JP2022162151A - Clip and annular cover - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve further stabilization of connection between a connection cylinder part and a pipe body.

SOLUTION: A joint member 10 has: a connection cylinder part 11 into which a tip of a pipe body 50 is inserted; a C shaped clip 30 which is fitted in a peripheral groove 15 formed at the connection cylinder part 11; and an annular cover 40 into which the connection cylinder part 11 is inserted. The clip 30 includes: a claw part 35; and a connection protrusion part 32 which passes through a communication hole 16 which is formed penetrating through a groove bottom wall 15H of the peripheral groove 15 and engages with a second annular groove 53M of the pipe body 50. The annular cover 40 has: a first cutout part 41 which receives the claw part 35 when the annular cover 40 is disposed so as to enclose the clip 30, and an engagement protrusion part 45 which engages with the peripheral groove 15 of the connection cylinder part 11 to restrict the annular cover 40 from moving in a direction away from the pipe body 50.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a joint member that retains a tubular body inserted into a connecting tubular portion with a clip fitted to the connecting tubular portion, and a pipe connection structure including the joint member.

In the joint member disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a U-shaped clip enters the connecting tubular portion through a communicating hole formed in the tubular wall of the connecting tubular portion, and the clip is formed on the outer surface of the tubular body. engaged with the annular groove provided.

JP 2011-106604 A (paragraph [0029], FIGS. 3 and 4)

In the joint member of Patent Document 1, the clip may come off due to an external force, and further stabilization of the connection between the connecting tubular portion and the tubular body has been required.

The invention of claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is formed in a C-shape having a connecting tube part into which the tip part of the tubular body to be connected is inserted and an opening at one place in the circumferential direction. and a clip that is fitted into a circumferential groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion, wherein the clip extends outward from at least one of both ends sandwiching the opening. and a pawl portion protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body, which enters into the inner side of the connecting tubular portion through a communication hole formed through the bottom wall of the circumferential groove and formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. and a connecting protrusion that engages with the annular groove, the joint member comprising a receiving recess that forms an annular shape through which the connecting tubular portion is inserted and that opens at an edge facing the tubular body, An annular cover is provided for receiving the claw portion in the receiving recess and restricting opening of the clip when surrounding the clip from the outside, wherein the annular cover is arranged so as to surround the clip. The joint member includes a movement restricting portion that engages with the connecting tube portion or the clip in a closed state to restrict movement of the annular cover in a direction away from the tubular body.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the movement restricting portion is formed by an engaging protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular cover and engaged with an engaging recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion. The joint member according to claim 1, wherein

According to the third aspect of the invention, the depth of the circumferential groove is greater than the radial thickness of the clip, the engaging recess is formed by the circumferential groove, and the engaging projection is formed by the circumferential groove. 3. The joint according to claim 2, wherein the annular cover is restricted from moving in a direction away from the tubular body by coming into contact with a portion of the inner surface of the groove that faces the tubular body and is exposed outside the clip. It is a member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the receiving recess is formed by an opening penetrating the annular cover in a radial direction, and the claw portion is configured to be visible from the outside through the opening. 3. The joint member according to any one of 3.

According to the invention of claim 5, the annular cover is provided with a cutout portion that opens at an edge facing the tubular body, and when the movement restricting portion is engaged with the connecting tube portion or the clip, the cutout portion is opened. 5. The joint member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a portion of the opening edge of the portion facing the tubular body is arranged substantially flush with an edge of the clip facing the tubular body. is.

The invention of claim 6 is the joint member according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the annular cover is colored differently from the clip.

The invention according to claim 7 is a pipe connection structure comprising the joint member according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and the pipe body, wherein the pipe body has a hose portion outside which is made of a heat insulating material. a small-diameter tubular portion having a distal end portion inserted into the connection tubular portion and a proximal end portion inserted into the hose portion; and the small-diameter tubular portion A drain hose abutting portion projecting outward from an intermediate portion of the drain hose against which the end of the drain hose abuts; The pipe connection structure includes the hose portion and the large-diameter tubular portion sandwiching the heat insulating material therebetween.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the annular cover is formed so as to be able to abut against the drain hose contact portion, and the movement restricting portion is arranged such that when the annular cover abuts against the drain hose contact portion, 8. The pipe connection structure according to claim 7, wherein the pipe connection structure engages with the connection tubular portion or the clip.

In the inventions of claims 1 and 7, since the opening of the clip is restricted when the annular cover encloses the clip from the outside, the clip is prevented from coming off due to an external force, thereby stabilizing the connection between the connecting tubular portion and the tubular body. is planned. Further, when the annular cover surrounds the clip from the outside, the movement of the annular cover in the direction away from the tubular body is restricted by the movement restricting portion provided on the annular cover. This facilitates maintaining the annular cover in a state surrounding the clip from the outside.

Here, when the receiving recess for receiving the claw portion of the clip is closed on the side opposite to the tubular body, the contact between the inner surface of the receiving recess and the claw portion causes the annular cover to move toward the tubular body. is regulated, the annular cover can be fixed in a state surrounding the clip from the outside. In addition, the tubular body is fixed to the distal end of the drain hose, the outside of which is covered with a heat insulating material. A hose portion between a drain hose abutting portion projecting outward from the intermediate portion and against which the end of the drain hose abuts, and a hose portion extending from the outer edge of the drain hose abutting portion toward the base end side of the small diameter tubular portion and the small diameter tubular portion. and a large-diameter cylindrical portion that sandwiches the heat insulating material (claim 7), the annular cover can abut against the drain hose contact portion, and in the abutting state, the movement restricting portion is annular Since the annular cover is restricted from moving in the direction toward the tubular body by being configured to engage with the cover or the connecting tubular portion, the annular cover can be fixed in a state surrounding the clip from the outside ( (Invention of claim 8).

