JP3680823B2

JP3680823B2 - Pipe fitting

Info

Publication number: JP3680823B2
Application number: JP2002220917A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 光二久保田; 将司中山
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 1998-02-17
Filing date: 2002-07-30
Publication date: 2005-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-12
Also published as: JP2003097781A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、被接続管として給水管などが接続される管継手に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の管継手として、例えば図９に示すものがある。このものは、一端側に第一接続部１を備え、他端側には第二接続部２を備える。第一接続部１は、雌ねじ部を有する他部材にねじ連結される雄ねじ部を備える。第二接続部２は、被接続管に内嵌する内嵌部２０と、外周に雄ねじが刻設されて被接続管に外嵌する外嵌部２１とを備える。外嵌部２１には、外嵌部２１の雄ねじに螺合する袋ナット３が螺着される。袋ナット３は、袋ナットの締め付け状態に応じて拡縮するＣ字リング３０を内方に保持する。
【０００３】
上述の管継手は、袋ナット３の締緩によってＣ字リング３０を拡縮させることにより、被接続管の着脱を行うものであるが、次のような問題点がある。すなわち、袋ナット３及び外嵌部２１によって被接続管の挿入状態が隠れてしまい、確実に接続されたかどうかの目視確認ができない。また、袋ナット３の締緩作業に手間がかかるとともに、モンキーレンチなどの工具を使用して接続作業を行なう際、作業スペースが狭いと工具を軸回りに回転させることが非常に困難となる。更に、Ｃ字リング３０による締め付けでは、被接続管の周面に加わる力が不均一になって、極端な場合には被接続管が変形してしまう恐れもある。
【０００４】
また、従来の他の管継手として、特開平９−２７３６８４号公報に示すようなものも存在する。このものにあっては、締結リングを軸方向に摺動させることによって被接続管を接続するものであるので、モンキーレンチなどの工具を軸回りに回転させることなく接続作業を行なうことが可能で、作業スペースが狭くても被接続管の接続作業ができるものの、この後者のものにあっても次のような問題点がある。
【０００５】
すなわち、締結リングを被接続管に予め挿着してからでないと被接続管の接続作業ができないので手間がかかる。また、工具を使って締結リングを管継手本体側に摺動する際に、締結リングが被接続管から外れてしまう恐れがある。更に、被接続管の接続状態を目視確認するために確認孔を締結リングに設けてあるものの、被接続管が締結リングの規定挿入深さに達する部分にのみ確認孔を設けてあるので、可視範囲が狭く、目視確認し難い。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
すなわち、従来の管継手にあっては、被接続管の接続固定作業にかなり広い作業スペースを必要とするものであったり、被接続管が確実に接続されたかどうかを目視確認できないものであったり、被接続管の接続作業に手間のかかるものであったり、被接続管が確実に接続されたかどうかを目視確認できるようにはなっていても、可視範囲が狭く目視確認し難いものであったりするという問題点があった。
【０００７】
本発明は上記の問題点を解決するためになされたもので、その目的とするところは、被接続管を良好に接続することのできる、優れる管継手を提供することにある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記の問題点を解決するため、一端側に他部材と接続する第一接続部を、他端側に被接続管が接続する第二接続部を備える略筒状をなす管継手であって、第二接続部は、被接続管に内嵌する内嵌部と被接続管に外嵌する外嵌部とを備えてなり、第一接続部と第二接続部との中間部を基端として、先端部が被接続管の周面に接離する方向に変位可能なように外嵌部を延設するとともに、外嵌部の外周に保持されて軸方向に摺動することにより外嵌部の先端部を変位せしめる締結リングを設けてある。
【０００９】
また、前記外嵌部は、略円筒状をなし、被接続管先端の当接位置を規定部として、略規定部から先端まで連続する軸方向の複数のスリットと、規定部から先端方向に所定長さ離れた位置に締結リングの摺動を止める第一の位置決め部と、規定部から更に先端方向に所定長さ離れた位置に締結リングの摺動を止める第二の位置決め部とを備えている。
【００１０】
更に、前記外嵌部は、前記締結リングを前記第一の位置決め部から第二の位置決め部の方向に摺動すると、被接続管に接近する方向に変位するものであり、同締結リングが第一の位置決め部に位置する状態でも、スリットを通して被接続管の接続状態を目視確認できるように、同第一の位置決め部の前記所定長さ離れた位置を定めると共に、この締結リングの外嵌部基端方向端側に、同第一の位置決め部あるいは第二の位置決め部に係合して位置決めされる係合部を備えている。また更に、前記外嵌部は、被接続管の色と区別し易い色にされていることが好ましい。
【００１１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明に係る管継手の、第１の実施の形態を図１および図２に基づいて、第２の実施の形態を図３乃至図８に基づいて、それぞれ詳細に説明する。
【００１２】
〔第１の実施の形態〕
図１は管継手を示す部分断面図、図２は管継手に被接続管を接続した状態を示す部分断面図である。なお、ここでいう被接続管としては、例えばポリブテン管などの樹脂製可撓管からなる、給水管などがある。
