JP3746340B2

JP3746340B2 - Flexible pipe joint device

Info

Publication number: JP3746340B2
Application number: JP30856296A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 慎介高橋; 利夫柴渕; 延彦林; 一也佐村; 秀雄平林
Original assignee: ONDA MFG.CO.,LTD.; Shinwa Sangyo Co Ltd; Osaka Gas Co Ltd; JFE Pipe Fitting Mfg Co Ltd
Current assignee: ONDA MFG.CO.,LTD.; Shinwa Sangyo Co Ltd; Osaka Gas Co Ltd; JFE Pipe Fitting Mfg Co Ltd
Priority date: 1996-11-20
Filing date: 1996-11-20
Publication date: 2006-02-15
Anticipated expiration: 2016-11-20
Also published as: JPH10148284A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ガス配管に使用されるフレキシブル管用継手装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に、ガス配管に使用されるフレキシブル管用継手装置には、図７に示すような構成のものが知られている。
【０００３】
すなわち、筒状本体５１はガス管体５２に螺着され、筒状本体５１の内部には、当接面５３が形成されている。そして、筒状本体５１内に押し輪５４が螺合され、その内部にはリング状のリテーナ５５が嵌着されている。
【０００４】
押し輪５４内に、フレキシブル管５６が、外被体５７を所定山数（通常は４山分）だけ剥離した状態で挿通され、その先端部がリテーナ５５内の内端から筒状本体５１内に所定数（１山分）だけ突出されている。
【０００５】
リテーナ５５の内端には複数の弾性突片５８が分割形成され、各弾性突片５８内には、金属製のインサート５９がそれぞれ埋設形成され、これらのインサート５９には、フレキシブル管５６の外周の谷部に係合する爪部６０が形成されている。
【０００６】
このように形成されたフレキシブル管用継手装置には、ガスが継手外部に漏れるのを防止するための断面円形のシールリング６１が設けられ、このシールリング６１は、押し輪５４の雄ねじ部５４ａの基部に嵌合され、筒状本体５１の雌ねじ部５１ａ側端部には、押し輪５４の螺進時にシールリング６１を密着するためのシール用溝６２が形成されている。
【０００７】
このように構成されたフレキシブル管用継手装置において、フレキシブル管５６の先端部が１山分だけ突出した状態で押し輪５４を螺進させることにより、フレキシブル管５６の突出端部が、リテーナ５５の爪部６０と筒状本体５１の当接面５３との間で圧潰されて当接面５３に密着する。またシールリング６１はシール用溝６２内で断面が変形してガス漏れを防止する。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記従来のフレキシブル管用継手装置において、押し輪５４を螺進させてガス管体５２とフレキシブル管５６とを継いだ際に、フレキシブル管５６の突出端部が、リテーナ５５の爪部６０と筒状本体５１の当接面５３との間でうまく圧潰されない場合がある。
【０００９】
この場合、ガスが雄ねじ部５４ａ、雌ねじ部５１ａの螺合部やインサート５９間を通ってシール用溝６２から外部に漏れようとする状態になるが、上記フレキシブル管用継手装置では、円形断面のシールリング６１が変形してシールしている状態であるので、ガスがシール用溝６２から外部に漏れるのが阻止されている状態となっており、ガス管体５２とフレキシブル管５６とを継いだ際にガス漏れが検出できない。
【００１０】
しかし、長期の使用により、シールリング６１が次第に劣化してクラックなどが生じると、その部分からガスが漏れ出し、危険であるといった課題がある。
そこで本発明は、上記課題を解決し得るフレキシブル管用継手装置の提供を目的とする。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明における課題を解決するための手段は、ガス管体に一側が取付けられる筒状本体と、この筒状本体に他側から取付けられる押し輪と、この押し輪の内端に取付けられ、押し輪内に挿通されたフレキシブル管の外周の谷部に係合可能な爪部を有するリテーナとを備え、フレキシブル管をリテーナの内端から筒状本体内に所定量だけ突出させた状態で押し輪を推進させることにより、押し輪に挿通されたフレキシブル管の突出部を、爪部と筒状本体の内部に形成した当接面に密着させるように構成し、押し輪は、筒状本体の他側から挿入される小径部とこの小径部に連設された大径部とから構成され、筒状本体と押し輪の大径部の突き合わせ端面間に、外部からの水の浸入を防止するとともに、フレキシブル管から漏れ出たガスを端面間から外部へ逃がすための環状体が圧着され、筒状本体の他側内周面と押し輪の小径部外周面に、押し輪の推進によって互いに係合して圧着時の環状体の厚みを設定するための係合面が形成されている。
