JP4177516B2

JP4177516B2 - Gas meter connecting pipe interval determination device

Info

Publication number: JP4177516B2
Application number: JP13915199A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 真理夫岩片; 一磨高橋
Original assignee: Koyo Sangyo Co Ltd
Current assignee: Koyo Sangyo Co Ltd
Priority date: 1999-05-19
Filing date: 1999-05-19
Publication date: 2008-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-19
Also published as: JP2000329600A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、一対の接続管のガスメータ側端部の間隔を、ガスメータのガス導入口とガス導出口との間の間隔と同一にするための間隔決め装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に、元栓またはガスボンベに接続される一次側配管および家庭のガス機器に接続される二次側配管と、ガスメータのガス導入口およびガス導出口とをそれぞれ接続する場合には、各配管とガスメータとの間に一対の接続管が用いられている。各接続管は、通常逆Ｕ字状をなしており、各接続管の一方の下端部に一次側配管と二次側配管とがそれぞれ接続され、他方の下端部にガスメータのガス導入口とガス導出口とがそれぞれ接続される。
【０００３】
ところで、一対の接続管をガスメータに接続する際には、接続作業を容易に行うことができるようにするために、各接続管のガスメータ側端部の間隔をガスメータのガス導入口とガス導出口との間隔と同一にしておくのが望ましい。そこで、接続管とガスメータとの接続に際しては、従来、連結板（連結部材）が用いられている。連結板は、その両端部に一対の係合孔を有しており、各係合孔に各接続管のガスメータ側の端部をそれぞれ嵌合させることにより、各接続管のガスメータ側端部の間隔をガス導入口とガス導出口との間隔と同一にする。連結板には、係合孔が円形をなす閉じたものと、係合孔の一部が切欠き部によって開放されたものとがある（実開平４−６１０２５号公報参照）。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
通常、各接続管のガスメータ側の端部には、接続管をガスメータに接続するためのナットが回動可能に設けられている。このため、係合孔が閉じた連結板にあっては、その係合孔に接続管を嵌合することができない。そこで、接続管を二分割し、両部分を螺合固定するとともに、両部分間に連結部材を挟み込んで固定している。ところが、そのようにすると、接続管を二分割しなければならないため、部品点数が多くなるとともに、両者の連結に手間を要するという問題がある。一方、係合孔の一部が開放された連結板にあっては、その開放部分から接続管を係合孔に挿入することができるので接続管を二分割する必要はない。しかしその反面、開放部分から接続管が自由に抜け出てしまうため、接続管とガスメータとの接続作業が行いにくいという問題があった。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の問題を解決するために、第１の発明は、一対の接続管のガスメータのガス導入口とガス導出口とにそれぞれ接続される端部側の外周に係合部を形成し、位置決め部材の水平方向の両端部に上下に貫通する一対の係合孔を形成し、この一対の係合孔に上記一対の接続管の各係合部をそれぞれ嵌合させることにより、上記一対の接続管のガスメータ側の端部の水平方向の間隔を決めるガスメータ用接続管の間隔決め装置において、上記係合部を上記係合孔に回動可能に嵌合させ、上記位置決め部材の両端部に、上記係合孔の内径より幅が狭く、かつ位置決め部材の外面から上記係合孔の内周面に達する切欠き部を形成し、上記各接続管の係合部に上記切欠き部が通り抜け可能な幅狭部を形成したことを特徴としている。
この場合、上記位置決め部材を水平方向に延びる板状に形成し、上記各接続管に、上記係合部を間にして上下に対向し、互いの間隔が上記位置決め部材の両端部の厚さとほぼ同一である一対の係合面を形成するのが望ましい。
【０００６】
また、第２の発明は、一対の接続管のガスメータのガス導入口とガス導出口とにそれぞれ接続される端部側の外周に係合部を形成し、位置決め部材の水平方向の両端部に上下に貫通する一対の係合孔を形成し、上記一対の係合孔に上記一対の接続管の各係合部をそれぞれ嵌合させることにより、上記一対の接続管のガスメータ側の端部の水平方向の間隔を決めるガスメータ用接続管の間隔決め装置において、上記位置決め部材の両端部に、上記係合孔の内径より幅が狭く、かつ位置決め部材の外面から係合孔の内周面に達する切欠き部を形成し、上記各接続管に、上記切欠き部を通って上記係合孔に嵌り込み可能であるガイド部を上記係合部の上側または下側に連続させて形成し、このガイド部を上記係合孔に上記切欠き部を介して挿入した後、上記位置決め部材を上記接続管に対して上記係合部側へ相対移動させることによって上記係合孔に上記係合部を嵌合可能にしたことを特徴としている。
