JP2023011078A - Rotary mechanism, connection fitting and manufacturing method of rotary mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a rotary mechanism improved in usability, reliability, etc.SOLUTION: A rotary mechanism comprises a cylindrical outer member, an inner member and a plurality of arcuate lock pieces. The outer member includes a first inner peripheral surface, a first outer peripheral surface, and a first groove extending in a circumferential direction around an axis of the first inner peripheral surface on the first inner peripheral surface. The inner member includes a second outer peripheral surface rotatably inserted into the outer member and opposed to the first inner peripheral surface, and a second groove extending in the circumferential direction on the second outer peripheral surface and opposed with the first groove. The plurality of lock pieces is disposed in a space formed from the first groove and the second groove and regulates relative movements of the outer member and the inner member in an axial direction in parallel with the axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a rotating mechanism for rotatably connecting two members, a fitting provided with the rotating mechanism, and a manufacturing method of the rotating mechanism.

2. Description of the Related Art In various fields involving water supply operations, genderless fittings are utilized for connecting a plurality of water supply channels.

For example, the fitting described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of projections arranged in the circumferential direction and recesses between these projections. This coupling fitting is connected to the coupling fitting of the connection counterpart by inserting the protrusion into the recess of the coupling fitting of the connection counterpart having the same shape and rotating it relative to the coupling fitting of the connection counterpart. Furthermore, by relatively rotating these fittings in the direction opposite to that at the time of coupling, the coupling between the two fittings is released.

When connecting or disconnecting this type of fitting, it is necessary to rotate both fittings. The aforementioned Patent Document 1 discloses a turning mechanism that uses a plurality of balls to turn a nozzle of a fitting.

Japanese Patent No. 6686047

A rotating mechanism such as a conventional swivel joint for piping is generally heavy and not necessarily excellent in usability. Moreover, when a ball is used in the rotating mechanism, a high compressive stress may be generated locally at the contact portion between the ball and each member, so there is a possibility that sufficient reliability cannot be ensured. Furthermore, the calculation of stresses such as compressive stress and shear stress is complicated, so it is not easy to design and manufacture the rotating mechanism.

In addition, there is room for various improvements in the conventional rotating mechanism. Moreover, the problems described above with respect to fittings for connecting water channels can also occur in the rotating mechanisms of other types of structures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rotating mechanism with improved usability and reliability, a fitting including the rotating mechanism, and a manufacturing method of the rotating mechanism.

A rotation mechanism according to one embodiment includes a cylindrical outer member, an inner member, and a plurality of arcuate locking pieces. The outer member has a first inner peripheral surface, a first outer peripheral surface, and a first groove extending in a circumferential direction around the axis of the first inner peripheral surface in the first inner peripheral surface. there is The inner member is rotatably inserted into the outer member and includes a second outer peripheral surface facing the first inner peripheral surface and a second outer peripheral surface extending in the circumferential direction on the second outer peripheral surface and facing the first groove. 2 grooves. The plurality of locking pieces are arranged in a space formed by the first groove and the second groove, and restrict relative movement of the outer member and the inner member in an axial direction parallel to the axis.

Preferably, the first groove has an annular shape that encircles the first inner peripheral surface in the circumferential direction, the second groove has an annular shape that encircles the second outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction, and The stop pieces are arranged annularly about the axis.

The first groove may have a first locking plane perpendicular to the axial direction and a second locking plane perpendicular to the axial direction and facing the first locking plane. Further, the second groove includes a third locking plane perpendicular to the axial direction and aligned with the first locking plane in a radial direction about the axis, and a third locking plane orthogonal to the axial direction and radially a fourth locking plane aligned with the second locking plane. In this case, each of the plurality of locking pieces includes a fifth locking plane that contacts the first locking plane and the third locking plane, and the second locking plane and the fourth locking plane. and a sixth locking plane in contact with the .

The outer member may include a slot penetrating between the first groove and the first outer peripheral surface and having a shape through which each of the plurality of locking pieces can pass.

For example, the slot is arc-shaped along the circumferential direction, and the length of each of the plurality of locking pieces in the circumferential direction is smaller than the length of the slot in the circumferential direction.

Preferably, the rotating mechanism further includes a lid member that closes the slot.