【００１２】
この構成によれば、フレキシブル管をリテーナの内端から筒状本体内に所定量だけ突出させた状態で押し輪を推進させることにより、押し輪に挿通されたフレキシブル管の突出部を、爪部と筒状本体の内部に形成した当接面に密着させ、押し輪の推進によって筒状本体の他側内周面と押し輪の小径部外周面に設けた係合面を互いに係合させると、環状体が、外部からの水の浸入を防止するとともにフレキシブル管から漏れ出たガスを端面間から外部へ逃がすことのできる厚みに圧縮される。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を、図１〜図６に基づいて説明する。
本発明の実施の形態に係るフレキシブル管用継手装置は、図１に示すように、管体（ガス管）１３と、フレキシブル管３８とに介装される筒状本体１１が設けられ、この筒状本体１１は、一端外周の雄ねじ部１２において、管体１３に螺着され、その他端内周には、雌ねじ部１４が形成されている。
【００１４】
筒状本体１１内の中央部には、円環状の当接面１５が形成され、その外周に形成した溝部１６内には、シールリング１７が嵌着されている。
筒状本体１１の内周面には、雌ねじ部１４と溝部１６との間においてテーパ面が形成されており、その内周は溝部１６に向かって次第に小さく形成されている。
【００１５】
後述の管本体３９の先端部を当接面１５に圧接するための筒状の押し輪１９が設けられ、この押し輪１９の小径部１９Ｂ外周に、前記筒状本体１１の雌ねじ部１４に螺合する雄ねじ部２０が形成され、その内端部には、管本体３９の先端部を当接面１５に押圧するためのリテーナ２６が配置され、押し輪１９の小径部１９Ｂ内端部に環状の係止突起２９が係止する係止溝２１が形成され、押し輪１９の大径部１９Ａ内周に内周溝部２２が形成され、この内周溝部２２内にはパッキン２３が嵌着されている。
【００１６】
図５に示すように、前記リテーナ２６は、合成樹脂によりリング状に形成された嵌着部２７と、この嵌着部２７の内端に分割して突出形成された複数（４個）の弾性突片２８とからなり、嵌着部２７の内周面に前記係止突起２９が形成され、この係止突起２９が係止溝２１に係合することにより、リテーナ２６が押し輪１９の内端外周に係止保持されている。
【００１７】
前記リテーナ２６の各弾性突片２８内に、図６に示すような金属板よりなるインサート３０が埋設され、これらインサート３０の内端には、爪部３１が中心に向かって突出形成され、各インサート３０は、すり割り部３２を介してほぼ円筒状に配置されるように、薄板状の連結片３３により拡開可能に一体的に形成され、各インサート３０の内周面に溝部３４が形成されている。
【００１８】
そしてリテーナ２６を形成する際には、合成樹脂がインサート３０のすり割り部３２を通して、各インサート３０の外周側から内周側に注入され、さらにそこから各溝部３４内に挿入硬化されて、インサート３０が弾性突片２８内に抜け止め保持される。従って、各すり割り部３２の両側縁には、樹脂層３５が形成される。
【００１９】
このようなリテーナ２６の弾性突片２８の内端面が押し輪１９の内端面との接合面３６とされ、リテーナ２６が押し輪１９の内端部の外周に嵌着されたとき、この接合面３６が押し輪１９の内端面に接合される。
【００２０】
また筒状本体１１と押し輪１９の大径部１９Ａとの突き合わせ端面（押し輪１９の大径部１９Ａの端面は傾斜面に形成されている）間に、外部からの水の浸入を防止するとともに、フレキシブル管３８から漏れ出たガスを端面間から外部へ逃がすための環状体２５が圧着され、この環状体２５には、例えば不織布や連続気泡質（「連続多孔質」ともいう）の合成樹脂（例えばポリエチレンやポリプロピレンなど）が用いられる。
【００２１】
図２および図３に示すように、押し輪１９および筒状本体１１に、押し輪１９の螺進によって互いに当接して圧着時の環状体２５の厚みを設定するための厚み設定部４２が設けられ、この厚み設定部４２は、押し輪１９の小径部１９Ｂ外周面の大径部１９Ａ側に雄ねじ部２０に連続して形成された環状当接溝４３と、筒状本体１１の雌ねじ部１４に形成された環状当接突起４４とから構成されている。
【００２２】
そして、環状当接突起４４の斜面が環状当接溝４３の斜面である被係合面４５に係合する係合面４６とされ、この被係合面４５は、圧着時の環状体２５の厚みを設定する位置に形成されている。
【００２３】
前記フレキシブル管３８は、金属よりなる蛇腹状の前記管本体３９と、この管本体３９の外周に被覆された合成樹脂製の外被体４０とから構成され、管本体３９の端部から所定山数（４山分）だけ外被体４０を剥離した状態でフレキシブル管３８が押し輪１９内に挿通される。
【００２４】
