JP2023170871A - Connecting device and connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a connecting device which can easily release a connection state with a waved pipe and has improved workability.SOLUTION: A connecting device 100 comprises: a connecting cylinder 110 having a cylinder wall 111, a connecting port 112, and a plurality of penetrating portions 114; and a retention member 120 interposed between a waved pipe 11 inserted into the connecting cylinder 110 and the connecting cylinder 110, and regulating the movement of the waved pipe 11 in a withdrawal direction with respect to the connecting cylinder 110. The retention member 120 comprises: an attachment part 123 to be attached to an outer face of the waved pipe 11; and a plurality of engagement parts 125 which are bulged to a radially outer side with respect to an outer face of a protrusion 13 of the waved pipe 11 so as to extend into the plurality of penetrating portions 114. A plurality of restriction parts 115 are provided on an inner face of the cylinder wall 111. The plurality of restriction parts are located adjacent to and on axial tip sides of the penetrating portions 114, and engaged with the engagement parts 125 elastically displaced to a radially inner side so as to separate from the penetration parts 114, thus restricting the engagement parts 125 from elastically restoring and entering the penetrating portions 114.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a connecting device and a connecting body for connecting corrugated pipes.

Conventionally, various connecting devices are used to connect corrugated tubes in order to terminate the ends of corrugated tubes that house and protect wiring, etc., or to interconnect two or more corrugated tubes. is used.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connecting device that can more easily and quickly disconnect a pipe and a pipe joint using a disconnecting tool. Hereinafter, in the relevant paragraph, the code of Patent Document 1 is shown in parentheses. In Patent Document 1, a pipe joint (10) consists of a joint body (110) and a retaining member (120), and the pipe (20) is inserted into a socket (111) of the joint body (110) to maintain the connected state. is configured to hold. Here, the tube (20) is a square flexible corrugated tube. An annular groove (21) for mounting the retaining member (120) is formed over the outer periphery of the pipe (20). Slit-shaped through holes (112) are formed in the side wall of the joint body (110) at four corners of the joint body (110) near the socket (111), respectively. The retaining member (120) is a generally rectangular band-shaped body in plan view, and its outer circumferential portion (120a) corresponds to the inner circumferential wall shape of the joint body (110), and its inner circumferential portion (120b) corresponds to the shape of the inner circumferential wall of the joint body (110). It is formed to correspond to the shape of the outer peripheral wall of the groove portion (21). On each of the four sides of this retaining member (120), a linear mounting part (121) is provided, and an elastic member that can be elastically deformed inward is provided to protrude outward from both ends of the mounting part (121). A deformed portion (122) is formed. Each elastic deformation part (122) is formed with four engaging parts (123) that protrude outward and can be engaged with the edges of the four through holes (112) of the joint body (110). In a joint structure in which a pipe (20) is connected to both ends of a pipe joint (10), an elastic deformation portion (122) of a retaining member (120) is formed at the edge of a through hole (112) of a joint body (110). The engaged portions (123) engaged with each other form a connected state between the pipe joint (10) and the pipe (20). To detach the engaging portion (123) from each through hole (112), insert the disconnection tool (100) into the through hole (112) of the joint body (110) for each through hole (112). Operate rotation. In this disconnection operation, it is necessary to hold the disconnection tool (100) in the through-hole (112) so that it does not come off so that each engaging part (123) does not return to the through-hole (112). . To release the connection between the pipe joint (10) and the pipe (20), the engagement of all four engagement points is released by the four connection release tools (100), and the engagement is held in that state. As a result, the connection between the pipe joint (10) and the pipe (20) is released.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-011330

In the connection device of Patent Document 1, when releasing the connection state with the corrugated pipe, all the engagement points are released with a connection release tool, and each connection release tool is used to release the engagement in order to prevent re-engagement. By maintaining the state as it is at each engagement point, the connection between the pipe joint and the corrugated pipe is released, and the corrugated pipe can be pulled out from the pipe joint. However, in the conventional connecting device as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to use as many disconnecting tools as there are engagement points, which makes the handling complicated, and as a result, the workability when removing the pipe from the connecting device is reduced. The problem is that the

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a connecting device and a connecting device that can easily release the connection state with a corrugated pipe and further improve the workability. It's about offering your body.

The connecting device according to claim 1 is a connecting device for connecting corrugated pipes,
A cylindrical wall extending in the axial direction; a connection port that opens at the tip of the cylindrical wall and into which the corrugated pipe is inserted; a connecting tube having a plurality of penetration parts;
a retaining member interposed between the corrugated tube inserted into the connecting tube and the connecting tube, and restricting movement of the corrugated tube in a direction in which the corrugated tube is removed from the connecting tube;
The retaining member is
an attachment part that is fitted into a recess of the corrugated tube and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated tube;
bulges radially outward from the outer surface of the convex part of the corrugated tube so as to enter into each of the plurality of penetration parts, and engages with the inner surface of the penetration part at least on the axial tip side of the cylinder wall, a plurality of engaging portions that restrict movement of the retaining member in the withdrawal direction with respect to the connecting tube and are elastically displaceable inward in the radial direction so as to be detached from each of the through portions;
The inner surface of the cylindrical wall is engaged with the engaging portion that is located adjacent to the axially distal end side of each of the penetrating portions and is elastically displaced inward in the radial direction so as to be disengaged from each of the penetrating portions, A plurality of restricting portions are provided to restrict the engaging portion from elastically returning and entering the penetrating portion.

In the connecting device according to claim 2, in the connecting device according to claim 1, the connecting tube is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the connected corrugated pipe, and the retaining member is configured to It is characterized in that it can be rotated following the rotation of the connecting tube with respect to the corrugated tube.

In the connection device according to claim 3, the connection tube further includes an indicator portion formed at a position corresponding to the circumferential direction of each of the through-holes, and indicating the position of the through-hole to the outside through the connection port. It is characterized by

In the connecting device according to claim 4, in the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the amount of protrusion of the engaging portion toward the radially outer side increases toward the distal end side in the axial direction. The protruding piece is inclined with respect to the axial direction so as to face the proximal end side in the axial direction and the outer side in the radial direction, and has a pressed surface that is pressed from the outside, and a distal end in the axial direction. It is characterized by having an abutment surface that faces to the side and abuts on the inner surface of the penetrating portion.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connecting device according to the fourth aspect, wherein a hooking groove for hooking a tool tip is formed in the pressed surface.

The connecting device according to claim 6 is the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the connecting tube connects the corrugated tube with the retaining member attached to the connecting port. It is configured so that it can be inserted internally through the
The restriction portion is a restriction wall that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the cylindrical wall in a region adjacent to the connection port,
The retaining member is characterized in that it is elastically deformable inward in the radial direction so as to ride over the through-hole and further move in the insertion direction while attached to the corrugated tube.

The connecting device according to claim 7 is the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining member engages the plurality of engaging portions with the plurality of restricting portions, respectively. When the corrugated tube is pulled out, the attachment portion maintains a state of being fitted into the recess of the corrugated tube, and is pulled out together with the corrugated tube from the connecting tube when the corrugated tube is pulled out. It is characterized by being configured as follows.