この場合、上記接続管の上記係合部に対して上記ガイド部と逆側において隣接する箇所に、上記位置決め部材と対向する挟持面を形成し、上記ガイド部にナットを螺合させ、このナットと上記挟持面とによって上記位置決め部材を挟持させるのが望ましい。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、この発明の実施の形態について図１〜図１１を参照して説明する。
図１〜図１０は、この発明の一実施の形態を示すものである。まず、この実施の形態の間隔決め装置１によって間隔を決定すべき一対の接続管２Ａ，２Ｂについて説明すると、図１〜図３および図７に示すように、接続管２Ａ，２Ｂは逆Ｕ字状をなしている。これは、接続管２Ａ，２Ｂが接続されるガスメータＭのガス導入口Ｍｉおよびガス導出口ＭｏがガスメータＭの上面に形成されていることに対応するものである。勿論、この発明は、上記実開平４−６１０２５号公報に記載されているような下面にガス導入口およびガス導出口が形成されたガスメータに接続される接続管にも適用可能である。その場合、一対の接続管は、ストレートなものであってもよく、クランク状に屈曲したものであってもよい。
【０００８】
接続管２Ａ，２Ｂは、この実施の形態の場合、同一形状、同一寸法に形成されている。そこで、ここでは接続管２Ａについてのみ説明し、接続管２Ｂについては他の部材（例えば、ガスメータＭ）との関連において接続管２Ａと異なる構成についてのみ説明し、接続管２Ａと同一の構成には同一符号を付してその説明を省略する。
【０００９】
図３および図７に示すように、接続管２Ａには、その上流側の端部（接続管２Ｂでは下流側の端部）から若干上側に向った箇所に首部２１が形成されている。図４にも示すように、この首部２１は、支持部材３の上下に貫通する支持孔３１に回動可能に嵌合されている。ここで、首部２１は、それの上下に隣接する部分より小径になっているが、支持部材３を変形させてそのスリット３２の幅を広げることにより、首部２１をスリット３２から支持孔３１内に挿入することができる。挿入後、支持部材３を元の状態（図４に示す状態）に戻す。そして、支持部材３を建物の鉛直な側壁ＷにビスＢによって固定することにより、接続管２Ａの上流側の端部が側壁Ｗに上下方向を向く軸線を中心として回動可能に支持される。接続管２Ｂは、下流側端部が回動自在に支持される。
【００１０】
図１、図３、図５および図７に示すように、接続管２Ａの上流側端部（接続管２Ｂの下流側端部）の内周には、管状をなす継手部材４の上端部が抜け止めされた状態で回動可能に嵌合されている。この継手部材４の下端部内周面には、管用テーパ雌ネジ４１が形成されている。この雌ねじ４１に一次側ガス管Ｇ１の一端部が螺合固定されている。ガス管Ｇ１はこの場合、鋼鉄等の金属製の剛性管が用いられているが、フレキシブルガス管を用いてもよい。フレキシブルガス管を用いる場合には、継手部材４に代えてフレキシブルガス管用の継手が用いられる。ガス管Ｇ１の他端部は、元栓、またはガスボンベ等のガス供給側に接続されている。
【００１１】
接続管２Ｂの下流側端部には、接続管２Ａと同様にして二次側ガス管Ｇ２の一端部が接続されており、ガス管Ｇ２の他端部は家庭用のガス機器（図示せず）に接続されている。勿論、ガス管Ｇ２も剛性管を用いてもよく、フレキシブルガス管を用いてもよい。
【００１２】
接続管２Ａの下流側端部（接続管２Ｂの上流側端部）には、袋ナット状をなす接続ナット５が抜け止めされた状態で回動自在に設けられている。そして、この接続ナット５をガスメータＧのガス導入口Ｇｉに螺合して締め付けることにより、接続管２Ａの下流側端部がガス導入口Ｇｉに接続されている。勿論、接続管２Ｂは、その上流側端部がガス導出口Ｇｏに接続されている。この結果、ガスメータＭが、接続管２Ａ，２Ｂによって支持されている。また、一次側ガス管Ｇ１から供給されるガスが、接続管２Ａを介してガスメータＭに流入し、ガスメータＭから接続管２Ｂおよび二次側ガス管Ｇ２を介して家庭用のガス機器に供給される
【００１３】
接続管２Ａの下流側端部と接続管２Ｂの上流側端部との水平方向の間隔は、位置決め板（位置決め部材）６によって規制されている。
すなわち、図７に示すように、接続管２Ａの下流側端部（接続管２Ｂ）には、上下の幅の狭い断面円形の係合部２２が形成されている。この係合部２２に対して上下に隣接する箇所には、環状の突出部２３，２４がそれぞれ形成されている。突出部２３の下面２３ａは鉛直下方を向き、突出部２４の上面２４ａは鉛直上方を向いている。
【００１４】
図７および図８に示すように、係合部２２の一側部と他側部とには、水平方向を向く互いに平行な平面部２５，２６が形成されている。平面部２５，２６は、接続管２Ａの一端部（上流側端部）と他端部（下流側端部）とを結ぶ水平線と直交する方向を向く側部、つまり左右の側部にそれぞれ配置されているが、後述する切欠き部６２との関係において所定の条件を満たす限り、他の側部に配置してもよい。また、平面部２５，２６は、いずれか一方だけを形成してもよい。ただし、二つの平面部２５，２６を形成する場合には、接続管２Ａの周方向に１８０度離して互いに平行に形成するのがよい。また、この実施の形態では、平面部２５，２６が上下の突出部２３，２４にわたって形成されているが、係合部２２にのみ形成してもよい。