このとき、管本体３９の外周の所定の谷部にリテーナ２６の爪部３１が係合されるとともに、管本体３９の端部がリテーナ２６の内端から筒状本体１１内に所定量（２山分）だけ突出されている。
【００２５】
図４の仮想線４１に示すものは、押し輪１９の大径部１９Ａと筒状本体１１の端面との間に介装されて筒状本体１１に押し輪１９を螺合する際に用いられるスペーサ４１で、このスペーサ４１は、合成樹脂により所定の幅に形成されていて、その下部には図示しないが嵌着凹部および一対の弾性挟持片が形成されている。
【００２６】
そしてこのスペーサ４１の嵌着により、筒状本体１１に対する押し輪１９の螺合位置が所定位置に規制され、この状態で押し輪１９内にフレキシブル管３８を挿通したとき、その管本体３９の端部をリテーナ２６の内端から２山分だけ確実に突出させることができる。
【００２７】
上記のように構成されたフレキシブル管用継手装置について作用を説明すると、まず筒状本体１１にフレキシブル管３８を接続する場合には、押し輪１９の内端部にリテーナ２６を取付ける。このとき、リテーナ２６の各弾性突片２８をその弾性力に抗して拡開させながら、リテーナ２６を押し輪１９の内端部の外周に嵌着することにより、リテーナ２６の取付け作業を容易に行うことができる。
【００２８】
その後、押し輪１９の外周にスペーサ４１を、一対の弾性挟持片の弾性力に抗して嵌着する。この状態で、押し輪１９の雄ねじ部２０を筒状本体１１の雌ねじ部１４に螺合すると、押し輪１９は、筒状本体１１に対してスペーサ４１により規制される所定位置まで螺入される。
【００２９】
一方、フレキシブル管３８については、予め管本体３９の端部から所定山数（４山分）だけ外被体４０を剥離しておく。この状態で、フレキシブル管３８を押し輪１９内に挿通すると、リテーナ２６の各弾性突片２８が弾性力に抗して拡開変形されながら、各インサート３０の爪部３１が管本体３９の外周の山部を乗り越えて、所定の谷部に係合する。そして管本体３９の端部がリテーナ２６の内端から筒状本体１１内に、所定量（２山分）だけ突出する。
【００３０】
このとき、リテーナ２６が押し輪１９の内端部の外周に嵌着されているため、リテーナ２６の各弾性突片２８は、拡開方向へ容易に弾性変形する。
またリテーナ２６の各弾性突片２８の拡開方向に弾性変形し易いため、その弾性突片２８の長さを短くしても、押し輪１９内へのフレキシブル管３８の挿通操作が困難になることはない。従って、継手装置全体の軸線方向の長さを短くすることができて、継手装置全体を小型に形成することができる。
【００３１】
その後、押し輪１９の外周からスペーサ４１を取外し、環状体２５（例えば１ｍｍの厚みに形成しておく）を押し輪１９の小径部１９Ｂの大径部１９Ａ側に外嵌し（環状体２５は予め小径部１９Ｂに外嵌しておいてもよい）、押し輪１９を筒状本体１１に対して螺進させる。
【００３２】
そうすると、リテーナ２６の各弾性突片２８が筒状本体１１内のテーパ面に係合し、自体の弾性力に抗して縮径方向に変形する。
また押し輪１９の螺進に伴い、管本体３９の突出端部がインサート３０の爪部３１と筒状本体１１の当接面１５との間で圧潰され、この圧潰部分の端面が筒状本体１１の当接面１５に密着されるとともに、圧潰部分の外周縁が筒状本体１１内のシールリング１７に密着される。
【００３３】
一方で、押し輪１９を螺進すると、環状当接突起４４の係合面４６と環状当接溝４３の被係合面４５とが係合し、係合面４６と被係合面４５とが係合した状態で環状体２５が８０％の厚み（例えば０．８ｍｍ）にまで圧縮され、筒状本体１１と押し輪１９の大径部１９Ａとの突き合わせ端面間に環状体２５が圧着される。
【００３４】
ところで、場合によっては、圧潰部分の外周縁が筒状本体１１内のシールリング１７にうまく密接されない場合も考えられ、このとき、ガスが筒状本体１１の雌ねじ部１４と押し輪１９の雄ねじ部１２との螺合部分を通過して、筒状本体１１の外部へ漏れ出ようとする。
【００３５】
そしてこのような場合、従来のシールリング１７ではその断面が円形であったために、ガスがシール用溝から外部へ漏れるのが阻止される状態となっており、ガス管体とフレキシブル管３８とを継いだ際にガス漏れが検出できなかったが、本発明の実施の形態によれば、圧潰部分の外周縁が筒状本体１１のシールリング１７にうまく密接されないことにより漏れ出たガスがその圧力（内圧）により、環状体２５内を浸透して筒状本体１１の外部へ漏れ出る。
【００３６】
そして、本発明の実施の形態では、圧着時の環状体２５の厚みを設定するための厚み設定部４２を設け、押し輪１９の螺進によって、環状当接突起４４の係合面４６と環状当接溝４３の被係合面４５とが係合して圧着時の環状体２５の厚みが設定されるので、環状体２５を圧縮し過ぎたりあるいは逆に圧縮が不足したりすることがなく、外部からの水の浸入を確実に防止するとともに、フレキシブル管３８から漏れ出たガスを端面間から確実に外部へ逃がすことができる。
【００３７】
従って、管体１３とフレキシブル管３８とを接続した際に、即座にガス漏れを検知することができ、安全な継手を提供することができる。
