JP6424469B2

JP6424469B2 - Fluid circulation device

Info

Publication number: JP6424469B2
Application number: JP2014111107A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 信一郎村上; 賢一薬袋; 透片山
Original assignee: Aisin Seiki Co Ltd; Aisin Corp
Current assignee: Aisin Corp
Priority date: 2014-05-29
Filing date: 2014-05-29
Publication date: 2018-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-29
Also published as: JP2015224504A

Description

本発明は、流体流通装置に関し、さらに詳しくは、流体容器の内部に流体を流通させる流体流通装置に関する。 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fluid circulation device, and more particularly, to a fluid circulation device for circulating a fluid inside a fluid container.

流体容器の内部に流体を流通させる流体流通装置は、例えば、内部にヒータを設けて流体加熱装置として用いられる。この種の流体流通装置においては、配管部材を接続して、流体を流入または流出させるために、継手が流体容器に備えられる。このような継手を流体容器に取り付ける方法として、特許文献１においては、継手（流入口および流出口）が、金属製の流体容器（円筒状ケース）に、ロウ付けにより一体に接着されている。 For example, a fluid circulation device for circulating a fluid inside the fluid container is used as a fluid heating device by providing a heater inside. In this type of fluid flow device, a coupling is provided in the fluid container in order to connect the piping members and allow the fluid to flow in or out. As a method of attaching such a joint to a fluid container, in Patent Document 1, the joint (inlet and outlet) is integrally bonded to a metal fluid container (cylindrical case) by brazing.

特開２００８−５７８５５号公報JP 2008-57855 A

特許文献１の流体加熱装置のように、接着や溶接等を用いて、流体容器に継手を一体的に接合する場合には、継手の接合の工程によって、流体加熱装置の製造コストが高くなってしまう。特に、流体容器が円筒形である場合には、その円筒面に継手を保持して接合を行う必要があるので、接合工程の手間とコストが大きくなる。また、継手を流体容器に一体に接合していることで、継手の形状や方向の変更を容易には行うことができない。 When the joint is integrally joined to the fluid container using adhesion, welding, etc. as in the fluid heating device of Patent Document 1, the manufacturing process of the fluid heating device becomes high due to the process of jointing the joint. I will. In particular, in the case where the fluid container is cylindrical, since it is necessary to hold the joint on the cylindrical surface for joining, the labor and cost of the joining process increase. Further, since the joint is integrally joined to the fluid container, the shape and direction of the joint can not be easily changed.

本発明が解決しようとする課題は、流体容器に一体に接合することなく継手を備えた流体流通装置を提供することにある。 The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fluid circulation device provided with a joint without being integrally joined to the fluid container.

上記課題を解決するために、本発明にかかる流体流通装置は、流体容器と、前記流体容器と別体としてなる継手ユニットと、を備えてなり、前記流体容器は、筒状の側壁と、前記側壁に囲まれた空間に形成された流体が流通可能な流路と、前記側壁に貫通孔として形成され、流体を通過させる流体口と、を有し、前記継手ユニットは、前記流体口と連通されて前記流体容器の側壁の外側に配置された継手と、前記継手を前記流体容器に取り付ける取付部とを一体に有することを要旨とする。 In order to solve the above-mentioned subject, a fluid circulation device concerning the present invention is provided with a fluid container and a joint unit formed separately from the fluid container, and the fluid container has a cylindrical side wall, and A fluid passage formed in a space surrounded by the side wall, and a fluid port formed as a through hole in the side wall and passing the fluid, the joint unit communicates with the fluid port It is an object of the present invention to integrally have a joint disposed outside the side wall of the fluid container and a mounting portion for attaching the joint to the fluid container.

ここで、前記流体容器は少なくとも前記側壁が金属よりなり、前記継手ユニットは樹脂よりなることが好ましい。 Here, it is preferable that at least the side wall of the fluid container is made of metal, and the joint unit is made of resin.

また、前記取付部は、前記流体容器の外周に密着して前記流体容器の周方向に沿った力を及ぼすことで、前記継手を前記流体容器に取り付けるものであればよい。 Further, the attachment portion may be one that attaches the joint to the fluid container by closely contacting the outer periphery of the fluid container and exerting a force along the circumferential direction of the fluid container.

前記流体容器の側壁と前記継手の間には、液密を維持するための弾性材料よりなるシール部材が配置されており、前記シール部材は、前記取付部によって、前記流体容器の周方向に力を受けて圧縮されているとよい。 A seal member made of an elastic material for maintaining liquid tightness is disposed between the side wall of the fluid container and the joint, and the seal member is a force in the circumferential direction of the fluid container by the attachment portion. It is good to receive and be compressed.

前記流体口および前記継手は、複数ずつ設けられ、前記取付部は、複数の前記継手の間の部位で屈曲可能であることが好ましい。 Preferably, the fluid port and the joint are provided in plurality, and the attachment portion is bendable at a portion between the plurality of joints.

前記継手ユニットは、前記継手を前記流体口が設けられた箇所に位置決めする位置決め部材を有することが好ましい。 The joint unit preferably includes a positioning member for positioning the joint at a position where the fluid port is provided.

前記継手は、先端部と基端部の間に屈曲部を有し、前記屈曲部から前記先端部側の部位が、前記流体容器の軸方向に沿っているとよい。 The joint may have a bending portion between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and a portion on the distal end portion side from the bending portion may be along the axial direction of the fluid container.

前記継手ユニットは、前記取付部の長尺方向両端で係合する係合部を有していることが好ましい。 It is preferable that the joint unit has an engagement portion engaged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the attachment portion.

継手が屈曲部を有する場合に、前記継手ユニットには、前記屈曲部を挟んで前記先端部と対向する部位に、前記屈曲部を通過する流体の状態を検知するための計測部材が設けられていることが好ましい。 When the joint has a bending portion, the joint unit is provided with a measurement member for detecting the state of the fluid passing through the bending portion at a portion facing the tip end portion across the bending portion. Is preferred.

また、前記流体流通装置は、前記継手ユニットを、前記流体容器の側壁に対して径方向に押し付けるカバー部材をさらに有するとよい。 Further, the fluid circulation device may further include a cover member that presses the joint unit in the radial direction against the side wall of the fluid container.

前記流体容器は、前記側壁を有し、軸方向両端部が開口した筒状部と、前記筒状部の軸方向端部の開口を閉塞する蓋部材とを有してなり、前記蓋部材は、前記継手ユニットによって前記筒状部に取り付けられているとよい。 The fluid container has the side wall, and includes a cylindrical portion opened at both axial end portions, and a lid member closing the opening at the axial end portion of the tubular portion, the lid member It is good to be attached to the said cylindrical part by the said coupling unit.

そして、前記流体流通装置は、前記流路の内部に加熱手段を有し、前記加熱手段は、前記流体容器の側壁と直接接触していないものとすることができる。 The fluid circulation device may have heating means inside the flow path, and the heating means may not be in direct contact with the side wall of the fluid container.

この場合に、前記流体容器は、中空筒状の内筒、および前記側壁を有する中空筒状の外筒よりなる二重管構造を有し、前記内筒と外筒の間の空間に前記流路が形成され、前記加熱手段は、前記内筒の中空部に配置されていることが好ましい。 In this case, the fluid container has a double pipe structure including a hollow cylindrical inner cylinder and a hollow cylindrical outer cylinder having the side wall, and the flow in the space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder Preferably, a passage is formed, and the heating means is disposed in the hollow portion of the inner cylinder.

上記本発明にかかる流体流通装置においては、継手を含む継手ユニットが、流体容器と別体として設けられている。そして、継手は、継手と一体のユニットとして形成された取付部を介して、流体容器に取り付けられている。これにより、継手を直接に流体容器に接合して一体化せずに、流体容器に取り付けることができる。 In the fluid flow device according to the present invention, the joint unit including the joint is provided separately from the fluid container. The joint is then attached to the fluid container via an attachment formed as a unit integral with the joint. This allows the fitting to be attached to the fluid container without being directly joined and integrated with the fluid container.

ここで、流体容器が少なくとも側壁が金属よりなり、継手ユニットが樹脂よりなる場合には、複雑な形状への加工が容易な樹脂によって継手ユニットを形成することで、簡便に継手ユニットを形成することができるとともに、継手部分の構造の自由度を高めることができる。また、この場合に、流体容器の側壁が異種材料である金属よりなっていても、樹脂製の継手を流体容器に接合によらずに取り付けるので、簡便にその取付けを行うことができる。 Here, when the fluid container is made of metal at least on the side wall, and the joint unit is made of resin, the joint unit is simply formed by forming the joint unit with a resin that can be easily processed into a complicated shape. And increase the degree of freedom in the structure of the joint portion. Further, in this case, even if the side wall of the fluid container is made of a dissimilar metal, since the resin joint is attached to the fluid container without joining, the attachment can be performed easily.

