulating material 4 is cut and divided using the blade 51 or the like at a position corresponding to the connection portion between the header members 3 as in the present embodiment, force is inadvertently applied to the blade 51 or the like. Even so, the header member 3 (particularly the resin portion) can be prevented from being damaged.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the heat insulating material 4 is easily covered with the heat insulating material 4 on the header 2 which is a tube connecting member, and handling and construction are easy, and the heat insulating effect of the heat insulating material 4 can be improved. The body connection device 1 can be provided.

(Embodiment 2)
This embodiment is an example in which the configuration (shape) of the heat insulating material 4 in the tube connection device 1 is changed as shown in FIG. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure and effect similar to Embodiment 1. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, two flat portions 44 that are flat surfaces are provided on the outer surface 40 of the heat insulating material 4. The flat portion 44 is provided between the portions of the heat insulating material 4 that cover the branch pipe portions 32 of the header members 3. That is, the flat portion 44 is provided at a portion that contacts the bottom surface of the concave portion 41 of the heat insulating material 4. A part of the dividing groove 42 is formed in the flat portion 44.

Next, a construction example of the tube connection device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, the pipe connection device 1 is fixed (installed) to a concrete structure (not shown) to be fixed. Specifically, the tube connection device 1 is fixed to the structure using two first fixing brackets 54 and two second fixing brackets 55.

  The plate-like first fixing bracket 54 has the same configuration as that of the fixing bracket 52 of the first embodiment, and includes a semicircular gripping portion 541 and a pair of fixing piece portions 542 provided at both ends of the gripping portion 541. Have. The plate-like second fixing bracket 55 has a first fixing portion 551 to which the tube connecting device 1 is fixed and a second fixing portion 552 to be fixed to the structure, and is formed in an L shape. .

  The gripping portion 541 of the first fixing bracket 54 moves the tube connection device 1 along the outer surface 40 of the heat insulating material 4 at the position of the dividing groove 42 of the heat insulating material 4 (the position of the connection portion between the header members 3). Holding. The pair of fixing pieces 542 of the first fixing metal 54 are fixed to the first fixing part 551 of the second fixing metal 55 using two fixing screws 56. Here, the flat portion 44 of the heat insulating material 4 and the first fixing portion 551 of the second fixing bracket 55 are in contact with each other on a plane. As a result, the tube connection device 1 is prevented from rotating. The second fixing portion 552 of the second fixing metal 55 is fixed to the structure using two concrete pins 57.

  In the tube connection device 1 fixed to a concrete structure to be fixed, the tube 8 is connected to the connection portion 312 (connection port 313) and the connection portion 322 (branch port 323) of the header 2, respectively. The In FIG. 8, some of the plurality of tube bodies 8 are illustrated, and other tube bodies 8 are not illustrated.

(Embodiment 3)
This embodiment is an example in which a joint 6 is applied as a tube connecting member in the tube connecting apparatus 1 as shown in FIGS. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure and effect similar to Embodiment 1. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the joint 6 is disposed between the tube body 8 (see FIG. 3 described above) and the tube body 8, and connects the tube body 8 and the tube body 8. Is to do. The joint 6 includes a first pipe part 61 and a second pipe part 62 that protrudes from the first pipe part 61 in a direction orthogonal to the first pipe part 61. The joint 6 is a so-called cheese joint formed in a T shape by the first pipe portion 61 and the second pipe portion 62.

  A first flow path 611 (not shown) is formed inside the first pipe portion 61. A second flow path 621 (not shown) is formed inside the second pipe portion 62. Both ends of the first flow path 611 are open. One end of the second channel 621 communicates with the first channel 611. The other end of the second flow path 621 is open.

  A connection portion 612 for connecting the tube body 8 is provided on one end side and the other end side of the first tube portion 61. The connection portion 612 is formed with a connection port 613 for inserting and connecting the tube body 8. Further, a connection portion 622 for connecting the tube body 8 is provided on the opening end side of the second tube portion 62. The connection portion 622 is formed with a connection port 623 for inserting and connecting the tube body 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the heat insulating material 4 covers the outer surface 60 of the joint 6 and covers the entire outer surface 60 of the joint 6 so that the outer surface of the joint 6 is included. Molded on the surface 60 with a predetermined thickness. The heat insulating material 4 is insert-molded so as to be integrated with the joint 6. That is, the joint 6 and the heat insulating material 4 are integrally formed.