また本装置を家屋の壁に沿って鉛直方向で使用するような場合、水滴は押し輪１９の大径部１９Ａの縁部から筒状本体１１側へ落下するので、押し輪１９の大径部１９Ａの端面と筒状本体１１の端面との突き合わせ部分からは水は浸入しにくいが、仮に浸入してこようとした場合でも、筒状本体１１と押し輪１９の大径部１９Ａとの突き合わせ端面間で環状体２５を圧着しており、浸入しようとする水の水圧は大きいものではないので、筒状本体１１内にその水が浸入するのを防止できる。
【００３８】
ところで、フレキシブル管３８の取付けのために、外被体４０に釘やビスなどの取付け具（図示せず）を挿通する場合があり、このとき仮に取付け具が管本体３９に到達してしまった場合、外被体４０は合成樹脂であるためにガスが漏れないが、管本体３９は金属製であるため、この破損箇所からガスが漏れる。
【００３９】
そして管本体３９から漏れたガスの一部は、押し輪１９と外被体４０との隙間を通って、内周溝部１６に到るが、パッキン２３によって外部へ漏れ出るのは阻止される。
【００４０】
しかしこの漏れたガスの一部は、インサート３０のすり割り部３２、筒状本体１１と押し輪１９との螺合部分を通過して上記と同様にして筒状本体１１の外部へ漏れ出る。従って、このようにフレキシブル管３８を取付ける際に、管本体３９に破損箇所が生じた場合であっても、ガス漏れを検知することができる。
【００４１】
このように本発明の実施の形態によれば、圧着時の環状体２５の厚みを設定するための厚み設定部４２を設け、押し輪１９の螺進によって、環状当接突起４４の係合面４６と環状当接溝４３の被係合面４５とが係合して圧着時の環状体２５の厚みが設定されるので、環状体２５を圧縮し過ぎたりあるいは逆に圧縮が不足したりすることがなく、この圧縮された環状体２５によって外部からの水の浸入を防止するとともに、フレキシブル管３８から漏れ出たガスを端面間から外部へ逃がすことができる。
【００４２】
従って、長期、短期の使用にかかわることなく、かつ管体とフレキシブル管３８とを接続した際であっても、即座にガス漏れを検知することができ、安全な継手を提供することができる。
【００４３】
なお、上記実施の形態では、押し輪１９の大径部１９Ａの端面は傾斜面に形成したが、これに限定されるものではなく、例えば、大径部１９Ａの端面に、環状体２５の厚み方向の一部が挿入されるような環状の溝を形成して、この溝に環状体２５の一部を挿入して保持して押し輪１９を螺進するようにしてもよい。この場合、環状体２５が圧縮されても、その一部が溝内に保持されているので、環状体２５の拡径を確実に抑えることができる。
【００４４】
【発明の効果】
以上の発明から明らかな通り、本発明は、筒状本体と押し輪の大径部の突き合わせ端面間に、外部からの水の浸入を防止するとともに、フレキシブル管から漏れ出たガスを端面間から外部へ逃がすための環状体が圧着され、筒状本体の他側内周面と押し輪の小径部外周面に、押し輪の推進によって互いに係合して圧着時の環状体の厚みを設定するための係合面が形成されたので、押し輪を推進した際に、環状体を圧縮し過ぎたりあるいは逆に圧縮が不足したりすることがなく、この圧縮された環状体によって外部からの水の浸入を確実に防止するとともに、フレキシブル管から漏れ出たガスを端面間から確実に外部へ逃がすことができ、従って、長期、短期の使用にかかわることなく、かつガス管体とフレキシブル管とを接続した際であっても、即座にガス漏れを検知することができ、安全な継手を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態を示す継手装置のフレキシブル管の先端部が圧潰された状態の全体断面図である。
【図２】同じく筒状本体と押し輪の螺合状態において環状当接突起の係合面と環状当接溝の被係合面とが係合した状態を示す概略断面図である。
【図３】同じく筒状本体と押し輪の螺合状態において環状当接突起の係合面と環状当接溝の被係合面とが係合する前の状態を示す概略断面図である。
【図４】同じく一部拡大断面図である。
【図５】同じくリテーナの単体斜視図である。
【図６】同じくインサートの単体斜視図である。
【図７】従来の継手装置の全体断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１１筒状本体
１４筒状本体の雌ねじ部
１７シールリング
１９押し輪
１９Ａ押し輪の小径部
１９Ｂ押し輪の大径部
２０押し輪の雄ねじ部
２５環状体
２６リテーナ
３８フレキシブル管
４３環状当接溝
４４環状当接突起
４５被係合面
４６係合面
４８環状部材[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a joint device for a flexible pipe used for gas piping.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a flexible pipe joint device used for gas piping has a structure as shown in FIG.