【００１３】
この管継手は、図１または図２に示すように略筒状をなし、一端側に他部材と接続する第一接続部１を備え、他端側には被接続管Ａを接続する第二接続部２を備える。第一接続部１は、ヘッダーなどの他部材に設けられている雌ねじ部にねじ連結する雄ねじ部を、筒状の外周に刻設されて備える。第二接続部２は、被接続管Ａに内嵌する内嵌部２０と、被接続管Ａに外嵌する外嵌部２１とを備える。外嵌部２１は、第一接続部１と第二接続部２との中間部１２を基端として、先端部が被接続管Ａの周面に接離する方向に変位可能なように延設される。また、外嵌部２１の外周には、軸方向に摺動することで外嵌部２１の先端部を変位せしめる締結リング４が設けられる。
【００１４】
中間部１２は、工具を用いて第一接続部１をヘッダーなどの他部材に接続することができるように、工具にて把持し易い形状に形成される。また、中間部１２の第二接続部２側の端部は、第二接続部２に挿入される被接続管Ａの端面と当接して挿入深さを規定する規定部１４になっている。
【００１５】
内嵌部２０は、被接続管Ａの内径より小さい外径を有する筒状に形成される。外嵌部２１は中間部１２に加締めて一体的に固定される。外嵌部２１は、筒状の薄肉周壁に、軸方向のスリット２１ａを軸回方向に所定間隔もって形成したものである。スリット２１ａは、外嵌部２１の基端部近傍から先端にわたって設けられる。これによって、外嵌部２１は、その先端部が被接続管Ａの周面に接離する方向に変位可能となる。また、スリット２１ａの基端側は、中間部１２の規定部１４まで略達しているので、スリット２１ａを通して被接続管Ａの接続状態を容易に目視確認できる。更に、スリット２１ａは軸回方向に所定間隔もって複数設けられているので、スリット２１ａを目視できる位置に調整するための手間を省くことができる。
【００１６】
外嵌部２１は、第一の位置決め部に相当する位置決め溝２１ｂと、第二の位置決め部に相当する位置決め溝２１ｃとを備える。位置決め溝２１ｂと位置決め溝２１ｃとは、軸回方向に沿って且つ軸方向に所定間隔を隔てて設けられる。被接続管Ａを接続しないときは、外嵌部２１の基端側にある位置決め溝２１ｂに締結リング４を位置させる。そして、被接続管Ａを接続するとき、締結リング４を軸方向に摺動させ、外嵌部２１の先端側にある位置決め溝２１ｃに締結リング４を変位させる。また、外嵌部２１の内面側には突部２１ｄが設けられ、この突部２１ｄの被接続管Ａの挿入側はテーパ状に形成される。
【００１７】
つまり、締結リング４が位置決め溝２１ｂに位置する状態にて被接続管Ａを挿入することによって、外嵌部２１は外方に押し広げられることになる。そして、締結リング４を位置決め溝２１ｃへ変位させることによって、外嵌部２１は内方に変位せしめられ、結果として突部２１ｄが被接続管Ａの外周に食い込み、接続がなされる。従って、締結リング４を軸方向に摺動させるだけで容易に被接続管Ａを管継手に接続することができ、モンキーレンチなどの工具を軸回り方向に回転させて接続する必要もないので、狭いスペースであっても容易に接続作業を行うことができる。また、外嵌部２１の圧力は、被接続管Ａの周面に均一にかかるので、被接続管Ａの変形を防止することもできる。
【００１８】
位置決め溝２１ｂと位置決め溝２１ｃとの間の突壁部２１ｅは、位置決め溝２１ｂ側がテーパ状に形成してある。従って、被接続管Ａの接続時に締結リング４を滑らかに摺動させることができる。また、突壁部２１ｅの位置決め溝２１ｃ側には段部が形成され、締結リング４が容易には変位しないようにしてある。従って、被接続管Ａの接続状態が安易に解除されてしまう可能性を低減することができる。
【００１９】
また、内嵌部２０には、外嵌部２１の突部２１ｄに対応する位置に、密封性を確保するためのゴム製のＯリング５を配設するための保持溝２０ａが軸回方向に設けてあり、そこにＯリング５を配設してある。
【００２０】
締結リング４は、所定幅を有する環状をなし、その一端側には、外嵌部２１の位置決め溝２１ｂあるいは位置決め溝２１ｃに係合して位置決めされる、係合部４ａを備える。この締結リング４には、外方への突出部がないので、美観を損ねず、取扱い上も邪魔になることがない。
【００２１】
この管継手に被接続管Ａを接続する際の手順としては、まず、締結リング４が位置決め溝２１ｂの位置にある状態で、被接続管Ａを内嵌部２０と外嵌部２１との間に挿入し、被接続管Ａの先端が規定部１４に到達するまで差し込む。そして、締結リング４を位置決め溝２１ｃまで軸方向に摺動させれば接続作業は完了する。このように、上述の管継手にあっては、簡単且つ容易に被接続管Ａを接続できる。また、接続作業中あるいは接続完了後に、スリット２１ａを透かして被接続管Ａの挿入状態を容易に目視確認することが可能で、被接続管Ａの先端が規定部１４に達していない不完全接続などの接続不良を簡単に見つけ出すことができ、接続し直すなどの処置を施すことによって接続不良によるトラブルを低減することができる。
【００２２】
逆に、被接続管Ａの接続状態を解除するには、接続時とは逆方向に締結リング４を摺動させればよい。なお、被接続管Ａの堅固な接続状態よりも、着脱の容易性を重視するのであれば、段部に代えてテーパ状に形成することによって、容易に解除できるようにすることも可能である。
【００２３】
〔第２の実施の形態〕
図３は管継手を示す部分断面図、図４は管継手の第一接続部に他部材を接続した状態を示す部分断面図、図５は管継手の第二接続部に被接続管を挿入した状態を示す部分断面図、図６は管継手の第二接続部に被接続管を挿入して工具を取着した状態を示す部分断面図、図７は管継手の締結リングを工具にて摺動せしめて第二接続部に被接続管を接続した状態を示す部分断面図、図８は管継手の第二接続部に被接続管を接続した状態を示す部分断面図である。
【００２４】
この管継手は、略筒状をなし、一端側に他部材Ｂと接続する第一接続部１を備え、他端側に被接続管Ａを接続する第二接続部２を備える。第一接続部１は、ヘッダーなどの他部材Ｂに設けられた雌ねじ部にねじ連結できるように、筒状の外周に雄ねじを刻設して形成される。第二接続部２は、被接続管Ａに内嵌する内嵌部２０と、被接続管Ａに外嵌する外嵌部２１とを備える。外嵌部２１は、第一接続部１と第二接続部２との中間部１２を基端として、先端部が被接続管Ａの周面に接離する方向に変位可能なように延設される。また、外嵌部２１の外周には、軸方向に摺動することにより外嵌部２１の先端部を変位せしめる、締結リング４が設けられる。