The outer member has a plurality of the first grooves aligned in the axial direction, the inner member has a plurality of the second grooves aligned in the axial direction, and the plurality of locking pieces comprise the plurality of first grooves. It may be arranged in each of the plurality of spaces formed by the groove and the plurality of second grooves.

A coupling fitting according to one embodiment includes the rotation mechanism and a coupling portion that is provided on the outer member and can be coupled with a mating fitting.

In such a fitting, the inner member may be cylindrical having a channel.

For example, the coupling portion is arranged in the circumferential direction at the end portion of the outer member in the axial direction, and is between a plurality of projections formed with hooks projecting in the circumferential direction and adjacent projections. and a plurality of recesses formed respectively, and can be coupled with a coupling portion having the same shape as that of the mating metal fitting.

In a manufacturing method according to one embodiment, a first inner peripheral surface, a first outer peripheral surface, and a first groove extending in a circumferential direction around an axis of the first inner peripheral surface in the first inner peripheral surface , a slot penetrating between the first groove and the first outer peripheral surface, a cylindrical outer member having a second outer peripheral surface facing the first inner peripheral surface, and a second groove extending in the circumferential direction, the inner member is rotatably inserted into the outer member so that the first groove and the second groove face each other, and A plurality of arc-shaped locking pieces are sequentially inserted through the slots into the space formed by the first groove and the second groove. A pivoting mechanism is manufactured by closing the .

For example, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rotating mechanism excellent in usability and reliability, a fitting including the rotating mechanism, and a manufacturing method of the rotating mechanism. Specific effects of the present invention will become apparent in embodiments described later.

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a rotation mechanism according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outer member taken along line II-II of FIG. 1; 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outer member taken along line III--III in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner member taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking piece shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the assembled pivoting mechanism. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another portion of the assembled pivoting mechanism. FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a fitting according to an application example. 9 is a schematic front view of the fitting shown in FIG. 8 as seen along the axial direction; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a portion of two jointed fittings.

An embodiment of a rotating mechanism, a fitting, and a manufacturing method of the rotating mechanism will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Rotation mechanism]
FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a rotating mechanism 1 according to this embodiment. The rotating mechanism 1 can be applied to the connection of various members such as fittings for connecting pipes such as water pipes, and a structure for connecting members constituting pillars of a building.

The rotating mechanism 1 includes an outer member 2 , an inner member 3 and a plurality of locking pieces 4 . The outer member 2 and the inner member 3 are rotatably connected about the axis AX. In the following description, an axial direction DX parallel to the axis AX, a radial direction DR around the axis AX, and a circumferential direction Dθ around the axis AX are defined.

[External material]
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outer member 2 along line II-II of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer member 2 has an inner peripheral surface 20 (first inner peripheral surface), an outer peripheral surface 21 (first outer peripheral surface), and ends 22 and 23 in the axial direction DX. It has a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the outer member 2 is not limited to this example. Additional elements may also be connected to the outer member 2 .

The inner peripheral surface 20 has a large-diameter portion 20a located near the end portion 23 and a small-diameter portion 20b located near the end portion 22 . The large diameter portion 20a and the small diameter portion 20b are arranged in the axial direction DX. The diameter of the small diameter portion 20b is smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion 20A.

The outer peripheral surface 21 has a small-diameter portion 21a located near the end portion 23 and a large-diameter portion 21b located near the end portion 22 . The small diameter portion 21a and the large diameter portion 21b are arranged in the axial direction DX. The diameter of the small diameter portion 21a is smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion 21b.

The inner peripheral surface 20 has two grooves 24A and 24B (first grooves) recessed in the radial direction DR. The grooves 24A and 24B are separated from each other in the axial direction DX and extend in the circumferential direction Dθ. In the example of FIG. 2, the grooves 24A and 24B are located in the large diameter portion 20a.

Specifically, these grooves 24A and 24B are ring-shaped and extend around the inner peripheral surface 20 in the circumferential direction Dθ. The grooves 24A and 24B respectively have locking planes 24a and 24b (first locking plane and second locking plane) facing each other and a bottom surface 24c connecting these locking planes 24a and 24b.

In the example of FIG. 2, both locking planes 24a and 24b are perpendicular to the axial direction DX. The bottom surface 24c is a curved surface perpendicular to the radial direction DR. The locking planes 24a and 24b may be planes or curved planes inclined with respect to the axial direction DX and the radial direction DR.