When the movement restricting portion engages with the connecting tube portion, the movement restricting portion may be an engaging protrusion that engages with an engaging recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion (claim 2). Invention), it may be a concave portion that engages with a projection formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion. In the former case, if the circumferential groove of the connecting tube portion is used as the engaging recess, there is no need to newly provide the engaging recess in the connecting tube portion. Specifically, the depth of the circumferential groove is made larger than the thickness of the clip in the radial direction, and the engagement protrusion is in contact with the portion of the inner surface of the circumferential groove that faces the tubular body and is exposed outside the clip. All you have to do is (invention of claim 3).

If the receiving recess for receiving the claw portion of the clip is composed of an opening penetrating the annular cover in the radial direction, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the clip by checking whether the claw portion can be seen through the opening. (invention of claim 4). In addition, the annular cover is formed with a cutout portion that opens at an edge facing the tubular body, and when the movement restricting portion is engaged with the connecting tube portion or the clip, the portion of the opening edge of the cutout portion that faces the tubular body is If configured to be arranged substantially flush with the edge of the clip facing the tubular body, whether or not the movement restricting portion is engaged with the connecting tubular portion or the clip can be determined by whether or not the clip can be seen through the notch. It becomes possible to confirm (invention of claim 5). In any case, if the annular cover is given a color different from that of the clip, the annular cover and the clip can be easily distinguished, and the clip can be easily recognized through the notch or opening (invention of claim 6). .

Schematic configuration diagram of a drain pipe using the pipe connection structure according to the first embodiment. Side sectional view of pipe connection structure (A) Perspective view seen from the distal end side of the tubular body, (B) Perspective view seen from the proximal end side Perspective view around fitting part of joint member Perspective view around fitting part of connecting tube part (A) Perspective view of the clip as seen from the opposite side of the opening, (B) Perspective view of the clip as seen from the opening side Flat sectional view of a clip fitted in a circumferential groove (A) Perspective view of the annular cover as seen from the distal side, (B) Perspective view of the annular cover as seen from the proximal side (A) A front view of the tube connection structure when the annular cover is arranged closer to the proximal end of the connecting cylinder than the clip, (B) A front view of the tube connection structure when the annular cover is arranged outside the clip Flat cross-sectional view of pipe connection structure Side sectional view of the pipe connection structure when the annular cover is arranged outside the clip (A) A side cross-sectional view of the engaging projection that has entered the circumferential groove, (B) A side cross-sectional view of the engaging projection disposed on the base end side of the connecting tube portion from the circumferential groove. (A) Perspective view seen from the distal side, (B) Perspective view seen from the proximal side of the annular cover according to the second embodiment. Front view of pipe connection structure A sectional side view showing an engagement state of a protrusion and a recess according to another embodiment. (A) Perspective view seen from the distal end side, (B) Perspective view seen from the proximal end side of an annular cover according to another embodiment Flat cross-sectional view of pipe connection structure

[First embodiment]
The joint member 10 and pipe connection structure 100 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pipe connection structure 100 of the present embodiment is used in a drain pipe 112 for discharging drain water generated in an air conditioner 110 to a drain pipe 111. It consists of a joint member 10 connected to the discharge port 110</b>A or the drain pipe 111 and a tubular body 50 attached to the end of the drain hose 120 . The drain pipe 112 is installed on the ceiling, and arranged in an inverted U shape with the intermediate portion raised upward.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the tubular body 50 includes a small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 and a drain hose contact portion 55 projecting outward from an axially intermediate portion of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51. , and a large-diameter tubular portion 56 extending from the outer edge of the drain hose contact portion 55 to the base end side of the small-diameter tubular portion 51 . As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular body 50 is configured such that the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 is inserted into the drain hose 120 from the base end side, and the drain hose contact portion 55 is abutted against the end face of the drain hose 120. , is fixed to the drain hose 120 . Here, the drain hose 120 has a two-layer structure in which the outside of the hose portion 121 is covered with a heat insulating material 122. The hose portion 121 and the heat insulating material 122 are sandwiched between the portion 56 and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 .

Fixing of the tubular body 50 to the drain hose 120 is performed using an adhesive or the like. Specifically, an adhesive is applied in advance to the inner peripheral surface of the hose portion 121 of the drain hose 120, the outer peripheral surface and the tip surface of the heat insulating material 122, and the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter tubular portion 51 of the tubular body 50. The tubular body 50 is fixed to the drain hose 120 by inserting the small-diameter tubular portion 51 of the body 50 into the drain hose 120 . In order to facilitate the insertion of the small-diameter tubular portion 51 into the drain hose 120 , the length of the portion of the small-diameter tubular portion 51 located on the proximal side of the drain hose abutting portion 55 is longer than that of the large-diameter tubular portion 56 . The outer peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 is tapered so that the diameter gradually decreases toward the proximal end side.