The connecting body according to claim 8 is a connecting body for connecting a corrugated pipe in cooperation with a retaining member,
a cylinder wall extending in the axial direction;
a connection port that opens at the tip of the cylindrical wall and into which the corrugated pipe is inserted;
A plurality of penetration parts are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, penetrating the cylinder wall inside and outside,
The retaining member is
an attachment part that is fitted into a recess of the corrugated tube and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated tube;
a plurality of engaging portions that bulge radially outward from the convex outer surface of the corrugated tube and are elastically displaceable radially inward, the corrugated tube inserted into the connecting body and the connection; interposed between the corrugated tube and the connecting body, and configured to restrict movement of the corrugated tube in the direction of withdrawal from the connecting body;
The penetrating portion has the engaging portion disposed inside thereof, and the engaging portion engages with the inner surface of the penetrating portion at least on the axially distal end side of the cylindrical wall, so that the connecting body of the retaining member configured to restrict movement in the direction of escape from the
The inner surface of the cylindrical wall is engaged with the engaging portion that is located adjacent to the axially distal end side of each of the penetrating portions and is elastically displaced inward in the radial direction so as to be disengaged from each of the penetrating portions, A plurality of restricting portions are provided to restrict the engaging portion from elastically returning and entering the penetrating portion.

According to the connecting device according to claim 1, the retaining member is interposed between the corrugated tube inserted into the connecting tube and the connecting tube, and restricts movement of the corrugated tube in the direction of withdrawal from the connecting tube. do. In particular, in the connected state where the connecting device connects the corrugated tube, the attachment part of the retaining member engages with the recess of the corrugated tube, thereby preventing the corrugated tube from moving in the direction of withdrawal with respect to the retaining member. Regulated. In addition, in the connected state, each of the engaging parts of the retaining member enters the corresponding penetrating part and engages with the inner surface of the penetrating part, thereby forming a plurality of engagement points, whereby the retaining member movement in the direction of withdrawal from the connecting tube is restricted. That is, the attachment part and the engaging part of the slip-off prevention member interposed between the corrugated pipe and the connecting cylinder engage with the corrugated pipe and the connecting cylinder, respectively, at least in the axial direction to restrict slippage. A connection of the corrugated tube to the connection device can be formed. On the other hand, in the connected state, the engaging portion that has entered the penetrating portion faces the outside through the penetrating portion that penetrates the cylindrical wall inside and out. Further, each engaging portion can be elastically displaced radially inward so as to be disengaged from each penetrating portion. The inner surface of the cylindrical wall is engaged with an engaging part that is elastically displaced radially inward to separate from each penetrating part, and prevents the engaging part from elastically returning and re-entering the penetrating part. A plurality of regulation sections are provided. Here, regarding the "elastic displacement" of the engaging part, if the engaging part is displaced inward to separate from the penetrating part and then elastically returns to engage with the penetrating part or the regulating part, the engaging part is engaged with the penetrating part or the regulating part. The joint itself may be elastically deformed, or the retaining member may be wholly or partially elastically deformed. In other words, when the user presses the engaging part from the outside of the cylindrical wall through the penetrating part, the engaging part disengages from the penetrating part and each disengaged engaging part is restricted. is locked by the section to prevent it from returning back into each penetration. By maintaining the disengaged state at all the engaged locations, relative movement of the corrugated tube and the connecting tube in the extraction direction is allowed. The corrugated tube is extracted from the connecting tube by a subsequent extraction operation, and the connection state of the corrugated tube to the connecting device can be released. Therefore, in the connecting device of the present invention, the regulating portion provided on the inner surface of the connecting cylinder functions as a detent for the engaging portion, so that the disengaged state at each engaging point can be controlled without complicating the handling. It can be easily maintained and further improves the workability in disconnecting the connecting device and the corrugated pipe.

According to the connecting device according to claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1, the corrugated tube and the connecting tube are connected via the retaining member so as to be relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction. When connecting and disconnecting corrugated tubes, it becomes possible to relatively rotate the connecting device and the corrugated tube in the axial direction. In particular, when multiple corrugated tubes are installed side by side, or when the corrugated tubes are bent, the adjacent corrugated tubes or the bent portions of the corrugated tubes may interfere with each other, causing the connection. In environments where it is difficult to connect and disconnect the equipment and the corrugated pipe, the user can move the connecting device relative to the corrugated pipe to a position where it is easier to work, improving workability. Is possible.

According to the connecting device according to claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 2, when attaching the retaining member to the connecting tube, based on the position of the indicator visually observed from the distal end side of the connecting tube, It becomes possible to position the engaging portion of the retaining member in the circumferential direction. That is, the index portion facilitates positioning when attaching the retaining member to the connecting tube.

According to the connection device according to claim 4, in addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in a state where the protruding piece serving as the engaging portion is disposed within the penetrating portion, the proximal end side in the axial direction When the pressed surface, which is an inclined surface facing outward in the radial direction, is pressed, the pressing force on the protruding piece is naturally directed toward the distal end side in the axial direction. As a result, the pressed engaging portion can reliably engage with the regulating portion located on the axially distal end side of the penetrating portion.

According to the connection device of claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 4, by hooking and pushing the tool tip into the latching groove formed on the pressed surface, the tool tip can be prevented from slipping. It is possible to easily press and operate the engaging portion without having to do so.

According to the connection device according to claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the corrugated pipe with the retaining member attached in advance can be inserted into the connection tube through the connection port. By doing so, it is possible to make the engaging part go over the restriction wall protruding from the inner surface of the cylinder wall in the insertion direction and enter the through part, and easily connect the corrugated tube to the connecting cylinder. With this connection method, it is possible to visually confirm that the retaining member is attached to the corrugated tube, so it is possible to prevent forgetting to attach the retaining member. In addition, when the retaining member is attached to the corrugated tube, the retaining member can move further in the insertion direction over the penetrating portion by elastic displacement of the engaging portion inward in the radial direction. This makes it possible to insert the corrugated tube deeper into the connecting tube and connect it, if necessary.

According to the connecting device according to claim 7, in addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the retaining member is separated from the connecting tube by the disconnection operation between the connecting device and the corrugated pipe. be able to. Thereby, when the corrugated tube and the connecting device are connected again, it becomes easy to attach the retaining member to the corrugated tube.

