JP3986845B2

JP3986845B2 - Pipe universal joint

Info

Publication number: JP3986845B2
Application number: JP2002042618A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 茂 ▲高▼木
Original assignee: Daisen Co Ltd
Current assignee: Daisen Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-02-20
Filing date: 2002-02-20
Publication date: 2007-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-20
Also published as: CN1811255A; CN100385166C; JP2003240174A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、ホースとホース又は機器との間を接続して流体を供給すると共に、接続部がなす角度を自在にし、操作性を良好にした管自在継手に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来技術】
従来、この種の管自在継手として、図４に示すようなものが知られている。
【０００３】
この管自在継手１は、図示しないホースやソケット等が接続されるプラグ部材２と中間管状部材４の一方端とがボールベアリング５を介して回り対偶をなし、図示しないエアツール等の機器が接続されるスリーブ部材３と中間管状部材４の他方端とがボールベアリング６を介して回り対偶をなしている。
【０００４】
また、中間管状部材４の軸線Ｇ₁は中間部で折曲されており、プラグ部材２の軸線Ｇ₂と曲げ要求のある角度で交差すると共に、スリーブ部材３の軸線Ｇ₃と一致している。
【０００５】
そして、プラグ部材２を中間管状部材４に対して回転させることで、プラグ部材２の軸線Ｇ₂とスリーブ部材３の軸線Ｇ₃とでなす角度を所定範囲内で自在にしている。
【０００６】
さらに、このプラグ部材２の回転と同時に中間管状部材４をスリーブ部材３に対して回転させることによって、プラグ部材２の軸線Ｇ₂とスリーブ部材３の軸線Ｇ₃とでなす角度を所望の円周方向に展開することができる。
【０００７】
一方、図５に示すような管自在継手も知られている。
【０００８】
図５に示す管自在継手１０は、両端部に第１、第２内球体状部１２、１３がそれぞれ形成された中間管状部材１１と、第１内球体状部１２が挿入されるプラグ内球面状部１４が形成されたプラグ部材１５と、第２内球体状部１３が挿入されるスリーブ内球面状部１６が形成されたスリーブ部材１７とを有している。
【０００９】
このとき、第１内球体状部１２とプラグ内球面状部１４とが球面対偶をなし、第２内球体状部１３とスリーブ内球面状部１６とが球面対偶をなしている。
【００１０】
また、プラグ内球面状部１４の開口部１４ａはプラグ部材１５の軸線Ｇ₄に一致した軸線を有して外広がりに開口し、スリーブ内球面状部１６の開口部１６ａはスリーブ部材１７の軸線Ｇ₅に一致した軸線を有して外広がりに開口している。
【００１１】
そして、プラグ部材１５及びスリーブ部材１７を所望の方向に向けることにより、プラグ部材１５の軸線Ｇ₄とスリーブ部材１７の軸線Ｇ₅とでなす角度を自在にしている。
【００１２】
ここで、プラグ内球面状部１４の開口部１４ａによってプラグ部材１５の軸線Ｇ₄と中間管状部材１１の軸線Ｇ₆とでなす角度が規制され、スリーブ内球面状部１６の開口部１６ａによってスリーブ部材１７の軸線Ｇ₅と中間管状部材１１の軸線Ｇ₆とでなす角度が規制されている。
【００１３】
そのため、第１内球体状部１２とプラグ内球面状部１４とが球面対偶をなすと同時に、第２内球体状部１３とスリーブ内球面状部１６とが球面対偶をなすことで、プラグ部材１５の軸線Ｇ₄とスリーブ部材１７の軸線Ｇ₅とでなす角度を大きくしている。
【００１４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、図４に示す管自在継手１において、プラグ部材２の軸線Ｇ₂とスリーブ部材３の軸線Ｇ₃とでなす角度を所望の角度にするために、プラグ部材２を所定方向に回転させる必要があり、操作性が非常に悪くなっている。
【００１５】
一方、図５に示す管自在継手１０において、中間管状部材１１の両端部がそれぞれ球面対偶をなしているので軸線Ｇ₄や軸線Ｇ₅の方向が安定せず、プラグ部材１５にホースやソケット等を接続する際に軸線が折れて、力の方向がずれてしまい接続しにくいという問題が生じていた。
【００１６】
したがって、この発明は、両端部の軸線でなす角度を容易に自在にできると共に、ホースやソケット等を接続する際に各管状部材の軸線の方向が安定して接続しやすい管自在継手を提供することを目的としている。
【００１７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の課題を解決するために、請求項１に係る発明は、第１管状部材と第２管状部材とが中間管状部材を介して第１管状部材の軸線と第２管状部材の軸線とでなす角度を自在にすると共に、中間管状部材の軸線に対して第１管状部材及び第２管状部材の少なくとも一方を回転自在にし、ホースとホース又は機器との間を接続して流体を供給する管自在継手であって、中間管状部材は、一方端に外側面が球状に膨出した第１内球体状部を有し、他方端に第１円柱状部を有し、第１管状部材は、第１内球体状部が挿入されると共に軸線に対して適宜角度をなした軸線を有する外広がりの開口部を備えた第１内球面状部を有し、第１内球体状部と第１内球面状部とが球面対偶をなすと共に、球面対偶をなす位置の第１内球体状部の球心よりも第１円柱状部側に軸線方向の遊びを持たせた状態でボールベアリングを配設して第１管状部材と中間管状部材とを離脱不可能にしたことを特徴としている。