As shown in FIG. 1, the outer member 2 has two arcuate slots 25A and 25B extending in the circumferential direction Dθ. In the example of FIG. 1, these slots 25A and 25B are arranged in the axial direction DX at intervals.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outer member 2 taken along line III--III in FIG. Slots 25A and 25B penetrate between inner peripheral surface 20 and outer peripheral surface 21 . More specifically, the slot 25A is an arcuate hole formed between the bottom surface 24c of the groove 24A and the small diameter portion 21a and extending in the circumferential direction Dθ. Similarly, the slot 25B is an arcuate hole formed between the bottom surface 24c of the groove 24B and the small-diameter portion 21a along the circumferential direction Dθ.

The external member 2 has a connecting hole 26a penetrating between the slot 25B and the end portion 23, a connecting hole 26b penetrating between the slots 25A and 25B, and a connecting hole 26c formed on one side of the slot 25A. have. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting holes 26a, 26b, 26c are arranged in the axial direction DX. A female thread is formed in at least one of the connecting holes 26a, 26b, 26c. Two sets of connecting holes 26a, 26b, and 26c are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction Dθ (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 1, the rotation mechanism 1 further includes lid members 27A and 27B for closing the slots 25A and 25B. Lid members 27A and 27B are arcuate to fit into slots 25A and 25B, respectively.

The lid members 27A and 27B each have two connecting holes 27a spaced apart in the circumferential direction Dθ. Each connecting hole 27a penetrates the lid members 27A and 27B in the axial direction DX.

When the cover members 27A and 27B are fitted into the slots 25A and 25B respectively, the positions of the connecting holes 26a, 26b, 26c and 27a are aligned. By inserting the connecting member 5 into these connecting holes 26a, 26b, 26c, 27a, the lid members 27A, 27B are fixed to the slots 25A, 25B. The connecting member 5 is, for example, a bolt.

[Inner material]
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner member 3 taken along line IV--IV of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the inner member 3 has an inner peripheral surface 30 (second inner peripheral surface), an outer peripheral surface 31 (second outer peripheral surface), and ends 32 and 33 in the axial direction DX. It has a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the inner member 3 is not limited to this example. For example, if the rotation mechanism 1 is not used for connecting flow paths, the inner member 3 may be solid. Also, additional elements may be connected to the inner member 3 .

The outer peripheral surface 31 has a large diameter portion 31a and a pair of small diameter portions 31b. The large diameter portion 31a is positioned between the pair of small diameter portions 31b in the axial direction DX. The diameter of the large diameter portion 31a is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 31b. In the example of FIG. 4, unevenness is not formed on the inner peripheral surface 30 .

The outer peripheral surface 31 has two grooves 34A and 34B (second grooves) recessed toward the axis AX. These grooves 34A and 34B extend in the circumferential direction Dθ and are separated from each other in the axial direction DX. In the example of FIG. 4, the grooves 34A and 34B are located in the large diameter portion 31a.

Specifically, these grooves 34A and 35B are annular and extend around the outer peripheral surface 31 in the circumferential direction Dθ. The grooves 34A, 34B respectively have locking planes 34a, 34b (third locking plane and fourth locking plane) facing each other and a bottom surface 34c connecting these locking planes 34a, 34b.

In the example of FIG. 4, both locking planes 34a and 34b are orthogonal to the axial direction DX. The bottom surface 34c is a curved surface perpendicular to the radial direction DR. The locking planes 34a, 34b may be planes or curved planes inclined with respect to the axial direction DX and the radial direction DR. The diameter of the bottom surface 34c is, for example, the same as the diameter of the small diameter portion 31b, but is not limited to this example.

[Locking piece]
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking piece 4 shown in FIG. The locking piece 4 is elongated and flat in the circumferential direction Dθ and can be inserted into the grooves 24A and 24B of the outer member 2 and the grooves 34A and 34B of the inner member 3 . Specifically, the locking piece 4 includes an inner peripheral surface 40, an outer peripheral surface 41, a pair of locking planes 42 and 43 (fifth locking plane and sixth locking plane), a pair of side surfaces 44, 45.

The inner peripheral surface 40 is a curved surface having the same curvature as the bottom surfaces 34c of the grooves 34A and 34B. The outer peripheral surface 41 is a curved surface having the same curvature as the bottom surfaces 24c of the grooves 24A and 24B. The locking planes 42, 43 are orthogonal to the axial direction DX. The side surfaces 44 and 45 are planes perpendicular to the circumferential direction Dθ.