また、取付部が、流体容器の側壁の外周に密着して流体容器の周方向に沿った力を及ぼすことで、継手を流体容器に取り付けるものである場合には、取付部を介して、流体容器の外周の所定の位置に、継手を強固に取り付けることができる。 Also, in the case where the fitting is attached to the fluid container by bringing the fitting into close contact with the outer periphery of the side wall of the fluid container and exerting a force along the circumferential direction of the fluid container, The fitting can be rigidly attached at a predetermined position on the periphery of the container.

流体容器の側壁と継手の間に、液密を維持するための弾性材料よりなるシール部材が配置されており、シール部材が、取付部によって、流体容器の周方向に力を受けて圧縮されている場合には、周方向に均等にシール部材が圧縮された状態となり、熱による変形を受けにくいので、継手近傍部が熱を受けても、液密が強固に維持される。 A seal member made of an elastic material for maintaining liquid tightness is disposed between the side wall of the fluid container and the joint, and the seal member is compressed by force in the circumferential direction of the fluid container by the mounting portion. In this case, the seal member is uniformly compressed in the circumferential direction, so that the seal member is unlikely to be deformed by heat, so that liquid tightness is strongly maintained even if the joint vicinity is subjected to heat.

流体口および継手が、複数ずつ設けられ、取付部が、複数の継手の間の部位で屈曲可能である場合には、流体容器の外周の形状に沿って、複数の継手を、対応する流体口の位置に配置して固定しやすくなる。 When a plurality of fluid ports and joints are provided, and the attachment portion is bendable at a portion between the plurality of joints, the plurality of joints are formed along the corresponding outer peripheral shape of the fluid container. It becomes easy to arrange and fix at the position of.

継手ユニットが、継手を流体口が設けられた箇所に位置決めする位置決め部材を有する場合には、継手ユニットの取り付けが容易となる。 If the joint unit has a positioning member that positions the joint at the location where the fluid port is provided, the attachment of the joint unit is facilitated.

継手が、先端部と基端部の間に屈曲部を有し、屈曲部から先端部側の部位が、流体容器の軸方向に沿っている場合には、流体流通装置全体がコンパクトに形成されるとともに、継手の先端部への配管部材等の接続に関して、空間的な自由度が高くなる。 When the joint has a bend between the tip and the base, and the portion from the bend to the tip is along the axial direction of the fluid container, the entire fluid circulation device is formed compact In addition, the degree of spatial freedom is increased with regard to the connection of the piping member or the like to the tip of the joint.

継手ユニットが、取付部の長尺方向両端で係合する係合部を有している場合には、流体容器への継手ユニットの取付けおよび取り外しを簡便に行うことができるとともに、流体容器内に水圧が印加された場合でも、継手ユニットを取り付けた状態を強固に保持することができる。 In the case where the joint unit has the engagement portion engaged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the attachment portion, the attachment and removal of the joint unit from the fluid container can be carried out easily, and the inside of the fluid container can be obtained. Even when water pressure is applied, the state in which the joint unit is attached can be firmly held.

上記のように継手が屈曲部を有する場合に、継手ユニットにおいて、屈曲部を挟んで先端部と対向する部位に、屈曲部を通過する流体の状態を検知するための計測部材が設けられている構成によれば、継手ユニットを計測部材の取付部としても利用することができ、計測部材の取付けに特化した部材を設けて計測部材を取り付ける必要がないので、計測部材を有する流体流通装置を簡素な構成で形成することができる。 As described above, when the joint has a bending portion, a measurement member for detecting the state of fluid passing through the bending portion is provided in a portion facing the tip end portion across the bending portion in the joint unit. According to the configuration, the joint unit can also be used as a mounting portion for the measurement member, and there is no need to provide a member specialized for mounting the measurement member and attach the measurement member, so the fluid circulation device having the measurement member It can be formed with a simple configuration.

また、流体流通装置が、継手ユニットを、流体容器の側壁に対して径方向に押し付けるカバー部材をさらに有する場合には、継手ユニットを流体容器に取り付けた状態を維持しやすくなる。 Also, in the case where the fluid circulation device further includes a cover member that presses the joint unit radially with respect to the side wall of the fluid container, it becomes easy to maintain the joint unit attached to the fluid container.

流体容器が、側壁を有し、軸方向両端部が開口した筒状部と、筒状部の軸方向端部の開口を閉塞する蓋部材とを有してなり、蓋部材が、継手ユニットによって筒状部に取り付けられている場合には、継手ユニットを用いて、流体容器の筒状部への継手の取り付けと、蓋部材の取り付けの両方を行うことができ、流体流通装置全体の構成が簡素になる。 The fluid container has a side wall and has a cylindrical portion open at both axial end portions and a lid member closing the opening at the axial end portion of the cylindrical portion, and the lid member is formed by the joint unit. When attached to the cylindrical part, both the attachment of the joint to the cylindrical part of the fluid container and the attachment of the lid member can be performed using the joint unit, and the configuration of the entire fluid circulation device is It becomes simple.

そして、流体流通装置が、流路の内部に加熱手段を有し、加熱手段が、流体容器の側壁と直接接触していない場合には、加熱手段によって流路を流れる流体が加熱されるので、流体流通装置を流体加熱装置として用いることができる。この際に、加熱手段の熱は、流路を流れる流体を介してしか継手ユニットに伝達されないので、熱による継手ユニットの変形や位置ずれ等の影響を低く抑えることができる。 And, when the fluid circulation device has heating means inside the flow path and the heating means is not in direct contact with the side wall of the fluid container, the heating means heats the fluid flowing in the flow path, A fluid flow device can be used as a fluid heating device. At this time, the heat of the heating means is transmitted to the joint unit only through the fluid flowing through the flow path, so that the influence of the heat, such as deformation or positional deviation of the joint unit, can be suppressed to a low level.

この場合に、流体容器が、中空筒状の内筒、および側壁を有する中空筒状の外筒よりなる二重管構造を有し、内筒と外筒の間の空間に流路が形成され、加熱手段が、内筒の中空部に配置されている構成によれば、加熱手段が直接流体に接触せずに流体の加熱を行うので、流体が均一に加熱されやすい。よって、不均一な加熱によって継手ユニットが高温まで加熱されてしまう事態が発生しにくい。 In this case, the fluid container has a double pipe structure including a hollow cylindrical inner cylinder and a hollow cylindrical outer cylinder having side walls, and a flow path is formed in the space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. According to the configuration in which the heating means is disposed in the hollow portion of the inner cylinder, the fluid is heated uniformly because the heating means heats the fluid without directly contacting the fluid. Therefore, the situation where the joint unit is heated to a high temperature due to uneven heating hardly occurs.

本発明の第一の実施形態にかかる流体流通装置を示す斜視図であり、（ａ）はカバー部材を取り付けた状態、（ｂ）はカバー部材を外した状態を示している。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows the fluid communication apparatus concerning 1st embodiment of this invention, (a) shows the state which attached the cover member, (b) has shown the state which removed the cover member. 上記流体流通装置の流体容器にヒータを挿入した状態を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the state which inserted the heater in the fluid container of the said fluid communication apparatus. 上記流体流通装置の（ａ）側面図、（ｂ）正面図である。It is the (a) side view of the above-mentioned fluid circulation device, and (b) a front view. 上記流体流通装置の、カバー部材を外した状態における（ａ）側面図および（ｂ）正面図、（ｃ）（ａ）中のＡ−Ａ断面図である。They are the (a) side view and the (b) front view in the state where the cover member was removed of the above-mentioned fluid circulation device, and an AA sectional view in (c) and (a). 上記流体流通装置における継手ユニットを示す図であり、（ａ）は展開状態における上面図、（ｂ）は展開状態における側面図、（ｃ）は組み立て状態における斜視図である。It is a figure which shows the coupling unit in the said fluid communication apparatus, (a) is an upper side figure in an expansion | deployment state, (b) is a side view in an expansion | deployment state, (c) is a perspective view in an assembly state. （ａ）は、上記流体流通装置におけるカバー部材を示す斜視図である。（ｂ）、（ｃ）は変形例にかかるカバー部材を示す斜視図、および取付け状態における正面図である。(A) is a perspective view which shows the cover member in the said fluid communication apparatus. (B), (c) is a perspective view which shows the cover member concerning a modification, and a front view in an attachment state. 本発明の第二の実施形態にかかる流体流通装置を示す斜視図であり、（ａ）はカバー部材を取り付けた状態、（ｂ）はカバー部材を外した状態を示している。It is a perspective view showing a fluid circulation device concerning a second embodiment of the present invention, and (a) shows a state where a cover member is attached, and (b) shows a state where a cover member is removed. 上記流体流通装置の継手近傍を示す拡大図であり、（ａ）は継手ユニットとカバー部材の斜視図、（ｂ）は継手の断面図である。It is an enlarged view which shows the coupling | joint vicinity of the said fluid communication apparatus, (a) is a perspective view of a coupling unit and a cover member, (b) is sectional drawing of a coupling. 上記流体流通装置における継手ユニットの展開状態を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the unfolded state of the coupling unit in the said fluid communication apparatus.