【００１８】
請求項１の発明によれば、中間管状部材が一方端に第１内球体状部を有し、第１管状部材が第１内球体状部を挿入する第１内球面状部を有し、この第１内球体状部と第１内球面状部とが球面対偶をなしているので、第１管状部材の先端部を所望の方向に向ければ第２管状部材の軸線と第１管状部材の軸線とでなす角度を容易に自在にすることができる。
【００１９】
また、第１内球面状部の開口部が第１管状部材の軸線に対して適宜角度をなした軸線を有すると共に外広がりにされているので、この開口部によって第１管状部材の屈曲及び回転角度の範囲が広がり、第１管状部材の軸線と中間管状部材の軸線とでなす角度を大きくすることが可能となる。
【００２０】
そして、第２管状部材と中間管状部材とが球面対偶なさずとも、第１管状部材の軸線と第２管状部材の軸線とでなす角度を大きくすることができる。そのため、第２管状部材と中間管状部材との各軸線の方向を安定させることができ、力を加えても軸線がずれることなくホース等を接続しやすくなる。
さらに、球面対偶をなす位置の第１内球体状部の球心よりも第１円柱状部側にボールベアリングを配設しているので、第１管状部材と中間管状部材との互いの動きを阻害することなく、確実に抜け止めをすることができる。そして、構成が簡易で製造コストを抑制することも可能となる。
また、遊びを設けたことにより第１管状部材にホースやソケット等を接続する際、第１管状部材と第２管状部材とが面接触して、互いの軸線方向を安定させてホース等を接続しやすくすることができる。
さらに、流体が通過する際には、この流体の圧力によって第１管状部材と第２管状部材とが反発しあい、遊びの分だけ僅かに離れて互いの動きを阻害することをより防止できる。
【００２１】
請求項２に係る発明は、請求項１に記載の管自在継手において、第１円柱状部と第２管状部材に形成された第１円柱面状部とが回り対偶をなしていることを特徴としている。
【００２２】
請求項２の発明によれば、請求項１の効用に加え、中間管状部材の第１円柱状部と第２管状部材の第１円柱面状部とが回り対偶をなしているので、中間管状部材の軸線と第２管状部材の軸線とが一致したまま、第１管状部材の軸線と中間管状部材の軸線とでなす角度を所望の円周方向に展開しやすくなって、第１管状部材に接続されたホース等の操作性をさらに向上することができる。
【００２３】
請求項３に係る発明は、請求項２に記載の管自在継手において、球面対偶をなす位置及び回り対偶をなす位置に流体の漏れを防止するシール部材を配設したことを特徴としている。
【００２４】
請求項３の発明によれば、請求項２の効用に加え、球面対偶をなす位置及び回り対偶をなす位置にシール部材が配設されているので、この管自在継手を通過する流体が第１管状部材と中間管状部材との間、及び、第２管状部材と中間管状部材との間から漏れ出ることを確実に防止することができる。
【００２５】
請求項４に係る発明は、請求項２又は３において、回り対偶をなす位置にボールベアリングを配設して中間管状部材と第２管状部材とを離脱不可能にしたことを特徴としている。
【００２９】
請求項４の発明によれば、請求項２又は３の効用に加え、回り対偶をなす位置にボールベアリングを配設しているので、中間管状部材と第２管状部材との互いの動きを阻害することなく、確実に抜け止めをすることができる。
【００３０】
請求項５に係る発明は、請求項１ないし請求項４のいずれか１項に記載の管自在継手において、第１管状部材には第１内球面状部と同心の第２内球体状部を形成し、第２管状部材には第２内球体状部が挿入される第２内球面状部を形成し、第２内球体状部と第２内球面状部とが球面対偶をなしていることを特徴としている。
【００３１】
請求項５の発明によれば、請求項１ないし４のいずれかの効用に加え、第１管状部材に形成された第２内球体状部と第２管状部材に形成された第２内球面状部とが球面対偶をなしているので、第１管状部材と第２管状部材との間に塵埃等が挟まることを防止でき、防塵用の蛇腹等のカバーを設けなくとも第１管状部材の中間管状部材との相互の動きが阻害されることがなくなる。
【００３２】
そして、第２内球体状部と第２内球面状部との間に軸線方向の遊びを持たせた場合では、第１管状部材にホース等を接続する際に、第２内球体状部と第２内球面状部とが面接触して、互いの軸線方向を安定させてホース等を接続しやすくすることができる。
【００３３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、実施の形態を示す図面に基づいてこの発明を説明する。
【００３４】
この発明の実施の形態は図１ないし図３に示される。
【００３５】
図中２０は管自在継手で、第１管状部材としてのプラグ部材２２と第２管状部材としてのスリーブ部材２３とが、中間管状部材２１を介して、プラグ部材２２の軸線Ｇ₇とスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈とでなす角度を自在可能に接続されている。
【００３６】
中間管状部材２１、プラグ部材２２、スリーブ部材２３は、それぞれ両端が開口した中空の管体からなり、鋼材や合成樹脂等により形成されている。
【００３７】
中間管状部材２１は、図２（ａ）に示すように、一方の端部に第１内球体状部２４が形成され、他方の端部に第１円柱状部２５が形成されている。
【００３８】
第１内球体状部２４は、中間管状部材２１の外側面２１ａが球状に膨出して形成されて、外形形状がほぼ球状を呈している。
【００３９】
第１円柱状部２５は、中間管状部材２１の外側面２１ａが内側面２１ｂと平行にされ、外側面２１ａに２つの環状溝２５ａ、２５ｂが形成されている。
【００４０】