[0003]
That is, the cylindrical main body 51 is screwed to the gas pipe body 52, and a contact surface 53 is formed inside the cylindrical main body 51. A push ring 54 is screwed into the cylindrical main body 51, and a ring-shaped retainer 55 is fitted therein.
[0004]
A flexible tube 56 is inserted into the push ring 54 in a state in which the outer casing 57 is peeled off by a predetermined number (usually four), and the tip of the flexible tube 56 is inserted into the cylindrical main body 51 from the inner end of the retainer 55. Is projected by a predetermined number (one mountain).
[0005]
A plurality of elastic protrusions 58 are dividedly formed at the inner end of the retainer 55, and metal inserts 59 are embedded in the elastic protrusions 58, respectively. A claw portion 60 is formed to engage with the trough portion.
[0006]
The flexible pipe joint device formed in this manner is provided with a circular seal ring 61 for preventing gas from leaking to the outside of the joint, and this seal ring 61 is a base part of the male thread part 54a of the push ring 54. A sealing groove 62 is formed at the end of the cylindrical main body 51 on the side of the female thread 51a so that the seal ring 61 is brought into close contact with the push ring 54 when it is screwed.
[0007]
In the flexible pipe joint device configured as described above, the protruding end of the flexible pipe 56 is moved into the claw of the retainer 55 by screwing the push ring 54 with the tip of the flexible pipe 56 protruding by one peak. The portion 60 and the contact surface 53 of the cylindrical main body 51 are crushed and brought into close contact with the contact surface 53. Further, the seal ring 61 is deformed in cross section in the sealing groove 62 to prevent gas leakage.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional flexible pipe joint device, when the push ring 54 is screwed to join the gas pipe body 52 and the flexible pipe 56, the protruding end of the flexible pipe 56 has a cylindrical shape with the claw portion 60 of the retainer 55. In some cases, the contact with the contact surface 53 of the main body 51 may not be crushed well.
[0009]
In this case, the gas tends to leak to the outside from the sealing groove 62 through the threaded portion of the male screw portion 54a and the female screw portion 51a and the insert 59. However, in the flexible pipe joint device, the circular cross-section seal Since the ring 61 is deformed and sealed, the gas is prevented from leaking to the outside from the sealing groove 62, and when the gas pipe body 52 and the flexible pipe 56 are joined. Gas leak cannot be detected.
[0010]
However, if the seal ring 61 gradually deteriorates and cracks occur due to long-term use, there is a problem that gas leaks from that portion, which is dangerous.
Then, an object of this invention is to provide the coupling apparatus for flexible pipes which can solve the said subject.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Means for solving the problems in the present invention include a cylindrical main body that is attached to the gas pipe body on one side, a push ring that is attached to the cylindrical main body from the other side, an inner end of the push ring, And a retainer having a claw portion engageable with a valley portion on the outer periphery of the flexible pipe inserted through the ring, and the push ring in a state in which the flexible pipe protrudes from the inner end of the retainer into the cylindrical main body by a predetermined amount. The protrusion of the flexible pipe inserted through the push ring is brought into close contact with the claw portion and the contact surface formed inside the cylindrical main body. It consists of a small-diameter part inserted from the side and a large-diameter part connected to the small-diameter part, and prevents water from entering between the butted end surfaces of the cylindrical main body and the large-diameter part of the press ring. , Gas leaking from the flexible tube between the end faces An annular body for escaping to the outside is pressure-bonded, and the other-side inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body and the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion of the push ring are engaged with each other by pushing the push wheel to set the thickness of the annular body at the time of the crimping. An engagement surface is formed.
[0012]
According to this configuration, the protrusion of the flexible tube inserted through the push ring is moved to the claw portion by propelling the push ring in a state where the flexible tube protrudes from the inner end of the retainer into the cylindrical main body by a predetermined amount. And the engagement surface provided on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion of the push ring are engaged with each other by propelling the push ring. The annular body is compressed to a thickness that prevents intrusion of water from the outside and allows gas leaked from the flexible tube to escape from between the end faces to the outside.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the joint device for a flexible pipe according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a cylindrical main body 11 interposed between a pipe body (gas pipe) 13 and a flexible pipe 38, and this cylindrical shape. The main body 11 is screwed to the tubular body 13 at a male threaded portion 12 at the outer periphery of one end, and a female threaded portion 14 is formed at the inner periphery of the other end.
[0014]
An annular contact surface 15 is formed at the center of the cylindrical main body 11, and a seal ring 17 is fitted into a groove 16 formed on the outer periphery thereof.
On the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body 11, a tapered surface is formed between the female screw portion 14 and the groove portion 16, and the inner periphery is gradually formed smaller toward the groove portion 16.