The tubular body 50 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as a soft polyvinyl chloride resin, a hard polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyolefin resin, or the like. The thermoplastic resin forming the tubular body 50 may be either a transparent resin or an opaque resin. Also, the hose portion 121 of the drain hose 120 is preferably made of, for example, thermoplastic resin, such as polyolefin resin or vinyl chloride resin. It is preferable that the heat insulating material 122 is made of foamed thermoplastic resin such as polyolefin resin (for example, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin), foamed rubber, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3(A), a first enlarged diameter portion 52 and a second enlarged diameter portion 53 are formed in order from the tip side in a portion of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 that is closer to the tip side than the drain hose contact portion 55. It is A first annular groove 52M in which an O-ring (not shown) is mounted is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first enlarged diameter portion 52 . A second annular groove 53M that engages with a clip 30 of the joint member 10, which will be described later, is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second enlarged diameter portion 53. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the first enlarged diameter portion 52 is configured to include two first annular grooves 52M, but may be configured to include only one first annular groove 52M, or include three or more. It may be a configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the joint member 10 includes a connecting tubular portion 11, a clip 30, and an annular cover 40. As shown in FIGS. The connecting tube portion 11, the clip 30 and the annular cover 40 are made of thermoplastic resin. Specifically, it is preferable that the connecting tube portion 11 is made of a soft polyvinyl chloride resin, a hard polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyolefin resin, or the like. The clip 30 is preferably made of polyacetal resin or polyamide resin such as nylon 66. The annular cover 40 is preferably made of polyolefin resin, polyamide resin, or the like. The thermoplastic resin forming the connecting tube portion 11, the clip 30, and the annular cover 40 may be either a transparent resin or an opaque resin. If at least the connecting tube portion 11 is made of a transparent thermoplastic resin, the inside of the connecting tube portion 11 can be visually confirmed from the outside, and the condition of the drain water flowing through the pipe can be recognized. By forming the tubular body 50, the clip 30, and the annular cover 40 from a transparent thermoplastic resin in addition to the connecting tube portion 11, the condition of the drain water flowing through the pipe can be recognized over a wide range.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the connecting tube portion 11 includes an elbow portion 12 curved in an L-shape and an end portion on one side of the elbow portion 12 connected to a drain outlet 110A or a drain drain pipe. 111 (see FIG. 1), and a fitting portion 14 connected to the other end of the elbow portion 12 and fitted to the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 of the tubular body 50 from the outside. , is equipped with In the present embodiment, in the joint member 10, the side on which the fitting portion 14 is arranged is called the distal side, and the side on which the connecting end portion 13 is arranged is called the proximal side.

The fitting portion 14 has a structure in which the diameter of the distal end portion away from the elbow portion 12 is stepped, and the opening of the enlarged diameter portion 14K is an insertion port 11A (Fig. 5). A circumferential groove 15 (see FIG. 5) having a C shape in a plan view is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 14K. A portion of the enlarged diameter portion 14</b>K where the circumferential groove 15 is not formed is arranged so as to face the same side as the connecting end portion 13 when viewed from the central axis direction of the fitting portion 14 . In the example shown in FIG. 2, the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the elbow portion 12, but may be different.

As shown in FIG. 5 , a groove bottom wall 15</b>H of the circumferential groove 15 is formed with a communication hole 16 that communicates between the inside of the fitting portion 14 and the circumferential groove 15 . The communication hole 16 extends in the circumferential direction of the fitting portion 14, and extends on one side of the groove bottom wall 15H in the groove width direction of the circumferential groove 15 (that is, in the It is arranged closer to the distal end side of the connecting tube portion 11 . In the present embodiment, a pair of communication holes 16 are provided so as to face each other in the radial direction of the fitting portion 14. However, a pair of communication holes 16 may be displaced from positions facing each other in the radial direction. , may be provided in two or more pairs so as to face each other in the radial direction. Also, only one or three or more communication holes 16 may be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the clip 30 includes a C-shaped ring portion 31 having an opening 31A at one location in the circumferential direction, and both ends of the ring portion 31 sandwiching the opening 31A. and a pair of claw portions 35 , 35 extending radially outward of the ring portion 31 from the ring portion 31 . In this embodiment, the claw portions 35 protrude from the entire axial direction of both ends of the ring portion 31, but may protrude from a part of the axial direction of the both ends.

The ring portion 31 is elastically deformable so as to widen the opening 31A from the state shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Then, the clip 30 changes between the closed state shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B and the open state in which the opening 31A is wider than the closed state. The inner diameter of the ring portion 31 in the closed state is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the groove bottom wall 15H of the circumferential groove 15 in the fitting portion 14, and the ring portion 31 is fitted into the circumferential groove 15 (see FIG. 7). reference).

As shown in FIG. 7 , the pair of claw portions 35 , 35 are tapered to become narrower in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 31 toward the radially outer side of the ring portion 31 . Specifically, the surfaces 35M1 of the pair of claw portions 35, 35 facing each other in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 31 are formed substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the ring portion 31, A surface 35M2 of 35 facing the opposite side in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 31 curves away from the opening 31A of the ring portion 31 toward the radially inner side of the ring portion 31 (that is, the base end side of the claw portion 35). It is formed in an R shape. Note that the surface 35M2 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the ring portion 31, similarly to the surface 35M1.

A pair of connecting protrusions 32 , 32 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ring portion 31 so as to protrude toward the center of the ring portion 31 . The pair of connecting protrusions 32 , 32 are formed in an arcuate shape extending along the ring portion 31 and arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the ring portion 31 corresponding to the communication hole 16 of the fitting portion 14 . It is With the ring portion 31 fitted in the circumferential groove 15, the pair of connecting protrusions 32, 32 enter and engage with the pair of communication holes 16, 16. As shown in FIG. Here, the amount of protrusion of the connecting protrusion 32 is larger than the thickness of the groove bottom wall 15H of the circumferential groove 15, and the connecting protrusion 32 protrudes into the fitting portion 14. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) , the pair of connecting protrusions 32, 32 are arranged on one side of the ring portion 31 in the central axis direction. It is designed not to enter the pair of communication holes 16, 16 when the front and back are reversed. In addition, the inner peripheral portion of each connecting protrusion 32 (the distal end portion of the connecting protrusion 32 in the projecting direction) is formed in a tapered shape in which one side of the ring portion 31 in the central axis direction is tapered. A surface of the inner peripheral portion of the connecting protrusion 32 facing one side in the central axis direction of the ring portion 31 is inclined toward the one side in the central axis direction of the ring portion 31 as the distance from the center of the ring portion 31 increases. It has become. In addition, it is good also as a structure where the connection protrusion 32 does not have the front-end|tip inclined surface 32K.

