JP6714293B2 - Hose fitting - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hose connector for connecting a hose to a faucet.

Hose fittings are known that can connect a hose to a faucet. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 56-105191 discloses a hose joint having a screw for fixing. The hose joint is fixed to the faucet by tightening a plurality of screws arranged in a circumferentially dispersed manner. It takes time to tighten the screws. Furthermore, it takes a lot of time and effort to evenly tighten the screws.

On the other hand, there has been proposed a hose connection section that does not require tightening of a plurality of screws as described above. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-528458 discloses a fastening part having a fixture having a threaded portion formed at a lower portion, a connector fitted into the fixture, and a screw part fastened to the threaded portion of the fixture. And a faucet connection coupling having:

JP-A-56-105191 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528458

The present inventor diligently studied a hose connector having excellent convenience. As a result, the inventors have come up with a hose connector having high ease of mounting and other convenience.

An object of the present invention is to provide a hose connector having excellent convenience.

A preferred hose fitting has an upper member and a lower member that can be removably connected to each other. The upper member has an abutting portion capable of abutting the discharge pipe of the faucet from above, and an upper engaging portion. The lower member includes a discharge pipe inserting portion having a packing, a lower engaging portion that can engage with the upper engaging portion, and a hose connecting portion. The bent and extending discharge pipe can be sandwiched by the connection state in which the upper engagement portion and the lower engagement portion are engaged with each other. The connected state is formed by pressing one of the upper member and the lower member against the other.

Preferably, the upper engaging portion has a missing portion that is partially missing in the circumferential direction.

Preferably, the missing portion is provided at two locations in the circumferential direction, so that the upper engagement portion is divided into a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. Preferably, the upper member has a connecting portion that connects the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. Preferably, the connecting portion has the contact portion.

Preferably, the packing has a cylindrical portion that can be in close contact with the outer surface of the discharge pipe. Preferably, a space is provided outside the cylindrical portion.

Preferably, the upper member can be attached to the discharge pipe from the upper side.

Another preferred hose fitting has an upper member and a lower member that can be removably connected to each other. The upper member has an abutting portion that can abut the discharge pipe of the faucet from above, and an upper engaging portion. The lower member includes a discharge pipe inserting portion having a packing, a lower engaging portion that can engage with the upper engaging portion, and a hose connecting portion. The bent and extending discharge pipe can be sandwiched by the connection state in which the upper engagement portion and the lower engagement portion are engaged with each other. In the connected state, the upper member does not apply a compressive force to the packing.

Preferably, the lower engagement portion is composed of a ring engagement body that is an endless annular member. Preferably, the ring engaging body has an engaging protrusion. Preferably, the upper member has a concave portion as the upper engaging portion and a contact surface. Preferably, the lower member has a through hole. Preferably, when the ring engagement body is in the normal mounting state, the engagement protrusion passes through the through hole and protrudes inside the lower member. Preferably, the abutment surface abuts on the engagement protrusion that protrudes inside the lower member by pressing one of the upper member and the lower member against the other, and the ring. The engagement body is configured to be expanded and deformed. Preferably, the engagement protrusion is inserted into the recess by the diameter reduction deformation of the ring engagement body after the expansion deformation.

Preferably, the upper member further includes an adjusting portion that can change the position of the contact portion by an operation, and a holding portion that can hold the adjusting portion in different operation direction positions.

The operation direction when the contact portion approaches the discharge pipe is a first direction, and the operation direction when the contact portion moves away from the discharge pipe is a second direction. Preferably, the operation of the adjusting section in the second direction is restricted compared to the operation of the adjusting section in the first direction.

A hose connector having excellent convenience can be obtained.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector according to the first embodiment is attached to a faucet. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view in which FIG. 3 is further disassembled. 5A is a perspective view of the upper member according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective views of the upper member viewed from different angles. .. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the upper member according to the first embodiment, FIG. 6B is a front view of the upper member, and FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the upper member. .. FIG. 7A is a side view of the upper member according to the first embodiment, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 6B, and FIG. [Fig. 4] is a rear view of the upper member. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector according to the second embodiment is attached to the faucet. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of FIG. 10 further disassembled. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the upper member according to the second embodiment, and FIGS. 12B and 12C are perspective views of the upper member viewed from different angles. .. 13A is a plan view of the upper member according to the second embodiment, FIG. 13B is a front view of the upper member, and FIG. 13C is a bottom view of the upper member. .. 14A is a side view of the upper member according to the second embodiment, FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 13B, and FIG. Is a rear view of this upper member FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector according to the third embodiment is attached to the faucet. 16 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector according to the fourth embodiment is attached to the faucet. FIG. 18 is a sectional view of FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the hose connector of FIG. 20 is a perspective view in which FIG. 19 is further disassembled. 21A is a perspective view of the upper member according to the fourth embodiment, and FIGS. 21B and 21C are perspective views of the upper member viewed from different angles. .. 22A is a front view of the upper member according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 22A, and FIG. 8B is a rear view of the upper member. 23A is a perspective view of the ring engagement body, FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the ring engagement body seen from another viewpoint, and FIG. 23C is a plan view of the ring engagement body. 23D is a bottom view of the ring engaging body. 24A and 24B are cross-sectional views for explaining the connection between the upper member and the lower member in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector according to the fifth embodiment is attached to the faucet. FIG. 26 is a sectional view of FIG. 25. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the hose connector of FIG. 25. FIG. 28 is a perspective view in which FIG. 27 is further disassembled. 29(a) is a front view of the hose connector according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 29(b) is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 29(a). 30(a), 30(b) and 30(c) are perspective views of the main body of the upper member according to the fifth embodiment, as viewed from different angles. 31A is a front view of the main body of the upper member according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 31B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 31A. (C) is a rear view of the main body. 32A is a perspective view of the adjusting unit according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from above, FIG. 32B is a perspective view of the adjusting unit as viewed from below, and FIG. [Fig. 4] is a bottom view of this adjusting unit. FIG. 33(a) is a perspective view of the reverse rotation preventing member according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from above, FIG. 33(b) is a plan view of the reverse rotation preventing member, and FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at this adjustment part from the lower side. FIG. 34(a) is a perspective view of the holding portion according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from above, FIG. 34(b) is a side view of the holding portion, and FIG. 34(c) shows the holding portion. FIG. 34D is a perspective view seen from the lower side, and FIG. 34D is a bottom view of this holding portion. 35A and 35B are cross-sectional views for explaining the connection between the upper member and the lower member in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector according to the sixth embodiment is attached to the faucet. FIG. 37 is a sectional view of FIG. 36. 38 is an exploded perspective view of the hose connector of FIG. 36. FIG. 39 is a perspective view in which FIG. 38 is further disassembled. 40(a) is a rear view of the hose connector according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 40(b) is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 40(a). 41A, 41B, and 41C are perspective views of the main body of the upper member according to the sixth embodiment, as viewed from different angles. 42A is a front view of the main body of the upper member according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 42B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 42A. FIG. 42C is a rear view of the main body, and FIG. 42D is a bottom view of the main body. 43A is a perspective view of the adjusting unit according to the sixth embodiment as viewed from above, FIG. 43B is a perspective view of the adjusting unit as viewed from below, and FIG. [Fig. 4] is a bottom view of this adjusting unit. 44(a) and 44(b) are cross-sectional views for explaining the connection between the upper member and the lower member in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector according to the seventh embodiment is attached to the faucet. 46 is a sectional view of FIG. 45. 47 is an exploded perspective view of the hose connector of FIG. 45. 48 is a perspective view in which FIG. 47 is further disassembled. 49(a) is a side view of the hose connector according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 49(b) is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 49(a). 50(a), 50(b) and 50(c) are perspective views of the main body of the upper member according to the seventh embodiment, as viewed from different angles. 51A is a front view of the main body of the upper member according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 51B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 51A. (C) is a rear view of the main body. FIG. 52(a) is a perspective view of the adjusting portion according to the seventh embodiment as viewed from above, FIG. 52(b) is a perspective view of the adjusting portion as viewed from below, and FIG. Is a side view of this adjusting portion, and FIG. 52(d) is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 52(c). 53A and 53B are cross-sectional views for explaining the connection between the upper member and the lower member in the seventh embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