以下、本発明の実施形態にかかる流体流通装置ついて、図面を参照しつつ詳細に説明する。流体流通装置は、内部に形成された流路に流体を流通させる装置である。流路内には、ヒータやフィルタ、化学反応装置等、流体に対して作用を及ぼす部材を任意に設けることができる。ヒータを設ける場合には、流体流通装置は、流路を流れる水を加熱する流体加熱装置として機能する。以下では、このようなヒータを備えた流体流通装置を例として説明を行う。以下で示すようなヒータを備えた流体流通装置は、例えば、温水洗浄便座等の衛生洗浄装置に備えられて、人体局部を洗浄するための温水を供給するのに用いられる。なお、流体流通装置に流通される流体は水に限定されないが、以下では、水の場合を例として説明を行う。 Hereinafter, a fluid flow device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The fluid circulation device is a device that causes fluid to flow in the flow path formed inside. In the flow path, a member that exerts an action on the fluid, such as a heater, a filter, or a chemical reaction device can be optionally provided. When the heater is provided, the fluid circulation device functions as a fluid heating device that heats the water flowing through the flow path. In the following, a fluid circulation device provided with such a heater will be described as an example. A fluid circulation device provided with a heater as described below is provided, for example, in a sanitary washing device such as a warm water washing toilet seat, and is used to supply warm water for washing the local area of the human body. In addition, although the fluid distribute | circulated to a fluid distribution apparatus is not limited to water, below, the case of water is demonstrated as an example.

［第一の実施形態］
図１〜６は、本発明の第一の実施形態にかかる流体流通装置１を示す図である。 First Embodiment
1-6 is a figure which shows the fluid communication apparatus 1 concerning 1st embodiment of this invention.

（流体流通装置全体の構成）
まず、図１〜４を参照しながら、流体流通装置１の全体の構成を説明する。本流体流通装置１は、流体容器１０と、継手ユニット２０と、カバー部材３０と、ヒータ４０とを備えている。 (Configuration of the entire fluid circulation device)
First, the entire configuration of the fluid circulation device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The fluid circulation device 1 includes a fluid container 10, a joint unit 20, a cover member 30, and a heater 40.

流体容器１０は、筒状部１１と、筒状部１１の両端部を閉塞する１対の蓋部材５０，５０とを有してなっている。筒状部１１は、外筒１１ａと内筒１１ｂよりなる二重管構造を有している。外筒１１ａおよび内筒１１ｂはそれぞれ、中空の略円筒形状を有している。 The fluid container 10 includes a cylindrical portion 11 and a pair of lid members 50 and 50 that close both ends of the cylindrical portion 11. The cylindrical portion 11 has a double pipe structure including an outer cylinder 11 a and an inner cylinder 11 b. The outer cylinder 11a and the inner cylinder 11b each have a hollow substantially cylindrical shape.

図４（ｃ）に示すように、外筒１１ａと内筒１１ｂの間には、４つの区画壁１２ａ〜１２ｄが設けられている。区画壁１２ａ〜１２ｄはそれぞれ、外筒１１ａの内壁面と内筒１１ｂの外壁面を連結するように、筒状部１１の軸方向に沿って全域にわたって設けられている。４つの区画壁１２ａ〜１２ｄは、筒状部１１の中心軸に対して、放射状に、相互に対して９０度の角度を有して配置されている。つまり、区画壁１２ａ〜１２ｄによって、外筒１１ａと内筒１１ｂの間の空間が４つに分割され、４つの流路１３ａ〜１３ｄが形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 4C, four partition walls 12a to 12d are provided between the outer cylinder 11a and the inner cylinder 11b. The partition walls 12a to 12d are provided along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 11 so as to connect the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder 11a and the outer wall surface of the inner cylinder 11b. The four partition walls 12 a to 12 d are arranged radially at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 11. That is, the space between the outer cylinder 11a and the inner cylinder 11b is divided into four by the partition walls 12a to 12d, and four flow paths 13a to 13d are formed.

外筒１１ａ、内筒１１ｂおよび区画壁１２ａ〜１２ｄは、全て同一の金属材料よりなり、押出し成形などによって一体に成形されている。これらの部材を構成する金属材料としては、水と接触しても腐食を受けにくいアルミニウムまたはアルミニウム合金を例示することができる。 The outer cylinder 11a, the inner cylinder 11b, and the partition walls 12a to 12d are all made of the same metal material, and are integrally formed by extrusion molding or the like. As a metal material which comprises these members, aluminum or aluminum alloy which can not receive corrosion easily even if it contacts with water can be illustrated.

外筒１１ａには、一方の端部の近傍に、２つの貫通孔よりなる流体口として、流入口１５と流出口１６が設けられている。流入口１５は、第一流路１３ａに連通され、流出口１６は第四流路１３ｄに連通されている。流入口１５と流出口１６は、筒状部１１の中心軸に対して９０°隔たっている。 The outer cylinder 11a is provided with an inflow port 15 and an outflow port 16 as a fluid port consisting of two through holes in the vicinity of one end. The inflow port 15 is in communication with the first flow path 13a, and the outflow port 16 is in communication with the fourth flow path 13d. The inlet 15 and the outlet 16 are separated by 90 ° with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 11.

区画壁１２ａ〜１２ｄの端部は、筒状部１１の端部を閉塞している蓋部材５０，５０に液密に接触しており、端部の所定の位置に区画壁１２ａ〜１２ｄを貫通して切欠き（不図示）が設けられている。つまり、各流路１３ａ〜１３ｄは、この切欠きを介して直列に連結されている。具体的には、切欠きは、流入口１５および流出口１６が設けられている側の端部においては、第二流路１３ｂと第三流路１３ｃを区画する第二区画壁１２ｂにのみ設けられ、反対側の端部においては、第一流路１３ａと第二流路１３ｂを区画する第一区画壁１２ａ、および第三流路１３ｃと第四流路１３ｄを区画する第三区画壁１２ｃに設けられている。これにより、４つの流路１３ａ〜１３ｄが筒状部１１の両端部の間で折り返し状に連結され、流入口１５から筒状部１１に入った水は、第一流路１３ａから第四流路１３ｄまで順に、２往復して折り返され、流出口１６から流出する。 The ends of the partition walls 12a to 12d are in fluid-tight contact with the lid members 50 and 50 closing the ends of the cylindrical portion 11, and penetrate the partition walls 12a to 12d at predetermined positions of the ends. And a notch (not shown) is provided. That is, each flow path 13a-13d is connected in series via this notch. Specifically, the notch is provided only in the second partition wall 12b that divides the second flow passage 13b and the third flow passage 13c at the end on the side where the inflow port 15 and the outflow port 16 are provided. At the opposite end, the first partition wall 12a partitioning the first channel 13a and the second channel 13b, and the third partition wall 12c partitioning the third channel 13c and the fourth channel 13d It is provided. Thereby, the four flow paths 13a to 13d are connected in a folded shape between both ends of the cylindrical portion 11, and the water that has entered the cylindrical portion 11 from the inflow port 15 is the first flow path 13a to the fourth flow path It is turned back twice in order to 13 d and flows out from the outlet 16.

筒状部１１の内筒１１ｂには、略円柱状の加熱部を有するヒータ（加熱手段）４０が挿入されている。ヒータ４０の外径は、内筒１１ｂの内径と略等しく、ヒータ４０は内筒１１ｂの中空部内に圧入され、ヒータ４０の外壁が内筒１１ｂの内壁面に接触している。具体的なヒータ４０としては、安価で絶縁性の高いシーズヒータを例示することができる。 A heater (heating means) 40 having a substantially cylindrical heating portion is inserted into the inner cylinder 11 b of the cylindrical portion 11. The outer diameter of the heater 40 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 11b, and the heater 40 is press-fit into the hollow portion of the inner cylinder 11b, and the outer wall of the heater 40 is in contact with the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder 11b. As a specific heater 40, an inexpensive and highly insulating sheathed heater can be exemplified.

蓋部材５０，５０は、略円環形状を有する板状の部材であり、ヒータ４０を挿入した状態の筒状部１１の両端部を、Ｏリング（不図示）を介して液密に閉塞している。また、上記のように、区画壁１２ａ〜１２ｄに液密に接触している。蓋部材５０，５０は、後に説明する継手ユニット２０に設けられた蓋支持部２３ａによって、筒状部１１に固定されている。 The lid members 50, 50 are plate-like members having a substantially annular shape, and close both ends of the cylindrical portion 11 with the heater 40 inserted therein in a fluid-tight manner via an O-ring (not shown). ing. Further, as described above, the partition walls 12a to 12d are in fluid-tight contact. The lid members 50, 50 are fixed to the cylindrical portion 11 by a lid support portion 23a provided in a joint unit 20 described later.