According to the connecting body according to claim 8, the attachment portion of the retaining member engages with the recess of the corrugated tube, thereby restricting movement of the corrugated tube in the withdrawal direction with respect to the retaining member. In this way, a connection state between the connecting body and the corrugated tube is formed. In addition, in the connected state, each of the engaging parts of the retaining member enters the corresponding penetrating part and engages with the inner surface of the penetrating part, thereby forming a plurality of engagement points, whereby the retaining member movement in the direction of withdrawal from the connecting body is restricted. That is, the attachment part and the engaging part of the slip-off prevention member interposed between the corrugated tube and the connecting body engage with the corrugated tube and the connecting body, respectively, at least in the axial direction to restrict slippage. A connection of the corrugated tube to the connection body can be formed. On the other hand, in the connected state, the engaging portion that has entered the penetrating portion faces the outside through the penetrating portion that penetrates the cylindrical wall inside and out. Further, each engaging portion can be elastically displaced radially inward so as to be disengaged from each penetrating portion. The inner surface of the cylindrical wall is engaged with an engaging part that is elastically displaced radially inward to separate from each penetrating part, and prevents the engaging part from elastically returning and re-entering the penetrating part. A plurality of regulation sections are provided. Here, regarding the "elastic displacement" of the engaging part, if the engaging part is displaced inward to separate from the penetrating part and then elastically returns to engage with the penetrating part or the regulating part, the engaging part is engaged with the penetrating part or the regulating part. The joint itself may be elastically deformed, or the retaining member may be wholly or partially elastically deformed. In other words, when the user presses the engaging part from the outside of the cylindrical wall through the penetrating part, the engaging part disengages from the penetrating part and each disengaged engaging part is restricted. is locked by the section to prevent it from returning back into each penetration. By maintaining the disengaged state at all the engaged locations, relative movement of the corrugated tube and the connecting body in the extraction direction is permitted. The corrugated tube is pulled out from the connecting body by a subsequent extraction operation, and the connection state of the corrugated tube to the connecting body via the retaining member can be released. Therefore, in the connecting body of the present invention, the regulating part provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall functions as a detent for the engaging part, so that the disengaged state at each engaging part can be controlled without complicating the handling. It can be easily maintained, and the workability in disconnecting the connecting body and the corrugated pipe is further improved.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting device according to an embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention. (a) A schematic perspective view as seen from the front side, and (b) a schematic perspective view as seen from the back side of the connecting tube of the connecting device in FIG. 1. (a) A front view, (b) a side view, and (c) a rear view of the connecting tube in FIG. 2. (a) An AA vertical cross-sectional view and (b) a partially enlarged view of the connecting tube in FIG. 3. (a) A BB cross-sectional view and (b) a partially enlarged view of the connecting tube in FIG. 3. (a) A CC cross-sectional view and (b) a partially enlarged view of the connecting tube in FIG. 3. (a) A schematic perspective view as seen from the front side, and (b) a schematic perspective view as seen from the back side, of the retaining member of the connecting device in FIG. 1. (a) A front view and (b) a side view of the retaining member of FIG. 7. (a) Partially enlarged front view and (b) DD sectional view of the retaining member in FIG. 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a connection structure in which a connection device and a corrugated tube are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side view of the connection structure shown in FIG. 10; (a) EE longitudinal sectional view and (b) FF longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 11. (a) GG cross-sectional view and (b) partially enlarged view of FIG. 11. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a method of connecting a connecting device and a corrugated tube according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a step of inserting a corrugated tube into a connecting tube of the connecting device. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a method for connecting a connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a corrugated tube, in which (a) to (c) show each step until the engaging portion is disposed within the penetrating portion. It shows. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a method for connecting a connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a corrugated tube, in which (a) and (b) show each step until the corrugated tube is pushed further into the connecting tube. It shows the stages. FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a method of releasing the connection state between the connecting device and the corrugated pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (a) to (c) show that each engaging portion engages with each regulating portion. It shows each stage until it is stopped. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a method for releasing the connection between the connecting device and the corrugated pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which all the engaging parts are maintained in a position removed from the penetrating part. It shows. FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a connecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. (a) A front view and (b) a side view of the connecting tube of the connecting device of FIG. 19. (a) GG longitudinal cross-sectional view and (b) a partially enlarged view of the connecting tube in FIG. 20; FIG. 20 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a connection structure in which the connection device of FIG. 19 and a corrugated pipe are connected. (a) A schematic sectional view showing a connection device and (b) a schematic sectional view showing a connection structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. (a) A schematic sectional view showing a connection device and (b) a schematic sectional view showing a connection structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes in the figures referred to in the following description are conceptual diagrams or schematic diagrams for explaining preferred shapes and dimensions, and the dimensional ratios etc. do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios. That is, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios in the drawings. Further, the directions of up, down, left and right in the present invention are merely concepts indicating relative positions, and it goes without saying that these can be interchanged and applied.

A connecting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured as a bell mouth for removably connecting the ends of a corrugated tube 11 and for terminal processing the ends of the corrugated tube 11. However, the connection device of the present invention is not limited to the use of bell mouths, but can be applied to any use of connecting corrugated pipes, such as pipe joints and caps. Further, the corrugated tube 11 of this embodiment is a general flexible tube in which small diameter concave portions 12 and large diameter convex portions 13 are alternately continuous in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 10 etc. It stores and protects wires, etc. inside. In this embodiment, a pipe having a circular cross-sectional shape is used as the corrugated pipe 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting device 100 of one embodiment includes a hollow connecting tube 110 that extends in the axial direction and is open at least one side in the axial direction, and a connecting tube 110 that is disposed inside the connecting tube 110 and has a A retaining member 120 is provided for maintaining the connection between the attached tube 11 and the connecting tube 101. These components will be explained in more detail below.

First, the connection tube 110 of the connection device 100 of one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic perspective views of the connecting tube 110 seen from the front side and the back side. 3(a) to (c) are a front view, a side view, and a rear view of the connecting tube 110. FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the connecting tube 110 along the axial direction, and a partially enlarged view thereof. 5(a), (b) and FIG. 6(a), (b) are BB and CC cross-sectional views taken by cutting the connecting tube 110 along a plane orthogonal to the axial direction, and a partially enlarged view thereof. be.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the connecting tube 110 has a retaining member 120 disposed therein as a connecting body, and is configured such that the end of the corrugated tube 11 is inserted therein from the tip. The connecting tube 110 includes a cylindrical wall 111 extending in the axial direction, a connecting port 112 that opens at the tip of the cylindrical wall 111 and into which the corrugated tube 11 is inserted, and a connecting port 112 formed at the other end of the cylindrical wall 111. It has an open end 113 for terminal-processing the end of the corrugated tube 11, and a plurality of through parts 114 formed in the cylindrical wall 111. Note that in this embodiment, the connecting tube 110 is molded from a hard synthetic resin material, but other materials such as metal may be used.

The cylindrical wall 111 is a hollow cylindrical body extending in the axial direction that corresponds to the direction in which the corrugated tube 11 is connected or inserted. In this embodiment, the cylindrical wall 111 has a circular cross-sectional shape that is continuous in the axial direction. Here, the distal end side of the cylindrical wall 111 refers to the side where the connection port 112 is formed in the axial direction, and the proximal end side refers to the side opposite to the distal end side in the axial direction. Further, the connection port 112 is a circular opening and has an inner diameter through which the convex portion 13 of the corrugated tube 11 can pass. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the open end 113 has an inner surface curved in the axial direction so as not to damage the wiring material when the wiring material is drawn from the end of the corrugated tube 11 through the connection device 100. have. Furthermore, the plurality of penetration parts 114 are provided near the tip of the cylindrical wall 111 at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the penetrating portions 114 are provided at four locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the penetrating portions 114 has a shape and size that allows a protruding piece 125 serving as an engaging portion of the retaining member 120 to be inserted therethrough. Specifically, each penetration part 114 was formed as a slit that penetrates the cylinder wall 111 from inside to outside and extends in a circumferential direction. In this embodiment, each of the penetrating portions 114 has a flat trapezoidal shape with a long side on the axially distal end side and a short side on the axially proximal end side. Further, the cylindrical wall 111 is formed so that the portion on the axially distal end side of the penetrating portion 114 is relatively thicker than the proximal end side.