In the present application, terms such as “upper”, “upper”, “lower”, “lower”, etc. are used based on a typical faucet attitude. Further, based on the viewpoint of the user in this typical situation, the terms “right”, “right side”, “left”, “left side” and the like are used. If the faucet pose is atypical, these phrases are interpreted in line with the pose.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector 100 according to the first embodiment is attached to the faucet f1. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view in which the lower member of FIG. 3 is further disassembled.

The hose connector 100 has an upper member 200 and a lower member 300. The upper member 200 and the lower member 300 are detachably connected to each other. Both are connected in a state where the upper member 200 is inserted inside the lower member 300.

The faucet f1 has a faucet body f2, a discharge pipe f3, and an operating portion f4. Further, a valve (not shown) is built in the faucet f1. By operating (rotating) the operation portion f4, it is possible to switch the discharge water and adjust the discharge amount.

In this embodiment, the faucet f1 has a discharge pipe f3 fixed to the faucet body f2. Those skilled in the art will call this faucet f1 a lateral faucet. In this faucet f1, the boundary between the faucet body f2 and the discharge pipe f3 is unknown. For convenience, the portion downstream of the valve can be regarded as the discharge pipe f3.

The upper member 200 is a member integrally formed as a whole. The upper member 200 has a shape in which a part of the dome-shaped structure in the circumferential direction is missing as a whole. Details of the upper member 200 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lower member 300 includes a discharge pipe insertion portion 302, a lower engagement portion 304, and a hose connection portion 306. The discharge pipe insertion portion 302 has a cylindrical inner surface. The lower end of the discharge pipe f3 is inserted into the discharge pipe insertion portion 302. A hose (a connector attached to the end of the hose) is connected to the hose connection portion 306.

As shown in FIG. 4, the discharge pipe insertion portion 302 has a slide ring 308, a main body portion 310, and a packing 312. The main body portion 310 has openings 314 at a plurality of locations (three locations) in the circumferential direction.

The lower engaging portion 304 has an engaging elastic body 316. The engaging elastic bodies 316 are provided at a plurality of locations (three locations) in the circumferential direction. The engaging elastic body 316 has a base 317 and an engaging claw 318 extending obliquely downward from the upper end of the base 317. An engaging elastic body 316 is arranged in each of the openings 314. In the unpressed natural state, the engaging claws 318 project radially inward from the openings 314.

The packing 312 has a flange portion 320 and a cylindrical portion 322. The flange portion 320 extends radially outward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 322. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 322 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the discharge pipe f3 in the portion inserted into the cylindrical portion 322.

As shown in FIG. 4, the hose connecting portion 306 is composed of a nipple member 330. The nipple member 330 has a hose connecting portion 306 and a screw portion 332. The screw portion 332 is a male screw. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body 310 has a screw portion 340. The screw portion 340 is a female screw. The screw portion 332 and the screw portion 340 are screwed together.

The packing 312 is fixed by utilizing the screw connection between the screw portion 332 and the screw portion 340. Specifically, the flange portion 320 of the packing 312 is sandwiched by the inner extending portion 342 of the main body portion 310 and the upper end surface 344 of the nipple member 330. As the screwing amount of the screw connection increases, the inner extending portion 342 and the upper end surface 344 come closer to each other, and the flange portion 320 is strongly sandwiched. With this configuration, the packing 312 is easily and surely fixed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge pipe insertion portion 302 of the lower member 300 has a cutout portion 350 that is partially cut off in the circumferential direction. The missing portion 350 is composed of a missing portion 352 of the slide ring 308 and a missing portion 354 of the main body portion 310 (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the upper member 200 as viewed from diagonally right above. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the upper member 200 as viewed from diagonally right below. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the upper member 200 as viewed from diagonally lower left. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the upper member 200. FIG. 6B is a front view of the upper member 200. FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the upper member 200. FIG. 7A is a right side view of the upper member 200. FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 6B. FIG. 7C is a rear view of the upper member 200.

The upper member 200 has a side wall portion 202 and an upper wall portion 204. The upper member 200 is open downward. The side wall portion 202 has a substantially cylindrical shape, but a part thereof in the circumferential direction is missing. That is, the side wall portion 202 has the missing portion 206.

The upper member 200 has a contact portion 210 that can contact the discharge pipe f3 from above (see FIG. 2). In the upper wall portion 204 of the upper member 200, the portion located above the missing portion 206 is the contact portion 210.

The upper member 200 has an upper engaging portion 220. The upper engagement portion 220 is provided on the side wall portion 202. The upper engagement portion 220 is a recess. More specifically, the upper engagement portion 220 is a groove provided along the circumferential direction. However, in the region where the missing portion 206 exists, the upper engagement portion 220 (groove) is interrupted. The upper engagement portion 220 can engage with the engagement claw 318 of the engagement elastic body 316.

[Connected and mounted]
In the present application, a state in which the upper member 200 and the lower member 300 are engaged with each other is also referred to as a connected state. As shown in FIG. 2, due to this connection state, the bent and extending discharge pipe f3 is sandwiched. By this sandwiching, the hose connector 100 is fixed to the discharge pipe f3. As long as the connected state is maintained, the hose connector 100 will not come off from the discharge pipe f3. In addition, in this application, “sandwiching the discharge pipe f3” means that the discharge pipe f3 is held in a state in which it does not come off.