筒状部１１の外筒１１ａの端部近傍における外周面（側壁）には、継手ユニット２０が取り付けられている。継手ユニット２０の構造と取付方法の詳細については後述するが、継手ユニット２０は樹脂材料よりなり、流体の流れる配管を接続可能な流入継手２１および流出継手２２の２つの継手と、略帯状の取付部２３とを有している。そして、取付部２３が筒状部１１の外周面に１周巻き付けられるようにして、継手ユニット２０が筒状部１１に取り付けられる。この際、流入継手２１は、筒状部１１の外周面に設けられた流入口１５と基端部が重なるように配置され、流入継手２１の内部の空間と流入口１５が連通される。同様に、流出継手２２は、筒状部１１の外周面に設けられた流出口１６と基端部が重なるように配置され、流出継手２２の内部の空間と流出口１６が連通される。本実施形態においては、流入継手２１および流出継手２２は、中心軸を筒状部１１の径方向に放射状に突出させて、取り付けられる。両継手２１，２２は、筒状部１１の中心軸に対して９０°隔たっている。 The joint unit 20 is attached to the outer peripheral surface (side wall) in the vicinity of the end of the outer cylinder 11 a of the cylindrical portion 11. Although the details of the structure and mounting method of the joint unit 20 will be described later, the joint unit 20 is made of a resin material, and two joints of an inflow joint 21 and an outflow joint 22 to which fluid flowing pipes can be connected And a unit 23. Then, the joint unit 20 is attached to the cylindrical portion 11 such that the attaching portion 23 is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 11 once. Under the present circumstances, the inflow joint 21 is arrange | positioned so that the inflow port 15 and the base end part which were provided in the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 11 may overlap, and the space inside the inflow joint 21 and the inflow port 15 are connected. Similarly, the outflow joint 22 is disposed so that the proximal end portion and the outflow port 16 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 overlap, and the space inside the outflow joint 22 and the outflow port 16 are in communication. In the present embodiment, the inflow joint 21 and the outflow joint 22 are attached with the central axis radially protruding in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 11. Both joints 21 and 22 are separated by 90 ° with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 11.

継手ユニット２０の外周には、カバー部材３０が設けられている。カバー部材３０は、継手ユニット２０の取付部を筒状部１１に向かって押し付けている。カバー部材３０の詳細な構成についても後述する。 A cover member 30 is provided on the outer periphery of the joint unit 20. The cover member 30 presses the mounting portion of the joint unit 20 toward the cylindrical portion 11. The detailed configuration of the cover member 30 will also be described later.

本流体流通装置１は、以上のような構成を有することにより、流入継手２１および流入口１５を通って流入された水を筒状部１１内の４つの流路１３ａ〜１３ｄで折り返し状に流通させ、流出口１６および流出継手２２を通って流出させる。この流通過程において、各流路１３ａ〜１３ｄを流れる水は、内筒１１ｂの壁面を介して、ヒータ４０の熱によって加熱を受ける。 By having the above-described configuration, the fluid circulation device 1 circulates the water introduced through the inflow joint 21 and the inflow port 15 in a folded manner in the four flow paths 13a to 13d in the cylindrical portion 11. Flow out through the outlet 16 and the outlet fitting 22. In the circulation process, the water flowing through the flow paths 13a to 13d is heated by the heat of the heater 40 through the wall surface of the inner cylinder 11b.

本流体流通装置１においては、筒状部１１の外周面に単なる貫通孔として設けた流入口１５および流出口１６に連通して、流入継手２１と流出継手２２が、筒状部１１とは別部材として形成された継手ユニット２０の形で、取り付けられている。これらの継手２１，２２は、ロウ付け、接着、溶接等の方法で筒状部１１に一体的に接合されているのではなく、継手２１，２２と一体として形成された取付部２３によって筒状部１１の外周面に取り付けられている。取付部２３も、筒状部１１の外周面に一体に接合されているのではなく、筒状部１１の外周面に巻きつくようにして密着することで、筒状部１１の外周面に取り付けられ、継手２１，２２を流入口１５および流出口１６と連通する位置に液密に保持している。よって、継手２１，２２を筒状部１１に取り付けるために、接合工程を経る必要がなく、接合工程のための製造のコストを要しない。とりわけ、本実施形態のように、筒状部１１の外周が曲面形状を有する場合には、継手の接合を行おうとすると、継手を曲面上に保持して接合を行う必要から、特に大きなコストを要するが、継手ユニット２０を用いることで、そのコストを省略することができる。また、継手ユニット２０を交換することで、継手２１，２２の形状等、継手近傍の改造や設計変更について、高い自由度が得られる。 In the fluid circulation device 1, the inflow joint 21 and the outflow joint 22 are in communication with the inflow port 15 and the outflow port 16 provided as mere through holes on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11, and are separated from the cylindrical portion 11. It is mounted in the form of a coupling unit 20 formed as a member. These joints 21 and 22 are not integrally joined to the cylindrical portion 11 by a method such as brazing, adhesion, welding, etc., but are cylindrical by the attachment portions 23 formed integrally with the joints 21 and 22 It is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the part 11. The mounting portion 23 is not integrally joined to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 but is closely attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 so as to be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 And keeps the joints 21 and 22 in fluid communication with the inlet 15 and the outlet 16. Therefore, in order to attach the joints 21 and 22 to the cylindrical portion 11, it is not necessary to go through the joining process, and the manufacturing cost for the joining process is not needed. In particular, in the case where the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 11 has a curved surface shape as in the present embodiment, when it is intended to join the joint, it is necessary to join the joint by holding the joint on the curved face, so a particularly large cost is required. Although it is necessary, the cost can be omitted by using the joint unit 20. Further, by exchanging the joint unit 20, a high degree of freedom can be obtained for remodeling or design change in the vicinity of the joint, such as the shapes of the joints 21 and 22.

特に、継手ユニット２０を樹脂材料より構成することにより、比較的複雑な構造を有する継手ユニット２０を、簡便かつ安価に形成することができる。また、継手２１，２２の方向や形状等に関して、高い自由度が得られる。上記で、筒状部１１が金属材料よりなっているのは、内筒１１ｂがヒータ４０と直接接触することにより、耐熱性が要求されるからであるが、上記のように、継手２１，２２を、筒状部１１に一体に接合することなく取り付けることにより、筒状部１１の外周面と継手２１，２２が、金属と樹脂という異種材料よりなっていても、同種材料よりなる場合と基本的に同じ工程とコストで取り付けを行うことができる。 In particular, by forming the joint unit 20 from a resin material, the joint unit 20 having a relatively complicated structure can be formed easily and inexpensively. In addition, high degrees of freedom can be obtained with regard to the directions, shapes, and the like of the joints 21 and 22. In the above, the cylindrical portion 11 is made of a metal material because heat resistance is required when the inner cylinder 11b is in direct contact with the heater 40, but as described above, the joints 21, 22 And the joints 21 and 22 are made of the same kind of material, even if they are made of different materials such as metal and resin. Installation can be performed in the same process and cost.

ここで、継手ユニット２０が接触している筒状部１１の外筒１１ａは、ヒータ４０と接触しておらず、流路１３ａ〜１３ｄ内の水を介してしか加熱を受けない。よって、継手ユニット２０を、金属よりも耐熱性の低い樹脂材料より形成しても、継手ユニット２０が熱による変形や位置ずれ等を起こしにくい。さらに、筒状部１１内に形成された流路１３ａ〜１３ｄを流通する水が、直接ヒータ４０に接触していないことにより、局所的な加熱を受けにくいので、何らかの原因で継手ユニット２０の部分が局所的に高温にまで加熱されるような事態も起こりにくい。加えて、上記の実施形態においては、４つの流路１３ａ〜１３ｄが、ヒータ４０を収容している内筒１１ｂの全外周を覆うように対称に配置されていることの効果、および、流路１３ａ〜１３ｄが折り返し状に連通されることで、折り返し時に水が撹拌を受けることの効果によって、水の加熱の均一性が一層高められている。 Here, the outer cylinder 11a of the cylindrical portion 11 in contact with the joint unit 20 is not in contact with the heater 40, and receives heating only through the water in the flow paths 13a to 13d. Therefore, even if the joint unit 20 is formed of a resin material having a heat resistance lower than that of metal, the joint unit 20 is unlikely to cause deformation or positional deviation due to heat. Furthermore, because the water flowing through the flow paths 13a to 13d formed in the cylindrical portion 11 is not in direct contact with the heater 40, it is difficult to receive local heating, and therefore, a part of the joint unit 20 for some reason It is unlikely to happen that the heat is locally heated to a high temperature. In addition, in the above embodiment, the four flow paths 13a to 13d are arranged symmetrically so as to cover the entire outer periphery of the inner cylinder 11b containing the heater 40, and the flow paths The communication of 13a to 13d in a folded manner further enhances the uniformity of heating of the water due to the effect of the water being stirred at the time of folding.