Further, on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 111, a plurality of regulating walls 115 are located adjacent to the axially distal end side of each of the penetrating portions 114, and a plurality of depressions are located adjacent to the axially distal end side of each regulating wall 115. A section 116 is provided. That is, the penetrating portion 114, the regulating wall 115, and the recessed portion 116 are aligned at the same position in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall 111.

As shown in the partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(b), the regulating wall 115 is formed integrally with the distal end side surface of the inner surface of the penetrating portion 114, and is located in a region on the distal side of the regulating wall 115 (i.e., This is a portion that protrudes relatively radially inward in a triangular cross-sectional view compared to the inner surface of the recessed portion 116. In other words, the surface of the regulating wall 115 on the distal end side in the axial direction forms an inclined surface facing toward the distal end side in the axial direction and inward in the radial direction, and the surface on the opposite side (proximal end side in the axial direction) forms a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. ing. The regulating wall 115 can function as a regulating portion that locks a protruding piece 125 of a retaining member 120, which will be described later, and regulates its elastic return.

Further, the recessed portion 116 is adjacent to the axially distal end side of the regulating wall 115 and is provided in a region adjacent to the connection port 112 on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 111. This recessed portion 116 is an area extending between the regulating wall 115 and the connection port 112. The recessed portion 116 is a relatively thin portion in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall 111, is formed by cutting out the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 111 in a circumferentially concave shape, and is open to the tip side. The concave curved shape of the recessed portion 116 complementarily corresponds to the shape of a projecting piece 125 that swells in a convex curved shape in the circumferential direction of the retaining member 120, which will be described later. That is, the recess 116 can hold the protruding piece 125 disposed within the recess 116 in place so as to prevent it from rotating in the circumferential direction. Further, since each recessed portion 116 is visible from the distal end side of the connecting tube 110, it can function as an indicator portion that externally displays the circumferential position of the penetrating portion 114 and the restriction wall 115 (restriction portion).

Next, the retaining member 120 of the connecting device 100 of one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views of the retaining member 120 seen from the front side and the back side. FIGS. 8A and 8B are a front view and a side view of the retaining member 120. 9(a) and 9(b) are a partially enlarged front view and a DD sectional view of the retaining member 120.

The retaining member 120 is interposed between the corrugated tube 11 inserted into the connecting tube 110 and the connecting tube 110, and is configured to restrict the movement of the corrugated tube 11 in the direction of withdrawal from the connecting tube 110. There is. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the retaining member 120 is an elastically deformable band-shaped body that extends in a substantially annular shape and is partially cut in the circumferential direction. This retaining member 120 is held inside the connecting tube 110 and is configured to be attached to the outer periphery of the corrugated tube 11 . Here, the annular center axis of the retaining member 120 matches the axial direction of the connecting tube 110 and the longitudinal direction of the corrugated tube 11 (in the connected state of the connecting device 100 and the corrugated tube 11), The front side (FIG. 8(a)) of the retaining member 120 is disposed on the axially distal end side. In this embodiment, the retaining member 120 is molded from a hard synthetic resin material so as to be elastically deformable, but other materials such as metal may be used.

The retaining member 120 includes a band-shaped portion 121 extending in the circumferential direction and an open portion 122 formed between both ends (in the circumferential direction) of the band-shaped portion 121, with both ends of the band-shaped portion 121 being open. They are separated by a section 122. In other words, the band-shaped portion 121 can be elastically deformed to expand or contract in diameter by bringing its both ends closer to each other or moving them apart. Further, both ends of the band-shaped portion 121 are each bent inward in the radial direction. That is, the retaining member 120 extends along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the corrugated tube 11, and a portion thereof is removed to form an open portion 122 (opening). It is configured so that it can be externally fitted into the recess 12 of the corrugated tube 11 that has passed through the open portion 122. Further, on the outer surface of the band-shaped portion 121 of the retaining member 120, a display portion 127 is formed to indicate the axial direction in which the retaining member 120 is inserted into the connecting tube 110 using an arrow.

Further, the band-shaped portion 121 is formed by combining two large and small concentric circular arcs. That is, the band-shaped portion 121 includes an inner circumferential portion 123 forming an arc with a smaller diameter and an outer circumferential portion 124 forming an arc with a larger diameter. Adjacent inner circumferential portion 123 and outer circumferential portion 124 are connected by a bending portion 126 that is bent and extends in the radial direction of belt-like portion 121 . The outer circumferential portions 124 are formed at four locations in the circumferential direction of the band-shaped portion 121 at equal intervals. Further, outer circumferential portions 124 are formed at both ends of the band-shaped portion 121 adjacent to the open portion 122, respectively. An inner circumferential portion 123 is formed between the outer circumferential portions 124 adjacent in the circumferential direction. In other words, the inner circumferential portions 123 formed at three locations and the outer circumferential portions 124 formed at four locations are alternately formed in the band-shaped portion 121 . Here, the arc length of the outer circumferential portion 124 is greater than the arc length of the inner circumferential portion 123. Each outer circumferential portion 124 is elastically deformable, and can be elastically deformed using the bending portions 126 on both sides as fulcrums so that the central portion thereof is bent inward in the radial direction. Note that the ends of both ends of the band-shaped portion 121 bent inward in the radial direction can also be interpreted as the inner circumferential portion 123 (attachment portion).

The diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the inner circumferential portion 123 forming an arc was designed based on the outer diameters of the concave portion 12 and convex portion 13 of the corrugated pipe 11 to be connected. In particular, the inner diameter of the inner peripheral portion 123 was determined to be less than the outer diameter of the convex portion 13. That is, the inner circumferential portion 123 functions as an attachment portion that is fitted into the recess 12 and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated tube 11 when the retaining member 120 is attached to the outer circumference of the corrugated tube 11. It is composed of The attachment portion (inner peripheral portion 123) is fitted into the recess 12 and is locked in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the corrugated tube 11. Thereby, relative movement of the retaining member 120 in the longitudinal direction of the corrugated tube 11 in the attached state is restricted. Note that when the retaining member 120 is attached to the outer circumference of the corrugated tube 11, the inner surface of the inner peripheral portion 123 elastically contacts the outer surface of the recess 12, and the retaining member 120 is attached to the corrugated tube 11. It is preferable to be configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction.

The diameter of the arcuate outer circumferential portion 124 is determined so that the corrugated tube 11 equipped with the retaining member 120 can be inserted into the connecting tube 110. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral portion 124 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the convex portion 13 of the corrugated tube 11. A protrusion piece 125 is formed on the outer surface of each outer circumferential portion 124 and bulges radially outward at a predetermined protrusion height. Each protruding piece 125 is configured such that when the corrugated tube 11 is connected to the connecting device 100, the protruding piece 125 bulges radially outward from the outer surface of the convex portion 13 of the corrugated tube 11 so as to enter the corresponding penetrating portion 114. It is configured. That is, the protruding piece 125 engages with the inner surface of the penetrating part 114 at least on the axially distal end side of the cylinder wall 111, thereby serving as an engaging part that restricts the movement of the retaining member 120 in the direction of withdrawal from the connecting cylinder 110. It's something that works. Furthermore, the protruding piece 125 can be elastically displaced radially inward so as to be separated from each penetration portion 114 in accordance with the radially inward bending deformation of the outer circumferential portion 124 . In addition, the retaining member 120 can also reduce the amount of radially outward expansion of the protruding piece 125 serving as the engaging portion by narrowing the width of the open portion 122. For example, if the outer diameter of the recess 12 of the corrugated tube 11 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral portion 123, when the retaining member 120 is attached to the corrugated tube 11, there is a gap between the outer surface of the recess 12 and the inner peripheral portion 123. If a gap is formed, the attached retaining member 120 can be deformed to reduce its diameter so as to narrow the width of the open portion 122. In addition, in this embodiment, the engaging part (protruding piece 125) is displaced inward to disengage from the penetrating part 114, and elastically returns to engage with the penetrating part 114 or the regulating wall 115. The retaining member 120, rather than the piece 125 (engaging portion) itself, is configured to be elastically deformed in whole or in part.