【００２５】
中間部１２は、工具で第一接続部１を他部材Ｂに接続できるように、工具で把持し易い形状に形成されるとともに、第二接続部２に被接続管Ａを接続する場合に工具で把持し易いように、工具取着溝１２ａを軸回方向に備える。また、中間部１２の第二接続部２側の端部は、第二接続部２に挿入される被接続管Ａの端面に当接して挿入深さを規定する規定部１４になっている。
【００２６】
内嵌部２０は、被接続管Ａの内径より小さい外径を有する筒状に形成される。外嵌部２１は中間部１２に加締めて一体的に固定される。外嵌部２１は、筒状の薄肉周壁に、軸方向のスリット２１ａを軸回方向に所定間隔もって形成したものである。スリット２１ａは外嵌部２１の基端部近傍から先端にわたって設けられる。これにより、外嵌部２１は、その先端部が被接続管Ａの周面に接離する方向に変位可能となる。また、スリット２１ａの基端側は規定部１４まで略達しているとともに、外嵌部２１は被接続管Ａの色と区別し易く且つ被接続管Ａが目立つような例えば黒色系にされる。従って、スリット２１ａを通して被接続管Ａの接続状態を容易に目視確認できる。更に、スリット２１ａは軸回方向に所定間隔もって複数設けられているので、スリット２１ａを目視できる位置に調整するための手間を省くことができる。
【００２７】
外嵌部２１は、第一の位置決め部に相当する位置決め溝２１ｂと、第二の位置決め部に相当する位置決め溝２１ｃとを備える。位置決め溝２１ｂと位置決め溝２１ｃとは、軸回方向に沿って且つ軸方向に所定間隔を隔てて設けられる。被接続管Ａを接続しないときは、外嵌部２１の基端側にある位置決め溝２１ｂに締結リング４を位置させる。そして、被接続管Ａを接続するとき、締結リング４を軸方向に摺動させ、外嵌部２１の先端側にある位置決め溝２１ｃに締結リング４を変位させる。また、外嵌部２１の内面側には突部２１ｄが設けられ、この突部２１ｄの被接続管Ａの挿入側はテーパ状に形成される。また、外嵌部２１の先端には、傾斜部２１ｆが設けられている。
【００２８】
つまり、締結リング４が位置決め溝２１ｂに位置する状態にて被接続管Ａを挿入することによって、外嵌部２１は外方に押し広げられることになる。そして、締結リング４を位置決め溝２１ｃへ変位させることによって、外嵌部２１は内方に変位せしめられ、結果として突部２１ｄが被接続管Ａの外周に食い込み、接続がなされる。従って、締結リング４を軸方向に摺動させるだけで容易に被接続管Ａを管継手に接続することができ、モンキーレンチなどの工具を軸回り方向に回転させて接続する必要もないので、狭いスペースであっても容易に接続作業を行うことができる。また、外嵌部２１の圧力は、被接続管Ａの周面に均一にかかるので、被接続管Ａの変形を防止することもできる。
【００２９】
また、位置決め溝２１ｂと位置決め溝２１ｃとの間の突壁部２１ｅにあっては、位置決め溝２１ｂ側と位置決め溝２１ｃ側とがそれぞれテーパ状に形成してある。従って、被接続管Ａの接続時に締結リング４を滑らかに摺動させることができるとともに、被接続管Ａの取り外し時にも締結リング４を滑らかに摺動させることができる。
【００３０】
なお、被接続管Ａの着脱容易性よりも、被接続管Ａの接続状態が安易に解除されてしまうことない堅固な接続状態を重視するのであれば、突壁部２１ｅの位置決め溝２１ｃ側を段部に形成するようにして、締結リング４が容易には変位しないようにすることもできる。
【００３１】
内嵌部２０には、外嵌部２１の突部２１ｄに対応する位置に、密封性を確保するためのゴム製のＯリング５ａを配設するための保持溝２０ａが軸回方向に設けてあり、そこにＯリング５ａを配設してある。また、密封性を確実にするために、保持溝２０ａの更なる奥に、密封性を確保するためのゴム製のＯリング５ｂを配設するための保持溝２０ｂが軸回方向に設けてあり、そこにＯリング５ｂを配設してある。
【００３２】
締結リング４は、所定幅を有する環状をなし、その一端側には、内方に突出して外嵌部２１の位置決め溝２１ｂまたは位置決め溝２１ｃに係合して位置決めされる、係合部４ａを備える。また、締結リング４は、係合部４ａの形成された位置に対応する外周に、工具で把持する工具取着溝４ｂを軸回方向に備える。更に、締結リング４は、開口端内方に、傾斜部２１ｆを押圧して外嵌部２１を軸心から離れる方向に変位せしめる押圧部４ｃを備える。従って、押圧部４ｃが傾斜部２１ｆを押圧するように締結リング４を押圧することによって、外嵌部２１を軸心から離れる方向に変位できる。
【００３３】
図３に示す管継手に被接続管Ａを接続する際の手順としては、先ず、ヘッダーなどの他部材Ｂに設けられた雌ねじ部に、管継手の第一接続部１である雄ねじをねじ連結して図４に示す状態にする。次に、管継手の第二接続部２に被接続管Ａを接続するのであるが、締結リング４の係合部４ａが位置決め溝２１ｂに位置する状態で、内嵌部２０と外嵌部２１との間に被接続管Ａを挿入し、被接続管Ａの先端が規定部１４に到達するまで差し込んで、図５に示す状態にする。このとき、押圧部４ｃが傾斜部２１ｆを押圧するように締結リング４を中間部１２の方向へ押圧することによって、外嵌部２１を軸心から離れる方向に変位せしめて、内嵌部２０と外嵌部２１との間に被接続管Ａを滑らかに差し込むことができる。
【００３４】
その後、図５に示す状態を保ちながら、工具の一方の把手片Ｄ1を工具取着溝１２ａに、工具の他方の把手片Ｄ2を工具取着溝４ｂにそれぞれ嵌入して、図６に示す状態にする。それから、工具を操作して把手片Ｄ1，Ｄ2の間隔を押し広げる。すると、締結リング４の係合部４ａは、位置決め溝２１ｂ側の方から突壁部２１ｅを越えて位置決め溝２１ｃに達し、外嵌部２１は内方に変位せしめられ、結果として突部２１ｄが被接続管Ａの外周に食い込み、第二接続部２への被接続管Ａの接続がなされて図７に示す状態になるとともに、被接続管Ａの内面はＯリング５ａ，５ｂに押し付けられて密封状態にされる。