【００１５】
平面部２５，２６が形成されることにより、係合部２２の一側部と他側部との間の間隔Ｗ１がその外径Ｄ１より狭くなっており、平面部２５，２６間の部分が幅狭部２７になっている。
【００１６】
図９に示すように、上記位置決め板６は、金属製または硬質の樹脂製の板材からなるものであり、その長手方向を左右方向に、厚さ方向を上下方向にそれぞれ向けて水平に配置されている。位置決め板６の厚さは、上記係合部２２の上下の幅（突出部２３，２４の間隔）とほぼ同一になっている。この場合、位置決め板６全体が一定の厚さになっているが、両端部だけを係合部２２の幅と同一にしてもよい。
【００１７】
位置決め板６の左右方向の両端部には、上下に貫通する円形の係合孔６１、６１がそれぞれ形成されている。係合孔６１，６１の間隔は、ガスメータＭのガス導入口Ｍｉとガス導出口Ｍｏとの間の間隔と同一になっている。係合孔６１の内径Ｄ２は、そこに係合部２２を回動可能に嵌合することができるよう、係合部２２の外径Ｄ１とほぼ同一になっている。
【００１８】
位置決め板６の両端部には、各係合孔６１，６１の内面から外面まで達する切欠き部６２，６２がそれぞれ形成されている。これによって、係合孔６１が外部に開放されている。切欠き部６２は、位置決め板６の左右方向の両端面と係合孔６１との間に配置されているが、係合孔６１の周方向の任意の箇所に配置してもよい。切欠き部６２の幅Ｗ２は、そこを幅狭部２７が通り抜けることができるよう、幅狭部２７の幅Ｗ１とほぼ同一になっている。
【００１９】
接続管２Ａ（接続管２Ｂ）の係合部２２は、次のようにして係合孔６１に脱出不能に嵌合することができる。すなわち、図１０に示すように、接続管２Ａの両端部を結ぶ線が位置決め板６の長手方向と一致させる。これにより、切欠き部６１の幅方向を幅狭部２７の幅方向と一致させ、切欠き部６１の両側面と平面部２５，２６とを対向させる。そして、幅狭部２７が切欠き部６１を通り抜けるように接続管２Ａを位置決め板６に相対的に接近移動させる。幅狭部２７が切欠き部６２を通過し、係合部２２の外面が係合孔６１の内面に接触したら、接続管２Ａを位置決め板６に対して矢印方向へほぼ９０°だけ相対回動させる。すると、図６に示すように、幅狭部２７の両側面（平面部２５，２６）が切欠き部６１から係合孔６１の周方向へ９０°離れる。この結果、係合部２２が係合孔６１から脱出不能に嵌合する。なお、これと逆の手順により、係合部２２を係合孔６１から脱出させることができる。
【００２０】
このように、この間隔決め装置１では、切欠き部６２を形成することによって係合孔６１を外部に開放しているから、接続管２Ａ，２Ｂを二分割することなく、係合部２２，２２を係合孔６１，６１にそれぞれ嵌合させることができる。しかも、係合部２２（幅狭部２７）を、切欠き部６２を介して係合孔６１に挿入した後、適宜角度だけ回動させることにより、係合部２２が係合孔６１から脱出不能になる。したがって、各接続管２Ａ，２ＢとガスメータＭのガス導入口Ｍｉおよびガス導出口Ｍｏとの接続作業を容易に行うことができる。
【００２１】
なお、この間隔決め装置１では、接続管２Ａ，２Ｂを所定の回動位置において、係合部２２が係合孔６１から脱出するのを確実に防止するために、幅狭部２７の幅方向と切欠き部６２の幅方向とを互いに直交する方向に向けている。換言すれば、平面部２５，２６の位置と切欠き部６２の位置を互いに９０°ずらしている。しかし、係合部２２が係合孔６１から脱出するのを防止することができるという条件を満たす限り、平面部２５，２６および切欠き部６２の位置は任意に定めることができる。
【００２２】
また、この装置１では、突出部２３，２４の上下面２３ａ，２４ａの間隔が位置決め板６の厚さと同一であるから、係合孔６１に係合部２２を嵌合させた状態では、上下面２３ａ，２４ａが位置決め板６をほぼ挟持した状況を呈する。この結果、接続管２Ａ，２Ｂは回動以外の動きを規制され、接続管２Ａ，２ＢのガスメータＭ側の端部が位置決め板６と直交した状態になる。したがって、位置決め板６を水平にすれば、接続管２Ａ，２Ｂに接続されたガスメータＭは水平になる。この場合、位置決め板６が板材からなるものであるので、位置決め板６が水平であるか否かを目視によって容易に確認することができる。よって、ガスメータＭを容易に水平に設置することができる。これから明らかなように、この装置１では、突出部２３の下面２３ａおよび突出部２４の上面２４ａが係合面になっている。
【００２３】
次に、図１１に示すこの発明の他の実施の形態ついて説明する。この実施の形態の間隔決め装置１′においては、係合部２２と上記突出部２３との間に雄ねじ部（ガイド部）２８が形成されている。この雄ねじ部２８は、係合部２２と同芯に配置されている。雄ねじ部２８の外径は、係合部２２の外径より小径であり、雄ねじ部２８が位置決め板６の切欠き部６２を通り抜けることができるよう、その幅より若干小径になっている。雄ねじ部２８には、ナット７が螺合されている。ナット７は、係合部２２を係合孔６１に嵌合させる前は、係合部２２の上面とナット７の下面との間隔が位置決め板６の厚さより大きくなるように、雄ねじ部２８の上端側に螺合されている。
【００２４】