なお、端部側に形成された環状溝２５ａの断面形状はコ字状にされているが、半円状にされていてもよい。また、環状溝２５ｂの断面形状は半円状にされているが、コ字状にされていてもよい。
【００４１】
プラグ部材２２は、図２（ｂ）に示すように、一方の端部に図示しないホースやソケット等が接続される先細形状のプラグ部２６が形成され、他方の端部に第１内球体状部２４が挿入される第１内球面状部２７が形成されている。また、第１内球面状部２７の外側面は、この第１内球面状部２７と同心の第２内球体状部２８に形成されている。
【００４２】
第１内球面状部２７は、プラグ部材２２の軸線Ｇ₇であるプラグ部２６の軸線に対して、適宜の角度θをなして交差する軸線Ｇαを有する外広がりの開口部２７ａを備えている。さらに、この第１内球面状部２７の内側面には２つの環状溝２７ｂ、２７ｃが形成されている。そして、開口部２７ａ側に位置する環状溝２７ｂには、プラグ部材２２を外側面に向かって貫通する孔部２７ｄが形成されている。
【００４３】
なお、環状溝２７ｂの断面形状は半円状にされているが、コ字状にされていてもよい。また、環状溝２７ｃの断面形状はコ字状にされているが、半円状にされていてもよい。
【００４４】
スリーブ部材２３は、図２（ｃ）に示すように、一方の端部に図示しないホース又はエアツール等の機器が接続されるネジ溝を有するスリーブ部２９が形成されている。また、他方の端部には、第１円柱状部２５が嵌合する第１円柱面状部３０が形成されており、その先端部に第２内球体状部２８が挿入される第２内球面状部３１が形成されている。
【００４５】
第１円柱面状部３０は、内側面に環状溝３０ａが設けられると共に、スリーブ部２９に向かって内径が段階的に細くされている。そして、環状溝３０ａにはスリーブ部材２３を外側面に向かって貫通する孔部３０ｂが形成されている。
【００４６】
第２内球面状部３１は、スリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈であるスリーブ部２９の軸線と一致する軸線を有する外広がりの開口部３１ａを備え、内側面が滑らかな椀型に形成されている。
【００４７】
そして、プラグ部材２２の第１内球面状部２７は、シール部材であるゴム製のＹパッキン３２が環状溝２７ｃに嵌着されており、この第１内球面状部２７に中間管状部材２１の第１内球体状部２４が挿入されている。なお、このＹパッキン３２は二又側がプラグ部２６側に向いている状態で嵌着されている。
【００４８】
また、第１内球面上部２４の環状溝２７ｂ内には、孔部２７ｄから複数の金属製のボール３３…が投入されてボールベアリング３３ａを形成している。このボールベアリング３３ａと環状溝２７ｂとの間には、軸線方向に僅かな遊びが設けられている。
【００４９】
そして、所定数のボール３３…を投入後、孔部２７ｄに図示しない六角穴付止ネジが螺合されてボール３３…の脱落が防止されている。
【００５０】
第１円柱状部２５は、環状溝２５ａにゴム製のシール部材であるＯリング３４が嵌着されており、この第１円柱状部２５が第１円柱面状部３０に挿入されている。
【００５１】
また、第１円柱状部２５の環状溝２５ｂと第１円柱面状部３０の環状溝３０ａとは対向しており、この対向した環状溝２５ｂ及び環状溝３０ａ内に、孔部３０ｂから複数の金属製のボール３５…が投入されてボールベアリング３５ａを形成している。
【００５２】
そして、所定数のボール３５…を投入後、孔部３０ｂには図示しない六角穴付止めネジが螺合されてボール３５…の脱落が防止されている。
【００５３】
また、スリーブ部材２３の第２内球面状部３１には、プラグ部材２２の第２内球体状部２８が軸線方向に僅かな遊びを設けて挿入されている。
【００５４】
このように形成された管自在継手２０は、まず、図示しないエアツール等の機器に設けられた取付部やホース等にスリーブ部２９をねじ込んで固定させる。そして、プラグ部２６を図示しないホースに挿入して固定する。なお、このプラグ部２６はホースに接続されたソケット等に挿入固定されてもよい。
【００５５】
ここで、第１内球体状部２４と第１内球面状部２７とは球面対偶をなしており、プラグ部２６の先端部を所望の向きに向ければ、プラグ部材２２が中間管状部材２１及びスリーブ部材２３に対して容易に自在な方向を向くことができる。
【００５６】
つまり、開口部２７ａの軸線Ｇαがスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈に対して角度マイナスθをなしているとき、プラグ部材２２の軸線Ｇ₇がスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈に一致している（図１参照）。
【００５７】
そして、開口部２７ａの軸線Ｇαとスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈とが一致したとき、プラグ部材２２の軸線Ｇ₇はスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈に対して角度θをなしている（図３（ａ）参照）。
【００５８】
さらに、開口部２７ａの軸線Ｇαがスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈に対して角度プラスθをなしているとき、プラグ部材２２の軸線Ｇ₇はスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈に対して角度２θをなしている（図３（ａ）参照）。
【００５９】
このように、開口部２７ａの軸線Ｇαがプラグ部材２２の軸線Ｇ₇に対して適宜の角度θをなして交差することにより、プラグ部材２２の屈曲及び回転角度の範囲が広がり、プラグ部材２２の軸線Ｇ₇とスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈とでなす角度は、最大２θの範囲で容易に自在にすることができる。
【００６０】