As shown in FIG. 7, the portion of the inner peripheral surface of the connecting projection 32 opposite to the opening 31A of the ring portion 31 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) is rounded. . This facilitates insertion of the connecting projection 32 into the communication hole 16 . Further, the connecting protrusion 32 has a protrusion 32T that protrudes from its inner peripheral portion toward the opening 31A of the ring portion 31. As shown in FIG. This makes it difficult for the connecting projection 32 inserted into the communication hole 16 to come off from the communication hole 16 . In addition, the connection protrusion 32 may be configured without the protrusion 32T.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the annular cover 40 is formed in an annular shape, and the fitting portion 14 (see FIG. 4) of the connecting tube portion 11 is inserted through the inside thereof. be. The inner diameter of the annular cover 40 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14 . In addition, in the annular cover 40 of the present embodiment, the radial thickness (thickness) is smaller than the axial length.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the annular cover 40 of the present embodiment is formed with a first notch 41 that opens at one axial end of the annular cover 40 . A pair of first cutouts 41 are provided in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40 at intervals. Here, the annular cover 40 is attached to the fitting portion 14 of the connecting tube portion 11 so that the open end of the first notch portion 41 faces the distal end side of the connecting tube portion 11 . Therefore, the open end of the first notch 41 faces the tubular body 50 (see FIG. 9A). The pair of first notches 41, 41 are arranged so as to surround the clip 30 mounted in the circumferential groove 15 of the fitting portion 14 from the outside when the annular cover 40 is arranged to surround the clip 30. 9(B). In the present embodiment, one axial end (that is, the end where the first notch 41 opens) and the other axial end of the annular cover 40 are appropriately referred to as the distal end and the proximal end of the annular cover 40 . Note that the first notch 41 of the present embodiment may be formed according to the shape of the claw portion 35 provided on the clip 30 . For example, if the claws 35 protrude from a portion of both ends of the ring portion 31 in the axial direction, the notch condition of the first notch 41 may be adjusted according to the claws 35 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , the cross-sectional shape of the first cutout portion 41 viewed from the axial direction of the annular cover 40 is substantially the same as the shape of the claw portion 35 viewed from the axial direction of the clip 30 . Specifically, the first cutout portion 41 is formed in a tapered shape that narrows in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40 toward the radially outer side of the annular cover 40 . A surface 41M1 facing the surface 35M1 of the claw portion 35 is formed substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40, and a surface 41M2 facing the surface 35M2 of the claw portion 35 becomes a surface as it goes radially inward of the annular cover 40. It is formed in an R shape curved away from 41M1.

As shown in FIG. 8(B), the first notch 41 is formed in a rectangular shape and is arranged over substantially the entirety of the annular cover 40 in the axial direction. A reinforcing rib 42 that protrudes radially outward from the annular cover 40 and extends in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40 is provided at a portion of the opening edge of the first notch 41 that faces the open end of the first notch 41 . It is

As shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the annular cover 40 is formed with a rectangular second notch 43 that opens at the tip of the annular cover 40 in addition to the first notch 41 . It is The second notch 43 is formed at the distal end of the annular cover 40 and has a length in the axial direction of the annular cover 40 shorter than that of the first notch 41 . A plurality of second cutouts 43 (two in this embodiment) are provided, and a partition wall 44 is formed between the second cutouts 43 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40 . .

An engaging protrusion 45 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular cover 40 . The engaging protrusion 45 is arranged at the proximal end of the annular cover 40 and formed in an arc shape in a region of the annular cover 40 excluding the portion where the pair of first notches 41, 41 are formed. The inner diameter of the engaging projection 45 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14 and larger than the outer diameter of the ring portion 31 of the clip 30 (see FIG. 12B).

The cross-sectional shape of the engaging protrusion 45 when cut at an arbitrary position in the circumferential direction is formed in a triangular shape in which the inner diameter decreases with distance from the distal end and the proximal end of the annular cover 40 . As a result, interference between the engaging protrusion 45 and the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14 is suppressed, and the enlarged diameter portion 14K can be inserted inside the annular cover 40 . In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the engaging protrusion 45 may be formed in a triangular shape in which the inner diameter becomes smaller as the distance from the tip of the annular cover 40 increases. In this case, it is possible to enhance the effect of preventing the annular cover 40 from coming off toward the base end.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, in the tube connection structure 100 of the present embodiment, the small-diameter tubular portion 51 of the tubular body 50 is inserted into the fitting portion 14 of the tubular connection portion 11 of the joint member 10, and the clip 30 is inserted. A portion of the connecting protrusion 32 protruding inside the fitting portion 14 engages with the second annular groove 53</b>M of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 . The coupling projection 32 and the second annular groove 53M are engaged with each other to prevent the tubular body 50 from coming off from the connecting tubular portion 11. As shown in FIG. The space between the fitting portion 14 and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 is sealed by an O-ring (not shown) mounted in the first annular groove 52M.