In the example of FIG. 5, a corner formed by the inner peripheral surface 40 and the locking plane 42, a corner formed by the inner peripheral surface 40 and the locking plane 43, and a corner formed by the outer peripheral surface 41 and the locking plane 42 are shown. The corners formed by the outer peripheral surface 41 and the locking plane 43 are rounded.

The length of the locking piece 4 in the circumferential direction Dθ (for example, the length of the outer peripheral surface 41) is smaller than the length of the slots 25A and 25B in the circumferential direction Dθ (for example, the length at the opening of the inner peripheral surface 20). Furthermore, the thickness of the locking piece 4 in the axial direction DX is smaller than the width of the slots 25A and 25B in the axial direction DX. Thereby, the locking pieces 4 can be inserted into the slots 25A and 25B.

Note that the shape of the locking piece 4 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. The locking piece 4 may have other cross-sectional shapes such as H-shaped, grooved, round, and pipe-shaped.

In the example of FIG. 1, two sets of rings RA and RB are formed by a plurality of locking pieces 4 having the same shape and annularly arranged around the axis AX. The locking pieces 4 forming the ring RA are inserted into the grooves 24A, 34A. The locking pieces 4 forming the ring RB are inserted into the grooves 24B, 34B.

Each of the rings RA and RB is composed of, for example, 12 locking pieces 4 . However, the number of locking pieces 4 forming the rings RA and RB is not limited to twelve. The shape of the locking pieces 4 forming the ring RA and the shape of the locking pieces 4 forming the ring RB may be different. In this case, the number of locking pieces 4 forming the ring RA may differ from the number of locking pieces 4 forming the ring RB.

[Manufacturing Method of Rotating Mechanism]
In manufacturing the rotating mechanism 1, first, the outer member 2, the inner member 3, the plurality of locking pieces 4 and the connecting member 5 having the structure described above are prepared.

Subsequently, the inner member 3 is inserted into the outer member 2 so that the grooves 24A and 34A face each other, and the grooves 24B and 34B face each other. At this time, the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 are rotatable relative to each other.

After inserting the inner member 3 into the outer member 2, a plurality of locking pieces 4 are sequentially inserted through the slots 25A into the space formed by the grooves 24A, 34A. For example, if the locking piece 4 inserted immediately before is pushed in the circumferential direction Dθ by the locking piece 4 to be inserted next, the locking piece 4 is arranged annularly over the entire space formed by the grooves 24A and 34A. can do. Similarly, a plurality of locking pieces 4 are sequentially inserted through the slots 25B into the spaces formed by the grooves 24B and 34B.

When the locking piece 4 is completely inserted, the slots 25A and 25B are closed by the lid members 27A and 27B, respectively. Further, the connecting member 5 fixes the lid members 27A and 27B to the outer member 2. As shown in FIG. Through the above steps, the rotation mechanism 1 is completed.

[Structure of Assembled Rotation Mechanism]
6 and 7 are schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of the assembled rotating mechanism 1. FIG. 6 does not include slots 25A, 25B and lid members 27A, 27B, and the cross section of FIG. 7 includes slots 25A, 25B and lid members 27A, 27B.

As shown in FIG. 6, the stepped portion formed between the large diameter portion 20a and the small diameter portion 20b of the outer member 2 comes into contact with the stepped portion formed between the large diameter portion 31a and the small diameter portion 31b of the inner member 3. are doing. Furthermore, the small diameter portion 20b is in contact with the small diameter portion 31b, and the large diameter portion 20a is in contact with the large diameter portion 31a. In this state, grooves 24A and 34A face radial direction DR, and grooves 24B and 34B face radial direction DR.

As shown in FIG. 6, the locking piece 4 is arranged for each of the space formed by the grooves 24A and 34A and the space formed by the grooves 24B and 34B. The locking plane 24a of the groove 24A and the locking plane 34a of the groove 34A are aligned in the radial direction DR. Further, the locking plane 24b of the groove 24A and the locking plane 34b of the groove 34A are arranged in the radial direction DR. The locking plane 42 of the locking piece 4 is in contact with the locking planes 24a, 34a. Also, the locking plane 43 of the locking piece 4 is in contact with the locking planes 24b and 34b. The same applies to the locking pieces 4 arranged in the grooves 24B, 34B and the space formed by them.