【００３５】
その後、把持片Ｄ1 を工具取着溝１２ａから取り外すとともに把持片Ｄ2 を工具取着溝４ｂから取り外すと、第二接続部２への被接続管Ａの接続が完了して図８に示す状態になる。このように、締結リング４を軸方向に摺動させて、係合部４ａを位置決め溝２１ｃに移動させればよいので、簡単かつ容易に被接続管Ａを第二接続部２に接続させることができる。
【００３６】
また、接続作業中あるいは接続完了後に、スリット２１ａを透かして被接続管Ａの挿入状態を容易に目視確認できるので、被接続管Ａの先端が規定部１４に達していない不完全接続などの接続不良を簡単に見つけ出すことができ、接続し直すなどの処置を施すことによって、接続不良によるトラブルを低減することができる。
【００３７】
逆に、被接続管Ａの接続状態を解除するには、接続時とは逆方向に締結リング４を摺動させればよい。このとき、押圧部４ｃが傾斜部２１ｆを押圧するように締結リング４を中間部１２の方向へ押圧することによって、押圧部４ｃが傾斜部２１ｆを押圧して外嵌部２１を軸心から離れる方向に変位できるので、内嵌部２０と外嵌部２１との間から被接続管Ａを滑らかに引き抜くことができる。
【００３８】
なお、被接続管Ａの着脱の容易性よりも、堅固な接続状態を重視するのであれば、突壁部２１ｅの位置決め溝２１ｃ側をテーパ状に代えて段部に形成することによって容易に解決することができる。
【００３９】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の発明によれば、従来のようにモンキーレンチなどの工具を軸回りに回転させることなく、締結リングを軸方向に摺動するのみで被接続管との接続作業を行うことができるので、狭い作業スペースでも接続作業が素早く可能な、優れる管継手を提供できるという効果を奏する。
【００４０】
また、請求項１記載の発明によれば、上記の効果に加えて更に、外嵌部が良好に被接続管の周面に接離するとともに、被接続管が確実に接続されたかどうかを目視する確認部を別途設ける必要がなく、被接続管が規定位置まで挿入されたことを簡単且つ確実に目視確認できる。
【００４１】
それ故、被接続管の接続が確実に行われたことを良好に目視確認でき、接続不良によるトラブルの生じる可能性を低減できる、優れる管継手を提供できるという効果を奏する。
【００４２】
請求項２記載の発明によれば、請求項１記載の発明の効果に加えて更に、被接続管の接続が確実に行われたことを更に良好に目視確認することのできる、優れる管継手を提供できるという効果を奏する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る第１の実施の形態の管継手を示す部分断面図である。
【図２】上記管継手に被接続管を接続した状態を示す部分断面図である。
【図３】本発明に係る第２の実施の形態の管継手を示す部分断面図である。
【図４】上記管継手の第一接続部に他部材を接続した状態を示す部分断面図である。
【図５】上記管継手の第二接続部に被接続管を挿入した状態を示す部分断面図である。
【図６】上記管継手の第二接続部に被接続管を挿入して工具を取着した状態を示す部分断面図である。
【図７】上記管継手の締結リングを工具にて摺動せしめて第二接続部に被接続管を接続した状態を示す部分断面図である。
【図８】上記管継手の第二接続部に被接続管を接続した状態を示す部分断面図である。
【図９】従来の管継手を示す部分断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１第一接続部
１２中間部
１４規定部
２第二接続部
２０内嵌部
２１外嵌部
２１ａスリット
２１ｂ第一の位置決め部
２１ｃ第二の位置決め部
２１ｆ傾斜部
４締結リング
４ｃ押圧部
Ａ被接続管
Ｂ他部材[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pipe joint to which a water supply pipe or the like is connected as a connected pipe.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An example of a conventional pipe joint is shown in FIG. This has a first connection part 1 on one end side and a second connection part 2 on the other end side. The 1st connection part 1 is provided with the external thread part screw-coupled to the other member which has an internal thread part. The 2nd connection part 2 is provided with the internal fitting part 20 internally fitted in a to-be-connected pipe, and the external fitting part 21 by which an external thread is engraved on the outer periphery and fitted to a to-be-connected pipe. A cap nut 3 that is screwed into the external thread of the outer fitting portion 21 is screwed to the outer fitting portion 21. The cap nut 3 holds a C-shaped ring 30 that expands and contracts in accordance with the tightening state of the cap nut inside.