そして、第１円柱状部２５と第１円柱面状部３０とが回り対偶をなしており、中間管状部材２１はスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈の回りを回転自在にされている。
【００６１】
このとき、スリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈と中間管状部材２１の軸線Ｇ₉とは常に一致しており、ホース等を接続する際に力の方向がずれることがなくホース等を接続しやすい。
【００６２】
さらに、プラグ部材２２の軸線Ｇ₇とスリーブ部材２３の軸線Ｇ₈とでなす角度を所望の円周方向に展開しやすくなって、プラグ部材２２に接続されたホース等の操作性が向上する。
【００６３】
また、環状溝２７ｂは第１内球体部２４の球心Ｐよりも第１円柱状部２５側に設けられており、ボールベアリング３３ａはこの球心Ｐよりも第１円柱状部２５側に配設されている。
【００６４】
そのため、このボールベアリング３３ａが球心Ｐよりもプラグ部２６側に移動することがなく、プラグ部材２２と中間管状部材２１とを離脱不可能にすることができる。さらに、複数のボール３３…が回転することにより、プラグ部材２２及び中間管状部材２１の互いの動きがより円滑にされて、操作性が向上している。
【００６５】
そして、ボールベアリング３３ａと環状溝２７ｂとの間に設けられた軸線方向の僅かな遊びによって、プラグ部２６にホース等を接続する際に、プラグ部材２２とスリーブ部材２３とが面接触して互いの軸線方向を安定させ、ホース等を接続しやすくすることができる。
【００６６】
さらに、流体が流れた際に、この流体の圧力によってプラグ部材２２とスリーブ部材２３とが反発しあい、プラグ部材２２及びスリーブ部材２３の互いの動きをさらに円滑にできて、操作性を向上することができる。
【００６７】
また、ボールベアリング３５ａは中間管状部材２１及びスリーブ部材２３にそれぞれ嵌合しているため、このボールベアリング３５ａによって、中間管状部材２１とスリーブ部材２３とを離脱不可能にすることができる。さらに、複数のボール３５…が回転することにより、中間管状部材２１とスリーブ部材２３の互いの動きがより円滑にされて、操作性が向上している。
【００６８】
そして、Ｙパッキン３２によって、流体が管自在継手２０内を通過した際にプラグ部材２２と中間管状部材２１との間から流体が漏れ出ることを防止でき、Ｏリング３４によって、流体が管自在継手２０内を通過した際にプラグ部材２３と中間管状部材２１との間から流体が漏れ出ることを防止できる。
【００６９】
さらに、第２内球体状部２８と第２内球面状部３１とは軸線方向に僅かな遊びを設けて球面対偶をなしており、プラグ部材２２とスリーブ部材２３との間に塵埃等が挟まることを防止でき、防塵用の蛇腹等のカバーを設けなくとも第１管状部材の中間管状部材との相互の動きが阻害されることがなくなる。
【００７０】
そして、第２内球体状部２８と第２内球面状部３１との間に設けられた軸線方向の僅かな遊びによって、プラグ部２６にホース等を接続する際に、プラグ部材２２とスリーブ部材２３とが面接触することとなり、互いの軸線方向をより安定させることができて、ホース等を接続しやすくすることができる。
【００７１】
以上、この発明の実施の形態の一つを図面により詳述してきたが、具体的な構成は上述の実施の形態に限らず、この発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲の設計の変更等があってもこの発明に含まれる。
【００７２】
例えば、上述ではボールベアリング３３ａと環状溝２７ｂとの間に軸線方向の遊びが設けられているが、第１円柱状部２５と第１円柱面状部３０との間に配設されたボールベアリング３５ａの周囲に軸線方向の僅かな遊びを設けてもよい。
【００７３】
この場合も、プラグ部材２２にホース等を接続する際に、プラグ部材２２とスリーブ部材２３とが面接触して互いの軸線方向を安定させることができる。
【００７４】
【発明の効果】
以上説明してきたように、この発明によれば、両端の各管状部材の軸線でなす角度を容易に自在にすることができる。
【００７５】
また、ホースやソケット等を管状部材にそれぞれ接続する際に、各管状部材の軸線の方向が安定して接続しやすくすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の管自在継手の断面図である。
【図２】（ａ）この発明の中間管状部材の断面図である。
（ｂ）この発明の第１管状部材（プラグ部材）の断面図である。
（ｃ）この発明の第２管状部材（スリーブ部材）の断面図である。
【図３】（ａ）この発明の管自在継手の作用説明図である。
（ｂ）この発明の管自在継手の作用説明図である。
【図４】従来の管自在継手の断面図である。
【図５】従来の他の例の管自在継手の断面図である。
【符号の説明】
２０管自在継手
２１中間管状部材
２２第１管状部材（プラグ部材）
２３第２管状部材（スリーブ部材）
２４第１内球体状部
２７第１内球面状部
２７ａ開口部
Ｇ₇ 軸線
Ｇ₈ 軸線
Ｇ₉ 軸線[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pipe joint that connects a hose and a hose or a device to supply a fluid, and allows an angle formed by a connecting portion to be freely made, thereby improving operability.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this kind of pipe universal joint, the one shown in FIG. 4 is known.