The contact between the locking plane 42 and the locking planes 24a and 34a and the contact between the locking plane 43 and the locking planes 24b and 34b in this way prevents the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 from coming off in the axial direction DX. be. On the other hand, relative rotation of the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 in the circumferential direction Dθ is not hindered. Therefore, the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 can be freely rotated. When rotating the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 relatively, at least one of the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 and the locking piece 4 slide.

The locking plane 42 and the locking planes 24a, 34a and the locking plane 43 and the locking planes 24b, 34b need not necessarily be in contact at the same time. That is, by making the thickness of the locking piece 4 in the axial direction DX slightly smaller than the width of the grooves 24A, 24B, 34A, 34B in the axial direction DX, the locking plane 42 contacts the locking planes 24a, 34a. When the locking plane 43 and the locking planes 24b, 34b are in contact with each other, a gap is formed between the locking plane 43 and the locking planes 24b, 34b. A gap may be formed between the locking planes 24a, 34a. When such play is provided, the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 can be rotated more smoothly.

In the example of FIG. 6, the inner peripheral surface 40 of the locking piece 4 arranged in the space formed by the grooves 24B, 34B is in contact with the bottom surface 34c of the groove 34B. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface 41 of the engaging piece 4 is in contact with the bottom surface 24c of the groove 24B. The same applies to the locking pieces 4 arranged in the grooves 24A, 34A and the space formed by them. As an example different from FIG. 6, a gap may be formed in at least one of the inner peripheral surface 40 and the bottom surface 34c and the outer peripheral surface 41 and the bottom surface 24c.

In the example of FIG. 7, lid members 27A and 27B are fitted in slots 25A and 25B, respectively. Furthermore, the connecting member 5 is inserted in order into the connecting hole 26a, the connecting hole 27a of the lid member 27B, the connecting hole 26b, the connecting hole 27a of the lid member 27A, and the connecting hole 26c. The head of the connecting member 5 is in contact with the end 23 .

In the example of FIG. 7, a male screw is provided near the head portion of the connecting member 5, and this male screw is screwed into a female screw provided in the connecting hole 26a. However, the connecting hole 26b and the connecting hole 26c may be provided with female threads, and the connecting member 5 may be provided with male threads at positions corresponding to the female threads.

The connecting hole 26c can also be omitted. Even in this case, lid members 27A and 27B are fixed to slots 25A and 25B, respectively.

It is preferable that the locking piece 4 arranged in the space formed by the grooves 24A and 34A is movable in the space in the circumferential direction Dθ when the lid member 27A is attached. Similarly, when the lid member 27B is attached, it is preferable that the locking piece 4 arranged in the space formed by the grooves 24B and 34B is movable in the space in the circumferential direction Dθ. Thereby, the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 can be rotated smoothly.

The outer member 2, the inner member 3 and the locking piece 4 can be made of metal material, for example. At least one of the outer member 2, the inner member 3, and the locking piece 4 may be made of resin. In this case, the weight of the rotation mechanism 1 can be reduced, and the sliding between the parts is improved, so that smooth rotation can be realized. The outer member 2, inner member 3 and locking piece 4 can also be made of still other materials such as ceramics.

Grease is applied to contact portions between parts such as the inner peripheral surface 20 of the outer member 2, the outer peripheral surface 31 of the inner member 3, the inner surfaces of the grooves 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B, and the surface of the locking piece 4. Lubricating treatment such as surface treatment for reducing friction may be applied. As a result, even smoother rotation can be realized.

In a rotating mechanism (swivel mechanism) using a ball instead of the locking piece 4 illustrated in this embodiment, the stress applied to the ball and its surrounding members (for example, shear stress and compressive stress) is not uniform. , the calculation of the strength required for each member is complicated. Therefore, it is not easy to design to achieve the specifications required for the rotating mechanism, and a great deal of labor may be required.

On the other hand, in the rotating mechanism 1 according to the present embodiment, the outer member 2 and the locking piece 4 mainly contact the locking plane 24 a and the locking plane 42 or the locking plane 24 b and the locking plane 43 . Also, the inner member 3 and the locking piece 4 contact mainly at the locking plane 34 a and the locking plane 42 or at the locking plane 34 b and the locking plane 43 . In this manner, the locking pieces 4 are in contact with the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 respectively, thereby facilitating the calculation of the stress applied to each member and the required strength. As a result, the shape of the locking piece 4, the shape of the grooves 24A, 24B, 34A and 34B, the material of each member, etc. can be easily studied.