上記構成の間隔決め装置１′において、一対の接続管２Ａ（２Ｂ）の係合部２２を係合孔６１に嵌合させる場合には、位置決め板６の切欠き部６２を雄ねじ部２８と対向させ、位置決め板６を矢印方向へ接続管２Ａに相対的に接近移動させる。これにより、雄ねじ部２８を切欠き部６２を介して係合孔６１に挿入する。次に、位置決め板６を矢印方向へ、つまり下方へ相対移動させる。これにより、係合部２２を係合孔６１に嵌合させる。その後、ナット７を下方へ移動させ、ナット７と突出部２４の上面２４ａとによって位置決め板６を挟持固定する。なお、この装置１′では、ナット７と上面２４ａとによって位置決め板６を挟持固定することができるよう、係合部２２の上下の幅が、位置決め板６の厚さより若干小さく設定されている。また、上面２４ａが挟持面になっている。
【００２５】
この実施の形態の間隔決め装置１′においても、接続管２Ａ，２Ｂを二分割することなく係合孔６１に係合部２２を嵌合させることができる。また、切欠き部６２の幅が係合部２２の外径より小さいから係合部２２が係合孔６１から抜け出ることがない。しかも、位置決め板６をナット７によって上面２３ａに押さえ付けているので、係合孔６１が雄ねじ部２８側へ移動することができない。したがって、係合部２２が係合孔６１から抜け出るのを確実に防止することができるとともに、上記装置１に比して、位置決め板６と接続管２Ａ，２ＢのガスメータＭ側の端部とをより正確に直交させることができ、これによってガスメータＭをより正確に水平にすることができる。
【００２６】
なお、この発明は、上記の実施の形態に限定されるものでなく、適宜変更可能である。
例えば、上記後の実施の形態である装置１′においては、ガイド部として雄ねじ部２８を係合部２２の上側に形成しているが、係合部２２の下側、つまり係合部２２と突出部２４との間に形成してもよい。その場合には、突出部２３の下面２３ａがナット７と協働して位置決め板６を挟持固定するための挟持面になる。
【００２７】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、この発明によれば、接続管を二分割することなく、接続管の係合部に位置決め部材の係合孔に嵌合させることができ、しかも係合部が係合孔から抜け出るのを防止することができるという効果が得られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の一実施の形態を示す正面図である。
【図２】同実施の形態の平面図である。
【図３】同実施の形態の側面図である。
【図４】図３のＸ−Ｘ線に沿う拡大断面図である。
【図５】図３のＹ−Ｙ線に沿う拡大断面図である。
【図６】図１のＸ−Ｘ線に沿う一部省略断面図である。
【図７】同実施の形態において用いられている接続管を示す側面図である。
【図８】図７のＸ−Ｘ線に沿う一部省略断面図である。
【図９】同実施の形態において用いられている位置決め板を示す平面図である。
【図１０】同実施の形態において、係合部を係合孔に脱出不能に嵌合させるための手順を説明するための図である。
【図１１】この発明の他の実施の形態の要部を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１間隔決め装置
１′間隔決め装置
２Ａ接続管
２Ｂ接続管
６位置決め板（位置決め部材）
２２係合部
２３ａ下面（係合面）
２４ａ上面（係合面、挟持面）
２５平面部
２６平面部
２７幅狭部
２８雄ねじ部（ガイド部）
６１係合孔
６２切欠き部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an interval determining device for making an interval between gas meter side ends of a pair of connecting pipes the same as an interval between a gas inlet and a gas outlet of a gas meter.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, when connecting the primary side pipe connected to the main plug or gas cylinder and the secondary side pipe connected to household gas equipment to the gas inlet and outlet of the gas meter, A pair of connecting pipes are used between the two. Each connecting pipe is normally formed in an inverted U shape, and a primary side pipe and a secondary side pipe are respectively connected to one lower end portion of each connecting pipe, and a gas inlet and a gas meter of the gas meter are connected to the other lower end portion. Each outlet is connected.