  The heat insulating material 4 covers the outer peripheral surface 610 of the first pipe portion 61 except for the tip portion of the connection portion 612 of the joint 6. In the heat insulating material 4, a portion covering the first tube portion 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape together with the first tube portion 61. The heat insulating material 4 covers the outer peripheral surface 620 of the second pipe portion 62 except for the tip portion of the connection portion 622 of the joint 6. In the heat insulating material 4, a portion covering the second pipe portion 62 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape together with the second pipe portion 62. As for the heat insulating material 4, the part which coat | covers the 1st pipe part 61 and the 2nd pipe part 62 of the coupling 6 is integrally formed as a whole.

  In the tube connection device 1, the tube 8 is inserted and connected to the connection portion 612 (connection port 613) of the joint 6. Further, the pipe body 8 is inserted and connected to the connection portion 622 (connection port 623) of the joint 6.

(Embodiment 4)
As shown in FIG. 10, the present embodiment is an example in which a valve 7 is applied as a tube connection member in the tube connection device 1. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure and effect similar to Embodiment 1. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the valve 7 is a ball valve disposed between the tube body 8 (see FIG. 3 and the like) and a device such as a water heater. The valve 7 has a main body pipe portion 71. A channel 711 (not shown) is formed inside the main body pipe portion 71.

  A connection portion 712 for connecting the tube body 8 is provided on one end side of the main body tube portion 71. The connection portion 712 is formed with a connection port 713 into which the tubular body 8 is inserted and connected. On the other end side of the main body pipe portion 71, a device connection portion (nut) 72 that is connected and fixed to a device such as a water heater is provided. The device connection portion 72 is fixed by screwing into a screw portion or the like provided in a device such as a water heater.

  A ball-type valve body (not shown) is disposed in the flow path 711 of the main body pipe portion 71. The valve body is configured to be operated by a handle 73 via a valve shaft (spindle) (not shown). By turning the handle 73, it is possible to switch between an open state (a state where fluid can flow) and a closed state (a state where fluid cannot flow) of the flow path 711 of the main body pipe portion 71.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the heat insulating material 4 is molded with a predetermined thickness on the outer surface 70 of the bulb 7 so as to cover and enclose a part of the outer surface 70 of the bulb 7. The heat insulating material 4 is insert-molded so as to be integrated with the valve 7. That is, the valve 7 and the heat insulating material 4 are integrally formed.

  The heat insulating material 4 mainly covers the outer peripheral surface 710 of the main body pipe portion 71 of the valve 7. In the heat insulating material 4, a portion covering the main body pipe portion 71 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape together with the main body pipe portion 71. Further, the heat insulating material 4 does not cover the portion where the device connecting portion 72 and the handle 73 of the valve 7 are provided and the periphery thereof. The reason for this is that the device connection portion 72 is a portion that is rotated using a tool when screwed into a screw portion or the like provided in a device such as a water heater, and the handle 73 operates a ball-type valve body. This is because it is a part to be turned to make it necessary to expose both of them.

  In the tube connection device 1, the tube 8 is inserted and connected to the connection portion 712 (connection port 613) of the valve 7. Further, the valve 7 is connected (fixed) to a device such as a water heater via the device connection portion 72.

(Other embodiments)
It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the present invention.

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the header 2, the joint 6, and the valve 7 are applied as the pipe connection member has been described. Includes all members to which the body is connected. Examples of the header include a header configured by connecting a plurality of header members having one or a plurality of branch ports for connecting pipe bodies, a header configured by a single member having a plurality of branch ports, and the like. Examples of the joint include a joint for connecting the pipe bodies, a joint for connecting the pipe body and an instrument such as a water stop cock, and the like. Examples of the shape of the joint include an I-shaped straight joint, a T-shaped cheese joint, and an L-shaped elbow joint. Examples of the valve include a gate valve, a ball valve, and a needle valve.