As shown in FIG. 9A, each protruding piece 125 has a shape that further bulges out in an arc shape radially outward from the outer surface of the outer circumferential portion 124 when viewed from the front, and is positioned at the circumferential center of the outer circumferential portion 124. shows the maximum amount of protrusion. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9(b), each protrusion piece 125 is formed so that the amount of protrusion toward the outside in the radial direction increases toward the tip end in the axial direction (when the corrugated tube 11 is connected). There is. The protruding piece 125 is inclined with respect to the axial direction so as to face the axial proximal end side and the radial outer side, and has a pressed surface 125a that is pressed from the outside, and a penetrating portion 114 that faces the axial distal end side. It has a contact surface 125b that comes into contact with the inner surface of. Further, a retaining groove 125c is formed approximately at the center of the pressed surface 125a, for hooking the tip of the tool to assist the pressing operation by the tool.

Next, a connection structure 10 in which the connection device 100 of this embodiment and the corrugated tube 11 are removably connected will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the connection structure 10. FIG. 11 is a side view of the connection structure 10. FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line EE and vertical cross-sectional view taken along line FF of the connection structure 10. FIG. 13 is a GG cross-sectional view of the connection structure 10.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, in the connection structure 10, the connection device 100 and the corrugated tube 11 are connected in such a manner that the corrugated tube 11 is prevented from coming out of the connection tube 110. That is, in the connection structure 10, the end of the corrugated tube 11 is inserted into the cylindrical wall 111 of the connection tube 110 via the connection port 112. A retaining member 120 is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical wall 111 of the connecting tube 110 and the outer circumferential surface of the corrugated tube 11. This retaining member 120 engages with both the corrugated tube 11 and the connecting tube 110, thereby connecting the corrugated tube 11 and the connecting tube 110 in a manner that prevents them from coming off. Hereinafter, the connection state between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated tube 11 will be explained in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 12(a), the inner peripheral part 123 (attachment part) of the retaining member 120 is inserted into the recess 12 of the corrugated tube 11, so that the retaining member 120 and the corrugated tube 11 are attached to the shaft. They are locked to each other in the longitudinal direction, and their relative movement in the axial direction is restricted. On the other hand, relative rotation of the retaining member 120 and the corrugated tube 11 in the circumferential direction is allowed. Further, since the inner surface of the inner circumferential portion 123 of the retaining member 120 and the outer surface of the recessed portion 12 of the corrugated tube 11 are in contact with each other, the diameter reduction deformation of the inner circumferential portion 123 is restricted.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the plurality of protruding pieces 125 bulging radially outward from the outer surface of the outer circumferential portion 124 of the retaining member 120 enter into the plurality of penetration parts 114 of the connecting tube 110, respectively. are doing. The abutting surface 125b of each protruding piece 125 engages with the inner surface (located on the axially distal end side) of each penetrating portion 114, thereby preventing the retaining member 120 from moving toward the axially distal end side with respect to the connecting tube 110. regulated. Preferably, the protruding piece 125 is press-fitted into the penetrating portion 114 by the elastic force of the retaining member 120 in the diametrical direction, so that the contact surface 125b of the protruding piece 125 and the inner surface of the penetrating portion 114 (the base of the regulating wall 115) A frictional force is generated between the two end surfaces) and the engaged state is stably maintained. As shown in FIG. 13, all the protruding pieces 125 in the circumferential direction are respectively engaged with the plurality of through parts 114 at corresponding positions, and an engaged state is formed at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction. As a result, a strong connection is formed between the connecting tube 110 and the retaining member 120. That is, the corrugated tube 11 and the connecting tube 110 are not directly connected to each other, but are connected to each other through the retaining member 120 so as to be prevented from coming off. In addition, in the connection structure 10 of the present embodiment, in order to (arbitrarily) seal between the connection tube 110 and the corrugated tube 11, the ring-shaped packing is made to be larger than the retaining member 120 of the corrugated tube 11. It may be fitted into another recess 12 located on the tip side. In other words, the connecting device 100 of the present embodiment is fitted into the second recess 12 on the distal side of the first recess 12 into which the retaining member 120 of the corrugated tube 11 is fitted, and the connecting device 100 is fitted into the second recess 12 on the distal side of the first recess 12 into which the retaining member 120 of the corrugated tube 11 is inserted. It may further include a ring-shaped packing that seals between the pipe 11 and the pipe 11 .

Further, in this embodiment, the contact surface 125b of the protruding piece 125 is locked to the inner surface of the penetrating portion 114 on the axial tip side in order to restrict the movement of the corrugated tube 11 in the withdrawal direction. The inclined pressed surface 125a is not engaged with the inner surface of the penetrating portion 114 on the axial base end side. That is, by elastically deforming the retaining member 120 inward in the radial direction, it is possible to overcome the penetration portion 114 and move further in the insertion direction (toward the inner side of the connecting tube 110) while being attached to the corrugated tube 11. It is.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, since each protruding piece 125 of the retaining member 120 is locked by both inner surfaces in the circumferential direction of each penetrating portion 114, The relative rotation of is regulated. In other words, the connecting tube 110 and the retaining member 120 are able to rotate with each other in the circumferential direction when the protruding piece 125 that has entered the penetrating portion 114 is pushed by the circumferential inner surface of the penetrating portion 114 . That is, when the connecting tube 110 and the retaining member 120 rotate together, the protruding piece 125 (engaging part) and the regulating wall 115 (regulating part) maintain their relative positions in the circumferential direction and prevent return movement. It is configured to maintain a restricted or engaged state. Further, the pressed surface 125a of each protruding piece 125 faces the outside of the connecting tube 110 via each through-hole 114. This allows the user to press the pressed surface 125a from the outside with a tool or the like.

Therefore, in the connection structure 10 of the present embodiment, the movement of the corrugated tube 11 in the withdrawal direction with respect to the connection tube 110 is restricted by the retaining member 120, so that the connection state between the connection device 100 and the corrugated tube 11 is strengthened. is maintained. As a result, in the connection structure 10, the end of the corrugated tube 11 is terminated by the open end 113 of the connection tube 110 serving as a bell mouth, making it easy to draw the wiring material into the corrugated tube 11. . Moreover, the connection structure 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the connection state between the connection device 100 and the corrugated tube 11 can be released by a simple operation by the user, as will be described later.

Next, a method for connecting the connecting device 100 and the corrugated tube 11 and a method for releasing the connection state between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated tube 11 will be explained.