[0015]
A cylindrical push ring 19 is provided for press-contacting the distal end portion of the tube main body 39, which will be described later, to the abutment surface 15, and is screwed onto the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 19B of the push ring 19 to the female thread portion 14 of the cylindrical main body 11. A mating male screw portion 20 is formed, and an inner end portion thereof is provided with a retainer 26 for pressing the tip end portion of the tube main body 39 against the contact surface 15. A locking groove 21 for locking the locking projection 29 is formed, an inner circumferential groove portion 22 is formed on the inner periphery of the large-diameter portion 19 </ b> A of the push ring 19, and a packing 23 is fitted in the inner circumferential groove portion 22. ing.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 5, the retainer 26 includes a fitting portion 27 formed in a ring shape with a synthetic resin, and a plurality (four pieces) of elastic portions formed by being divided into inner ends of the fitting portion 27. The locking projection 29 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 27, and the locking projection 29 engages with the locking groove 21, so that the retainer 26 is connected to the inner side of the push ring 19. It is latched and held on the outer periphery of the end.
[0017]
Inserts 30 made of a metal plate as shown in FIG. 6 are embedded in the elastic protrusions 28 of the retainer 26, and claw portions 31 are formed at the inner ends of these inserts 30 so as to protrude toward the center. The insert 30 is integrally formed by a thin plate-like connecting piece 33 so as to be expanded so as to be arranged in a substantially cylindrical shape via the slit portion 32, and a groove portion 34 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of each insert 30. Has been.
[0018]
When the retainer 26 is formed, the synthetic resin is injected from the outer peripheral side of each insert 30 to the inner peripheral side through the slit portion 32 of the insert 30 and further inserted and cured in each groove portion 34 from there. 30 is held in the elastic protrusion 28 to prevent it from coming off. Therefore, the resin layer 35 is formed on both side edges of each slit portion 32.
[0019]
The inner end face of the elastic protrusion 28 of the retainer 26 is a joining surface 36 with the inner end face of the push ring 19, and when the retainer 26 is fitted on the outer periphery of the inner end portion of the push ring 19, this joining face is provided. 36 is joined to the inner end face of the push ring 19.
[0020]
Further, the intrusion of water from the outside is prevented between the butted end surfaces of the cylindrical main body 11 and the large-diameter portion 19A of the push ring 19 (the end surface of the large-diameter portion 19A of the push ring 19 is formed as an inclined surface). At the same time, an annular body 25 for letting the gas leaking from the flexible pipe 38 escape from between the end faces to the outside is bonded to the annular body 25. For example, a nonwoven fabric or an open cell (also referred to as “continuous porous”) is synthesized in the annular body 25. A resin (for example, polyethylene or polypropylene) is used.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the push ring 19 and the cylindrical main body 11 are provided with a thickness setting portion 42 for setting the thickness of the annular body 25 when the push ring 19 is brought into contact with each other by screwing. The thickness setting portion 42 includes an annular contact groove 43 formed continuously from the male screw portion 20 on the large diameter portion 19A side of the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 19B of the push ring 19, and the female screw portion 14 of the cylindrical main body 11. And an annular abutment protrusion 44 formed on the surface.
[0022]
The inclined surface of the annular contact protrusion 44 is an engagement surface 46 that engages with the engaged surface 45 that is the inclined surface of the annular contact groove 43, and the engaged surface 45 of the annular body 25 at the time of pressure bonding. It is formed at a position where the thickness is set.
[0023]
The flexible tube 38 is composed of a metal bellows-shaped tube main body 39 made of metal, and a synthetic resin jacket 40 coated on the outer periphery of the tube main body 39. The flexible tube 38 is inserted into the push ring 19 with the outer casing 40 being peeled off by a number (four peaks).
[0024]
At this time, the claw portion 31 of the retainer 26 is engaged with a predetermined valley portion on the outer periphery of the tube main body 39, and the end portion of the tube main body 39 is inserted into the cylindrical main body 11 from the inner end of the retainer 26 by a predetermined amount (2 Only the mountain).
[0025]
4 is interposed between the large-diameter portion 19A of the push ring 19 and the end surface of the cylindrical main body 11, and is used when the push ring 19 is screwed to the cylindrical main body 11. In the spacer 41, the spacer 41 is formed with a predetermined width from a synthetic resin, and a fitting recess and a pair of elastic clamping pieces are formed in the lower part thereof, although not shown.
[0026]
Then, when the spacer 41 is fitted, the screwing position of the push ring 19 with respect to the cylindrical main body 11 is restricted to a predetermined position. When the flexible pipe 38 is inserted into the push ring 19 in this state, the end of the pipe main body 39 is inserted. The portion can be reliably protruded from the inner end of the retainer 26 by two peaks.
[0027]
The operation of the joint device for a flexible pipe configured as described above will be described. First, when the flexible pipe 38 is connected to the cylindrical main body 11, the retainer 26 is attached to the inner end portion of the push ring 19. At this time, attaching the retainer 26 to the outer periphery of the inner end portion of the push ring 19 while expanding each elastic protrusion 28 of the retainer 26 against its elastic force makes it easy to mount the retainer 26. Can be done.