[0003]
In this pipe universal joint 1, a plug member 2 to which a hose, a socket or the like (not shown) is connected and one end of the intermediate tubular member 4 are turned through a ball bearing 5 to form a pair, and a device such as an air tool (not shown) is connected. The sleeve member 3 and the other end of the intermediate tubular member 4 rotate via a ball bearing 6 to form a pair.
[0004]
Further, the axis G ₁ of the intermediate tubular member 4 is bent at the intermediate portion, intersects the axis G ₂ of the plug member 2 at an angle that requires bending, and coincides with the axis G ₃ of the sleeve member 3. .
[0005]
Then, by rotating the plug member 2 relative to the intermediate tubular member 4, and freely the angle between the axis G ₂ and the axis G ₃ of the sleeve member 3 of the plug member 2 within a predetermined range.
[0006]
Further, by rotating relative to the rotating sleeve member 3 the intermediate tubular member 4 at the same time of the plug member 2, the angle of the desired circumference formed by the axis G ₃ axis G ₂ and the sleeve member 3 of the plug member 2 Can expand in the direction.
[0007]
On the other hand, a pipe universal joint as shown in FIG. 5 is also known.
[0008]
The pipe universal joint 10 shown in FIG. 5 includes an intermediate tubular member 11 having first and second inner sphere-like parts 12 and 13 formed at both ends, and a plug inner spherical surface into which the first inner sphere-like part 12 is inserted. A plug member 15 formed with a cylindrical portion 14 and a sleeve member 17 formed with a sleeve inner spherical surface portion 16 into which the second inner sphere-shaped portion 13 is inserted.
[0009]
At this time, the first inner spherical portion 12 and the plug inner spherical portion 14 form a spherical pair, and the second inner spherical portion 13 and the sleeve inner spherical portion 16 form a spherical pair.
[0010]
Further, the opening 14 a of the plug inner spherical surface portion 14 has an axis line that coincides with the axis G ₄ of the plug member 15 and opens outward, and the opening portion 16 a of the sleeve inner spherical surface portion 16 is the axis line of the sleeve member 17. open to the outside spreads having an axis which coincides with the G _5.
[0011]
By directing the plug member 15 and the sleeve member 17 in a desired direction, and freely the angle between the axis G ₅ axis G ₄ and the sleeve member 17 of the plug member 15.
[0012]
Here, the angle formed by the axis G ₄ of the plug member 15 and the axis G ₆ of the intermediate tubular member 11 is regulated by the opening 14 a of the plug inner spherical portion 14, and the sleeve 16 is formed by the opening 16 a of the sleeve inner spherical portion 16. angle formed by the axis G ₆ of axis G ₅ and the intermediate tubular member 11 of the member 17 is restricted.
[0013]
Therefore, the first inner spherical body portion 12 and the plug inner spherical surface portion 14 form a spherical pair, and at the same time, the second inner spherical body portion 13 and the sleeve inner spherical surface portion 16 form a spherical pair, whereby the plug member is formed. The angle formed by the 15 axis G ₄ and the axis G ₅ of the sleeve member 17 is increased.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the pipe joint 1 shown in FIG. 4, the angle formed by the axis G ₃ axis G ₂ and the sleeve member 3 of the plug member 2 to a desired angle, necessary to rotate the plug member 2 in a predetermined direction The operability is very poor.
[0015]
On the other hand, in the tubular universal joint 10 shown in FIG. 5, since both ends of the intermediate tubular member 11 form a spherical pair, the directions of the axis G ₄ and the axis G ₅ are not stable, and the plug member 15 has a hose, a socket, etc. When connecting, the axis is broken, the direction of the force is shifted, and there is a problem that the connection is difficult.
[0016]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a tubular universal joint that can easily make the angle formed by the axial lines at both ends, and can easily connect the axial direction of each tubular member stably when connecting a hose, a socket, or the like. The purpose is that.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention according to claim 1, the first tubular member and the second tubular member are formed by the axis of the first tubular member and the axis of the second tubular member via the intermediate tubular member. A tube that can be freely angled and that allows at least one of the first tubular member and the second tubular member to rotate with respect to the axis of the intermediate tubular member, and connects the hose and the hose or equipment to supply fluid. The intermediate tubular member has a first inner sphere having a spherical outer surface at one end, a first cylindrical portion at the other end, and the first tubular member is a joint. A first inner spherical portion having an outwardly extending opening having an axis which is inserted at an appropriate angle with respect to the axis and having an inner spherical portion inserted therein; together they are a spherical portion forming a spherical kinematic pair, the first circular than spherical center of the first inner spherical part of the position forming the spherical contraposition Is characterized in that the axially play by arranging a ball bearing in a state in which no first tubular member and the intermediate tubular member impossible disengaged Jo side.
[0018]
According to the invention of claim 1, the intermediate tubular member has a first inner sphere-shaped portion at one end, and the first tubular member has a first inner sphere-shaped portion into which the first inner sphere-shaped portion is inserted, Since the first inner spherical portion and the first inner spherical portion form a spherical pair, if the tip of the first tubular member is directed in a desired direction, the axis of the second tubular member and the first tubular member The angle formed with the axis can be easily set freely.
[0019]
Further, since the opening of the first inner spherical surface portion has an axis that is appropriately angled with respect to the axis of the first tubular member and is spread outwardly, the opening and bending of the first tubular member are performed by this opening. The range of angles is widened, and the angle formed by the axis of the first tubular member and the axis of the intermediate tubular member can be increased.