[0003]
The pipe joint described above is designed to attach and detach the connected pipe by expanding and contracting the C-shaped ring 30 by tightening and loosening the cap nut 3, but has the following problems. That is, the insertion state of the pipe to be connected is hidden by the cap nut 3 and the outer fitting portion 21, and it is impossible to visually check whether or not the pipe is securely connected. In addition, it takes time and labor to tighten and tighten the cap nut 3, and when performing a connecting operation using a tool such as a monkey wrench, it is very difficult to rotate the tool around its axis if the work space is narrow. Further, in the tightening with the C-shaped ring 30, the force applied to the peripheral surface of the connected pipe becomes uneven, and in an extreme case, the connected pipe may be deformed.
[0004]
As another conventional pipe joint, there is a pipe joint as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-273684. In this case, since the pipe to be connected is connected by sliding the fastening ring in the axial direction, connection work can be performed without rotating a tool such as a monkey wrench around the axis. Even though the work space is narrow, the connection work of the pipe to be connected can be performed, but the latter problem also has the following problems.
[0005]
That is, it takes time and labor since the connecting work of the pipe to be connected cannot be performed unless the fastening ring is inserted into the pipe to be connected in advance. Further, when the tool is used to slide the fastening ring toward the pipe joint main body, the fastening ring may come off the connected pipe. Furthermore, although a confirmation hole is provided in the fastening ring for visual confirmation of the connection state of the connected pipe, a confirmation hole is provided only in a portion where the connected pipe reaches the specified insertion depth of the fastening ring. The range is narrow and difficult to check visually.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In other words, in the conventional pipe joint, a considerably large work space is required for the connection fixing work of the connected pipe, or whether the connected pipe is securely connected cannot be visually confirmed. It may be time-consuming to connect the connected pipe, or it may be difficult to visually check whether the connected pipe is securely connected even if it can be confirmed visually. There was a problem of doing.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an excellent pipe joint that can connect the connected pipes satisfactorily.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a pipe joint having a substantially cylindrical shape including a first connection portion connected to another member on one end side and a second connection portion connected to a connected pipe on the other end side. The second connection portion includes an inner fitting portion that fits inside the connected pipe and an outer fitting portion that fits outside the connected pipe, and has an intermediate portion between the first connection portion and the second connection portion. By extending the outer fitting portion so that the distal end portion can be displaced in the direction of contacting and separating from the peripheral surface of the pipe to be connected as the base end, and by holding the outer fitting portion on the outer periphery and sliding in the axial direction A fastening ring for displacing the distal end portion of the outer fitting portion is provided.
[0009]
The outer fitting portion has a substantially cylindrical shape, the contact position of the tip of the pipe to be connected is defined as a defining portion, a plurality of axial slits extending from the approximately defining portion to the distal end, and a predetermined portion from the defining portion to the leading end. It includes a first positioning portion for stopping the sliding of the fastening ring away length position, and a second positioning portion for stopping the sliding of the fastening ring from the defining portion further separated by a predetermined length in the distal direction position Yes .
[0010]
Furthermore, the outer fitting portion is displaced in a direction approaching the connected pipe when the fastening ring is slid in the direction from the first positioning portion to the second positioning portion. The position of the first positioning portion separated from the predetermined length is determined so that the connection state of the pipe to be connected can be visually confirmed through the slit even in the state of being positioned at one positioning portion, and the outer fitting portion of the fastening ring An engagement portion is provided on the proximal end side to be positioned by being engaged with the first positioning portion or the second positioning portion. Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer fitting portion has a color that can be easily distinguished from the color of the connected pipe.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the pipe joint according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0012]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint, and FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pipe to be connected is connected to the pipe joint. In addition, as a to-be-connected pipe here, there exists a water supply pipe | tube etc. which consist of resin-made flexible pipes, such as a polybutene pipe | tube, for example.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, this pipe joint has a substantially cylindrical shape, is provided with a first connection portion 1 connected to another member on one end side, and a second connected to the connected pipe A on the other end side. A connection unit 2 is provided. The 1st connection part 1 equips the cylindrical outer periphery with the external thread part which carries out screw connection with the internal thread part provided in other members, such as a header. The second connection part 2 includes an inner fitting part 20 that fits inside the connected pipe A and an outer fitting part 21 that fits outside the connected pipe A. The outer fitting portion 21 extends so that the distal end portion can be displaced in the direction of contacting and separating from the peripheral surface of the connected pipe A with the intermediate portion 12 between the first connecting portion 1 and the second connecting portion 2 as a base end. Is done. A fastening ring 4 is provided on the outer periphery of the outer fitting portion 21 to displace the distal end portion of the outer fitting portion 21 by sliding in the axial direction.
[0014]
The intermediate portion 12 is formed in a shape that can be easily gripped with a tool so that the first connecting portion 1 can be connected to another member such as a header using a tool. Further, the end portion of the intermediate portion 12 on the second connecting portion 2 side is a defining portion 14 that abuts the end surface of the connected pipe A inserted into the second connecting portion 2 and defines the insertion depth.