（継手ユニット）
次に、主に図５を参照しながら、継手ユニット２０の構造と取付方法について、説明する。上記のように、継手ユニット２０は、流入継手２１と、流出継手２２と、取付部２３とを一体に有してなり、樹脂材料より形成されている。 (Joint unit)
Next, the structure and mounting method of the joint unit 20 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. As described above, the joint unit 20 integrally includes the inflow joint 21, the outflow joint 22, and the attachment portion 23, and is formed of a resin material.

取付部２３は、継手支持部２４，２４と、第一係合部２５ａおよび第二係合部２５ｂよりなる係合部２５と、ヒンジ２７と、薄肉部２８，２８とが帯状に直列に連結されていなっている。継手支持部２４，２４、第一係合部２５ａ、第二係合部２５ｂは継手ユニット２０の取付け時に弾性変形しない程度に肉厚に形成されており、流体容器１０の筒状部１１の外周面に沿う曲率を有して、断面円弧形状に形成されている。薄肉部２８，２８は、第一係合部２５ａおよび第二係合部２５ｂと、継手支持部２４，２４との間を連結する部材であり、それらよりも薄く形成されていることで、弾性変形可能となっている。ヒンジ２７は、２つの継手支持部２４，２４を連結しており、２つの継手支持部２４，２４は、ヒンジ２７を介して、連結方向に沿って相互に屈曲可能となっている。なお、薄肉部２８，２８も、ヒンジとして機能する。 In the attachment portion 23, the joint support portions 24 and 24, the engagement portion 25 including the first engagement portion 25a and the second engagement portion 25b, the hinge 27, and the thin portions 28 and 28 are connected in series in a strip shape. It has been done. The joint support portions 24 and 24, the first engagement portion 25a, and the second engagement portion 25b are formed thick enough not to be elastically deformed when the joint unit 20 is attached, and the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 11 of the fluid container 10 It has a curvature along the surface and is formed in an arc shape in cross section. The thin portions 28 and 28 are members that connect the first engagement portion 25 a and the second engagement portion 25 b to the joint support portions 24 and 24. The thin portions 28 and 28 are formed to be thinner than them. It has become deformable. The hinge 27 connects the two joint support portions 24, 24, and the two joint support portions 24, 24 can be mutually bent along the connecting direction via the hinge 27. The thin portions 28, 28 also function as hinges.

継手支持部２４，２４にはそれぞれ、流入継手２１と流出継手２２が、中央部において一体に形成されている。２つの継手２１，２２は、継手支持部２４，２４の円弧形状の外側に垂直に突出している。 An inflow joint 21 and an outflow joint 22 are integrally formed in the central portion of the joint support portions 24 and 24, respectively. The two joints 21 and 22 project perpendicularly outside the arc shape of the joint support portions 24 and 24.

また、継手ユニット２０は、取付部２３の長尺方向両端で係合する係合部２５を有している。係合部２５は、第一係合部２５ａと第二係合部２５ｂを有してなっている。第一係合部２５ａは、係合孔２５ｃ，２５ｃを、第二係合部２５ｂは、係合爪２５ｄ，２５ｄを有している。また、第一係合部２５ａは、第二係合部２５ｂよりも幅広に形成され、中央部に第二係合部２５ｂが侵入可能な係合用切欠き２５ｅを有している。 The joint unit 20 also has engaging portions 25 engaged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mounting portion 23. The engaging portion 25 has a first engaging portion 25a and a second engaging portion 25b. The first engaging portion 25a has engaging holes 25c, 25c, and the second engaging portion 25b has engaging claws 25d, 25d. The first engaging portion 25a is formed wider than the second engaging portion 25b, and has an engaging notch 25e at the center portion thereof, which allows the second engaging portion 25b to enter.

ヒンジ２７における屈曲と、薄肉部２８，２８における弾性変形により、帯状の取付部２３は長尺方向両端が接触するように、環状に変形させることができる。この状態で、第二係合部２５ｂを第一係合部２５ａの係合用切欠き２５ｅへ挿入すると、２つの係合爪２５ｄ，２５ｄが２つの係合孔２５ｃ，２５ｃに係合され、図５（ｃ）のように、取付部２３を環状に組み立てることができる。２つの継手２１，２２は、環の径方向外側に突出した状態となる。筒状部１１の外周上に取付部２３を沿わせた状態で、この組み立て操作を行うことで、筒状部１１の所定の外周上部へ取付部２３を介して継手ユニット２０を固定することができる。逆に、第二係合部２５ｂを第一係合部２５ａの係合用切欠き２５ｅから所定の抜き力以上の力で抜くと、２つの係合爪２５ｄ，２５ｄが撓んで２つの係合孔２５ｃ，２５ｃから外れ、取付部２３が筒状部１１から外れる。これにより、筒状部１１の所定の外周上部から継手ユニット２０を外すことができる。なお、筒状部１１内に水圧がかかっても、継手ユニット２０へは流入継手２１と流出継手２２の軸方向（つまり筒状部１１に固定された継手ユニット２０の径方向）へ力がかかることになり、第二係合部２５ｂを第一係合部２５ａの係合用切欠き２５ｅから抜く方向へは抜き力以上の力がかからないため、使用者等が抜き力以上の力で意図的に第二係合部２５ｂを抜かないかぎり、第二係合部２５ｂの係合爪２５ｄ，２５ｄが第一係合部２５ａの係合孔２５ｃ，２５ｃから抜けることはない。 Due to the bending at the hinge 27 and the elastic deformation at the thin portions 28, 28, the belt-like attachment portion 23 can be deformed annularly so that both ends in the longitudinal direction are in contact. In this state, when the second engagement portion 25b is inserted into the engagement notch 25e of the first engagement portion 25a, the two engagement claws 25d, 25d are engaged with the two engagement holes 25c, 25c. As in 5 (c), the mounting portion 23 can be assembled annularly. The two joints 21 and 22 project radially outward of the ring. By performing the assembling operation in a state where the mounting portion 23 is placed along the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 11, the joint unit 20 can be fixed to the upper portion of the predetermined outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 11 via the mounting portion 23. it can. Conversely, when the second engagement portion 25b is pulled out of the engagement notch 25e of the first engagement portion 25a with a force equal to or greater than a predetermined pulling force, the two engagement claws 25d, 25d are bent and two engagement holes are formed. The attachment portion 23 is disengaged from the cylindrical portion 11. Thereby, the joint unit 20 can be removed from the predetermined outer peripheral upper part of the cylindrical part 11. Even when water pressure is applied to the inside of the cylindrical portion 11, a force is applied to the joint unit 20 in the axial direction of the inflow joint 21 and the outflow joint 22 (that is, the radial direction of the joint unit 20 fixed to the cylindrical portion 11). As a result, since the force more than the extraction force is not applied in the direction in which the second engagement portion 25b is removed from the engagement notch 25e of the first engagement portion 25a, the user intentionally uses the force more than the extraction force. As long as the second engaging portion 25b is not removed, the engaging claws 25d of the second engaging portion 25b do not come out of the engaging holes 25c of the first engaging portion 25a.

取付部２３は、上記のように環状に組み立てた際に、その内周の長さが、筒状部１１の外筒１１ａの外周と同じか少しそれよりも短くなるように、全体の長さを定められている。これにより、取付部２３を筒状部１１の外周に帯状のまま配置してから、環状に組み立てることで、取付部２３は、継手支持部２４，２４と２つの係合部２５，２６が筒状部１１の外周面に沿った状態で、筒状部１１の外周に、長手方向に引張られながら、環形状を形成することになる。その結果、取付部２３は、筒状部１１の外周に、周方向に沿った圧力を印加しながら密着することになる。この筒状部１１の周方向に沿った圧力により、継手ユニット２０が筒状部１１の外周に取付けられた状態が強固に維持される。 When the mounting portion 23 is assembled in an annular manner as described above, the entire length thereof is equal to or slightly shorter than the outer circumference of the outer cylinder 11 a of the cylindrical portion 11. Is defined. Thus, the mounting portion 23 is arranged in a strip shape on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 11 and then assembled in an annular shape, so that the mounting portion 23 is a cylinder having the joint support portions 24 and 24 and the two engaging portions 25 and 26. An annular shape is formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 11 while being pulled in the longitudinal direction in a state along the outer peripheral surface of the circular portion 11. As a result, the mounting portion 23 adheres to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 11 while applying pressure along the circumferential direction. The pressure in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 11 firmly maintains the state in which the joint unit 20 is attached to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 11.