[0020]
The angle formed by the axis of the first tubular member and the axis of the second tubular member can be increased without the spherical pair of the second tubular member and the intermediate tubular member. Therefore, the directions of the respective axes of the second tubular member and the intermediate tubular member can be stabilized, and it becomes easy to connect a hose or the like without shifting the axis even when a force is applied.
Further, since the ball bearing is disposed on the first cylindrical portion side with respect to the spherical center of the first inner spherical portion at the position where the spherical pair is formed, the mutual movement of the first tubular member and the intermediate tubular member is controlled. It is possible to reliably prevent the removal without hindering. And it becomes possible to suppress a manufacturing cost with a simple structure.
Moreover, when connecting a hose, a socket, or the like to the first tubular member by providing play, the first tubular member and the second tubular member are in surface contact with each other to stabilize the mutual axial direction and connect the hose, etc. Can be easier.
Furthermore, when the fluid passes, the first tubular member and the second tubular member are repelled by the pressure of the fluid, and it is possible to further prevent the mutual movement from being slightly separated by the amount of play.
[0021]
The invention according to claim 2 is the pipe universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the first columnar portion and the first columnar surface portion formed on the second tubular member rotate to form a pair. It is said.
[0022]
According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the first cylindrical portion of the intermediate tubular member and the first cylindrical surface portion of the second tubular member rotate to form a pair, so that the intermediate tubular While the axis of the member and the axis of the second tubular member coincide with each other, the angle formed by the axis of the first tubular member and the axis of the intermediate tubular member can be easily developed in a desired circumferential direction, so that the first tubular member The operability of the connected hose and the like can be further improved.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the pipe universal joint according to claim 2 , a seal member for preventing fluid leakage is disposed at a position where the spherical pair is formed and a position where the turning pair is formed.
[0024]
According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 2 , since the seal member is disposed at the position where the spherical pair is formed and the position where the turn pair is formed, the fluid passing through the pipe universal joint is the first. It is possible to reliably prevent leakage between the tubular member and the intermediate tubular member and between the second tubular member and the intermediate tubular member.
[0025]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, a ball bearing is disposed at a position where a turning pair is formed so that the intermediate tubular member and the second tubular member cannot be detached .
[0029]
According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effect of claim 2 or 3 , the ball bearing is disposed at the position where the turning pair is formed, so that the movement of the intermediate tubular member and the second tubular member is inhibited. It is possible to securely prevent it from coming off.
[0030]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the tubular universal joint according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first tubular member has a second inner spherical portion concentric with the first inner spherical portion. The second tubular member is formed with a second inner spherical portion into which the second inner spherical portion is inserted, and the second inner spherical portion and the second inner spherical portion form a spherical pair. It is characterized by that.
[0031]
According to the invention of claim 5, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 4, the second inner spherical body formed on the first tubular member and the second inner spherical surface formed on the second tubular member. Since the portion forms a spherical pair, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from being sandwiched between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, and the intermediate portion of the first tubular member can be provided without providing a dustproof bellows or the like. Mutual movement with the tubular member is not hindered.
[0032]
Then, in the case where there is play in the axial direction between the second inner sphere-shaped portion and the second inner sphere-shaped portion, when connecting a hose or the like to the first tubular member, The second inner spherical surface portion can be in surface contact with each other to stabilize the mutual axial direction and facilitate connection of a hose or the like.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings showing embodiments.
[0034]
An embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
[0035]
In the figure, 20 is a pipe universal joint, and a plug member 22 as a first tubular member and a sleeve member 23 as a second tubular member are connected to an axis G ₇ of the plug member 22 and a sleeve member 23 via an intermediate tubular member 21. The angle formed by the axis G ₈ is connected so as to be free.
[0036]
The intermediate tubular member 21, the plug member 22, and the sleeve member 23 are each formed of a hollow tubular body having both ends opened, and are formed of a steel material, a synthetic resin, or the like.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 2A, the intermediate tubular member 21 has a first inner sphere-shaped portion 24 formed at one end portion and a first cylindrical portion 25 formed at the other end portion.
[0038]
The first inner sphere-shaped portion 24 is formed by bulging the outer surface 21a of the intermediate tubular member 21 into a spherical shape, and the outer shape is substantially spherical.
[0039]
In the first cylindrical portion 25, the outer surface 21a of the intermediate tubular member 21 is parallel to the inner surface 21b, and two annular grooves 25a and 25b are formed on the outer surface 21a.
[0040]
In addition, although the cross-sectional shape of the annular groove 25a formed on the end side is a U shape, it may be a semicircular shape. Moreover, although the cross-sectional shape of the annular groove 25b is semicircular, it may be U-shaped.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 2B, the plug member 22 is formed with a tapered plug portion 26 to which a hose or a socket (not shown) is connected at one end portion, and a first inner sphere-like shape at the other end portion. A first inner spherical surface portion 27 into which the portion 24 is inserted is formed. The outer surface of the first inner spherical surface portion 27 is formed on a second inner spherical body portion 28 concentric with the first inner spherical surface portion 27.