Further, if the locking pieces 4 are in contact with the outer member 2 and the inner member 3, respectively, local high compressive stress is less likely to occur in the locking pieces 4 and the grooves 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B. Thereby, the reliability of the rotation mechanism 1 can be improved.

In this embodiment, two sets of grooves (grooves 24A, 34A and grooves 24B, 34B) are provided in line in the axial direction DX, and locking pieces 4 are arranged in each of them. With such a configuration, the stress applied to each locking piece 4 can be reduced and rattling of the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 can be suppressed as compared with the case where only one set of grooves is provided.

It should be noted that the number of grooves included in the rotating mechanism 1 can be appropriately changed according to the specifications required for the rotating mechanism 1 and the like. For example, the number of grooves provided in the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 may be one each. Moreover, three or more grooves may be provided in each of the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 .

When manufacturing the rotating mechanism 1, the locking pieces 4 can be inserted through the slots 25A and 25B as described above. With such a structure, assembly of the rotating mechanism 1 is extremely easy. Further, since the locking pieces 4 can be taken out from the slots 25A and 25B, replacement of the locking pieces 4 and disassembly of the rotating mechanism 1 are easy.

Since the rotation of the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 is realized mainly by the grooves 24A, 24B, 34A, 34B and the locking piece 4 provided in these members, the structure is simple, and the rotation is inexpensive and lightweight. Mechanism 1 can be provided.
In addition to the above, the rotation mechanism 1 has various favorable effects.

[Application example]
Next, application examples of the rotating mechanism 1 will be described.
Although the rotating mechanism 1 can be applied to various products, here, as an example, it is assumed to be applied to a fitting used for connecting a flow path for water supply. The fittings can be used in various fields such as firefighting, agriculture, drainage in the event of flooding, and connecting flow paths in factories and power plants. It can also be used to connect channels for flowing fluids other than water.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the fitting 100 according to this application example. In this figure, a part of the fitting 100 is cut away to show its cross section.

1 to 7, the inner peripheral surface 20 of the outer member 2 has a large diameter portion 20a and a small diameter portion 20b. Further, the outer peripheral surface 21 of the outer member 2 has a small diameter portion 21a and a large diameter portion 21b. However, in the example of FIG. 8, the small diameter portion 21a is positioned closer to the end portion 22, and the large diameter portion 21b is positioned closer to the end portion .

Grooves 24A and 24B recessed in the radial direction DR are provided in the large diameter portion 20a. Furthermore, the outer member 2 is provided with slots 25A, 25B leading to these grooves 24A, 24B. The slots 25A, 25B are closed by lid members 27A, 27B. The lid members 27A and 27B are fixed to the outer member 2 by connecting members 5. As shown in FIG.

1 to 7, the outer peripheral surface 31 of the inner member 3 has a large diameter portion 31a and a pair of small diameter portions 31b. Furthermore, grooves 34A and 34B recessed toward the axis AX are provided in the large diameter portion 31a. An inner peripheral surface 30 of the inner member 3 corresponds to a channel through which water flows.

A plurality of locking pieces 4 are arranged in the space formed by the grooves 24A and 34A and the space formed by the grooves 24B and 34B. The shapes of the grooves 24A, 24B, 34A, 34B and the locking pieces 4 are the same as in the examples of FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the fitting 100 shown in FIG. 8 as seen along the axial direction DX. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the end portion 22 of the outer member 2 is provided with a connecting portion 6 . The coupling portion 6 has a plurality of protrusions 60 . These protrusions 60 all have the same shape and are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction Dθ. A recess 7 is formed between the adjacent protrusions 60 . A plurality of protrusions 60 protrude beyond the end portion 32 of the inner member 3 .

A hook 61 is formed on one side surface of the protrusion 60 in the circumferential direction Dθ. A biasing member 62 is provided on the other side surface of the protrusion 60 in the circumferential direction Dθ. For example, the biasing member 62 is a ball plunger that includes a sphere that is mostly embedded inside the projection 60 and an elastic body that biases the sphere outward.

An annular seal member 8 is provided at the end portion 32 of the inner member 3 . The sealing material 8 is made of rubber, for example, and a part of the sealing material 8 protrudes from the end portion 32 .