[0028]
Thereafter, the spacer 41 is fitted on the outer periphery of the push ring 19 against the elastic force of the pair of elastic clamping pieces. In this state, when the male screw portion 20 of the push ring 19 is screwed into the female screw portion 14 of the cylindrical main body 11, the push ring 19 is screwed into the cylindrical main body 11 to a predetermined position regulated by the spacer 41. .
[0029]
On the other hand, with respect to the flexible pipe 38, the jacket body 40 is peeled off from the end of the pipe main body 39 in advance by a predetermined number of mountains (for four mountains). In this state, when the flexible pipe 38 is inserted into the push ring 19, the elastic protrusions 28 of the retainer 26 are expanded and deformed against the elastic force, and the claw portions 31 of the inserts 30 are moved to the outer periphery of the pipe body 39. Over the mountain and engage with a predetermined valley. Then, the end portion of the tube main body 39 protrudes from the inner end of the retainer 26 into the cylindrical main body 11 by a predetermined amount (two peaks).
[0030]
At this time, since the retainer 26 is fitted on the outer periphery of the inner end portion of the push wheel 19, each elastic protrusion 28 of the retainer 26 is easily elastically deformed in the expanding direction.
Further, since the elastic protrusions 28 of the retainer 26 are easily elastically deformed in the expanding direction, it is difficult to insert the flexible pipe 38 into the push ring 19 even if the length of the elastic protrusions 28 is shortened. There is nothing. Therefore, the length of the whole joint apparatus in the axial direction can be shortened, and the whole joint apparatus can be formed small.
[0031]
After that, the spacer 41 is removed from the outer periphery of the push ring 19, and the annular body 25 (for example, formed to a thickness of 1 mm) is externally fitted to the large diameter portion 19A side of the small diameter portion 19B of the push ring 19 (the annular body 25 is The press ring 19 may be screwed with respect to the cylindrical main body 11.
[0032]
If it does so, each elastic protrusion 28 of the retainer 26 will engage with the taper surface in the cylindrical main body 11, and will deform | transform into a diameter reduction direction against its own elastic force.
Further, as the push ring 19 is screwed, the protruding end portion of the tube main body 39 is crushed between the claw portion 31 of the insert 30 and the contact surface 15 of the cylindrical main body 11, and the end surface of this crushing portion is the cylindrical main body. 11, the outer peripheral edge of the crushing portion is in close contact with the seal ring 17 in the cylindrical main body 11.
[0033]
On the other hand, when the push wheel 19 is screwed, the engagement surface 46 of the annular contact protrusion 44 and the engaged surface 45 of the annular contact groove 43 are engaged, and the engagement surface 46 and the engaged surface 45 are engaged. The annular body 25 is compressed to a thickness of 80% (for example, 0.8 mm) with the engagement of the annular body 25, and the annular body 25 is pressure-bonded between the butted end surfaces of the cylindrical main body 11 and the large-diameter portion 19A of the push ring 19. The
[0034]
By the way, depending on the case, the case where the outer periphery of a crushing part is not contact | adhered well to the seal ring 17 in the cylindrical main body 11 is also considered, At this time, gas is the internal thread part 14 of the cylindrical main body 11, and the external thread part of the push ring 19 Passing through the threaded portion with the tube 12, it will leak out of the cylindrical body 11.
[0035]
In such a case, since the conventional seal ring 17 has a circular cross section, the gas is prevented from leaking from the sealing groove to the outside, and the gas pipe body and the flexible pipe 38 are connected to each other. Although gas leakage could not be detected at the time of connection, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the gas leaked out due to the outer peripheral edge of the crushing portion not being brought into close contact with the seal ring 17 of the cylindrical body 11 has its pressure. Due to (internal pressure), it penetrates into the annular body 25 and leaks out of the cylindrical main body 11.
[0036]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the thickness setting portion 42 for setting the thickness of the annular body 25 at the time of pressure bonding is provided, and the engagement surface 46 of the annular contact protrusion 44 and the annular shape are formed by screwing of the push ring 19. Since the thickness of the annular body 25 at the time of pressure bonding is set by engaging with the engaged surface 45 of the contact groove 43, the annular body 25 is not compressed too much or conversely, the compression is not insufficient. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent water from entering from the outside, and to reliably let the gas leaking from the flexible pipe 38 escape from between the end faces to the outside.
[0037]
Therefore, when the tube body 13 and the flexible tube 38 are connected, gas leakage can be detected immediately, and a safe joint can be provided.
When this apparatus is used in a vertical direction along the wall of the house, water drops fall from the edge of the large-diameter portion 19A of the push ring 19 toward the cylindrical main body 11, so that the large-diameter portion of the push ring 19 Although it is difficult for water to enter from the abutting portion between the end surface of 19A and the end surface of the cylindrical main body 11, the end surface of butting between the cylindrical main body 11 and the large diameter portion 19A of the push ring 19 even if trying to enter Since the annular body 25 is pressure-bonded between them and the water pressure to be infiltrated is not large, it is possible to prevent the water from entering the cylindrical main body 11.