[0042]
First inner spherical part 27 is provided with respect to the axis of the plug portion 26 is the axis G ₇ of the plug member 22, the opening 27a of the outer spread having an axis Gα intersecting at an appropriate angle θ . Further, two annular grooves 27 b and 27 c are formed on the inner surface of the first inner spherical surface portion 27. And the hole 27d which penetrates the plug member 22 toward an outer surface is formed in the annular groove 27b located in the opening part 27a side.
[0043]
In addition, although the cross-sectional shape of the annular groove 27b is semicircular, it may be U-shaped. Moreover, although the cross-sectional shape of the annular groove 27c is U-shaped, it may be semicircular.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 2C, the sleeve member 23 is formed with a sleeve portion 29 having a thread groove to which a device such as a hose or an air tool (not shown) is connected at one end. In addition, a first cylindrical surface portion 30 into which the first cylindrical portion 25 is fitted is formed at the other end portion, and a second inner spherical portion 28 is inserted into the distal end portion of the second inner portion. A spherical portion 31 is formed.
[0045]
The first cylindrical planar portion 30 is provided with an annular groove 30 a on the inner surface, and the inner diameter is gradually reduced toward the sleeve portion 29. And the hole 30b which penetrates the sleeve member 23 toward an outer surface is formed in the annular groove 30a.
[0046]
Second inner spherical part 31 is provided with an opening 31a of the outer spread having an axis coincident with the axis of the sleeve portion 29 is an axial line G ₈ of the sleeve member 23, the inner surface is formed into a smooth bowl shape .
[0047]
The first inner spherical surface portion 27 of the plug member 22 has a rubber Y packing 32 as a seal member fitted in the annular groove 27c. The first inner sphere-shaped part 24 is inserted. The Y packing 32 is fitted with the forked side facing the plug portion 26 side.
[0048]
In addition, a plurality of metal balls 33 are introduced into the annular groove 27b of the first inner spherical upper surface 24 from the hole 27d to form a ball bearing 33a. A slight play is provided in the axial direction between the ball bearing 33a and the annular groove 27b.
[0049]
After a predetermined number of balls 33 are inserted, hexagon socket set screws (not shown) are screwed into the holes 27d to prevent the balls 33 from falling off.
[0050]
In the first cylindrical portion 25, an O-ring 34 that is a rubber seal member is fitted into the annular groove 25 a, and the first cylindrical portion 25 is inserted into the first cylindrical surface portion 30.
[0051]
Further, the annular groove 25b of the first cylindrical portion 25 and the annular groove 30a of the first cylindrical surface portion 30 are opposed to each other, and a plurality of holes 30b are formed in the opposed annular groove 25b and annular groove 30a. Metal balls 35 are inserted to form a ball bearing 35a.
[0052]
After the predetermined number of balls 35 are inserted, a hexagon socket set screw (not shown) is screwed into the hole 30b to prevent the balls 35 from falling off.
[0053]
Further, the second inner spherical portion 28 of the plug member 22 is inserted into the second inner spherical portion 31 of the sleeve member 23 with a slight play in the axial direction.
[0054]
The tubular universal joint 20 formed in this manner is first fixed by screwing the sleeve portion 29 into an attachment portion or a hose provided in a device such as an air tool (not shown). And the plug part 26 is inserted and fixed to the hose which is not shown in figure. The plug portion 26 may be inserted and fixed in a socket or the like connected to the hose.
[0055]
Here, the first inner spherical body portion 24 and the first inner spherical surface portion 27 form a spherical pair, and when the distal end portion of the plug portion 26 is directed in a desired direction, the plug member 22 becomes the intermediate tubular member 21 and The sleeve member 23 can be easily oriented in any direction.
[0056]
That is, when the axis Gα openings 27a is at an angle minus θ with respect to the axis G ₈ of the sleeve member 23, the axis G ₇ of the plug member 22 is coincident with the axis G ₈ of the sleeve member 23 (FIG. 1).
[0057]
When the the axis G ₈ axis Gα and the sleeve member 23 of the opening 27a are matched, the axis G ₇ of the plug member 22 is at an angle θ to the axis G ₈ of the sleeve member 23 (FIG. 3 ( a)).
[0058]
Furthermore, when the axis Gα openings 27a is at an angle positive θ to the axis G ₈ of the sleeve member 23, the axis G ₇ of the plug member 22 is at an angle 2θ with respect to the axis G ₈ of the sleeve member 23 (See FIG. 3A).
[0059]
Thus, by the axis Gα openings 27a intersect at an appropriate angle θ to the axis G ₇ of the plug member 22, the range of flexion and rotation angle of the plug member 22 is widened, the plug member 22 The angle formed by the axis G ₇ and the axis G ₈ of the sleeve member 23 can be easily set within a range of 2θ at the maximum.
[0060]
The first columnar portion 25 and the first columnar surface portion 30 rotate to form a pair, and the intermediate tubular member 21 is rotatable around the axis G ₈ of the sleeve member 23.
[0061]
At this time, always the same, easily connect the hose without force is shifted to connect the hose to the axis G ₉ of axis G ₈ and the intermediate tubular member 21 of the sleeve member 23.
[0062]
Furthermore, the angle formed by the axis G ₇ of the plug member 22 and the axis G ₈ of the sleeve member 23 can be easily developed in a desired circumferential direction, and the operability of the hose connected to the plug member 22 is improved.
[0063]
The annular groove 27b is provided closer to the first cylindrical portion 25 than the spherical center P of the first inner spherical portion 24, and the ball bearing 33a is disposed closer to the first cylindrical portion 25 than the spherical center P. It is installed.