[0003]
By the way, when connecting a pair of connecting pipes to a gas meter, the interval between the gas meter side end portions of the connecting pipes is set so that the connection work can be easily performed. It is desirable to keep the same interval. Therefore, a connecting plate (connecting member) is conventionally used for connecting the connecting pipe and the gas meter. The connecting plate has a pair of engaging holes at both ends thereof, and by fitting the end portions on the gas meter side of each connecting pipe into the respective engaging holes, the connecting plate has a gas meter side end portion on each connecting pipe. The interval is the same as the interval between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. There are two types of connection plates, one in which the engagement hole is circular and the other in which the engagement hole is partially opened by a notch (see Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-61025).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Normally, a nut for connecting the connection pipe to the gas meter is rotatably provided at the end of each connection pipe on the gas meter side. For this reason, in the connection plate with the engagement hole closed, the connection pipe cannot be fitted into the engagement hole. Therefore, the connecting pipe is divided into two parts, both parts are screwed and fixed, and a connecting member is sandwiched and fixed between the two parts. However, in such a case, since the connecting pipe must be divided into two parts, there are problems that the number of parts increases and that it takes time to connect the two. On the other hand, in the connection plate in which a part of the engagement hole is opened, the connection pipe can be inserted into the engagement hole from the opened part, and therefore the connection pipe does not need to be divided into two. However, on the other hand, there is a problem that it is difficult to connect the connecting pipe and the gas meter because the connecting pipe freely comes out from the open portion.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the first invention forms an engaging portion on the outer periphery on the end side connected to the gas inlet and the gas outlet of the gas meter of the pair of connecting pipes, and the positioning member A pair of engaging holes penetrating vertically are formed at both ends in the horizontal direction of the pair, and the engaging portions of the pair of connecting pipes are fitted into the pair of engaging holes, respectively. In the gas meter connecting pipe spacing determining device for determining the horizontal spacing of the gas meter side end of the gas meter, the engaging portion is rotatably fitted in the engaging hole, A notch that is narrower than the inner diameter of the engaging hole and that reaches from the outer surface of the positioning member to the inner peripheral surface of the engaging hole is formed, and the notch can pass through the engaging portion of each connecting pipe. It is characterized in that a narrow portion is formed.
In this case, the positioning member is formed in a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction, and is opposed to the upper and lower sides of the connection pipes with the engaging portion interposed therebetween, and the distance between them is substantially equal to the thickness of both ends of the positioning member. It is desirable to form a pair of engaging surfaces that are identical.
[0006]
In addition, the second aspect of the present invention is to form engaging portions on the outer circumferences on the end side connected to the gas introduction port and the gas outlet port of the gas meter of the pair of connecting pipes, respectively, and to the both end portions in the horizontal direction of the positioning member. A pair of engaging holes penetrating vertically is formed, and by engaging the engaging portions of the pair of connecting pipes with the pair of engaging holes, respectively, the end portions of the pair of connecting pipes on the gas meter side In the gas meter connecting pipe spacing determining device for determining the horizontal spacing, the width of the positioning member is narrower than the inner diameter of the engaging hole at both ends of the positioning member and reaches the inner peripheral surface of the engaging hole from the outer surface of the positioning member. A notch portion is formed, and a guide portion that can be fitted into the engagement hole through the notch portion is continuously formed on each connection pipe on the upper side or the lower side of the engagement portion. The guide part was inserted into the engagement hole through the notch It is characterized in that to allow the fitting of the engaging portion in the engaging hole by relative movement of the positioning member to the engaging portion side with respect to the connection tube.
In this case, a clamping surface facing the positioning member is formed at a position adjacent to the engaging portion of the connecting pipe on the opposite side to the guide portion, and a nut is screwed into the guide portion. It is preferable that the positioning member is clamped by the clamping surface.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 to 10 show an embodiment of the present invention. First, the pair of connecting pipes 2A and 2B whose intervals should be determined by the spacing determining device 1 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 7, the connecting pipes 2A and 2B are inverted U-shaped. It has a shape. This corresponds to the fact that the gas inlet port Mi and the gas outlet port Mo of the gas meter M to which the connecting pipes 2A and 2B are connected are formed on the upper surface of the gas meter M. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a connecting pipe connected to a gas meter in which a gas inlet and a gas outlet are formed on the lower surface as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-61025. In that case, the pair of connecting pipes may be straight or bent in a crank shape.
[0008]
In the case of this embodiment, connecting pipes 2A and 2B are formed in the same shape and the same dimensions. Therefore, only the connection pipe 2A will be described here, and only the configuration different from the connection pipe 2A in connection with other members (for example, the gas meter M) will be described for the connection pipe 2B. The same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.