To connect the connecting device 100 and the corrugated tube 11, first, the connecting tube 110 and the retaining member 120 of the connecting device 100 are separated separately. Next, the retaining member 120 is attached to the outer periphery of the corrugated tube 11. Specifically, the opening portion 122 of the retaining member 120 is flexibly deformed so as to expand, and the retaining member 120 is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (or axial direction) of the corrugated tube 11. The corrugated tube 11 is passed through the open portion 122. Then, by fitting the inner peripheral portion 123 of the retaining member 120 into the recess 12 of the corrugated tube 11 and elastically returning the retaining member 120, the corrugated tube 11 is placed inside the retaining member 120. , the retaining member 120 can be attached to the corrugated tube 11. The retaining member 120 is preferably attached to the recess 12 near the end of the corrugated tube 11, but the attachment position may be selected arbitrarily. Note that the retaining member 120 can be attached to the corrugated tube 11 by relatively moving the retaining member 120 and the corrugated tube 11 in the axial direction while the opening portion 122 is expanded to expand the diameter of the retaining member 120. It is possible to attach it.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the corrugated tube 11 with the retaining member 120 attached to its outer periphery is inserted into the connecting tube 110 through the connecting port 112. At this time, it is necessary to align the circumferential position of the penetrating portion 114 of the connecting tube 110 and the protruding piece 125 of the retaining member 120. The user can perform the alignment by visually observing the positions of the penetrating portion 114 and the protruding piece 125 from the outside in the radial direction, but also by visually observing the positions of the penetrating portion 114 and the protruding piece 125 from the distal end side in the axial direction. , it is possible to align the penetrating portion 114 and the protruding piece 125. The use of such an indicator is difficult, for example, in a complicated environment where multiple corrugated tubes are arranged side by side, where adjacent corrugated tubes interfere and make visual inspection from the outside in the radial direction impossible. This greatly contributes to improving work efficiency. Furthermore, since the connecting tube 110 and the retaining member 120 are rotatable together with each other in the circumferential direction, the user can move the corrugated tube 11 relative to the connecting device 100 under the above-mentioned complicated environment. By rotating it, the attitude of the corrugated tube 11 can be adjusted to make it easier to work with.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15(a), when the corrugated tube 11 is inserted into the connecting tube 110 together with the retaining member 120, the protruding piece 125 touches the inner circumferential surface of the tube wall 111 (the inner surface of the recess 116). The outer circumferential portion 124 is elastically deformed inward in the radial direction, and the protruding piece 125 is displaced inward in the radial direction. When the corrugated tube 11 is pushed inward in the insertion direction, the protruding piece 125 is pressed by the regulating wall 115 that protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder wall 111, as shown in FIG. 15(b). further elastically displaced inward. When the corrugated tube 11 is further pushed inward in the insertion direction, the protruding piece 125 axially climbs over the regulating wall 115 and enters the penetrating portion 114, as shown in FIG. 15(c). In addition, since each protruding piece 125 is accommodated in the recess 116 during insertion, rotation of the protruding piece 125 in the circumferential direction is suppressed, and displacement of the retaining member 120 in the circumferential direction with respect to the connecting tube 110 is prevented. effectively prevented. In this way, all the protruding pieces 125 are placed into the through-hole 114 almost simultaneously, thereby forming a connection between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11. That is, the user connects the connecting device 100 and the corrugated tube 11 by pushing the corrugated tube 11 equipped with the retaining member 120 to the back of the connecting tube 110 in the insertion direction, and constructs the connecting structure 10. It is possible to do so.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the user can push the corrugated tube 11 further into the connecting tube 110 in the insertion direction, if necessary. Specifically, when the corrugated tube 11 and the retaining member 120 are further moved in the insertion direction from the state in which the protruding piece 125 is disposed in the penetrating portion 114, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the protruding piece The pressed surface 125a of 125 contacts the inner surface of the penetrating portion 114 on the proximal end side in the axial direction, and the outer peripheral portion 124 is elastically deformed radially inward, and the protruding piece 125 is displaced radially inward. Then, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the protruding piece 125 rides over the inner surface of the proximal end in the axial direction of the penetrating portion 114 in the insertion direction, thereby moving the corrugated tube 11 further into the connection tube 110 in the insertion direction. It can be pushed in. Note that instead of this configuration, the protrusion piece 125 may be configured to be locked to the inner surface of the penetrating portion 114 on the axial base end side.

To release the connection between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated tube 11, it is necessary to simultaneously release all engagements between the inner surface of the penetrating portion 114 and the protruding piece 125. The user can release all the engaged states at the same time by sequentially releasing each engaged state one by one.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17A, the user presses the pressed surface 125a of the protruding piece 125 at the first location using a tool (here, a flat head screwdriver). By hooking the tip of the tool into the catch groove 125c of the pressed surface 125a, the user can perform the pressing operation more effectively without the tip of the tool slipping. Since the pressed surface 125a is slanted toward the base end (inner side) in the axial direction, a pressing force is applied to the protruding piece 125 both in the radial inner direction and in the axial direction. . Note that if at least a part of the protruding piece 125 enters the penetration part 114, the connecting tube 110 and the retaining member 120 can rotate together in the circumferential direction, so that only the corrugated tube 11 is attached to the connecting tube. 110. Therefore, if a plurality of corrugated tubes are arranged side by side or the corrugated tubes 11 are bent and arranged, adjacent corrugated tubes or bent portions of the corrugated tubes 11 may interfere, causing the tool to In an environment where it is difficult to press the protruding piece 125 by the user, the user rotates the corrugated tube 11 relative to the connecting device 100 to adjust the posture of the corrugated tube 11 to make it easier to work. be able to.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17(b), a further pressing operation causes the protruding piece 125 to be elastically displaced radially inward from the inner surface of the penetrating part 114, thereby detaching the protruding piece 125 from the penetrating part 114. The engaged state can be released by pressing the button. When the protruding piece 125 overcomes the regulating wall 115 inward in the radial direction, the protruding piece 125 moves toward the distal end side in the axial direction due to the pressing force toward the distal end side in the axial direction. Then, by releasing the pressing operation, the protruding piece 125 is partially elastically returned at a position closer to the tip in the axial direction than the penetrating portion 114 (regulating wall 115). As a result, as shown in FIG. 17(c), the protruding piece 125 (pressed surface 125a) engages with the regulating wall 115, and the protruding piece 125 naturally (or spontaneously) moves toward the proximal end in the axial direction. Movement is prevented. As a result, the protruding piece 125 is prevented from elastically returning and entering the penetrating part 114 again, and the protruding piece 125 is in a state in which it is detached from the penetrating part 114 ( (disengaged state) is maintained naturally.