[0038]
By the way, in order to attach the flexible pipe 38, a fitting (not shown) such as a nail or a screw may be inserted into the outer cover body 40. At this time, the fitting has temporarily reached the pipe body 39. In this case, since the jacket 40 is made of synthetic resin, gas does not leak, but since the tube body 39 is made of metal, gas leaks from the damaged portion.
[0039]
A part of the gas leaked from the tube main body 39 passes through the gap between the push ring 19 and the outer cover body 40 and reaches the inner peripheral groove portion 16, but is prevented from leaking outside by the packing 23.
[0040]
However, a part of the leaked gas passes through the slit portion 32 of the insert 30 and the threaded portion of the cylindrical main body 11 and the push ring 19 and leaks out of the cylindrical main body 11 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, when the flexible pipe 38 is attached in this way, gas leakage can be detected even when a damaged portion is generated in the pipe main body 39.
[0041]
Thus, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the thickness setting portion 42 for setting the thickness of the annular body 25 at the time of pressure bonding is provided, and the engagement surface of the annular contact protrusion 44 is formed by the screw ring 19 being screwed. 46 and the engaged surface 45 of the annular contact groove 43 are engaged to set the thickness of the annular body 25 at the time of pressure bonding, so that the annular body 25 is overcompressed or conversely insufficiently compressed. In addition, the compressed annular body 25 prevents water from entering from the outside, and allows gas leaked from the flexible tube 38 to escape from between the end faces to the outside.
[0042]
Therefore, gas leakage can be detected immediately even when the tube body and the flexible tube 38 are connected, regardless of long-term or short-term use, and a safe joint can be provided.
[0043]
In the above embodiment, the end surface of the large-diameter portion 19A of the push ring 19 is formed as an inclined surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the end surface of the large-diameter portion 19A has a thickness of the annular body 25. An annular groove in which a part of the direction is inserted may be formed, and a part of the annular body 25 may be inserted and held in the groove to push the push wheel 19 in a screwed manner. In this case, even if the annular body 25 is compressed, a part of the annular body 25 is held in the groove, so that the diameter expansion of the annular body 25 can be reliably suppressed.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above invention, the present invention prevents the intrusion of water from the outside between the butted end faces of the cylindrical main body and the large diameter portion of the press ring, and allows gas leaked from the flexible pipe to pass between the end faces. An annular body for escaping to the outside is pressure-bonded, and the other-side inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body and the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion of the push ring are engaged with each other by pushing the push wheel to set the thickness of the annular body at the time of the crimping. Therefore, when the push ring is propelled, the annular body is not over-compressed or conversely insufficiently compressed, and the compressed annular body prevents water from the outside. The gas leaked from the flexible pipe can be surely escaped from between the end faces to the outside, so that the gas pipe body and the flexible pipe can be connected without being involved in long-term or short-term use. When connected Immediately can detect the gas leakage, it is possible to provide a secure joint.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall cross-sectional view showing a state in which a distal end portion of a flexible pipe of a joint device according to an embodiment of the present invention is crushed.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which an engagement surface of an annular contact protrusion and an engaged surface of an annular contact groove are engaged in a state where the cylindrical main body and a push ring are screwed together.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state before the engagement surface of the annular contact protrusion and the engaged surface of the annular contact groove are engaged with each other when the cylindrical main body and the push ring are screwed together.
FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the same.
FIG. 5 is a single perspective view of the retainer.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the same insert.
FIG. 7 is an overall cross-sectional view of a conventional joint device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Tubular main body 14 Female thread part 17 of cylindrical main body Seal ring 19 Push ring 19A Small diameter part 19B of push ring Large diameter part 20 of push ring Male thread part 25 of push ring Annular body 26 Retainer 38 Flexible pipe 43 Annular contact groove 44 Annular contact protrusion 45 engaged surface 46 engaging surface 48 annular member

Claims

A cylindrical main body with one side attached to the gas pipe body, a push ring attached to the cylindrical main body from the other side, and a trough on the outer periphery of the flexible pipe attached to the inner end of the push ring and inserted into the push ring And a retainer having a claw portion that can be engaged with the portion, and the pusher wheel is propelled in a state in which the flexible tube protrudes from the inner end of the retainer into the cylindrical main body by a predetermined amount. In the joint device for a flexible tube, in which the protruding portion of the flexible tube is brought into close contact with the contact surface formed inside the claw portion and the cylindrical main body, the push ring includes a small diameter portion inserted from the other side of the cylindrical main body. Gas that leaks out of the flexible tube while preventing intrusion of water from the outside between the butted end faces of the cylindrical main body and the large-diameter portion of the press ring. Escapes between the end faces to the outside An annular body for pressure bonding is engaged, and the other side inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body and the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion of the press ring are engaged with each other by propulsion of the press ring to set the thickness of the annular body at the time of press contact A joint device for flexible pipes, characterized in that a mating surface is formed.