The connected state is formed by pressing one of the upper member 200 and the lower member 300 against the other. The upper member 200 may be pressed against the lower member 300, or the lower member 300 may be pressed against the upper member 200. The wording “press” considers a force for deforming a member (a member that is temporarily deformed in the process until the engagement is completed) such as an engagement elastic body 316 described later. Is. The engagement for forming the connected state is a concavo-convex engagement that appears when the positional relationship between the upper member 200 and the lower member 300 becomes a predetermined positional relationship. One of the upper member 200 and the lower member 300 has a protruding portion that recedes due to elastic deformation due to compression, and the other is engaged with the protruding portion while allowing the protruding portion to protrude in the above-mentioned predetermined positional relationship. It suffices if it has a recess that fits. The connection state is formed with one touch. Hereinafter, this engagement is also referred to as one-touch connection. It is very easy to form the connection state.

The upper member 200 and the lower member 300 are engaged by elastic deformation. In this embodiment, the engaging elastic body 316 of the lower member 300 is elastically deformed. The elastically deformable portion may be at least a part of the lower member 300 or at least a part of the upper member 200. The one-touch connection is achieved by the engagement by elastic deformation.

As a method of attaching the hose connector 100, the following procedure A and procedure B are possible. By steps A and B, the attachment state is completed at the same time when the connection state is completed.
(Procedure A) The discharge pipe f3 is covered with the upper member 200 from above, and then the lower member 300 is pressed against the upper member 200 from below while inserting the discharge pipe f3 into the discharge pipe insertion portion 302.
(Procedure B) The lower member 300 is attached to the discharge pipe f3 from below, and then the upper member 200 is pressed against the lower member 300 from above.

In any of the procedures, the upper engagement portion 220 (recess) engages with the lower engagement portion 304 (engagement elastic body 316) to complete the connection state. In the process in which one of the upper member 200 and the lower member 300 is pressed against the other, the lower end of the upper member 200 presses the engaging claw 318. Since the engaging claw 318 extends obliquely downward, the engaging claw 318 is easily pressed by the upper member 200 moving from the upper side to the lower side and retreats outward in the radial direction. When the upper engagement part 220 (recess) of the upper member 200 reaches the position of the engagement claw 318, the engagement claw 318 is released from the pressure and protrudes inside the upper engagement part 220 (recess). As a result, the engaging claw 318 and the upper engaging portion 220 are engaged with each other. In other words, the upper engagement portion 220 and the lower engagement portion 304 engage with each other. In this way, the connection state can be formed by merely pressing one of the upper member 200 and the lower member 300 against the other.

The slide ring 308 has a lock function that holds the engagement between the upper engagement portion 220 (recess) and the lower engagement portion 304 (engagement claw 318). The slide ring 308 can slide vertically with respect to the main body 310. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the slide ring 308 has moved upward with respect to the main body 310. The position of the slide ring 308 is the lock position. In this state, since the base portion 317 of the engaging elastic body 316 is in contact with the inner surface (first inner surface D1) of the slide ring 308, the engaging claw 318 is less likely to retract. Therefore, the above-mentioned lock mechanism works. On the other hand, although not shown, when the slide ring 308 is slid downward, the second inner surface D2 is arranged outside the engaging elastic body 316. The position of the slide ring 308 at this time is referred to as a release position. The second inner surface D2 is located radially outside of the first inner surface D1. Therefore, a gap is secured between the outside of the base 317 and the second inner surface D2. Due to this gap, the lock mechanism is released, and the engaging claw 318 easily retracts. Therefore, the connection state can be released easily.

Although not used in this embodiment, a slide restricting member that restricts the slide movement of the slide ring 308 may be further provided. The slide restricting member contributes to the maintenance of the lock mechanism, and thus contributes to the maintenance of the attached state. An example of this slide regulating member is a ring member arranged in a gap g1 (see FIG. 2) between the lower end of the slide ring 308 and the flange portion of the main body portion 310. The ring member is, for example, a member that is easily elastically deformed, and is fitted into the gap g1. When releasing the lock mechanism, the ring member may be removed. Another example of the slide restricting member is an urging member that urges the slide ring 308 to the upper side (direction from the release position to the lock position). When releasing the lock mechanism, an external force exceeding the biasing force may be applied to the slide ring 308 to move the slide ring 308 to the release position.

With the hose connector 100, the above-described two attachment methods are possible, which is highly convenient. In particular, the procedure B can be performed with one hand. Installation of the hose connector 100 is very easy. The ease of installation is clear compared to conventional hose fittings that tighten screws located at multiple locations in the circumferential direction.

In the present application, a state in which the hose connector 100 is attached to the discharge pipe f3 is also referred to as an attached state. In the attached state, the upper member 200 and the lower member 300 that are in the connected state sandwich the discharge pipe f3.

In the attached state, the missing portion 206 of the upper member 200 and the missing portion 350 of the lower member 300 overlap with each other, and the discharge pipe f3 is inserted into the overlapping missing portion. As shown in FIG. 2, in the mounted state, the lower end portion of the discharge pipe f3 bites into the cylindrical portion 322 of the packing 312 from the inside. The packing 312 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the discharge pipe f3. Watertightness is achieved by this close contact.

In the attached state, the packing 312 is in close contact with the discharge pipe f3 as long as the connected state is maintained. Due to this close contact, watertightness is maintained.

In the attached state, the contact position c1 of the contact portion 210 is located on the water supply side (right side in FIG. 2) with respect to the center line CL1 of the lower end portion of the discharge pipe f3. Therefore, the reliability of fixing the hose connector 100 to the discharge pipe f3 is improved. The center line CL1 is the center line of the cylindrical portion that extends straight at the lower end of the discharge pipe f3.

In the attached state, there may be a play between the hose connector 100 and the discharge pipe f3. That is, as long as the discharge pipe f3 does not come off, the attached hose connector 100 may move with respect to the discharge pipe f3. When there is this play, it is preferable that the contact pressure (watertightness) between the packing 312 and the discharge pipe f3 is maintained in the entire range of the play.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector 400 according to the second embodiment is attached to the faucet f10. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view in which the lower member of FIG. 10 is further disassembled.

The hose connector 400 has an upper member 500 and a lower member 600. The upper member 500 and the lower member 600 are detachably connected to each other.

The faucet f10 has a faucet body f20, a discharge pipe f30, and an operating portion f40. Further, a valve (not shown) is built in the faucet f10. By operating (rotating) the operation part f40, it is possible to switch the discharge water and adjust the discharge amount.