In this embodiment, the tubular body 50 can be inserted into the fitting portion 14 with the ring portion 31 of the clip 30 fitted in the circumferential groove 15 of the fitting portion 14 . That is, when the ring portion 31 is fitted in the circumferential groove 15 , the connecting protrusion 32 of the clip 30 protrudes inside the fitting portion 14 . When the tubular body 50 is inserted into the fitting portion 14 , the distal end portion of the tubular body 50 (specifically, the second enlarged diameter portion 53 ) abuts the tip inclined surface 32</b>K of the connecting protrusion 32 . Then, the second enlarged diameter portion 53 can be inserted further into the fitting portion 14 while pushing the ring portion 31 outward by abutting against the distal inclined surface 32K. The ring portion 31 expanded by the insertion of the second enlarged diameter portion 53 is restored by its own elastic force when the connecting protrusion 32 is superimposed on the second annular groove 53M.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the fitting portion 14 of the connecting tube portion 11 is inserted inside the annular cover 40, and when the annular cover 40 is arranged to surround the clips 30 from the outside, the pair of clips 30 are connected. are received in the pair of first notches 41, 41 of the annular cover 40 (see FIG. 10). As a result, the pair of claws 35, 35 are restricted from being separated from each other by receiving an external force.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, even when the annular cover 40 surrounds the clip 30 from the outside, the claw portion 35 can be seen from the outside through the first notch portion 41. there is That is, the first notch 41 constitutes an opening that allows the clip 30 to be viewed from the outside. Accordingly, in this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the clip 30 is fitted in the circumferential groove 15 while the annular cover 40 is arranged outside the circumferential groove 15 .

As shown on the left side of FIG. 11 , the annular cover 40 has a portion of the opening edge of the first notch 41 that faces the distal end of the annular cover 40 (that is, the portion that faces the open end of the first notch 41). comes into contact with the claw portion 35 , the access to the tubular body 50 is restricted. In addition, when the drain hose contact portion 55 of the tubular body 50 protrudes outward from the annular cover 40 (that is, the outer diameter of the large-diameter tubular portion 56 is larger than the outer diameter of the annular cover 40), the annular cover 40 is , may be restricted from approaching the tubular body 50 by abutting against the drain hose contact portion 55 of the tubular body 50 .

As shown in FIG. 11 , when the claw portion 35 abuts against the portion of the opening edge of the first notch portion 41 that faces the open end, the engaging projection portion 45 of the annular cover 40 moves toward the diameter of the fitting portion 14 . It overlaps the circumferential groove 15 when viewed from the direction. Here, the outer diameter of the ring portion 31 of the clip 30 is smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14, and the inner surface of the circumferential groove 15 faces the fitting portion 14 in the axial direction. A portion of the surface is exposed outside the ring portion 31 . Also, the inner diameter of the engaging protrusion 45 is smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14 and larger than the outer diameter of the ring portion 31 . 12(A), the engaging protrusion 45 enters the circumferential groove 15 and faces the inner surface of the circumferential groove 15 toward the distal end of the connecting tube portion 11. , the facing surface 45M faces the tubular body 50). As a result, the annular cover 40 is also restricted from moving away from the tubular body 50 . As described above, when the engaging protrusion 45 is cut at any position in the circumferential direction, the cross-sectional shape is a triangular shape, the inner diameter of which decreases as the distance from the distal end and the proximal end of the annular cover 40 increases. When inserting the enlarged diameter portion 14K into the inner side of the annular cover 40, the engaging protrusion 45 can smoothly get over the portion of the enlarged diameter portion 14K located on the proximal side of the circumferential groove 15. Become.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12(A), when the engaging projection 45 of the annular cover 40 enters the circumferential groove 15, the end of the clip 30 disposed on the distal end side of the connecting tubular portion 11 is pushed. The edge and the portion of the opening edge of the second notch 43 in the annular cover 40 that faces the open end of the second notch 43 are arranged substantially flush with each other. In this state, it is difficult to see the clip 30 through the second notch 43 . On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12(B), when the engaging projection 45 of the annular cover 40 is arranged closer to the base end of the connecting tube portion 11 than the circumferential groove 15, the clip is inserted through the second notch 43. 30 becomes visible. That is, in the present embodiment, depending on whether or not the clip 30 can be seen through the second notch 43, the annular cover 40 is restricted from moving in the direction away from the tubular body 50 (that is, the annular cover 40 is in a normal state). position).

Here, if the clip 30 and the annular cover 40 have different colors, the clip 30 and the annular cover 40 can be easily distinguished. As a result, whether or not the clip 30 is fitted in the circumferential groove 15 can be easily determined by whether or not the claw portion 35 of the clip 30 can be seen through the first notch portion 41 . Whether or not the annular cover 40 is placed in a normal position (that is, whether or not the engaging protrusion 45 has entered the circumferential groove 15) can be easily determined by whether or not the clip 30 can be seen through the clip 30. can.

The second notch 43 can also be used when removing the annular cover 40 from the enlarged diameter portion 14K. That is, by inserting a tool such as a pen or a flathead screwdriver into the second notch 43 to move the annular cover 40 toward the base end side of the connecting tube portion 11, the engaging projection 45 of the annular cover 40 and the circumferential groove 15 ( 45M) can be disengaged.