[0064]
Therefore, the ball bearing 33a does not move to the plug part 26 side from the ball center P, and the plug member 22 and the intermediate tubular member 21 can be made detachable. Further, by rotating the plurality of balls 33, the movement of the plug member 22 and the intermediate tubular member 21 is made smoother, and the operability is improved.
[0065]
When the hose or the like is connected to the plug portion 26 by a slight play in the axial direction provided between the ball bearing 33a and the annular groove 27b, the plug member 22 and the sleeve member 23 come into surface contact with each other. It is possible to stabilize the direction of the axis and to easily connect a hose or the like.
[0066]
Furthermore, when the fluid flows, the plug member 22 and the sleeve member 23 repel each other due to the pressure of the fluid, and the movement of the plug member 22 and the sleeve member 23 can be further smoothed, thereby improving operability. Can do.
[0067]
Further, since the ball bearing 35a is fitted to the intermediate tubular member 21 and the sleeve member 23, the intermediate tubular member 21 and the sleeve member 23 cannot be separated by the ball bearing 35a. Further, by rotating the plurality of balls 35, the mutual movement of the intermediate tubular member 21 and the sleeve member 23 is made smoother, and the operability is improved.
[0068]
The Y packing 32 can prevent the fluid from leaking between the plug member 22 and the intermediate tubular member 21 when the fluid passes through the pipe universal joint 20, and the O-ring 34 allows the fluid to flow through the pipe universal joint. It is possible to prevent fluid from leaking out between the plug member 23 and the intermediate tubular member 21 when passing through the inside 20.
[0069]
Further, the second inner spherical portion 28 and the second inner spherical portion 31 are provided with a slight play in the axial direction to form a spherical pair, and dust or the like is sandwiched between the plug member 22 and the sleeve member 23. This prevents the movement of the first tubular member with the intermediate tubular member from being hindered without providing a dustproof bellows or other cover.
[0070]
When the hose or the like is connected to the plug portion 26 by a slight play in the axial direction provided between the second inner spherical portion 28 and the second inner spherical portion 31, the plug member 22 and the sleeve member 23 is in surface contact with each other, so that the axial directions of the two can be further stabilized and a hose or the like can be easily connected.
[0071]
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and there are design changes and the like within a scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.
[0072]
For example, in the above description, the play in the axial direction is provided between the ball bearing 33 a and the annular groove 27 b, but the ball bearing disposed between the first cylindrical portion 25 and the first cylindrical surface portion 30. A slight play in the axial direction may be provided around 35a.
[0073]
Also in this case, when connecting a hose or the like to the plug member 22, the plug member 22 and the sleeve member 23 can be brought into surface contact with each other to stabilize the axial direction of each other.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the angle formed by the axis of each tubular member at both ends can be easily made flexible.
[0075]
Moreover, when connecting a hose, a socket, etc. to a tubular member, the direction of the axis of each tubular member can be made stable and easy to connect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a pipe universal joint according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate tubular member of the present invention.
(B) It is sectional drawing of the 1st tubular member (plug member) of this invention.
(C) It is sectional drawing of the 2nd tubular member (sleeve member) of this invention.
FIG. 3 (a) is an operation explanatory view of the pipe universal joint of the present invention.
(B) It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the pipe universal joint of this invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional pipe universal joint.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another conventional example of a pipe universal joint.
[Explanation of symbols]
20 pipe universal joint 21 intermediate tubular member 22 first tubular member (plug member)
23 Second tubular member (sleeve member)
24 1st inner spherical body part 27 1st inner spherical surface part 27a Opening part G ₇ axis line G ₈ axis line G ₉ axis line

Claims

The first tubular member and the second tubular member can be freely angled by the axis of the first tubular member and the axis of the second tubular member via the intermediate tubular member, and with respect to the axis of the intermediate tubular member A tubular universal joint for supplying fluid by connecting at least one of the first tubular member and the second tubular member and connecting between a hose and a hose or equipment;
The intermediate tubular member has a first inner sphere-shaped portion whose outer surface bulges in a spherical shape at one end, and a first columnar portion at the other end,
The first tubular member has a first inner spherical surface portion having an outwardly extending opening having an axis that is appropriately angled with respect to the axis while the first inner sphere is inserted.
The first inner sphere-shaped portion and the first inner sphere-shaped portion form a spherical pair ,
A ball bearing is disposed in a state in which a play in the axial direction is provided on the first cylindrical portion side with respect to the spherical center of the first inner spherical portion at a position where the spherical pair is formed, and the first tubular member A pipe universal joint characterized in that the intermediate tubular member cannot be detached .

2. The pipe universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the first columnar portion and the first columnar surface portion formed on the second tubular member rotate to form a pair .

The pipe universal joint according to claim 2 , wherein a seal member for preventing leakage of the fluid is disposed at a position where the spherical pair is formed and a position where the turning pair is formed.

4. The pipe universal joint according to claim 2, wherein a ball bearing is disposed at a position where the turning pair is formed so that the intermediate tubular member and the second tubular member cannot be detached .

In any 1 paragraph of Claims 1 thru / or 4, A 2nd inner spherical body part concentric with the 1st inner spherical surface part is formed in the 1st tubular member,
The second tubular member is formed with a second inner spherical portion into which the second inner spherical portion is inserted, and the second inner spherical portion and the second inner spherical portion form a spherical pair. This is a universal joint for pipes.