In the present embodiment, the water faucet f10 has a discharge pipe f30 rotatable with respect to the water faucet body f20. Those skilled in the art will refer to this faucet f10 as a universal faucet. In this faucet f10, a discharge pipe f30 extends obliquely. Therefore, in the mounted state, the upper member 500 is positioned diagonally above the lower member 600 (see FIG. 9).

As shown in FIG. 11, the upper member 500 is a member integrally formed as a whole. The upper member 500 is a substantially strip-shaped member that is bent and extends in a U shape as a whole. Details of the upper member 500 will be described later.

The lower member 600 has a discharge pipe insertion portion 602, a lower engagement portion 604, and a hose connection portion 606. The discharge pipe insertion portion 602 has a cylindrical inner surface. The lower end of the discharge pipe f30 is inserted into the discharge pipe insertion portion 602. A hose (a connector attached to the end of the hose) is connected to the hose connecting portion 606.

As shown in FIG. 11, the discharge pipe insertion portion 602 includes a slide ring 608, a main body portion 610, and a packing 612. The main body 610 has openings 614 at a plurality of locations (four locations) in the circumferential direction.

The lower engagement portion 604 has an engagement elastic body 616. The engaging elastic bodies 616 are provided at a plurality of locations (four locations) in the circumferential direction. The engaging elastic body 616 has a base portion 617 and an engaging claw 618 extending obliquely downward from the upper end of the base portion 617. An engaging elastic body 616 is arranged in each of the openings 614. In the unpressed natural state, the engaging claws 618 project radially inward from the openings 614.

The packing 612 has a flange portion 620 and a cylindrical portion 622. The flange portion 620 extends radially outward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 622.

As shown in FIG. 11, the hose connecting portion 606 is composed of a nipple member 630. The nipple member 630 has a hose connecting portion 606 and a screw portion 632. The screw portion 632 is a male screw. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the main body portion 610 has a screw portion 640. The screw portion 640 is a female screw. The screw portion 632 and the screw portion 640 are screwed together.

The packing 612 is fixed by utilizing the screw connection between the screw portion 632 and the screw portion 640. Specifically, the flange portion 620 of the packing 612 is sandwiched by the inner extending portion 642 of the main body portion 610 and the upper end surface 644 of the nipple member 630. As the screwing amount of the screw connection is increased, the inner extending portion 342 and the upper end surface 644 are closer to each other, and the flange portion 620 is strongly sandwiched. With this structure, the packing 612 is easily and surely fixed.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the upper member 500 seen from diagonally above and to the right. FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the upper member 500 as viewed from diagonally lower right. FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the upper member 500 as viewed from diagonally below left. FIG. 13A is a plan view of the upper member 500. FIG. 13B is a front view of the upper member 500. FIG. 13C is a bottom view of the upper member 500. FIG. 14A is a right side view of the upper member 500. FIG. 14B is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 13B. FIG. 14C is a rear view of the upper member 500.

The upper member 500 has a right side wall portion 502, a left side wall portion 503, and a connecting portion 504. As shown in FIG. 13C, the right side wall portion 502 constitutes a wall surface along the circumference. The left side wall portion 503 also constitutes a wall surface along the circumference. The right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503 form an inner wall surface along one circumferential surface.

The connecting portion 504 has a strip shape. The connecting portion 504 is curved. The left and right connecting portions 504 are bent in a U shape. The connecting portion 504 connects the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503. The right side wall portion 502 is provided at one end of the connecting portion 504. A left side wall portion 503 is provided at the other end of the connecting portion 504.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the upper member 500 is opened downward. Further, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C and FIG. 13B, the upper member 500 is open to the front side and the back side. The right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503 form a side wall portion that is missing at two locations in the circumferential direction. In other words, the upper member 500 has a right side wall portion 502 and a left side wall portion 503 as side wall portions that are divided at two locations in the circumferential direction.

The upper member 500 has a contact portion 510 that can contact the discharge pipe f3 from above (see FIG. 9). A part (top portion) of the connecting portion 504 is the contact portion 510.

The curved (U-shaped) connecting portion 504 forms a space communicating with the front-rear direction. That is, the connecting portion 504 has the front opening k1, the back opening k2, and the internal space s1. The internal space s1 is a space between the front opening k1 and the back opening k2.

The upper member 500 has an upper engaging portion 520. The upper engagement portion 520 is provided on each of the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503. That is, the upper engagement portion 520 has a first engagement portion 520R provided on the right side wall portion 502 and a second engagement portion 520L provided on the left side wall portion 503. The upper engagement portion 520 is a recess. More specifically, the upper engagement portion 520 is a groove provided along the circumferential direction. When the upper side engaging portion 520 of the right side wall portion 502 and the upper side engaging portion 520 of the left side wall portion 503 are combined, a circumferential groove that is substantially along one circumferential surface is formed. However, due to the right side wall 502 and the left side wall 503 being separated from each other, this circumferential groove is divided at two locations in the circumferential direction (FIGS. 13B and 13C). )reference). That is, the circumferential groove is divided into the first engaging portion 520R and the second engaging portion 520L. The upper engagement portion 520 can engage with the engagement claw 618 of the engagement elastic body 616.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the inner surface of the circumference is constituted by the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503. As shown in FIG. 13C, an internal space s2 is formed between the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503. The internal space s2 is a cylindrical space.

In the attached state, the discharge pipe f30 is inserted between the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503. The discharge pipe f30 is tubular and its cross section is circular. Therefore, the discharge pipe f30 is stably held by the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503.

The connection part 504 can be elastically deformed. The width of the internal space s2 may change due to the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 504. In other words, the distance between the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503 may change due to the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 504. The distance between the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503 can be adjusted according to the thickness of the discharge pipe f30. Therefore, the upper member 500 can stably hold the discharge pipe f30 even if the thickness (diameter) and the bending degree of the discharge pipe f30 are changed. The upper member 500 can be deformed according to the size and shape of the discharge pipe f30, and has excellent adaptability to the discharge pipe.

[Connected and mounted]
As shown in FIG. 9, the bent and extending discharge pipe f30 is sandwiched by the connected state in which the upper member 500 and the lower member 600 are engaged with each other. By this sandwiching, the hose connector 400 is fixed to the discharge pipe f30. As long as the connected state is maintained, the hose connector 400 will not come off from the discharge pipe f30.

The connected state is formed by pressing one of the upper member 500 and the lower member 600 against the other. The upper member 500 may be pressed against the lower member 600, or the lower member 600 may be pressed against the upper member 500. The connection state is formed with one touch. It is very easy to form the connection state.