As described above, in the joint member 10 and the tube connection structure 100 of the present embodiment, when the annular cover 40 surrounds the clip 30 from the outside, the pair of first cutouts 41 , 41 is provided with the pair of claws 35 , 35 . is received, the opening of the clip 30 is regulated. This prevents the clip 30 from coming off due to an external force, thereby stabilizing the connection between the connecting tubular portion 11 and the tubular body 50 . Here, in a state where the annular cover 40 surrounds the clip 30 from the outside, the engagement protrusion 45 provided on the annular cover 40 restricts the annular cover 40 from moving away from the tubular body 50 . This facilitates maintaining the annular cover 40 in a state surrounding the clip 30 from the outside. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the portion of the opening edge of the first notch portion 41 that faces the open end of the first notch portion 41 contacts the claw portion 35 , so that the annular cover 40 moves toward the tubular body 50 . Since movement is restricted, the annular cover 40 can be fixed in a state surrounding the clip 30 from the outside.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the engaging protrusion 45 engages with the circumferential groove 15 in which the clip 30 is fitted, it is necessary to newly provide a recess for engaging with the engaging protrusion 45 in the connecting tube portion 11. is eliminated, and the connecting tube portion 11 can be made compact.

Further, in this embodiment, since the pair of claw portions 35, 35 are visible through the pair of first cutout portions 41, 41, the annular cover 40 surrounds the circumferential groove 15 from the outside. However, the presence or absence of the clip 30 can be determined by whether the claw portion 35 can be seen through the first notch portion 41 . Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the engaging protrusion 45 of the annular cover 40 enters the circumferential groove 15, the edge of the clip 30 disposed on the distal end side of the connecting tube portion 11 and the second notch portion 43 are separated from each other. Since the portion of the opening edge that faces the open end of the second notch 43 is arranged substantially flush, the engaging protrusion 45 can be seen or not depending on whether or not the clip 30 can be seen through the second notch 43 . Engagement with the groove 15 makes it possible to check whether the annular cover 40 is placed in the correct position.

[Second embodiment]
This embodiment is a modification of the annular cover 40 of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, in the annular cover 40V of the present embodiment, the shape of the first notch 41V is the same as that of the first notch 41 of the first embodiment. is different from The first notch 41V includes a guide portion 41VA linearly extending from the distal end edge of the annular cover 40 toward the base end, and a housing portion extending from the base end of the guide portion 41VA to one side in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40. 41VB, and formed in an L shape. The accommodation portion 41VB is formed to have a size capable of accommodating the claw portion 35 of the clip 30 .

Although the annular cover 40V does not have the second notch 43 in the example shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, it may have the second cutout 43. Further, the annular cover 40V does not have to be provided with the engagement protrusion 45. As shown in FIG. Other configurations of the joint member 10 and the tube connection structure 100 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so that the same reference numerals are used and the description thereof is omitted.

The annular cover 40V of the present embodiment is engaged with the clip 30 to restrict the movement of the connecting tubular portion 11 in the extending direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14A, the annular cover 40V is arranged so that the front end side (that is, the open end side of the first cutout portion 41V) faces the front end side of the connecting tube portion 11. be. Then, as shown in FIG. 14B, the pair of guide portions 41VA, 41VA of the pair of first notch portions 41V, 41V are arranged at the same circumferential position as the pair of claw portions 35, 35 of the clip 30. In this state, when the annular cover 40V is moved to the distal end side of the connecting tube portion 11, the pair of claw portions 35, 35 are received by the pair of guide portions 41VA, 41VA. Next, as shown in FIG. 14(C), when the annular cover 40V is operated to rotate to the other side in the circumferential direction (that is, the side opposite to the accommodating portion 41VB with respect to the guiding portion 41VA), one pair claw portions 35, 35 are accommodated in a pair of accommodating portions 41VB, 41VB. At this time, the claw portion 35 is sandwiched between the opening edge of the housing portion 41VB in the axial direction of the annular cover 40V. The engagement between the accommodating portion 41VB and the claw portion 35 restricts the movement of the annular cover 40V in the extending direction of the connecting tube portion 11 .

In order to prevent the annular cover 40V from coming off from the state shown in FIG. 14C, one or both of the housing portion 41VB and the claw portion 35 may be provided with a retaining mechanism. As an example of the retaining mechanism, there is a configuration in which a protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the accommodating portion 41VB facing the axial direction of the annular cover 40V. In this configuration, the contact between the projection and the claw 35 prevents the annular cover 40V from rotating to one side in the circumferential direction, thereby preventing the annular cover 40V from deviating from the state shown in FIG. 14(C). can. Here, the protrusions may be provided at a plurality of locations, or may be provided on one or both of the surface facing the distal end of the annular cover 40V and the surface facing the proximal end of the inner surface of the housing portion 41VB. Further, the claw portion 35 may be formed with a concave portion that engages with the protrusion.

[Other embodiments]
(1) In the first embodiment, the engagement protrusion 45 provided on the annular cover 40 is configured to engage with the engagement recess (circumferential groove 15) provided on the connecting tube portion 11. As shown in 15(A), the recess 61A provided in the annular cover 40 and the projection 61T provided in the connecting tube portion 11 may be engaged with each other.

(2) In (1) above, the projection 61T may be provided on the clip 30 (see FIG. 15(B)). In the second embodiment, it can be said that the protrusion 61T is formed by the claw portion 35 of the clip 30, and the recessed portion 61A is formed by the receiving portion 41VB of the first notch portion 41V.

(3) In the above-described first embodiment, the engaging protrusion 45 of the annular cover 40 may be configured to engage with a recess formed in the outer peripheral surface of the clip 30 (more specifically, the ring portion 31). good.

(4) In the above-described first embodiment, the engaging protrusions 45 of the annular cover 40 may be scattered at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40 . Moreover, in the above (1) and (2), the protrusions 61T may be scattered at a plurality of places in the circumferential direction of the connecting tubular portion 11 or the clip 30 .