また、継手ユニット２０において、流入継手２１および流出継手２２は、継手支持部２４，２４を貫通するように、基端部側を延長されて設けられており、継手支持部２４，２４の下側（円弧形状の内側）の部位が、中空の位置決め部２１ａ，２２ａとなっている。継手２１，２２の中空部と位置決め部２１ａ，２２ａの中空部は連通している。位置決め部２１ａ，２２ａは、筒状部１１の流入口１５、流出口１６の内径よりもわずかに小さい外径を有している。取付部２３を環状に組み立てるに際し、まず、流入口位置決め部２１ａの外周に、筒状部１１の外周面と流入継手２１の間を液密にシールするためのＯリング６１を嵌めた状態で、流入口１５に流入口位置決め部２１ａを挿入すればよい。そして、ヒンジ２７による屈曲を利用して、外周にＯリング６１を嵌めた流出口位置決め部２２ａも流出口１６に挿入してから、取付部２３を環状に組み立てればよい（図４（ｃ）参照）。 Further, in the joint unit 20, the inflow joint 21 and the outflow joint 22 are provided with their base end portions extended so as to penetrate the joint support portions 24, 24, and the lower side of the joint support portions 24, 24 is provided. The portions (inside the arc shape) are hollow positioning portions 21a and 22a. The hollow portions of the joints 21 and 22 communicate with the hollow portions of the positioning portions 21a and 22a. The positioning portions 21 a and 22 a have an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameters of the inflow port 15 and the outflow port 16 of the cylindrical portion 11. In assembling the mounting portion 23 in an annular shape, first, an O-ring 61 for sealing the space between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 and the inflow joint 21 is fitted on the outer periphery of the inflow positioning portion 21a. The inlet positioning portion 21 a may be inserted into the inlet 15. Then, after the outlet positioning portion 22a having the O-ring 61 fitted on the outer periphery thereof is also inserted into the outlet 16 by utilizing the bending by the hinge 27, the mounting portion 23 may be assembled in an annular shape (see FIG. 4C) ).

このように、継手ユニット２０が位置決め部２１ａ，２２ａとヒンジ２７を有することで、流入継手２１および流出継手２２を、それぞれ流入口１５および流出口１６が設けられた部位に位置決めした状態で、液密に取り付ける操作を簡便に行うことができる。なお、取付部２３において、ヒンジ２７と薄肉部２８は、相互に置換可能であるが、ヒンジ２７は、薄肉部２８よりも角度変化の自由度が高いので、上記のように、複数の継手が設けられた継手支持部２４，２４を連結するのに用いることで、継手ユニット２０の筒状部１１への取付けを容易かつ正確に行うことができる。 As described above, since the joint unit 20 has the positioning portions 21a and 22a and the hinge 27, the inflow joint 21 and the outflow joint 22 are positioned at the portions where the inflow port 15 and the outflow port 16 are provided, respectively. The operation of densely attaching can be easily performed. In the attachment portion 23, the hinge 27 and the thin portion 28 can be replaced with each other, but since the hinge 27 has a higher degree of freedom in angle change than the thin portion 28, as described above, a plurality of joints are By using it for connecting the provided joint support parts 24 and 24, attachment to the cylindrical part 11 of the joint unit 20 can be performed easily and correctly.

上記のように、本継手ユニット２０において、取付部２３は筒状部１１に対し、筒状部１１の周方向に沿った圧力を印加することで筒状部１１に強固に取り付けられる。継手２１，２２の流入口１５、流出口１６への取付け部に配置された、Ｏリング６１等の弾性体よりなるシール部材は、この圧力により、筒状部１１の周方向に力を受け、圧縮されることになる。これにより、シール部材が筒状部１１の周方向に沿って均等に圧縮された状態となり、熱を受けても変形を起こしにくくなっている。よって、ヒータ４０の熱で継手ユニット２０が加熱を受けても、継手２１，２２と筒状部１１の間の液密が強固に維持されやすい。 As described above, in the joint unit 20, the attachment portion 23 is firmly attached to the cylindrical portion 11 by applying a pressure along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 11 to the cylindrical portion 11. A seal member made of an elastic body such as an O-ring 61 disposed at the attachment portion to the inlet 15 and the outlet 16 of the joints 21 and 22 receives a force in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 11 by this pressure. It will be compressed. As a result, the seal member is uniformly compressed along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 11, and it is difficult for deformation to occur even when heat is received. Therefore, even if the joint unit 20 is heated by the heat of the heater 40, the liquid tightness between the joints 21 and 22 and the cylindrical portion 11 is easily maintained firmly.

継手ユニット２０にはさらに、蓋支持部２３ａが設けられている。これは、継手支持部２４，２４において、筒状部１１への取付け時に筒状部１１の端縁に面する側に、筒状部１１の軸に垂直になるように曲げて形成された部位である。継手ユニット２０を筒状部１１に取り付けると、蓋支持部２３ａが、筒状部１１の端部を閉塞する蓋部材５０，５０を押さえることになる。このように、蓋部材５０，５０を取り付けるための部材として、継手ユニット２０を併用することで、流体流通装置１全体の構成を簡素にすることができる。 The joint unit 20 is further provided with a lid support 23a. This is a portion formed by bending the joint support portions 24 and 24 so as to be perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical portion 11 on the side facing the end edge of the cylindrical portion 11 at the time of attachment to the cylindrical portion 11 It is. When the joint unit 20 is attached to the cylindrical portion 11, the lid support portion 23a presses the lid members 50, 50 that close the end of the cylindrical portion 11. As described above, by using the joint unit 20 in combination as a member for attaching the lid members 50, the entire configuration of the fluid circulation device 1 can be simplified.

（カバー部材）
カバー部材３０は、金属等、高い弾性を有する材料よりなり、継手ユニット２０の外側に取り付けられ、筒状部１１の径方向内側に向かって、継手ユニット２０を筒状部１１の外壁に押し付ける。これにより、筒状部１１への継手ユニット２０の取付けを一層強固にする役割を果たす。 (Cover member)
The cover member 30 is made of a material having high elasticity such as metal, is attached to the outside of the joint unit 20, and presses the joint unit 20 against the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 11 radially inward of the cylindrical portion 11. Thus, the attachment of the joint unit 20 to the cylindrical portion 11 is further strengthened.

図６（ａ）に、本実施形態におけるカバー部材３０を示す。カバー部材３０は、円環状の端面３１と、端面３１の外周に立設された周部３２を有している。周部３２には、継手ユニット２０の継手２１，２２やヒンジ２７等、継手ユニット２０の部材と干渉を避けるように、複数のスリット３３が形成されている。周部３２の内周は、筒状部１１に取り付けた継手ユニット２０の取付部２３の外周よりも小さく形成されている。これにより、図１（ａ）等に示すように、カバー部材３０を、筒状部１１の端部から、筒状部１１の軸方向に沿って継手ユニット２０の取付部２３の外側に被せれば、周部３２のスリット３３によって分割された各部位が、筒状部１１の径方向外側に押し広げられ、径方向内側に向かう復元力を獲得する。この復元力によって、継手ユニット２０の取付部２３が、筒状部１１の径方向内側に向かって押し付けられ、筒状部１１に取り付けられた状態を強固に維持される。 The cover member 30 in this embodiment is shown to Fig.6 (a). The cover member 30 has an annular end surface 31 and a circumferential portion 32 erected on the outer periphery of the end surface 31. In the circumferential portion 32, a plurality of slits 33 are formed so as to avoid interference with members of the joint unit 20, such as the joints 21 and 22 of the joint unit 20 and the hinge 27. The inner periphery of the peripheral portion 32 is smaller than the outer periphery of the attachment portion 23 of the joint unit 20 attached to the cylindrical portion 11. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1 (a) etc., the cover member 30 is covered from the end of the cylindrical portion 11 along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 11 to the outside of the mounting portion 23 of the joint unit 20. For example, each portion divided by the slits 33 of the circumferential portion 32 is pushed outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 11 to acquire a restoring force directed inward in the radial direction. By this restoring force, the mounting portion 23 of the joint unit 20 is pressed radially inward of the cylindrical portion 11, and the state of being attached to the cylindrical portion 11 is strongly maintained.