As a method for attaching the hose connector 400, the following procedure C is possible. By this procedure C, the attachment state is completed at the same time when the connection state is completed.
(Procedure C) The upper member 500 is attached to the discharge pipe f30 by passing the lower end of the discharge pipe f30 through the rear opening k2 into the internal space s2. Next, the lower member 600 is pressed against the upper member 500 from below.

By increasing the degree of elastic deformation of the connecting portion 504, the above-described procedure A and procedure B are also possible. On the other hand, in the above procedure C, since elastic deformation of the connecting portion 504 can be suppressed, the load on the connecting portion 504 is small.

In any of Procedures A to C, the upper engagement portion 520 (recess) engages with the lower engagement portion 604 (engagement elastic body 616), thereby completing the connection state. In the process in which one of the upper member 500 and the lower member 600 is pressed against the other, the lower end of the upper member 500 presses the engaging claw 618. Since the engaging claw 618 extends obliquely downward, the engaging claw 618 is easily pressed by the upper member 500 moving from the upper side to the lower side and recedes outward in the radial direction. When the upper engaging portion 520 (recess) of the upper member 500 reaches the position of the engaging claw 618, the engaging claw 618 is released from the pressing by the upper member 200 and projects inward in the radial direction. As a result, the engagement claw 618 and the upper engagement portion 520 are engaged with each other. In other words, the upper engaging portion 520 engages with the lower engaging portion 604. In this way, the connection state can be formed by merely pressing one of the upper member 500 and the lower member 600 against the other.

The slide ring 608 has a lock function that holds the engagement between the upper engagement portion 520 (recess) and the lower engagement portion 604 (engagement claw 618). The structure of this lock mechanism is similar to that of the first embodiment described above.

Even with the hose connector 400, it is easy to form a connected state, which is highly convenient. Further, due to the easiness of deformation of the upper member 500, the adaptability to the discharge pipe f30 is high. As described above, the distance between the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503 may change depending on the thickness and bending of the discharge pipe f30. Due to this change, the distance between the first engaging portion 520R and the second engaging portion 520L also changes, but this change in the distance causes a difference between the upper engaging portion 520 and the lower engaging portion 604. Does not affect the result. In this way, the hose connector 400 is excellent in adaptability to changes in the shape of the discharge pipe f30, and can be easily attached in a mounted state. The ease of installation is clear compared to conventional hose fittings that tighten screws located at multiple locations in the circumferential direction.

Also in the second embodiment, in the attached state, the upper member 500 and the lower member 600 that are in the connected state sandwich the discharge pipe f3.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the mounted state, the lower end portion of the discharge pipe f30 bites into the cylindrical portion 622 of the packing 612 from the inside. The packing 612 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the discharge pipe f30. Watertightness is achieved by this close contact.

In the attached state, the packing 612 is in close contact with the discharge pipe f30 as long as the connected state is maintained. Due to this close contact, watertightness is maintained.

In the attached state, the contact position c1 of the contact portion 510 is located on the water supply side (right side in FIG. 9) with respect to the center line CL1 of the lower end of the discharge pipe f3. Therefore, the reliability of fixing the hose connector 400 to the discharge pipe f30 is improved.

In the attached state, there may be a play between the hose connector 400 and the discharge pipe f30. That is, the hose connector 400 in the attached state may move with respect to the discharge pipe f30 as long as the discharge pipe f30 does not come off. When this play exists, it is preferable that the contact pressure (watertightness) between the packing 612 and the discharge pipe f30 is maintained in the entire range of the play.

In the hose connector 100 of the first embodiment, the upper engaging portion 220 of the upper member 200 has a missing portion 206 that is partially missing in the circumferential direction. Engagement between the upper engagement portion 220 and the lower engagement portion 304 is uneven engagement. Therefore, even if the missing portion 206 is present, the engagement between the upper engagement portion 220 and the lower engagement portion 304 is reliable and stable. Further, the missing portion 206 can be provided according to the shape of the discharge pipe f3. The upper member 200 having the missing portion 206 has excellent adaptability to the discharge pipe. In addition, the missing portion 206 enables the procedure A and the procedure B described above.

Note that strict conformity is not required between the inner surface shape of the upper member 200 and the outer surface shape of the discharge pipe. This point is also clear from the size of the space s4 shown in FIG. In the attached state, it suffices if the discharge pipe cannot be pulled out from the hose connector in the connected state. The inner surface of the upper member 200 and the outer surface of the discharge pipe do not have to coincide with each other to restrain the bent discharge pipe from coming off. As described above, the upper member 200 enables the hose connector 100 to be fixed to the discharge pipe f3 without requiring strict conformity with the shape of the discharge pipe f3. In addition to being able to be covered from above, the upper member 200 has excellent compatibility with the discharge pipe.

In the hose connector 400 of the second embodiment, a gap 506 exists between the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503 (see FIG. 13(b) and FIG. 13(c)). These gaps 506 are the above-mentioned missing portions. That is, the upper engagement portion 520 of the upper member 500 has a cutout portion 506 that is partially cut off in the circumferential direction. These missing portions 506 facilitate the deformation of the connecting portion 504. The upper member 500 having the cutout portion 506 has excellent adaptability to the discharge pipe f30.

In the hose connector 400 of the second embodiment, the missing portions 506 are provided at two locations in the circumferential direction, so that the upper engagement portion 520 is divided into the first engagement portion 520R and the second engagement portion 520L. ing. The upper member 500 has a connecting portion 504 that connects the first engaging portion 520R and the second engaging portion 520L. The left and right connecting portions 504 have a contact portion 510. Since the discharge pipe f30 is tubular, the curved connecting portion 504 easily contacts the discharge pipe f30 from the upper side while inserting the discharge pipe f30. The curved connecting portion 504 contributes to stably sandwiching the discharge pipe f30.

In the first embodiment, the packing 312 has a cylindrical portion 322 that can be in close contact with the outer surface of the discharge pipe f3. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 322 is smaller than the outer diameter of the discharge pipe f3. When the discharge pipe f3 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 322, the cylindrical portion 322 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the discharge pipe f3. Watertightness is exhibited by this adhesion. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a space s3 is provided outside the cylindrical portion 322. Water flows into this space s3 during water flow. Therefore, at the time of passing water, the water pressure presses the cylindrical portion 322 toward the discharge pipe f3. Therefore, the watertightness is further enhanced.

Regarding the attachment of the hose connector, in the above-mentioned procedure A and procedure B, the upper member is attached to the discharge pipe from the upper side. Therefore, the upper member can be attached from the upper side of the discharge pipe and the lower member can be attached from the lower side, and the attachment is easy. In the case of the procedure C described above, the upper member cannot be mounted from the upper side, and thus the ease of mounting is lower than that of the procedure A and the procedure B. However, also in this procedure C, one-touch engagement is possible, as in the procedures A and B. In these procedures A, B, and C, the labor and time required for mounting are greatly reduced as compared with the conventional hose connector that tightens the screws arranged at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction.