(5) As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the annular cover 40 may include a cover wall 46 that covers the first notch 41 from the outside. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, when the claw portion 35 of the clip 30 is received in the first notch portion 41, the claw portion 35 is covered from the outside by the cover wall 46, so that an external force is applied to the claw portion 35. Such things are regulated. If the cover wall 46 is made of a transparent material, the presence or absence of the claw portion 35 can be determined through the cover wall 46, so whether or not the clip 30 is present inside the annular cover 40 can be visually determined. can be done. Further, even if the cover wall 46 is made of an opaque member, if a notch or window is formed in the cover wall 46, the presence or absence of the claw portion 35 can be determined through the notch or window. can.

(6) In the above embodiment, the inner peripheral surfaces of the annular covers 40, 40V are provided with receiving recesses that open at the leading edges of the annular covers 40, 40V, and the pair of claws 35, 35 of the clip 30 are provided in the receiving recesses. may be configured to accept the A pair of receiving recesses may be provided corresponding to the pair of claw portions 35, 35, or only one receiving recess may be provided.

(7) In the above embodiment, only one first notch 41, 41V may be provided. In this case, the length of the first notch portions 41 and 41V in the circumferential direction of the annular covers 40 and 40V may be set to a length that allows the pair of claw portions 35 and 35 of the clip 30 to be received.

(8) The communication hole 16 may be formed in the central portion of the circumferential groove 15 in the width direction. In this case, the connecting protrusion 32 of the clip 30 may be configured without the tip inclined surface 32K.

(9) The connecting tube portion 11 of the present embodiment is configured in an L shape having the elbow portion 12, but may be configured in an I shape using the elbow portion 12 as a socket portion.

(10) In the first embodiment, the annular cover 40 may be configured without the reinforcing ribs 42 . In particular, when the claw portions 35 protrude from part of the axial direction at both end portions of the ring portion 31 of the clip 30, the degree of notching of the first notch portion 41 is reduced, and the annular cover can be secured even if the reinforcing ribs 42 are not provided. It becomes possible to maintain the strength of 40.

(11) In the above embodiments and (6), (7), and (10), the clip 30 has a pair of claw portions 35, but may have only one. Specifically, the configuration may be such that the claw portion 35 protrudes from one of both ends of the ring portion 31 sandwiching the opening 31A. In this case, the annular cover 40 may have only one first notch 41 corresponding to the claw portion 35 .

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Joint member 11 Connection cylinder 15 Circumferential groove 16 Communication hole 30 Clip 32 Connection projection 35 Claw 40 Annular cover 45 Engagement projection 50 Pipe body 53M Second annular groove 100 Pipe connection structure

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a joint member that retains a tubular body that is inserted into a connecting tubular portion with a clip fitted to the connecting tubular portion.

The first aspect of the invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is formed in a C-shape having a connection tube portion into which the tip portion of the tubular body to be connected is inserted and an opening at one place in the circumferential direction. and a clip that is fitted into a circumferential groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion, wherein the clip extends outward from at least one of both ends sandwiching the opening. and a pawl portion protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body, which enters into the inner side of the connecting tubular portion through a communication hole formed through the bottom wall of the circumferential groove and formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. and a connecting protrusion that engages with the annular groove, the joint member comprising a receiving recess that forms an annular shape through which the connecting tubular portion is inserted and that opens at an edge facing the tubular body, An annular cover is provided for receiving the claw portion in the receiving recess and restricting opening of the clip when surrounding the clip from the outside, wherein the annular cover is arranged so as to surround the clip. The joint member includes a movement restricting portion that engages with the connecting tube portion or the clip in a closed state to restrict movement of the annular cover in a direction away from the tubular body.

In a second aspect of the invention, the movement restricting portion is formed by an engaging protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular cover and engaged with an engaging recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion. A joint member according to the first aspect , comprising:

In a third aspect of the invention, the depth of the circumferential groove is greater than the radial thickness of the clip, the engaging recess is formed by the circumferential groove, and the engaging projection is formed by the circumferential groove. The joint according to the second aspect , wherein the annular cover is restricted from moving in a direction away from the tubular body by coming into contact with a portion of the inner surface of the groove that faces the tubular body and is exposed outside the clip. It is a member.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, the receiving recess is formed by an opening penetrating the annular cover in a radial direction, and the claw portion is configured to be visible from the outside through the opening. The joint member according to any one of the third aspects .

In a fifth aspect of the invention, the annular cover is provided with a cutout portion that opens at an edge facing the tubular body, and the cutout portion is opened when the movement restricting portion is engaged with the connecting tube portion or the clip. The joint according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a portion of the opening edge of the portion facing the tubular body is arranged substantially flush with the edge of the clip facing the tubular body. It is a member.

A sixth aspect of the invention is the joint member according to the fourth or fifth aspect , wherein the annular cover is colored differently from the clip.

A seventh aspect of the invention is a pipe connection structure comprising the joint member according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and the tubular body, wherein the tubular body is outside the hose portion. is fixed to the distal end of a drain hose covered with a heat insulating material, a small-diameter cylindrical portion having a distal end inserted into the connecting cylindrical portion and a proximal end inserted into the hose; a drain hose abutment portion projecting outward from an intermediate portion of the small-diameter tubular portion and against which the end of the drain hose abuts; The pipe connection structure includes the hose portion and a large-diameter tubular portion that sandwiches the heat insulating material between the tubular portion and the hose portion.

In an eighth aspect of the invention, the annular cover is formed so as to be able to abut against the drain hose contact portion, and the movement restricting portion, when the annular cover abuts against the drain hose contact portion, The pipe connection structure according to the seventh aspect , which engages with the connection tubular portion or the clip.