[0015]
The inner fitting portion 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the connected pipe A. The outer fitting portion 21 is integrally fixed by crimping to the intermediate portion 12. The outer fitting portion 21 is formed by forming axial slits 21a at predetermined intervals in the axial direction on a cylindrical thin peripheral wall. The slit 21 a is provided from the vicinity of the proximal end portion of the outer fitting portion 21 to the distal end. As a result, the outer fitting portion 21 can be displaced in a direction in which the distal end thereof is in contact with or separated from the peripheral surface of the connected pipe A. Further, since the proximal end side of the slit 21a substantially reaches the defining portion 14 of the intermediate portion 12, the connection state of the pipe A to be connected can be easily visually confirmed through the slit 21a. Further, since a plurality of slits 21a are provided at predetermined intervals in the axial direction, it is possible to save time and effort for adjusting the slit 21a to a position where it can be visually observed.
[0016]
The outer fitting portion 21 includes a positioning groove 21b corresponding to the first positioning portion and a positioning groove 21c corresponding to the second positioning portion. The positioning groove 21b and the positioning groove 21c are provided along the axial direction and at a predetermined interval in the axial direction. When the connected pipe A is not connected, the fastening ring 4 is positioned in the positioning groove 21b on the proximal end side of the outer fitting portion 21. Then, when connecting the connected pipe A, the fastening ring 4 is slid in the axial direction, and the fastening ring 4 is displaced in the positioning groove 21 c on the distal end side of the outer fitting portion 21. Further, a protruding portion 21d is provided on the inner surface side of the outer fitting portion 21, and the insertion side of the connected pipe A of the protruding portion 21d is formed in a tapered shape.
[0017]
That is, by inserting the connected pipe A in a state where the fastening ring 4 is positioned in the positioning groove 21b, the outer fitting portion 21 is pushed outward. Then, by displacing the fastening ring 4 into the positioning groove 21c, the outer fitting portion 21 is displaced inward, and as a result, the protruding portion 21d bites into the outer periphery of the connected pipe A and is connected. Therefore, the connected pipe A can be easily connected to the pipe joint simply by sliding the fastening ring 4 in the axial direction, and there is no need to rotate the tool such as a monkey wrench in the direction around the axis. Even in a narrow space, connection work can be easily performed. Further, since the pressure of the outer fitting portion 21 is applied uniformly to the peripheral surface of the connected pipe A, deformation of the connected pipe A can also be prevented.
[0018]
The protruding wall 21e between the positioning groove 21b and the positioning groove 21c is tapered on the positioning groove 21b side. Accordingly, the fastening ring 4 can be smoothly slid when the connected pipe A is connected. Further, a step portion is formed on the positioning groove 21c side of the protruding wall portion 21e so that the fastening ring 4 is not easily displaced. Therefore, the possibility that the connected state of the connected pipe A is easily released can be reduced.
[0019]
In addition, the inner fitting portion 20 has a holding groove 20a for disposing a rubber O-ring 5 for securing a sealing property at a position corresponding to the protrusion 21d of the outer fitting portion 21 in the axial direction. The O-ring 5 is provided there.
[0020]
The fastening ring 4 has an annular shape having a predetermined width, and includes an engagement portion 4a at one end thereof that is positioned by being engaged with the positioning groove 21b or the positioning groove 21c of the outer fitting portion 21. Since this fastening ring 4 has no outward projecting portion, it does not impair the aesthetics and does not interfere with handling.
[0021]
As a procedure for connecting the pipe A to the pipe joint, first, the pipe A is placed between the inner fitting portion 20 and the outer fitting portion 21 in a state where the fastening ring 4 is in the position of the positioning groove 21b. Until the tip of the tube A to be connected reaches the defining portion 14. When the fastening ring 4 is slid in the axial direction to the positioning groove 21c, the connection work is completed. Thus, in the above-described pipe joint, the connected pipe A can be connected easily and easily. In addition, it is possible to easily visually check the insertion state of the connected pipe A through the slit 21a during the connection work or after the completion of the connection, and the incomplete connection in which the tip of the connected pipe A does not reach the defining portion 14. It is possible to easily find a connection failure such as a connection failure, and to reduce trouble caused by the connection failure by taking measures such as reconnection.
[0022]
On the contrary, in order to release the connected state of the connected pipe A, the fastening ring 4 may be slid in the direction opposite to that at the time of connection. In addition, if importance is attached to the attachment / detachment rather than the firm connection state of the tube A to be connected, it can be easily released by forming a tapered shape instead of the stepped portion. .
[0023]
[Second Embodiment]
3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint, FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which another member is connected to the first connection portion of the pipe joint, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the connected pipe is inserted into the second connection portion of the pipe joint and the tool is attached, and FIG. 7 is a partial view of the fastening ring of the pipe joint with a tool. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the pipe to be connected is connected to the second connection portion by sliding, and FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the pipe to be connected is connected to the second connection portion of the pipe joint.
[0024]
This pipe joint has a substantially cylindrical shape, includes a first connection portion 1 connected to the other member B on one end side, and a second connection portion 2 connected to the connected pipe A on the other end side. The first connection portion 1 is formed by engraving a male screw on a cylindrical outer periphery so that it can be screw-coupled to a female screw portion provided on another member B such as a header. The second connection part 2 includes an inner fitting part 20 that fits inside the connected pipe A and an outer fitting part 21 that fits outside the connected pipe A. The outer fitting portion 21 extends so that the distal end portion can be displaced in the direction of contacting and separating from the peripheral surface of the connected pipe A with the intermediate portion 12 between the first connecting portion 1 and the second connecting portion 2 as a base end. Is done. Further, the outer periphery of the outer fitting portion 21 is provided with a fastening ring 4 that displaces the distal end portion of the outer fitting portion 21 by sliding in the axial direction.