The effects of the embodiment of the present application are as follows in comparison with the coupling for faucet connection described in JP-A-2007-528458.

[Effect 1]
In the present embodiment, the engagement for connection is not a screw connection. Therefore, it is possible to regulate the rotation of the member (lower member) to which the hose is connected. The hose connector 400 described above has a concave-convex engagement that restricts rotation of the lower member 600 with respect to the upper member 500. As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the upper member 500 has an engaging protrusion 530. The engagement protrusion 530 extends in the insertion direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the lower member 600 has an engaging recess 650 that engages with the engaging protrusion 530. The engagement recess 650 extends in the insertion direction. In the connected state, the engagement protrusion 530 and the engagement recess 650 engage with each other. By this engagement, rotation of the lower member 600 with respect to the upper member 500 is restricted. Note that the insertion direction means the insertion direction when the upper member 500 is inserted into the lower member 600.

On the other hand, in the coupling for faucet connection described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528458, the above-mentioned rotation restriction is impossible because the engagement for connection is a screw connection. Therefore, even if it is desired to prevent the rotation of the member (lower member) to which the hose is connected, the rotation cannot be prevented. An example of a case where rotation is desired to be prevented is a case where a branch shower is attached. The embodiment of the present application is excellent in convenience because the rotation can be restricted.

[Effect 2]
In the coupling for faucet connection described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528458, loosening may occur in the screw connection due to rotation of the hose. This looseness of the screw connection leads to water leakage. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present application, since the engagement for connection is not screw connection, water leakage does not occur even when the lower member rotates.

[Effect 3]
A current plate is often arranged near the outlet inside the discharge pipe of the faucet. In the coupling for faucet connection described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528458, since there is a member (connector 20) inserted inside the discharge pipe of the faucet, it cannot be attached to the faucet on which the current plate is arranged. .. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present application, since there is no member to be inserted into the discharge pipe of the faucet, the flow straightening plate is attached even if it is provided.

[Effect 4]
In the coupling for faucet connection described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528458, it is difficult to understand how tightly the screw connection should be tightened. With insufficient tightening, water leakage can occur. Also, if the tightening is excessive, the packing will be damaged. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present application, the completion of the engagement is easy to understand. For example, in the hose connector 100, the engagement claw 318 projects inside the upper engagement portion 220 (recess) at the same time when the engagement is completed. Sound and/or vibration may occur during this protrusion. By these sounds and/or vibrations, the completion of installation can be recognized. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the completion of attachment can be recognized by hearing or touch.

Further, in the embodiment of the present application, the completion of the attachment can be visually recognized. As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting portion 504 of the upper member 500 has an outer protruding portion 540. The outer protruding portions 540 are provided on each of the left and right. The first outer protrusion 540 is provided adjacent to the upper side of the right side wall 502. The second outer protruding portion 540 is provided adjacent to the upper side of the left side wall portion 503. Completion of attachment can be recognized by the distance between the upper end surface of the lower member 600 and the outer protruding portion 540. For example, the attachment can be completed when there is no gap between the upper end surface of the lower member 600 and the outer protruding portion 540.

[Effect 5]
In the coupling for faucet connection described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528458, it is necessary to pass the discharge pipe of the faucet through the cylindrical fixture 10. Therefore, when the discharge pipe is long, it is difficult to install. For example, it is difficult to mount the universal faucet 10 (see FIG. 10) described above. On the other hand, the upper member 200 and the upper member 500 described above are excellent in adaptability to the discharge pipe and have a wide range of usable faucets.

[Effect 6]
In the faucet connection coupling described in JP 2007-528458 A, the connector 20 is pushed upward by tightening the screw connection with the fastener 30, and the watertightness is secured by this pushing force. Therefore, if the above-mentioned one-touch connection is applied to this conventional configuration, it is difficult to ensure water tightness. This is because one-touch connection usually causes play. On the other hand, in the hose connector 100 and the hose connector 400 described above, the close contact range between the packing and the discharge pipe is secured along the direction of the center line CL1. Therefore, watertightness is ensured even if there is such play. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the watertightness is ensured even if the one-touch connection is adopted.

[Effect 7]
The packing 312 of the hose connector 100 described above has the cylindrical portion 322 extending along the center line CL1. Due to the length of the cylindrical portion 322, the contact area between the packing 312 and the discharge pipe f3 is secured, and the watertightness is improved. When this packing 312 is applied to the conventional coupling for faucet connection, in addition to the length of the cylindrical portion 322, the length of the screw connection between the fixture 10 and the fastener 30 is necessary. However, in the case of the faucet f1 as shown in FIG. 3, the discharge pipe f3 is short. If the packing 312 is applied in such a case, the length of the screw connection between the fixture 10 and the fastener 30 cannot be secured. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the above-described engagement structure is adopted, the length of the engagement portion (the length in the direction of the center line CL1) can be shortened. The hose connector 100 according to the embodiment of the present application has excellent adaptability to a discharge pipe.

[Effect 8]
In the coupling for faucet connection described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528458, it is necessary to tighten the screws with the fixture 10 and the fastener 30. On the other hand, the one-touch connection described above is excellent in workability of mounting.

[Effect 9]
Since the lower member 300 has the same structure as the existing nipple joint, it can be shared with other products. With this commonality, the lower member 300 can be connected to an existing hose joint, an existing sprinkler nozzle, or the like.

[Effect 10]
The hose connector of the embodiment of the present application is easy to install and remove, and thus easy to clean.

[Effect 11]
In the hose connector of the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical portion of the packing can be expanded according to the outer diameter of the discharge pipe. Therefore, it can be adapted to exhaust pipes having various outer diameters. The packing used in the embodiment of the present application is also referred to as a wing packing.

[Effect 12]
In the coupling for faucet connection described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528458, engagement for connection is screw connection. It is not preferable to provide a cutout portion in the screw connection portion, and it is preferable that both the male screw and the female screw are provided on a complete cylindrical surface. From this viewpoint, the shapes of the upper member and the lower member are restricted. On the other hand, in the hose connector 100, the engagement is achieved even if the upper member 200 and the lower member 300 are provided with the missing portions. Further, in the hose connector 400, the upper engagement portion 520 is divided into the first engagement portion 520R and the second engagement portion 520L, and the engagement is achieved although the distance between them may change. ing. The embodiment of the present application has excellent flexibility in the shapes of the upper member and the lower member.