Subsequently, in the same process, the pressed surfaces 125a of the protruding pieces 125 at the remaining locations are sequentially pressed to release the engaged state at all locations simultaneously, and the released state is maintained naturally. be able to. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting device 100 and the corrugated tube 11, schematically showing a state in which all parts are disengaged. In the form shown in FIG. 18 in which all the parts are disengaged, all the protruding pieces 125 of the retaining member 120 are in elastic contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 111, and all the protruding pieces 125 are in the recessed part. 116, the retaining member 120 is prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction with respect to the connecting tube 110. In addition, since the inner peripheral portion 123 of the retaining member 120 remains fitted into the recess 12 of the corrugated tube 11, there is still a temporary connection between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated tube 11. The condition is maintained. At this time, since the connecting tube 110 and the retaining member 120 can rotate together with each other in the circumferential direction while the protruding piece 125 engages with the regulating wall 115 and return movement is restricted, only the corrugated tube 11 can be rotated. can be rotated relative to the connecting tube 110. Therefore, even in this temporarily connected state, the attitude of the connecting device 100 can be adjusted by rotating the connecting device 100 relative to the corrugated tube 11 as required for the work. By relatively moving the corrugated tube 11 and the connecting tube 110 in the withdrawal direction, the corrugated tube 11 can be pulled out from the connecting tube 110 and the connected state can be completely released. Along with this extraction operation of the corrugated tube 11, the retaining member 120 is extracted from the connecting tube 110 together with the corrugated tube 11. This makes it easier to attach the retaining member 120 to the corrugated tube 11 when connecting the corrugated tube 11 and the connecting device 100 again.

Hereinafter, the effects of the connection device 100 according to one embodiment of the fixture of the present invention will be described.

According to the connecting device 100 of the present embodiment, the retaining member 120 is interposed between the corrugated tube 11 inserted into the connecting tube 110 and the connecting tube 110, and the detachment prevention member 120 is provided in the direction in which the corrugated tube 11 comes out with respect to the connecting tube 110. restrict movement to. In particular, in the connected state in which the connecting device 100 connects the corrugated tube 11, the inner circumferential portion 123 serving as the attachment portion of the retaining member 120 engages with the recess 12 of the corrugated tube 11, so that the retaining member Movement of the corrugated tube 11 in the pulling-out direction with respect to the corrugated tube 120 is restricted. In addition, in the connected state, each protruding piece 125 (engaging part) of the retaining member 120 enters into the corresponding penetrating part 114 and engaging with the inner surface of the penetrating part 114, so that the plurality of engagement parts are closed. As a result, the movement of the retaining member 120 in the withdrawal direction with respect to the connecting tube 110 is restricted. That is, the inner peripheral portion 123 (attachment portion) and the protruding piece 125 (engaging portion) of the retaining member 120 interposed between the corrugated tube 11 and the connecting tube 110 are connected to the corrugated tube 11 and the connecting tube 110, respectively. The corrugated tube 11 can be connected to the connecting device 100 by engaging with the corrugated tube 110 at least in the axial direction to restrict withdrawal. On the other hand, in the connected state, the protrusion piece 125 that has entered the penetration part 114 faces the outside via the penetration part 114 that penetrates the cylinder wall 111 from inside to outside. Furthermore, each protruding piece 125 can be elastically displaced radially inward so as to separate from each penetrating portion 114 . Then, the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 111 is engaged with a protruding piece 125 that is elastically displaced radially inward so as to be detached from each penetrating part 114, and the protruding piece 125 elastically returns to re-enter the penetrating part 114. A plurality of regulating walls 115 (regulating portions) are provided to regulate the. That is, when the user presses the protruding piece 125 from the outside of the cylindrical wall 111 through the penetrating part 114 at each engagement point, the protruding piece 125 detaches from the penetrating part 114, and each detached protruding piece 125 is locked by the regulating wall 115 and is prevented from returning into each through-hole 114. By maintaining the disengaged state at all the engaged locations, relative movement of the corrugated tube 11 and the connecting tube 110 in the extraction direction is allowed. The corrugated tube 11 is extracted from the connection tube 110 by the subsequent extraction operation, and the connection state of the corrugated tube 11 to the connection device 100 can be released. Therefore, in the connecting device 100 of the present embodiment, the regulating wall 115 provided on the inner surface of the connecting tube 110 functions as a detent for the protruding piece 125, so that the handling thereof is not complicated, and the engagement at each engaging point is prevented. It is possible to easily maintain the disconnected state, and the workability in disconnecting the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11 is further improved.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may take various other embodiments and modifications. Hereinafter, other embodiments and modified examples of the present invention will be described. In addition, in each of the different embodiments and modified examples, components that have the same last two digits among the components indicated by three digits have the same or similar characteristics unless otherwise explained, and the explanation thereof will be partially omitted. .

(1) The connection device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. Although the connecting device (or connecting tube) of the above embodiment has the form of a bell mouth, the present invention is not limited to this. 19 to 22 show a connecting device 200 and a connecting structure 20 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the connecting device 200 (or the connecting tube 210) is in the form of a pipe joint. The connecting device 200 includes a cylindrical wall 211 extending in the axial direction, a pair of connection ports 212 that are open at both ends of the cylindrical wall 211 and into which the corrugated tube 21 is inserted, and a pair of connecting ports 212 that connect the cylindrical wall 211 to the inside and outside. A connecting tube 210 having a plurality of penetrating portions 214 that penetrate and are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction; A pair of retaining members 220 are provided for restricting movement of the pipe 21 in the withdrawal direction with respect to the connecting tube 210. The retaining member 220 is the same as the retaining member 120 of the first embodiment. Further, on the inner surface near each tip of the cylindrical wall 211, there is a protruding piece 225 located adjacent to the axial tip side of each penetrating portion 214 and elastically displaced radially inward so as to separate from each penetrating portion 214. A plurality of restricting walls 215 are provided that engage with each other to restrict the protruding piece 225 from elastically returning and entering the penetrating portion 214 . Furthermore, a recessed portion 216 is provided adjacent to the distal end side of the regulating wall 215 . That is, the connecting device 200 of this embodiment connects the ends of the two corrugated tubes 21 to both ends of the connecting tube 210 in a detachable manner, and the connecting device 200 and the corrugated tubes are connected to each other at each end. This further improves the workability in disconnecting the attached pipe 21. It goes without saying that the configuration of the present invention may be applied to a three-way joint, a cross joint, and the like.

(2) The configurations of the engaging portion and the restricting portion of the connecting device of the present invention are not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments. FIG. 23 shows a connecting device 300 and a connecting structure 30 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, in the connecting device 300, the engaging portion of the retaining member 320 is formed as a pin-shaped or protruding protruding piece 325, and the restricting portion of the connecting tube 310 is formed in the penetrating portion 314. It is formed as a regulation groove 315 located adjacent to the tip end side in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 23(a), in the engaged state in which the protruding piece 325 is disposed within the penetration portion 314 of the connecting tube 310, movement of the retaining member 320 in both axial directions with respect to the connecting tube 310 is restricted. . On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23(b), in a state where the protruding piece 325 is elastically displaced radially inward and the engagement is released, the protruding piece 325 is locked in the regulation groove 315, so that the protruding piece 325 is prevented from elastically returning and entering the penetrating portion 314 again. Therefore, the connecting device 300 of this embodiment further improves the workability in disconnecting the connecting device 300 and the corrugated pipe 31, as in the above embodiments.