As shown in FIG. 8, the small diameter portion 31b positioned between the large diameter portion 31a and the end portion 33 is provided with the connecting portion 9 and the sealing member 10. As shown in FIG. The connecting portion 9 is for connecting the fitting 100 to, for example, a hose or pipe, and is a male screw in the example of FIG. The sealing material 10 is positioned between the connecting portion 9 and the end portion 33 in the axial direction DX. The sealing member 10 is, for example, an annular packing (O-ring) protruding in the radial direction DR from the small diameter portion 31b. When the fitting 100 is connected to the hose or pipe by the connecting portion 9, the sealing material 10 is pressed against the inner surface thereof.

The connecting portion 6 can be connected to a connecting portion of the same shape provided on a mating fitting. That is, for example, by preparing two fittings 100 shown in FIG. However, the mating partner of the fitting 100 may be a fitting that does not have the grooves 24A, 24B, 34A, 34B and the locking piece 4. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a portion of two fittings 100 that are joined by the joining portion 6. As shown in FIG. When connecting the two fittings 100, the axes AX of the fittings 100 are made to coincide with each other, and the joints 6 are pressed against each other in the axial direction DX while the joint portions 6 face each other. Thereby, the protrusions 60 of the two fittings 100 are inserted into the recesses 7 of the other.

At the time of this insertion, the urging members 62 provided on the adjacent projections 60 come into contact with each other, and a repulsive force is generated in the circumferential direction Dθ. Thereby, the hooks 61 respectively provided on the adjacent projections 60 are engaged with each other in the axial direction DX. The state in which the hook 61 is engaged is maintained by the biasing force of the biasing member 62 . At the time of coupling, the sealing materials 8 of both fittings 100 are pressed in the axial direction DX. As a result, the boundary portions of these fittings 100 are sealed.

Thus, when connecting the two fittings 100, it is necessary to slightly rotate each connecting portion 6 in the circumferential direction Dθ. In order to release the coupling between the fittings 100, the coupling portions 6 must be slightly rotated in the direction opposite to the coupling to disengage the hooks 61. As shown in FIG.

If the fittings do not have a rotating mechanism, it is necessary to twist the fittings and the hoses and pipes connected thereto when connecting and disconnecting the two fittings. For example, a large coupling fitting with a diameter of 100 mm or more (the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 30) used for large-capacity water supply may weigh several tens of kilograms, and it is not easy to twist it during coupling and uncoupling. Absent.

On the other hand, in the fitting 100 having the rotating mechanism 1, the outer member 2 can be rotated with respect to the inner member 3 connected to the hose or pipe. Therefore, it is possible to couple and release without twisting the fittings 100 and the hoses connected thereto. Furthermore, even if the hose or pipe is twisted at the time of coupling, the twist can be eliminated without releasing the coupling between the two fittings 100 .

In particular, in the structure of the connecting portion 6 as in this application example, the repulsive force of the biasing member 62 generated when the two connecting portions 6 are butted against each other in the axial direction DX causes the connecting portions 6 to rotate relatively. do. Therefore, the joining work is greatly facilitated.

Note that the structure of the connecting portion 6 in this application example is an example, and various structures used as joints can be applied to the connecting portion 6 . For example, coupling portion 6 may be externally or internally threaded. Even in this case, it is necessary to relatively rotate the connecting portion 6 and the connecting portion of the mating metal fitting when connecting and releasing the connection. Therefore, by including the rotating mechanism 1 in the fitting 100, the coupling and release thereof are facilitated.

Also, the coupling portion 6 may be a flange having a plurality of connection holes. In this case, it is necessary to align the positions of the connection holes by rotating the two flanges relative to each other when connecting to a mating metal fitting having a similar flange. Therefore, by including the rotating mechanism 1 in the fitting 100, the coupling and release thereof are facilitated.

In the outer member 2 shown in FIG. 2, the small diameter portion 20b is provided near the end portion 22, and the large diameter portion 20a is provided near the end portion 23. However, the large diameter portion 20a is provided near the end portion 22. A small-diameter portion 20b may be provided near the end portion 23 . In addition, the inner peripheral surface 20 of the outer member 2 may have a uniform diameter as a whole. The grooves 24A and 24B are not necessarily provided in the large diameter portion 20a, and may be provided in the small diameter portion 20b.