上記のように、筒状部１１の軸方向端部から取り付けるカバー部材３０の他に、変形例として、筒状部１１の側方から取り付けるカバー部材３０’を用いることもできる。図６（ｂ）、（ｃ）にその構成と取付状態を示す。カバー部材３０’は、細長い金属の板材を曲げてなっており、曲面部３５，３５を有している。この曲面部３５，３５は、筒状部１１に取り付けた継手ユニット２０の取付部２３の外周よりも小さな曲率半径を有して略円弧形状に曲げられている。よって、図６（ｃ）のように、筒状部１１を側方から挟み込むようにしてカバー部材３０’を取り付けると、曲面部３５，３５が筒状部１１の径方向外側に押し広げられ、径方向内側に向かう復元力を獲得する。この復元力によって、継手ユニット２０の取付部２３が、筒状部１１の径方向内側に向かって押し付けられ、筒状部１１に取り付けられた状態を強固に維持される。 As mentioned above, in addition to the cover member 30 attached from the axial direction edge part of the cylindrical part 11, the cover member 30 'attached from the side of the cylindrical part 11 can also be used as a modification. The structure and the attachment state are shown in FIG.6 (b), (c). The cover member 30 ′ is formed by bending an elongated metal plate and has curved portions 35 and 35. The curved surface portions 35 and 35 have a curvature radius smaller than the outer periphery of the attachment portion 23 of the joint unit 20 attached to the cylindrical portion 11, and are curved in a substantially arc shape. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the cover member 30 'is attached so as to sandwich the cylindrical portion 11 from the side, the curved surface portions 35, 35 are pushed outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 11, Gains a radially inward restoring force. By this restoring force, the mounting portion 23 of the joint unit 20 is pressed radially inward of the cylindrical portion 11, and the state of being attached to the cylindrical portion 11 is strongly maintained.

［第二の実施形態］
上記の第一の実施形態においては、流入継手２１と流出継手２２が、直線状の軸を有する簡素な構成よりなっており、筒状部１１の径方向外側に突出するように設けられたが、他の例として、両継手の先端部（配管を接続する部位）が筒状部１１の軸に沿うように設けられた場合を、以下の第二の実施形態において示す。第一の実施形態と同様の構成については、説明を省略する。 Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment described above, the inflow joint 21 and the outflow joint 22 have a simple structure having a linear axis, and are provided so as to project radially outward of the cylindrical portion 11 As another example, the case in which the end portions (portions connecting pipes) of both joints are provided along the axis of the cylindrical portion 11 will be described in the second embodiment below. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

図７〜９に示す第二の実施形態にかかる流体流通装置１Ａにおいては、筒状部１１、蓋部材５０，５０、ヒータ４０は、第一の実施形態と同様の構成を有するが、第一の実施形態と異なる継手ユニット１２０が用いられる。継手ユニット１２０の形状が異なることに伴い、カバー部材１３０の形状も異なるが、上記のカバー部材３０と基本的な形状は同じであり、スリットの形状の詳細が異なっているだけである。 In the fluid circulation device 1A according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the cylindrical portion 11, the lid members 50 and 50, and the heater 40 have the same configuration as the first embodiment, but the first A joint unit 120 different from that of the embodiment is used. Although the shape of the cover member 130 is different depending on the shape of the joint unit 120, the basic shape is the same as that of the cover member 30 described above, and the details of the shape of the slit are different.

第二の実施形態にかかる流体流通装置１Ａに用いられる継手ユニット１２０は、流入継手１２１と流出継手１２２、取付部１２３を有する。取付部１２３の構成は、上記第一の実施形態における継手ユニット２０の取付部２３とほぼ同様である。 The joint unit 120 used in the fluid flow system 1A according to the second embodiment includes an inflow joint 121, an outflow joint 122, and a mounting portion 123. The configuration of the attachment portion 123 is substantially the same as the attachment portion 23 of the joint unit 20 in the first embodiment.

継手１２１，１２２は、同様の構成を有しており、流入継手１２１を例に、その構成を説明する。流入継手１２１は、先端部１２１ｃ側の部位が、筒状部１１の軸に略平行に沿うように形成され、軸方向外側を向いている。そして、その先端部１２１ｃにまっすぐ連続するように、筒状部１１の軸方向後方に向かって、開口を有する取付ポート１２１ｄが形成されている。そして、取付ポート１２１ｄに、サーミスタ６２が取り付けられている。サーミスタ６２は、水温に基づいてヒータ４０の出力を制御するのに用いられる。 The joints 121 and 122 have the same structure, and the structure will be described by taking the inflow joint 121 as an example. The inflow joint 121 is formed such that a portion on the tip end portion 121 c side is substantially parallel to the axis of the cylindrical portion 11 and is directed outward in the axial direction. And the attachment port 121d which has an opening toward the axial direction back of the cylindrical part 11 is formed so that it may continue in a straight line to the front-end | tip part 121c. The thermistor 62 is attached to the attachment port 121 d. The thermistor 62 is used to control the output of the heater 40 based on the water temperature.

具体的には、流入継手１２１の先端部１２１ｃを筒状部１１の軸に平行に向けるため、流入継手１２１は、中途に屈曲部１２１ｂを有している。図８（ｂ）の断面図に示されるように、流入継手１２１の基端部には、位置決め部１２１ａが形成されており、流入口１５に対する位置決めを行っている。そして、流入継手１２１は、基端部から筒状部１１の径方向に沿って延びているが、屈曲部１２１ｂにおいて、９０°曲げられ、先端部１２１ｃに向かって、筒状部１１の軸方向外側へと延びている。さらに、屈曲部１２１ｂを挟んで先端部１２１ｃの反対側に、中空の取付ポート１２１ｄが形成されている。屈曲部１２１ｂから先端部１２１ｃに延びる流路の中空部と、取付ポート１２１ｄの中空部は、直線状に連通されている。 Specifically, in order to orient the tip end portion 121c of the inflow joint 121 parallel to the axis of the cylindrical portion 11, the inflow joint 121 has a bent portion 121b in the middle. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8B, a positioning portion 121a is formed at the proximal end of the inflow joint 121, and positioning with respect to the inflow port 15 is performed. And although the inflow joint 121 is extended along the radial direction of the cylindrical part 11 from a base end part, it is bent 90 degrees in the bending part 121b, and the axial direction of the cylindrical part 11 is faced toward the front-end part 121c. It extends outward. Furthermore, a hollow attachment port 121d is formed on the opposite side of the distal end portion 121c with the bent portion 121b interposed therebetween. The hollow portion of the flow path extending from the bent portion 121 b to the tip end portion 121 c and the hollow portion of the attachment port 121 d are linearly communicated.

そして、取付ポート１２１ｄには、サーミスタ６２が挿入されている。サーミスタ６２の先端の計測点６２ａは、屈曲部１２１ｂに達しており、流入継手１２１の基端部と先端部１２１ｃを結ぶ流路を流れる水が、サーミスタ６２の計測点６２ａに接触する。よって、サーミスタ６２によってその水の温度を計測することができる。取付ポート１２１ｄは、サーミスタ６２および取付ポート１２１ｄの内部に設けられた段差構造を利用して、中途部位でＯリング６５によって外部に対してシールされている。さらに、取付ポート１２１ｄは、ポート蓋部材６６よって閉塞されており、ポート蓋部材６６およびサーミスタ６２は、クリップ部材６３によって、取付ポート１２１ｄに固定されている。取付ポート１２１ｄの外周には、係止用突起１２１ｅが設けられ、クリップ部材６３に設けられたスリット６３ａが係止されることで、クリップ部材６３を固定している。 And the thermistor 62 is inserted in the attachment port 121d. The measurement point 62a at the tip of the thermistor 62 reaches the bent part 121b, and the water flowing in the flow path connecting the proximal end and the tip 121c of the inflow joint 121 contacts the measurement point 62a of the thermistor 62. Therefore, the temperature of the water can be measured by the thermistor 62. The mounting port 121 d is sealed from the outside by an O-ring 65 at a midway portion by utilizing a step structure provided inside the thermistor 62 and the mounting port 121 d. Further, the attachment port 121 d is closed by the port lid member 66, and the port lid member 66 and the thermistor 62 are fixed to the attachment port 121 d by the clip member 63. A locking projection 121e is provided on the outer periphery of the mounting port 121d, and the slit 63a provided in the clip member 63 is locked to fix the clip member 63.

このように、第二の実施形態にかかる流体流通装置１Ａにおいては、流入継手１２１と流出継手１２２が中途部で屈曲されており、先端部１２１ｃが筒状部１１の軸方向に沿った方向を向いている。これにより、継手１２１，１２２に接続する配管を筒状部１１に沿わせて配置することができる。第一の実施形態における流体流通装置１のように、継手２１，２２が筒状部１１の径方向に突出しており、配管もその径方向に配置される場合と比べ、流体流通装置１Ａおよびそこに接続する配管が占める領域が小さくなる。よって、限られた空間にも流体流通装置１Ａを配置することができるとともに、周囲の空間を利用して、高い自由度で配管の配策を行えるようになる。 As described above, in the fluid circulation device 1A according to the second embodiment, the inflow joint 121 and the outflow joint 122 are bent in the middle portion, and the tip portion 121c is in the direction along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 11 I'm facing. Thereby, piping connected to the joints 121 and 122 can be arranged along the cylindrical portion 11. Compared with the case where the joints 21 and 22 project in the radial direction of the tubular portion 11 and the piping is also arranged in the radial direction as in the fluid circulation device 1 in the first embodiment, the fluid circulation device 1A and the same The area occupied by the piping connected to will be smaller. Therefore, while being able to arrange fluid circulation device 1A also in a limited space, piping of piping can be performed with a high degree of freedom using surrounding space.