(3) The configurations of the engaging portion and the restricting portion of the connecting device of the present invention are not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments. FIG. 24 shows a connection device 400 and a connection structure 40 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, in the connecting device 400, the outer circumferential portion 424 of the retaining member 420 itself is formed as an engaging portion, and the outer circumferential portion 424 is not provided with a protruding piece. On the other hand, on the inner surface of the cylinder wall 411 of the connecting cylinder 410, a restriction groove 415 capable of accommodating the outer peripheral portion 424 is formed as a restriction portion adjacent to the axially distal end side of the penetration portion 414. Note that in this embodiment, the outer circumferential portion 424 (engaging portion) is displaced inward to disengage from the penetrating portion 414 and elastically returns to engage with the penetrating portion 414 or the regulating groove 415. The portion 424 (engaging portion) itself is configured to be elastically deformed. As shown in FIG. 24(a), by disposing the outer circumferential portion 424 within the penetration portion 414 of the connecting tube 410, an engaged state is formed, and the retaining member 420 moves in both axial directions with respect to the connecting tube 410. is regulated. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 24(b), in a state where the outer circumferential portion 424 is elastically displaced radially inward and the engagement is released, the outer circumferential portion 424 is locked in the regulation groove 415, so that the outer circumferential portion 424 is prevented from elastically returning and entering the penetrating portion 414 again. Therefore, the connecting device 400 of this embodiment further improves the workability in disconnecting the connecting device 400 and the corrugated pipe 41, as in the above embodiments.

(4) The connection device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the connecting device is configured such that the corrugated tube is inserted into the connecting tube to form an engaged state with the retaining member attached to the corrugated tube. It is not limited to this. For example, the connecting device may be configured to connect the corrugated tubes by inserting the corrugated tubes into the connecting tubes with the retaining member previously engaged with the connecting tubes. In this case, by making the retaining member deformable by expanding the open part while it is placed in the connecting tube, the attachment part of the retaining member can be inserted into the recess of the corrugated pipe. It is possible.

(5) The configuration of the retaining member of the connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the retaining member is configured as a band extending in the circumferential direction and having a portion thereof missing, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the retaining member may be formed as an endless annular band. Further, the endless annular band may be partially or entirely made of rubber so that it can be expanded and contracted in the circumferential direction.

(6) The connection device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. Although the connecting device of the above embodiment is configured to connect corrugated tubes having a circular cross section, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the corrugated tube may have any cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular, polygonal, oval, or oval. In this case, the shapes of the connecting tube and the retaining member may also be changed to match the cross-sectional shape of the corrugated tube.

(7) The connection device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, in the connecting device of the above embodiment, the protruding piece moves over the inner surface of the proximal end in the axial direction of the penetrating portion in the insertion direction, thereby moving the corrugated tube further into the connecting tube in the insertion direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the latching groove formed on the pressed surface of the protruding piece is designed so that it comes into contact with the inner surface of the proximal end of the penetrating part in the axial direction and creates resistance when pushed inwards (of the penetrating part). It may be formed to have a locked surface facing the axially proximal side (locked to the inner surface on the axially proximal side).

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, but can be implemented in various forms within the technical scope of the present invention. That is, within the technical scope of the present invention, some of the configurations of this embodiment may be omitted or modified, or other configurations may be added.

10 Connection structure 11 Corrugated pipe 12 Concave portion 13 Convex portion 100 Connection device 110 Connection tube (connection body)
111 Cylindrical wall 112 Connection port 113 Opening end 114 Penetrating portion 115 Regulation wall (regulation part)
116 Hollow part (index part)
120 Retaining member 121 Band-shaped portion 122 Opening portion 123 Inner circumferential portion (attachment portion)
124 Outer peripheral part 125 Projecting piece (engaging part)
125a Pressed surface 125b Contact surface 125c Latching groove 126 Bending portion 127 Display section

Claims (8)

A connecting device for connecting corrugated pipes,
A cylindrical wall extending in the axial direction; a connection port that opens at the tip of the cylindrical wall and into which the corrugated pipe is inserted; a connecting tube having a plurality of penetration parts;
a retaining member interposed between the corrugated tube inserted into the connecting tube and the connecting tube, and restricting movement of the corrugated tube in a direction in which the corrugated tube is removed from the connecting tube;
The retaining member is
an attachment part that is fitted into a recess of the corrugated tube and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated tube;
bulges radially outward from the outer surface of the convex part of the corrugated tube so as to enter into each of the plurality of penetration parts, and engages with the inner surface of the penetration part at least on the axial tip side of the cylinder wall, a plurality of engaging portions that restrict movement of the retaining member in the withdrawal direction with respect to the connecting tube and are elastically displaceable inward in the radial direction so as to be detached from each of the through portions;
The inner surface of the cylindrical wall is engaged with the engaging portion that is located adjacent to the axially distal end side of each of the penetrating portions and is elastically displaced inward in the radial direction so as to be disengaged from each of the penetrating portions, A connecting device characterized in that a plurality of restricting portions are provided for restricting the engaging portion from elastically returning and entering the penetrating portion. The connecting tube is configured to be rotatable in a circumferential direction with respect to the corrugated tube to which it is connected, and the retaining member is rotatable in accordance with the rotation of the connecting tube with respect to the corrugated tube. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that there is. 3. The connecting tube further includes an index portion formed at a position corresponding to the circumferential direction of each of the through-holes and indicating the position of the through-hole to the outside through the connection port. connection device. The engaging portion includes a protruding piece formed such that the amount of protrusion radially outward increases toward the distal end side in the axial direction, and the protruding piece faces toward the proximal end side in the axial direction and toward the outer side in the radial direction. 2. A pressurized surface according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressed surface that is inclined with respect to the axial direction and is pressed from the outside; and a contact surface that faces toward the axially distal end side and abuts the inner surface of the penetrating portion. 3. The connection device according to any one of 3. 5. The connecting device according to claim 4, wherein the pressed surface has a hooking groove for hooking a tip of the tool. The connecting tube is configured such that the corrugated tube with the retaining member attached thereto can be inserted into the connecting tube through the connecting port,
The restriction portion is a restriction wall that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the cylindrical wall in a region adjacent to the connection port,
4. The retaining member according to claim 1, wherein the retaining member is elastically deformable inward in the radial direction so as to pass over the penetrating portion and further move in the insertion direction when attached to the corrugated tube. A connecting device according to any one of the items. The retaining member maintains the attachment portion fitted into the recessed portion of the corrugated tube when the plurality of engaging portions are respectively engaged with the plurality of restriction portions, and The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting device is configured to be pulled out from the connecting tube together with the corrugated tube when the corrugated tube is pulled out. A connecting body for connecting a corrugated pipe in cooperation with a retaining member,
a cylinder wall extending in the axial direction;
a connection port that opens at the tip of the cylindrical wall and into which the corrugated pipe is inserted;
A plurality of penetration parts are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, penetrating the cylinder wall inside and outside,
The retaining member is
an attachment part that is fitted into a recess of the corrugated tube and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated tube;
a plurality of engaging portions that bulge radially outward from the convex outer surface of the corrugated tube and are elastically displaceable radially inward, the corrugated tube inserted into the connecting body and the connection; interposed between the corrugated tube and the connecting body, and configured to restrict movement of the corrugated tube in the direction of withdrawal from the connecting body;
The penetrating portion has the engaging portion disposed inside thereof, and the engaging portion engages with the inner surface of the penetrating portion at least on the axially distal end side of the cylindrical wall, so that the connecting body of the retaining member configured to restrict movement in the direction of escape from the
The inner surface of the cylindrical wall is engaged with the engaging portion that is located adjacent to the axially distal end side of each of the penetrating portions and is elastically displaced inward in the radial direction so as to be disengaged from each of the penetrating portions, A connection body characterized in that a plurality of restriction portions are provided for restricting the engagement portion from elastically returning and entering the penetration portion.

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