In the inner member 3 shown in FIG. 4, the large diameter portion 31a is provided between the pair of small diameter portions 31b, but at least one of the small diameter portions 31b may be omitted. Moreover, the outer peripheral surface 31 of the inner member 3 may have a uniform diameter as a whole. The grooves 34A and 34B do not necessarily have to be provided in the large diameter portion 31a, and may be provided in any of the small diameter portions 31b.

The shape of the grooves 24A, 24B may have different shapes. Similarly, grooves 34A and 34B may have different shapes. In these cases, if the shape of the locking piece 4 arranged in the space formed by the grooves 24A, 34A differs from the shape of the locking piece 4 arranged in the space formed by the grooves 24B, 34B. may have.
In addition to the above, the configuration disclosed in this embodiment can be modified in various ways.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Rotating mechanism 2... Outer member 3... Inner member 4... Locking piece 5... Connecting member 6... Coupling part 24A, 24B, 34A, 34B... Groove 25A, 25B... Slot 27A, 27B... Lid member, 100... Coupling fitting, AX... Shaft, DX... Axial direction, DR... Radial direction, D?... Circumferential direction.

Claims (11)

a cylindrical outer member having a first inner peripheral surface, a first outer peripheral surface, and a first groove extending in the first inner peripheral surface in a circumferential direction around the axis of the first inner peripheral surface;
a second outer peripheral surface that is rotatably inserted into the outer member and faces the first inner peripheral surface; a second groove that extends in the circumferential direction on the second outer peripheral surface and faces the first groove; an inner member having
a plurality of arc-shaped locking pieces arranged in a space defined by the first groove and the second groove, and restricting relative movement of the outer member and the inner member in an axial direction parallel to the axis; ,
A rotating mechanism. The first groove is an annular shape that circles the first inner peripheral surface in the circumferential direction,
The second groove is an annular shape that circles the second outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction,
The plurality of locking pieces are arranged annularly around the axis,
The rotation mechanism according to claim 1. The first groove is
a first locking plane orthogonal to the axial direction;
a second locking plane orthogonal to the axial direction and facing the first locking plane;
has
The second groove is
a third locking plane perpendicular to the axial direction and aligned with the first locking plane in a radial direction about the axis;
a fourth locking plane orthogonal to the axial direction and aligned with the second locking plane in the radial direction;
has
each of the plurality of locking pieces,
a fifth locking plane in contact with the first locking plane and the third locking plane;
a sixth locking plane in contact with the second locking plane and the fourth locking plane;
have,
The rotation mechanism according to claim 1 or 2. The outer member has a slot penetrating between the first groove and the first outer peripheral surface and having a shape through which each of the plurality of locking pieces can pass,
The rotation mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The slot is arc-shaped along the circumferential direction,
a length in the circumferential direction of each of the plurality of locking pieces is smaller than a length in the circumferential direction of the slot;
The rotation mechanism according to claim 4. further comprising a lid member that closes the slot,
The rotation mechanism according to claim 4 or 5. The outer member has a plurality of first grooves arranged in the axial direction,
The inner member has a plurality of second grooves arranged in the axial direction,
The plurality of locking pieces are respectively arranged in the plurality of spaces formed by the plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves,
The rotation mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6. a rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
a connecting portion provided on the outer member and capable of being connected to a mating metal fitting;
fittings. The inner member is cylindrical having a channel,
9. A fitting according to claim 8. The connecting part is
a plurality of projections arranged in the circumferential direction at the axial end of the outer member and formed with hooks projecting in the circumferential direction;
a plurality of recesses respectively formed between adjacent protrusions;
and can be combined with a joint portion of the same shape provided by the mating metal fitting,
10. A fitting according to claim 9. a first inner peripheral surface; a first outer peripheral surface; a first groove extending in the first inner peripheral surface in a circumferential direction around an axis of the first inner peripheral surface; providing a cylindrical outer member having a slot extending therethrough between the faces;
preparing an inner member having a second outer peripheral surface facing the first inner peripheral surface and a second groove extending in the circumferential direction on the second outer peripheral surface;
rotatably inserting the inner member into the outer member such that the first groove and the second groove face each other;
sequentially inserting a plurality of arc-shaped locking pieces through the slots into the space formed by the first groove and the second groove;
After finishing inserting the plurality of locking pieces, the slot is closed with a lid member;
A manufacturing method of a rotating mechanism.

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