[0009]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the connecting pipe 2 A is formed with a neck 21 at a position slightly upward from the upstream end (the downstream end in the connecting pipe 2 B). As shown in FIG. 4, the neck portion 21 is rotatably fitted in a support hole 31 that penetrates the support member 3 vertically. Here, the neck portion 21 has a smaller diameter than the portions adjacent to the upper and lower sides of the neck portion 21, but the neck portion 21 is moved from the slit 32 into the support hole 31 by deforming the support member 3 to widen the width of the slit 32. Can be inserted. After the insertion, the support member 3 is returned to the original state (the state shown in FIG. 4). Then, by fixing the support member 3 to the vertical side wall W of the building with screws B, the upstream end of the connecting pipe 2A is supported by the side wall W so as to be rotatable about an axis line facing the vertical direction. The connecting pipe 2B is rotatably supported at its downstream end.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the upper end of the tubular joint member 4 is formed on the inner periphery of the upstream end of the connection pipe 2A (the downstream end of the connection pipe 2B). It is fitted so as to be rotatable in a state of being prevented from coming off. A pipe taper female screw 41 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the joint member 4. One end of the primary gas pipe G1 is screwed and fixed to the female screw 41. In this case, a rigid pipe made of metal such as steel is used as the gas pipe G1, but a flexible gas pipe may be used. When a flexible gas pipe is used, a joint for a flexible gas pipe is used instead of the joint member 4. The other end of the gas pipe G1 is connected to a gas supply side such as a main plug or a gas cylinder.
[0011]
One end of the secondary gas pipe G2 is connected to the downstream end of the connecting pipe 2B in the same manner as the connecting pipe 2A, and the other end of the gas pipe G2 is a household gas appliance (not shown). )It is connected to the. Of course, the gas pipe G2 may be a rigid pipe or a flexible gas pipe.
[0012]
At the downstream end of the connection pipe 2A (upstream end of the connection pipe 2B), a connection nut 5 having a cap nut shape is rotatably provided in a state of being prevented from coming off. The connecting nut 5 is screwed into the gas introduction port Gi of the gas meter G and tightened so that the downstream end of the connection pipe 2A is connected to the gas introduction port Gi. Of course, the upstream end of the connection pipe 2B is connected to the gas outlet port Go. As a result, the gas meter M is supported by the connecting pipes 2A and 2B. Further, the gas supplied from the primary side gas pipe G1 flows into the gas meter M through the connecting pipe 2A, and is supplied from the gas meter M to the household gas appliance through the connecting pipe 2B and the secondary side gas pipe G2. [0013]
The horizontal distance between the downstream end of the connecting pipe 2A and the upstream end of the connecting pipe 2B is regulated by a positioning plate (positioning member) 6.
That is, as shown in FIG. 7, an engaging portion 22 having a circular cross section with a narrow upper and lower width is formed at the downstream end portion (connecting tube 2B) of the connecting tube 2A. At portions adjacent to the engaging portion 22 in the vertical direction, annular projecting portions 23 and 24 are respectively formed. The lower surface 23a of the projecting portion 23 faces vertically downward, and the upper surface 24a of the projecting portion 24 faces vertically upward.
[0014]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, flat portions 25 and 26 that are parallel to each other are formed on one side and the other side of the engaging portion 22. The flat portions 25 and 26 are respectively arranged on the side portions facing the direction perpendicular to the horizontal line connecting one end portion (upstream end portion) and the other end portion (downstream end portion) of the connecting pipe 2A, that is, on the left and right side portions. However, as long as a predetermined condition is satisfied in relation to the notch portion 62 described later, it may be arranged on another side portion. Further, only one of the flat portions 25 and 26 may be formed. However, when the two flat portions 25 and 26 are formed, they are preferably formed parallel to each other with a separation of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the connecting pipe 2A. Further, in this embodiment, the flat portions 25 and 26 are formed over the upper and lower protrusions 23 and 24, but may be formed only on the engaging portion 22.
[0015]
By forming the flat portions 25 and 26, the interval W1 between the one side portion and the other side portion of the engaging portion 22 is narrower than the outer diameter D1, and the portion between the flat portions 25 and 26 is reduced. A narrow portion 27 is formed.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 9, the positioning plate 6 is made of a metal or hard resin plate, and is arranged horizontally with its longitudinal direction in the left-right direction and thickness direction in the up-down direction. ing. The thickness of the positioning plate 6 is substantially the same as the upper and lower widths of the engaging portion 22 (interval between the protruding portions 23 and 24). In this case, the entire positioning plate 6 has a constant thickness, but only both end portions may have the same width as the engaging portion 22.
[0017]
Circular engagement holes 61 and 61 penetrating vertically are formed at both ends of the positioning plate 6 in the left-right direction. The interval between the engagement holes 61 and 61 is the same as the interval between the gas inlet port Mi and the gas outlet port Mo of the gas meter M. The inner diameter D2 of the engagement hole 61 is substantially the same as the outer diameter D1 of the engagement portion 22 so that the engagement portion 22 can be rotatably fitted therein.