[Effect 13]
In the coupling for faucet connection described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528458, the connector 20 is pushed up by the axial force of the screw coupling between the fixture 10 and the fastener 30 to ensure watertightness. Therefore, in this conventional technique, the upper member (fastener 30) applies a compressive force to the packing (connector 20). In order to apply this compressive force, the fixture 10 and the fastener 30 have a cylindrical shape, and a screw connection is fastened therebetween. In this configuration, the degree of freedom in the shapes of the fixture 10 and the fastener 30 is low, and the compatibility with the discharge pipe is limited. On the other hand, in the hose connector 100, the upper member 200 does not apply the compressive force to the packing 312 in the connected state. The upper member 200 regulates the movement of the lower member 300, but does not apply a force that increases the compression force of the packing 312. If the lower member 300 is pulled downward by some external force, the upper member 200 will give an upward force to the lower member 300 as a result. This upward force may affect the compressive force of the packing 312, but the upper member 200 does not apply the upward force to the lower member 300 in a normal use state.

In this way, the role of the upper member 200 only regulates the movement of the lower member 300. The upper member 200 does not need to apply an upward force to the lower member 300. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the shape of the upper member 200 can be increased, and it is possible to adapt to various discharge pipes f3.

The hose connector of the present embodiment has the above-described effects, but particularly remarkable effects in actual use are workability of attachment and suitability for a discharge pipe.

Regarding workability of mounting, the hose connector 100 can be mounted by simply covering the upper member 200 from above. In any of the procedure A and the procedure B described above, the upper member 200 covers the discharge pipe f3 from above, and the lower member 300 inserts the discharge pipe f3 from below and only connects them with one touch. As described above, the attachment with one hand is possible. The same applies to the hose connector 400, and one-touch connection is possible. The amount of work involved in this installation is much less than with conventional hose fittings. Regarding the compatibility with the exhaust pipe, as described above, the upper member 200 and the upper member 500 can be adapted to various exhaust pipes. Also, as mentioned above, the wing packing may be compatible with a wide variety of exhaust tubes. As described above, the hose connector according to the embodiment has an effect that it is excellent in workability of attachment and that the range of compatible faucets is wider than that of the conventional product. The hose connector according to the embodiment is extremely convenient.

In the hose connector 100, the engaging elastic body 316 is a member separate from the main body 310. However, it goes without saying that the engaging elastic body 316 may be integrated with the main body 310. Further, the number of engaging elastic bodies 316 is not limited. From the viewpoint of the stability of the connected state, the number of engaging elastic bodies 316 is preferably 2 or more. Considering the manufacturing cost of the hose connector 100, the number of the engaging elastic bodies 316 is preferably 6 or less, more preferably 5 or less, and more preferably 4 or less. When there are a plurality of engaging elastic bodies 316, it is preferable that they are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction.

Regarding the lock mechanism in the connected state, as described above, a slide restricting member that restricts the movement of the slide ring may be provided. As described above, the slide restricting member contributes to maintaining the slide ring in the lock position. Even if a downward external force not intended by the user acts on the slide ring, the connection state can be reliably maintained by the slide restricting member. When the slide restricting member is a member (for example, the above-mentioned ring member) arranged in the gap g1 (see FIG. 2), the locked position can be maintained more reliably, but mounting of the member requires some labor. It costs. On the other hand, when the slide regulating member is the above-mentioned urging member (spring or the like), there is an advantage that the labor is reduced, but the certainty of maintaining the lock position is slightly lowered.

As described above, screwing is adopted as the fixing structure between the main body portion 310 and the nipple member 330 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). This fixing structure is not limited to screwing. Examples of this fixing structure include screwing, adhesion and welding. As described above, from the viewpoint of facilitating the fixing of the packing 312, screwing is preferable. On the other hand, adhesion and welding are preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing the complexity of the molding die. Further, in consideration of processing stability during mass production, welding is preferable.

Regarding the fixing of the hose connector to the faucet, as described above, the contact position c1 of the contact portion 210 is preferably located on the water supply side with respect to the center line CL1 (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, in the normal mounting state, the main body 310 is not in contact with the faucet f1, but the packing 312 is in contact with the faucet f1. That is, the packing 312 supports the entire lower member 300. However, when the hose connector 100 is tilted, the main body 310 contacts the discharge pipe f3. This contact prevents the hose connector 100 from further tilting, and thus prevents the hose connector 100 from coming off. Further, instead of the body portion 310, the slide ring 308 or the nipple member 330 may come into contact with the faucet f1. As described above, depending on the posture of the hose connector 100, any part of the lower member 300 abuts the faucet f1 to prevent the hose connector 100 from tilting, and thus prevent the hose connector 100 from coming off. Has been done. In addition, when the hose connector 100 is inclined, the contact portion 210 may not contact the faucet f1.

As described above, depending on the attitude of the hose connector 100, at least one of the contact portion 210 and the lower member 300 contacts the faucet f1, and further inclination of the hose connector 100 is suppressed. By this contact, the inclination of the hose connector 100 is regulated to a predetermined critical point, and the discharge pipe f3 is prevented from coming off the hose connector 100. One or more members selected from the group consisting of the contact portion 210, the slide ring 308, the main body portion 310, and the nipple member 330 function as a tilt suppressing member.

For example, in the hose connector 400 shown in FIG. 8, the shape of the upper member 500 is a substantially strip shape, and the conformity with the shape of the discharge pipe f30 is low. Even such an upper member 500 can be reliably fixed to the discharge pipe f30. The low conformity with the shape of the discharge pipe f30 means that the upper member 500 can accommodate a wide range of the discharge pipe f30. That is, the upper member 500 may be adapted to various discharge pipes f30. Since the surface of the discharge pipe f3 is a smooth curved surface and is slippery, it was thought that fixing the hose connector was not easy. However, it has been found that the upper member 500 and the lower member 600 can be fixed to the discharge pipe f30 by sandwiching the curved and extending discharge pipe f30 without restricting the shape of the upper member 500 so much. According to the hose connector of the present invention, the attachment work is easy, the adaptability to the discharge pipe is high, and the reliable fixing is possible.

In FIG. 2, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow D1 is the axial length of the space s3. From the viewpoint of increasing the degree of freedom of the insertion length of the discharge pipe f3 with respect to the packing 312 and increasing the watertightness due to water pressure, the length D1 is preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 7 mm or more, and more preferably 8 mm or more. From the viewpoint of downsizing of the hose connector 100, the length D1 is preferably 16 mm or less, more preferably 14 mm or less, and further preferably 12 mm or less. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the length D1 was set to 9 mm. The axial direction means the direction of the center line CL1.