さらに、上記のように継手１２１，１２２を屈曲させたことにより、屈曲部にサーミスタ６２の計測点６２ａを配置し、継手１２１，１２２内を流れる水の温度を計測できるようになっている。サーミスタ６２を、サーミスタ６２の固定に特化した部材によって固定するのではなく、このように継手１２１，１２２の構造を利用して固定することで、流体流通装置１Ａ全体の構成を簡素にすることができる。サーミスタ以外にも、流量計、温度検知式の安全装置等、流体流通装置１Ａを流れる水の状態を計測するための種々の安全装置を同様に設置することができる。 Furthermore, by bending the joints 121 and 122 as described above, the measurement point 62a of the thermistor 62 is disposed at the bending portion, and the temperature of water flowing in the joints 121 and 122 can be measured. Simplifying the entire configuration of the fluid circulation device 1A by fixing the thermistor 62 not by a member specialized for fixing the thermistor 62 but by using the structure of the joints 121, 122 in this manner. Can. In addition to the thermistor, various safety devices for measuring the state of water flowing through the fluid circulation device 1A, such as a flow meter, a safety device of a temperature detection type, and the like can be similarly installed.

以上、本発明の実施形態について詳細に説明したが、本発明は上記実施形態に何ら限定されるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々の改変が可能である。例えば、流入口と流出口を、筒状部の同じ側の端部近傍に設けるのではなく、両端部近傍に分けて設ける場合には、継手ユニットには、継手を１つのみ設ければよい。この場合には、取付部にヒンジを設けなくても、継手ユニットを容易に筒状部に取り付けることができる。また、流体容器は、円筒形に限定されず、角筒形等、任意の筒形状を有していてもよく、その内部構造についても、内筒と外筒の二重管構造や区画壁を有するもの以外に、いかなる形態をとっていてもよい。 As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described in detail, this invention is not limited at all to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. For example, when the inlet and the outlet are not provided near the end on the same side of the cylindrical portion but are provided near both ends, only one joint needs to be provided in the joint unit. . In this case, the joint unit can be easily attached to the cylindrical portion without providing a hinge at the attachment portion. In addition, the fluid container is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may have an arbitrary cylindrical shape such as a rectangular cylindrical shape, and the internal structure of the fluid container is also a double pipe structure or a partition wall of an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. You may take any form other than what it has.

１，１Ａ流体流通装置
１０流体容器（筒状部＋蓋部材）
１１筒状部
１１ａ外筒
１１ｂ内筒
１２ａ〜１２ｃ区画壁
１３ａ〜１３ｄ流路
１５流入口
１６流出口
２０，１２０継手ユニット
２１，１２１流入継手
２２，１２２流出継手
２１ａ，２２ａ位置決め部
２３，１２３取付部
２３ａ蓋支持部
２４継手支持部
２５ａ第一係合部
２５ｂ第二係合部
２７ヒンジ
２８薄肉部
３０，３０’，１３０カバー部材
４０ヒータ
５０，５０蓋部材
６１Ｏリング
６２サーミスタ
６３クリップ部材
６５Ｏリング
１２１ａ位置決め部
１２１ｂ屈曲部
１２１ｃ先端部
１２１ｄ取付ポート 1, 1 A fluid circulation device 10 fluid container (cylindrical part + lid member)
11 cylindrical portion 11a outer cylinder 11b inner cylinder 12a to 12c partition wall 13a to 13d flow path 15 inlet 16 outlet 20, 120 joint unit 21, 121 inflow joint 22, 122 outflow joint 21a, 22a positioning portion 23, 123 attachment Portion 23a Lid support portion 24 Joint support portion 25a First engagement portion 25b Second engagement portion 27 Hinge 28 Thin portion 30, 30 ', 130 Cover member 40 Heater 50, 50 Lid member 61 O ring 62 Thermistor 63 Clip member 65 O-ring 121a Positioning part 121b Flexure part 121c Tip part 121d Mounting port

Claims

A fluid container and a joint unit separate from the fluid container;
The fluid container has a cylindrical side wall, a flow path through which a fluid formed in a space surrounded by the side wall can flow, and a through hole formed in the side wall as a through hole for passing the fluid. And
The coupling unit may possess a joint disposed outside the side wall of the fluid container communicates with the fluid outlet, and a mounting portion for mounting said fitting to said fluid container together,
The fluid flow device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid port and the joint are provided in a plurality, and the attachment portion is bendable at a portion between the plurality of joints .

  A fluid container and a joint unit separate from the fluid container;
  The fluid container has a cylindrical side wall, a flow path through which a fluid formed in a space surrounded by the side wall can flow, and a through hole formed in the side wall as a through hole for passing the fluid. And
  The joint unit integrally includes a joint in communication with the fluid port and disposed outside the side wall of the fluid container, and a mounting portion for attaching the joint to the fluid container.
  A fluid circulation device characterized in that the joint unit has a positioning member for positioning the joint at a position where the fluid port is provided.

  A fluid container and a joint unit separate from the fluid container;
  The fluid container has a cylindrical side wall, a flow path through which a fluid formed in a space surrounded by the side wall can flow, and a through hole formed in the side wall as a through hole for passing the fluid. And
  The joint unit integrally includes a joint in communication with the fluid port and disposed outside the side wall of the fluid container, and a mounting portion for attaching the joint to the fluid container.
  The fluid distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the joint has a bending portion between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and a portion on the distal end portion side from the bending portion is along an axial direction of the fluid container.

  A fluid container and a joint unit separate from the fluid container;
  The fluid container has a cylindrical side wall, a flow path through which a fluid formed in a space surrounded by the side wall can flow, and a through hole formed in the side wall as a through hole for passing the fluid. And
  The joint unit integrally includes a joint in communication with the fluid port and disposed outside the side wall of the fluid container, and a mounting portion for attaching the joint to the fluid container.
  A fluid circulation device characterized in that the joint unit has an engaging portion engaged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mounting portion.

  A fluid container and a joint unit separate from the fluid container;
  The fluid container has a cylindrical side wall, a flow path through which a fluid formed in a space surrounded by the side wall can flow, and a through hole formed in the side wall as a through hole for passing the fluid. And
  The joint unit integrally includes a joint in communication with the fluid port and disposed outside the side wall of the fluid container, and a mounting portion for attaching the joint to the fluid container.
  The fluid circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid container further comprises a cover member for pressing the coupling unit radially to a side wall of the fluid container.

  A fluid container and a joint unit separate from the fluid container;
  The fluid container has a cylindrical side wall, a flow path through which a fluid formed in a space surrounded by the side wall can flow, and a through hole formed in the side wall as a through hole for passing the fluid. And
  The joint unit integrally includes a joint in communication with the fluid port and disposed outside the side wall of the fluid container, and a mounting portion for attaching the joint to the fluid container.
  The fluid container has the side wall, and includes a cylindrical portion opened at both axial end portions, and a lid member closing the opening at the axial end portion of the tubular portion, the lid member A fluid circulation device characterized in that the coupling unit is attached to the cylindrical portion.

The fluid circulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein at least the side wall of the fluid container is made of metal, and the joint unit is made of resin.

8. The joint according to claim 1, wherein the fitting portion attaches the joint to the fluid container by closely contacting the outer periphery of the side wall of the fluid container and exerting a force along the circumferential direction of the fluid container . The fluid circulation device according to any one of the items .

Between the side wall of the fluid container and the joint, a seal member made of an elastic material for maintaining liquid tightness is disposed.
The fluid circulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the seal member is compressed by the attachment portion in a circumferential direction of the fluid container.

The said joint unit, according to claim 3, characterized in that the portion facing the tip across the bent portion, the measuring member for sensing the state of the fluid passing through the bent portion is provided The fluid flow device according to claim 1.

The fluid circulation device has heating means inside the flow path,
The fluid circulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the heating means is not in direct contact with the side wall of the fluid container.

The fluid container has a double-pipe structure including a hollow cylindrical inner cylinder and a hollow cylindrical outer cylinder having the side wall, and the flow path is formed in a space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. ,
The fluid circulation device according to claim 11 , wherein the heating means is disposed in the hollow portion of the inner cylinder.