[0018]
At both ends of the positioning plate 6, notches 62 and 62 extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the respective engagement holes 61 and 61 are formed. As a result, the engagement hole 61 is opened to the outside. The notch 62 is disposed between the left and right end surfaces of the positioning plate 6 and the engagement hole 61, but may be disposed at any location in the circumferential direction of the engagement hole 61. The width W2 of the notch 62 is substantially the same as the width W1 of the narrow portion 27 so that the narrow portion 27 can pass therethrough.
[0019]
The engaging portion 22 of the connecting pipe 2A (connecting pipe 2B) can be fitted into the engaging hole 61 so as not to escape. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, a line connecting both end portions of the connecting pipe 2 A is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the positioning plate 6. Thereby, the width direction of the notch 61 is made to coincide with the width direction of the narrow portion 27, and both side surfaces of the notch 61 are made to face the flat portions 25 and 26. Then, the connecting pipe 2 A is moved relatively closer to the positioning plate 6 so that the narrow part 27 passes through the notch part 61. When the narrow portion 27 passes through the notch 62 and the outer surface of the engaging portion 22 contacts the inner surface of the engaging hole 61, the connecting tube 2A is relatively rotated relative to the positioning plate 6 in the direction of the arrow by approximately 90 °. Let Then, as shown in FIG. 6, both side surfaces (planar portions 25, 26) of the narrow portion 27 are separated from the cutout portion 61 by 90 ° in the circumferential direction of the engagement hole 61. As a result, the engaging portion 22 is fitted so as not to escape from the engaging hole 61. In addition, the engaging part 22 can be escaped from the engaging hole 61 by the reverse procedure.
[0020]
As described above, in the distance determining device 1, since the engagement hole 61 is opened to the outside by forming the notch portion 62, the engagement portions 22, 2B are divided into two without dividing the connection pipes 2 A, 2 B. 22 can be fitted into the engagement holes 61, 61, respectively. Moreover, after the engaging portion 22 (the narrow portion 27) is inserted into the engaging hole 61 through the notch portion 62, the engaging portion 22 escapes from the engaging hole 61 by rotating by an appropriate angle. It becomes impossible. Therefore, it is possible to easily connect the connecting pipes 2A and 2B to the gas inlet port Mi and the gas outlet port Mo of the gas meter M.
[0021]
In the spacing determining device 1, the connecting pipes 2A and 2B are prevented from being escaped from the engaging hole 61 in the predetermined rotational position. And the width direction of the notch 62 are oriented in directions orthogonal to each other. In other words, the positions of the plane portions 25 and 26 and the position of the notch portion 62 are shifted from each other by 90 °. However, as long as the condition that the engagement portion 22 can be prevented from escaping from the engagement hole 61 is satisfied, the positions of the plane portions 25 and 26 and the notch portion 62 can be arbitrarily determined.
[0022]
Further, in this device 1, the distance between the upper and lower surfaces 23 a, 24 a of the projecting portions 23, 24 is the same as the thickness of the positioning plate 6, so that when the engaging portion 22 is fitted in the engaging hole 61, The lower surface 23a, 24a presents a situation where the positioning plate 6 is substantially sandwiched. As a result, the connection pipes 2A and 2B are restricted from moving except for rotation, and the ends of the connection pipes 2A and 2B on the gas meter M side are orthogonal to the positioning plate 6. Therefore, if the positioning plate 6 is made horizontal, the gas meter M connected to the connecting pipes 2A and 2B becomes horizontal. In this case, since the positioning plate 6 is made of a plate material, it can be easily confirmed visually whether or not the positioning plate 6 is horizontal. Therefore, the gas meter M can be easily installed horizontally. As is clear from this, in this device 1, the lower surface 23a of the protrusion 23 and the upper surface 24a of the protrusion 24 are engaging surfaces.
[0023]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11 will be described. In the spacing determining device 1 ′ of this embodiment, a male screw portion (guide portion) 28 is formed between the engaging portion 22 and the protruding portion 23. The male screw portion 28 is disposed concentrically with the engaging portion 22. The outer diameter of the male screw portion 28 is smaller than the outer diameter of the engaging portion 22, and is slightly smaller than the width so that the male screw portion 28 can pass through the notch portion 62 of the positioning plate 6. The nut 7 is screwed into the male screw portion 28. Before fitting the engaging portion 22 into the engaging hole 61, the nut 7 has the male screw portion 28 so that the distance between the upper surface of the engaging portion 22 and the lower surface of the nut 7 is larger than the thickness of the positioning plate 6. Screwed into the upper end side.
[0024]
In the interval determining device 1 ′ having the above-described configuration, when the engaging portion 22 of the pair of connecting pipes 2 A (2 B) is fitted into the engaging hole 61, the notch portion 62 of the positioning plate 6 faces the male screw portion 28. The positioning plate 6 is moved relatively close to the connecting pipe 2A in the direction of the arrow. Accordingly, the male screw portion 28 is inserted into the engagement hole 61 through the notch portion 62. Next, the positioning plate 6 is relatively moved in the arrow direction, that is, downward. Thereby, the engaging portion 22 is fitted into the engaging hole 61. Thereafter, the nut 7 is moved downward, and the positioning plate 6 is clamped and fixed by the nut 7 and the upper surface 24 a of the protruding portion 24. In this device 1 ′, the upper and lower widths of the engaging portion 22 are set slightly smaller than the thickness of the positioning plate 6 so that the positioning plate 6 can be clamped and fixed by the nut 7 and the upper surface 24 a. Further, the upper surface 24a is a clamping surface.