In the first aspect and the seventh aspect of the invention, the opening of the clip is restricted when the annular cover encloses the clip from the outside, so that the clip is prevented from coming off due to an external force, thereby preventing the connection between the connecting tubular portion and the tubular body. Stabilization is achieved. Further, when the annular cover surrounds the clip from the outside, the movement of the annular cover in the direction away from the tubular body is restricted by the movement restricting portion provided on the annular cover. This facilitates maintaining the annular cover in a state surrounding the clip from the outside.

Here, when the receiving recess for receiving the claw portion of the clip is closed on the side opposite to the tubular body, the contact between the inner surface of the receiving recess and the claw portion causes the annular cover to move toward the tubular body. is regulated, the annular cover can be fixed in a state surrounding the clip from the outside. In addition, the tubular body is fixed to the distal end of the drain hose, the outside of which is covered with a heat insulating material. A hose portion between a drain hose abutting portion projecting outward from the intermediate portion and against which the end of the drain hose abuts, and a hose portion extending from the outer edge of the drain hose abutting portion toward the base end side of the small diameter tubular portion and the small diameter tubular portion. and a large-diameter cylindrical portion that sandwiches a heat insulating material ( seventh aspect of the invention ), the annular cover can abut against the drain hose contact portion, and in the abutting state, the movement restricting portion is annular Since the annular cover is restricted from moving in the direction toward the tubular body by being configured to engage with the cover or the connecting tubular portion, the annular cover can be fixed in a state surrounding the clip from the outside ( 8th aspect of the invention ).

When the movement restricting portion engages with the connecting tube portion, the movement restricting portion may be an engaging protrusion that engages with an engaging recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion ( the second aspect of the invention). Aspect ), it may be a recess that engages with a projection formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion. In the former case, if the circumferential groove of the connecting tube portion is used as the engaging recess, there is no need to newly provide the engaging recess in the connecting tube portion. Specifically, the depth of the circumferential groove is made larger than the thickness of the clip in the radial direction, and the engagement protrusion is in contact with the portion of the inner surface of the circumferential groove that faces the tubular body and is exposed outside the clip. All you have to do is ( third aspect of the invention ).

If the receiving recess for receiving the claw portion of the clip is composed of an opening penetrating the annular cover in the radial direction, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the clip by checking whether the claw portion can be seen through the opening. ( Fourth aspect of the invention ). In addition, the annular cover is formed with a cutout portion that opens at an edge facing the tubular body, and when the movement restricting portion is engaged with the connecting tube portion or the clip, the portion of the opening edge of the cutout portion that faces the tubular body is If configured to be arranged substantially flush with the edge of the clip facing the tubular body, whether or not the movement restricting portion is engaged with the connecting tubular portion or the clip can be determined by whether or not the clip can be seen through the notch. It becomes possible to confirm ( fifth aspect of the invention ). In any case, if the annular cover is given a color different from that of the clip, the annular cover and the clip can be easily distinguished, and the clip can be easily recognized through the notch or opening ( sixth aspect of the invention ). .

Claims (8)

a connecting cylinder part into which the tip part of the tubular body to be connected is inserted;
a clip that is formed in a C shape having an opening in one circumferential direction and is fitted into a circumferential groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tubular portion;
The clip includes
a claw portion extending outward from at least one of both ends sandwiching the opening;
Projecting from the inner peripheral surface, it enters the inner side of the connecting tube portion through a communication hole formed through the groove bottom wall of the peripheral groove and engages with the annular groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. A joint member provided with a connecting projection that
The connecting tubular portion has an annular shape through which the connecting tubular portion is inserted inside and has a receiving recess that opens at an end edge facing the tubular body. Having an annular cover that regulates the opening of the clip,
The annular cover is engaged with the connecting tubular portion or the clip in a state where the annular cover is arranged so as to surround the clip, thereby restricting the annular cover from moving away from the tubular body. A joint member having a movement restricting portion formed therein. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the movement restricting portion is formed by an engaging protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular cover and engaged with an engaging recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion. Coupling member as described. The depth of the circumferential groove is greater than the radial thickness of the clip,
The engaging recess is formed by the circumferential groove,
The engaging protrusion contacts a portion of the inner surface of the circumferential groove that faces the tubular body and is exposed outside the clip, thereby restricting the annular cover from moving away from the tubular body. The joint member according to claim 2, wherein the receiving recess is formed by an opening extending radially through the annular cover;
The joint member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the claw portion is configured to be visible from the outside through the opening. The annular cover is provided with a notch that opens at an edge facing the tubular body,
When the movement restricting portion is engaged with the connecting tube portion or the clip, a portion of the opening edge of the cutout portion facing the tubular body is arranged substantially flush with an end edge of the clip facing the tubular body. Coupling member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that 6. The coupling member according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said annular cover is colored differently than said clip. A tube connection structure comprising the joint member according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and the tubular body,
The tubular body is fixed to the distal end of a drain hose in which the outside of the hose portion is covered with a heat insulating material. a small-diameter tubular portion to be inserted; a drain hose abutting portion projecting outward from an intermediate portion of the small-diameter tubular portion and against which the end of the drain hose abuts; and a large-diameter tubular portion that extends toward the base end of the and sandwiches the hose portion and the heat-insulating material between the small-diameter tubular portion and the small-diameter tubular portion. The annular cover is formed so as to be able to abut against the drain hose contact portion,
8. The pipe connection structure according to claim 7, wherein the movement restricting portion engages with the connecting tubular portion or the clip when the annular cover abuts against the drain hose contact portion.

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