  (2) Although foamed urethane is used as the heat insulating material 4 in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. As the heat insulating material 4, for example, various resin materials having heat insulation properties such as foamed polystyrene (foamed polystyrene) and polyolefin-based foamed resin can be used.

  (3) In the above-described first to third embodiments, the heat insulating material 4 is molded so as to cover almost the entire outer surface 20 of the header 2 and the outer surface 60 of the joint 6 which are pipe connecting members. 4, the heat insulating material 4 is formed so as to cover a part of the valve 7 that is a tube connecting member, but the heat insulating material is formed so as to cover a necessary portion of the outer surface of the tube connecting member. It only has to be done. That is, in the tube connecting member, the portion covered with the heat insulating material may be set as appropriate. It is preferable that the heat insulating material covers a portion where a flow path through which the fluid flows is formed in order to sufficiently exhibit the heat retaining property.

  (4) In the first and second embodiments, the heat insulating material 4 is formed on the outer surface 20 of the header 2 in a state where a plurality of header members 3 are connected. For example, the heat insulating material is formed on the outer surface of each header member. The header may be formed by connecting these header members.

  (5) In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the groove-shaped dividing groove 42 is provided as a mark for dividing the heat insulating material 4, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for dividing the heat insulating material. Any mark can be used. For example, you may provide a protrusion (convex part) on the surface of a heat insulating material. Moreover, you may change the outer diameter of a heat insulating material for every division unit. In this case, for example, a method of gradually decreasing (increasing) the outer diameter of the heat insulating material, or alternately arranging a portion having a large outer diameter and a portion having a small outer diameter can be used. Moreover, you may change the surface roughness of the surface of a heat insulating material for every division unit. In addition, a mark (a line indicating a division position) may be provided by applying a paint or the like on the surface of the heat insulating material. In this case, for example, it is possible to use a method in which a coating material is placed in a mold for forming the heat insulating material and transferred to the surface of the heat insulating material.

  (6) In the first and second embodiments described above, the heat insulating material 4 is divided by cutting with the blade 51 at the position of the dividing groove 42. However, the means and method for dividing the heat insulating material are limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, by reducing the thickness of the heat insulating material only at the position where the heat insulating material is divided, or by providing a notch that reaches the outer surface of the tube connecting member from the surface of the heat insulating material at the position where the heat insulating material is divided. Alternatively, the heat insulating material may be divided using hands, tools or the like. Further, a thin wire or the like may be arranged inside the heat insulating material, and the heat insulating material may be divided by pulling the wire.

  (7) In the first and second embodiments described above, in the heat insulating material 4, a mark (dividing groove 42) for dividing the heat insulating material 4 is provided in a portion of the header 2 corresponding to the connection portion between the header members 3. However, a configuration may be adopted in which a mark for dividing the heat insulating material is not provided.

  (8) In the first and second embodiments described above, in the header 2, the connection portion between the header members 3 is covered with the metal cylindrical member 33, but such a cylindrical member is not provided. It is good also as a structure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tube connection apparatus 2 ... Header (tube connection member)
20 ... Outer surface 4 ... Insulating material 6 ... Fitting (tube connecting member)
7 ... Valve (Tube connecting member)
8 ... Tube

Claims (1)

A tube connecting member to which the tube is connected;
A heat insulating material covering the tube connecting member, and a tube connecting device comprising:
A fixing bracket for fixing the tube connecting device to the structure,
The heat insulating material is molded on the outer surface of the tube connecting member so as to cover at least a part of the tube connecting member, and is configured integrally with the tube connecting member,
The tube connecting member is a header configured by connecting a plurality of header members, and the header is configured by connecting the header members so as to be relatively rotatable,
In the heat insulating material, a concave groove-shaped dividing groove which is a mark for dividing the heat insulating material is formed in the portion corresponding to the connection portion of the header members in the header along the circumferential direction. Is provided at the time,
In the heat insulating material, the portion of the dividing groove is thinner than the surroundings,
The tube connecting device and the fixing metal fitting, wherein the holding portion of the fixing metal fitting holds the tube connecting device at the position of the dividing groove of the heat insulating material along the outer surface of the heat insulating material. Pair with.

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