[0025]
The intermediate portion 12 is formed in a shape that can be easily gripped with a tool so that the first connecting portion 1 can be connected to the other member B with a tool, and when the connected pipe A is connected to the second connecting portion 2 The tool attachment groove 12a is provided in the axial direction so that it can be easily gripped. Further, the end portion of the intermediate portion 12 on the second connection portion 2 side is a defining portion 14 that abuts against the end surface of the pipe A to be inserted into the second connection portion 2 and defines the insertion depth.
[0026]
The inner fitting portion 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the connected pipe A. The outer fitting portion 21 is integrally fixed by crimping to the intermediate portion 12. The outer fitting portion 21 is formed by forming axial slits 21a at predetermined intervals in the axial direction on a cylindrical thin peripheral wall. The slit 21a is provided from the vicinity of the proximal end portion of the outer fitting portion 21 to the distal end. Thereby, the outer fitting part 21 becomes displaceable in the direction in which the front-end | tip part contacts / separates to the surrounding surface of the to-be-connected pipe A. As shown in FIG. Further, the proximal end side of the slit 21a substantially reaches the defining portion 14, and the outer fitting portion 21 is made, for example, black so that it can be easily distinguished from the color of the connected tube A and the connected tube A is conspicuous. Therefore, the connection state of the connection pipe A can be easily visually confirmed through the slit 21a. Further, since a plurality of slits 21a are provided at predetermined intervals in the axial direction, it is possible to save time and effort for adjusting the slit 21a to a position where it can be visually observed.
[0027]
The outer fitting portion 21 includes a positioning groove 21b corresponding to the first positioning portion and a positioning groove 21c corresponding to the second positioning portion. The positioning groove 21b and the positioning groove 21c are provided along the axial direction and at a predetermined interval in the axial direction. When the connected pipe A is not connected, the fastening ring 4 is positioned in the positioning groove 21b on the proximal end side of the outer fitting portion 21. Then, when connecting the connected pipe A, the fastening ring 4 is slid in the axial direction, and the fastening ring 4 is displaced in the positioning groove 21 c on the distal end side of the outer fitting portion 21. Further, a protruding portion 21d is provided on the inner surface side of the outer fitting portion 21, and the insertion side of the connected pipe A of the protruding portion 21d is formed in a tapered shape. In addition, an inclined portion 21 f is provided at the tip of the outer fitting portion 21.
[0028]
That is, by inserting the connected pipe A in a state where the fastening ring 4 is positioned in the positioning groove 21b, the outer fitting portion 21 is pushed outward. Then, by displacing the fastening ring 4 into the positioning groove 21c, the outer fitting portion 21 is displaced inward, and as a result, the protruding portion 21d bites into the outer periphery of the connected pipe A and is connected. Therefore, the connected pipe A can be easily connected to the pipe joint simply by sliding the fastening ring 4 in the axial direction, and there is no need to rotate the tool such as a monkey wrench in the direction around the axis. Even in a narrow space, connection work can be easily performed. Further, since the pressure of the outer fitting portion 21 is applied uniformly to the peripheral surface of the connected pipe A, deformation of the connected pipe A can also be prevented.
[0029]
Further, in the protruding wall portion 21e between the positioning groove 21b and the positioning groove 21c, the positioning groove 21b side and the positioning groove 21c side are respectively formed in a tapered shape. Therefore, the fastening ring 4 can be smoothly slid when the connected pipe A is connected, and the fastening ring 4 can be smoothly slid even when the connected pipe A is removed.
[0030]
If importance is attached to the solid connection state in which the connected state of the connected tube A is not easily released rather than the ease of attaching and detaching the connected tube A, the positioning groove 21c side of the protruding wall portion 21e is set. It is also possible to prevent the fastening ring 4 from being easily displaced by forming the stepped portion.
[0031]
The inner fitting part 20 is provided with a holding groove 20a in the axial direction in order to arrange a rubber O-ring 5a for ensuring sealing performance at a position corresponding to the protrusion 21d of the outer fitting part 21. There is an O-ring 5a. Further, in order to ensure the sealing performance, a holding groove 20b for arranging a rubber O-ring 5b for ensuring the sealing performance is provided in the axial direction at a further depth of the holding groove 20a. The O-ring 5b is disposed there.
[0032]
The fastening ring 4 has an annular shape having a predetermined width, and at one end thereof, an engaging portion 4a that protrudes inward and is positioned by engaging with the positioning groove 21b or the positioning groove 21c of the outer fitting portion 21 is provided. Prepare. Moreover, the fastening ring 4 is provided with the tool attachment groove | channel 4b hold | gripped with a tool in the axial direction on the outer periphery corresponding to the position in which the engaging part 4a was formed. Furthermore, the fastening ring 4 is provided with a pressing portion 4c that presses the inclined portion 21f and displaces the outer fitting portion 21 in a direction away from the axial center inside the opening end. Therefore, the outer fitting part 21 can be displaced in the direction away from the axial center by pressing the fastening ring 4 so that the pressing part 4c presses the inclined part 21f.
[0033]
As a procedure for connecting the pipe A to be connected to the pipe joint shown in FIG. 3, first, a male screw as the first connection part 1 of the pipe joint is screwed to a female screw part provided on another member B such as a header. Thus, the state shown in FIG. 4 is obtained. Next, the pipe A to be connected is connected to the second connecting part 2 of the pipe joint, and the inner fitting part 20 and the outer fitting part 21 in a state where the engaging part 4a of the fastening ring 4 is positioned in the positioning groove 21b. Is inserted until the tip of the tube A reaches the defining portion 14, and the state shown in FIG. 5 is obtained. At this time, by pressing the fastening ring 4 in the direction of the intermediate portion 12 so that the pressing portion 4c presses the inclined portion 21f, the outer fitting portion 21 is displaced in a direction away from the axial center, and the inner fitting portion 20 and The connected pipe A can be smoothly inserted between the outer fitting part 21.