[0025]
Also in the distance determining device 1 ′ of this embodiment, the engaging portion 22 can be fitted into the engaging hole 61 without dividing the connecting pipes 2A and 2B into two. Further, since the width of the notch 62 is smaller than the outer diameter of the engaging portion 22, the engaging portion 22 does not come out of the engaging hole 61. Moreover, since the positioning plate 6 is pressed against the upper surface 23a by the nut 7, the engagement hole 61 cannot move to the male screw portion 28 side. Therefore, the engagement portion 22 can be reliably prevented from coming out of the engagement hole 61, and the positioning plate 6 and the end portion on the gas meter M side of the connection pipes 2A and 2B can be compared with the device 1. More accurately, the gas meter M can be leveled more accurately.
[0026]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, It can change suitably.
For example, in the apparatus 1 ′ according to the above-described embodiment, the male screw portion 28 is formed on the upper side of the engaging portion 22 as a guide portion, but the lower side of the engaging portion 22, that is, the engaging portion 22 and You may form between the protrusion parts 24. FIG. In that case, the lower surface 23 a of the projecting portion 23 becomes a clamping surface for clamping and fixing the positioning plate 6 in cooperation with the nut 7.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the connecting pipe can be fitted into the engaging hole of the positioning member in the engaging portion of the positioning pipe without dividing the connecting pipe into two parts, and the engaging portion can be engaged with the engaging hole. The effect that it can prevent coming out of is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the same embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the same embodiment;
4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.
5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG.
6 is a partially omitted cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a side view showing a connecting pipe used in the embodiment.
8 is a partially omitted cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a positioning plate used in the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a procedure for fitting the engaging portion into the engaging hole so as not to be escaped in the embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a main part of another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Spacing apparatus 1 'Spacing apparatus 2A Connection pipe 2B Connection pipe 6 Positioning plate (positioning member)
22 engaging part 23a lower surface (engagement surface)
24a Top surface (engagement surface, clamping surface)
25 Plane part 26 Plane part 27 Narrow part 28 Male thread part (guide part)
61 Engagement hole 62 Notch

Claims

A pair of engagements are formed on the outer periphery on the end side connected to the gas inlet and the gas outlet of the gas meter of the pair of connecting pipes, and vertically penetrate at both ends in the horizontal direction of the positioning member. A gas meter for determining the horizontal interval between the gas meter side ends of the pair of connecting pipes by forming holes and fitting the engaging portions of the pair of connecting pipes into the pair of engaging holes, respectively. In the connecting pipe spacing determining device,
The engaging portion is rotatably fitted in the engaging hole, and the both ends of the positioning member are narrower than the inner diameter of the engaging hole and from the outer surface of the positioning member to the inner periphery of the engaging hole. A gas meter connecting pipe spacing determining device, wherein a notch part reaching the surface is formed, and a narrow part through which the notch part can pass is formed in the engaging part of each connecting pipe.

The positioning member is formed in a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction, and is opposed to the connection pipes in the vertical direction with the engagement portion interposed therebetween, and the distance between them is substantially the same as the thickness of both end portions of the positioning member. The distance determining device for a connecting pipe for a gas meter according to claim 1, wherein a pair of engaging surfaces are formed.

A pair of engagements are formed on the outer periphery on the end side connected to the gas inlet and the gas outlet of the gas meter of the pair of connecting pipes, and vertically penetrate at both ends in the horizontal direction of the positioning member. For a gas meter that determines a horizontal interval between ends of the pair of connecting pipes on the gas meter side by forming holes and fitting the engaging parts of the pair of connecting pipes into the pair of engaging holes, respectively. In the connecting pipe spacing determining device,
Cutout portions that are narrower than the inner diameter of the engagement hole and that reach from the outer surface of the positioning member to the inner peripheral surface of the engagement hole are formed at both ends of the positioning member. A guide portion that can be fitted into the engagement hole through the portion is formed continuously on the upper side or the lower side of the engagement portion, and the guide portion is inserted into the engagement hole through the notch portion. After that, the positioning member is moved relative to the connecting pipe toward the engaging part, so that the engaging part can be fitted into the engaging hole. Decision device.

A clamping surface facing the positioning member is formed at a position adjacent to the engaging portion of the connecting pipe on the opposite side to the guide portion, and a nut is screwed into the guide portion, and the nut and the clamping portion are 4. The gas meter interval determining device according to claim 3, wherein the positioning member is sandwiched by a surface.