[0034]
Then, while maintaining the state shown in FIG. 5, the one grip piece D1 of the tool is inserted into the tool attachment groove 12a and the other handle piece D2 of the tool is inserted into the tool attachment groove 4b, respectively, and the state shown in FIG. To. Then, the distance between the grip pieces D1 and D2 is increased by operating the tool. Then, the engaging portion 4a of the fastening ring 4 reaches the positioning groove 21c from the side of the positioning groove 21b over the protruding wall portion 21e , and the outer fitting portion 21 is displaced inward. As a result, the protruding portion 21d is displaced. The connected pipe A is bitten into the outer periphery of the connected pipe A, and the connected pipe A is connected to the second connecting portion 2 to be in the state shown in FIG. 7, and the inner surface of the connected pipe A is pressed against the O-rings 5a and 5b. Sealed.
[0035]
Thereafter, when the grip piece D1 is removed from the tool attachment groove 12a and the grip piece D2 is removed from the tool attachment groove 4b, the connection of the connected pipe A to the second connection portion 2 is completed and the state shown in FIG. Become. Thus, the fastening ring 4 can be slid in the axial direction, and the engaging portion 4a can be moved to the positioning groove 21c, so that the connected pipe A can be easily and easily connected to the second connecting portion 2. Can do.
[0036]
In addition, since the insertion state of the connected pipe A can be easily visually confirmed through the slit 21a during the connection work or after the connection is completed, the connection such as incomplete connection in which the tip of the connected pipe A does not reach the defining portion 14 is possible. A failure can be easily found, and troubles due to a connection failure can be reduced by taking measures such as reconnection.
[0037]
On the contrary, in order to release the connected state of the connected pipe A, the fastening ring 4 may be slid in the direction opposite to that at the time of connection. At this time, by pressing the fastening ring 4 toward the intermediate portion 12 so that the pressing portion 4c presses the inclined portion 21f, the pressing portion 4c presses the inclined portion 21f and separates the outer fitting portion 21 from the axis. Since it can be displaced in the direction, the connected tube A can be smoothly pulled out from between the inner fitting portion 20 and the outer fitting portion 21.
[0038]
In addition, if importance is attached to the solid connection state rather than the ease of attaching and detaching the connected pipe A, it is easily solved by forming the positioning groove 21c side of the protruding wall portion 21e in a stepped portion instead of a tapered shape. can do.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform the connection work with the connected pipe only by sliding the fastening ring in the axial direction without rotating a tool such as a monkey wrench around the axis as in the prior art. As a result, it is possible to provide an excellent pipe joint that can be quickly connected even in a narrow work space.
[0040]
Further, according to the first aspect of the invention, in addition to the above advantages, together with the outer fitting portion is separable in the circumferential surface of the well to be connected tube, visually whether the connected tube is securely connected there is no need to separately provide a confirmation unit for, kill a simple and reliable visual confirmation that the connection pipe is inserted to the prescribed position.
[0041]
Therefore, an effect that the connection of the connecting pipe securely performed was satisfactorily visually confirmed that, Ru can reduce the possibility of occurrence of troubles caused by poor connection can provide a pipe joint which is excellent.
[0042]
According to the invention described in claim 2 , in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 , there is further provided an excellent pipe joint capable of further visually confirming that the connection of the connected pipe has been reliably performed. There is an effect that it can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pipe to be connected is connected to the pipe joint.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which another member is connected to the first connection portion of the pipe joint.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pipe to be connected is inserted into a second connection portion of the pipe joint.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tool is attached by inserting a pipe to be connected into the second connection portion of the pipe joint.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pipe to be connected is connected to a second connection portion by sliding a fastening ring of the pipe joint with a tool.
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where a pipe to be connected is connected to a second connection portion of the pipe joint.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a conventional pipe joint.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st connection part 12 Intermediate | middle part 14 Regulation | regulation part 2 2nd connection part 20 Inner fitting part 21 Outer fitting part 21a Slit 21b First positioning part 21c Second positioning part 21f Inclination part 4 Fastening ring 4c Pressing part A Connected Tube B Other members

Claims

A pipe joint having a substantially cylindrical shape including a first connection portion connected to another member on one end side and a second connection portion connected to a connected pipe on the other end side, wherein the second connecting portion is a connected pipe An inner fitting portion that fits internally and an outer fitting portion that fits externally to the connected pipe, with the intermediate portion between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion as the base end and the distal end portion surrounding the connected pipe. A fastening ring that extends the outer fitting portion so as to be displaceable in the direction of contact with and away from the surface, and that is held on the outer periphery of the outer fitting portion and slides in the axial direction to displace the tip of the outer fitting portion The outer fitting portion is substantially cylindrical, has a contact position at the tip of the connected pipe as a defining portion, and has a plurality of axial slits extending from the substantially defining portion to the distal end, and a predetermined portion from the defining portion to the leading end. The first positioning part that stops sliding of the fastening ring at a position away from the length, and the fastening at a position further away from the specified part in the distal direction by a predetermined length And a second positioning portion for stopping the sliding of the ring, and the outer fitting portion is arranged to approach the connected pipe when the fastening ring is slid from the first positioning portion to the second positioning portion. The position of the first positioning portion separated by the predetermined length so that the connection state of the connected pipe can be visually confirmed through the slit even when the fastening ring is positioned at the first positioning portion. And an engagement portion that is positioned by engaging with the first positioning portion or the second positioning portion on the outer fitting base end side of the fastening ring. Fittings.

The outer fitting portion, the pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the likely color to distinguish the color of the connecting pipe.