In FIG. 2, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow D2 is the axial length of the cylindrical portion 322. From the viewpoint of increasing the degree of freedom of the insertion length of the discharge pipe f3 with respect to the packing 312, the length D2 is preferably 9 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more, and further preferably 12 mm or more. From the viewpoint of downsizing of the hose connector 100, the length D2 is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 18 mm or less, even more preferably 16 mm or less. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the length D2 was 14 mm.

In FIG. 2, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow D3 is the maximum value of the radial length of the space s3. From the viewpoint of increasing the degree of freedom of the outer diameter of the discharge pipe f3, the length D3 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and further preferably 3 mm or more. From the viewpoint of downsizing of the hose connector 100, the length D3 is preferably 8 mm or less, more preferably 7 mm or less, and further preferably 6 mm or less. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the length D3 was 4 mm. The length D3 is measured with the discharge pipe f3 not inserted. The radial direction means a direction of a straight line that intersects with the center line CL1 and is perpendicular to the center line CL1.

What is indicated by a double-headed arrow D4 in FIG. 13C is a separation distance between the right side wall portion 502 and the left side wall portion 503. Considering holding the thin discharge pipe f3, it is preferable to secure the distance D4. From this viewpoint, the distance D4 is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more, and further preferably 1.5 mm or more. When passing through the thick discharge pipe f3, the connecting portion 504 may be deformed, and the separation distance may be increased. Considering the continuity between the first engagement portion 520R and the second engagement portion 520L, it is not preferable that the separation distance becomes too large. From this viewpoint, the distance D4 is preferably 6 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and further preferably 4 mm or less. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the distance D4 is set to 2 mm. The distance D4 is measured in a natural state in which no external force is applied to the upper member 500.

In FIG. 6, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow θ1 is the central angle of the missing portion 206. The angle θ1 is preferably 60° or more, more preferably 70° or more, and even more preferably 80° or more, from the viewpoint of enhancing compatibility with the discharge pipes f3 having various thicknesses. From the viewpoint of increasing the circumferential range of the upper engaging portion 220, the angle θ1 is preferably 120° or less, more preferably 110° or less, and even more preferably 100° or less. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the angle θ1 is set to 90°. The center of the angle θ1 may be the center of the circumferential surface existing on at least a part of the inner surface or the outer surface of the upper member 200.

In FIG. 13, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow θ2 is the central angle of the front opening k1 (and the back opening k2). The angle θ2 is preferably 60° or more, more preferably 70° or more, and even more preferably 80° or more, from the viewpoint of enhancing compatibility with the discharge pipes f3 having various thicknesses. Considering the durability of the connecting portion 504 in repeated elastic deformation, the angle θ2 is preferably 120° or less, more preferably 110° or less, and even more preferably 100° or less. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the angle θ2 is set to 90°. Note that the angle θ2 is measured in a natural state where no external force is applied to the upper member 500.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector 700 according to the third embodiment is attached to the faucet f1. 16 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.

The hose connector 700 has an upper member 800 and a lower member 300. The upper member 800 and the lower member 300 are detachably connected to each other.

The only difference between the hose connector 100 and the hose connector 700 described above is the presence or absence of the second upper engagement portion 222. As shown in FIG. 16, the upper member 800 has an upper engaging portion 220, like the upper member 200 described above. In addition, the upper member 800 has a second upper engaging portion 222. In the connected state, the upper engagement portion 220 and the second upper engagement portion 222 have different axial positions. In addition to the upper side engaging portion 220, the lower side engaging portion 304 (the engaging claw 318 of the engaging elastic body 316) can also engage with the second upper side engaging portion 222.

The plurality of upper engaging portions 220 and 222 increase adaptability to the discharge pipe f3 having different lengths. When the discharge pipe f3 is short as shown in FIG. 16, the engagement claw 318 engages with the upper engagement portion 220. When the discharge pipe f3 is long, the engagement claw 318 can engage with the second upper engagement portion 222. By providing a plurality of upper engaging portions in this way, compatibility with the discharge pipe f3 having different lengths is enhanced. From this point of view, it is preferable to provide a plurality of upper engaging portions having different axial positions in the connected state. In this embodiment, the upper engaging portion has two stages, but may have three or more stages.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector 900 according to the fourth embodiment is attached to the faucet f10. FIG. 18 is a sectional view of FIG. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view in which the lower member of FIG. 19 is further disassembled.

The hose connector 900 has an upper member 1000 and a lower member 1100. The upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 are detachably connected to each other.

The faucet f10 has a faucet body f20, a discharge pipe f30, and an operating portion f40. Further, a valve (not shown) is built in the faucet f10. By operating (rotating) the operation part f40, it is possible to switch the discharge water and adjust the discharge amount.

In the present embodiment, the water faucet f10 has a discharge pipe f30 rotatable with respect to the water faucet body f20. Those skilled in the art will refer to this faucet f10 as a universal faucet. In this faucet f10, a discharge pipe f30 extends obliquely. Therefore, in the mounted state, the upper member 1000 is located diagonally above the lower member 1100 (see FIG. 17).

The upper member 1000 is a member integrally formed as a whole. The upper member 1000 is a member that is partially opened in the circumferential direction and that is opened downward as a whole. Details of the upper member 1000 will be described later.

The lower member 1100 has a discharge pipe insertion portion 1102, a ring engagement body 1104, and a hose connection portion 1106. The discharge pipe insertion portion 1102 has a cylindrical inner surface. The lower end of the discharge pipe f30 is inserted into the discharge pipe insertion portion 1102. A hose (a connector attached to the end of the hose) is connected to the hose connecting portion 1106. The hose connecting section 1106 has an O-ring 1108. The O-ring 1108 enhances the water tightness of the connection portion.

As shown in FIG. 20, the discharge pipe insertion portion 1102 has a main body portion 1110 and a packing 1112. The main body 1110 is a cylindrical member as a whole. The main body 1110 has through holes 1114 at a plurality of positions (three positions) in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 20). The packing 1112 is a wing packing.

The main body portion 1110 has a missing portion 1110a. The cutout portion 1110a extends downward from the upper end surface of the main body portion 1110. This missing portion 1110a prevents interference between the discharge pipe f30 and the lower member 1100. Due to the missing portion 1110a, the degree of freedom in the shape of the faucet f10 to which the hose connector 900 can be attached is increased.

The ring engaging body 1104 is an example of a lower engaging portion that can engage with the upper engaging portion 1020 of the upper member 1000. The ring engaging body 1104 is an annular member having an end. Details of the ring engaging body 1104 will be described later.

The ring engaging body 1104 is detachably attached to the main body 1110 (lower member 1100). The ring engaging body 1104 is attached to the outer surface of the main body 1110 (lower member 1100) (FIG. 19). The ring engaging body 1104 is attached to the side surface of the main body 1110 (lower member 1100). The main body 1110 (lower member 1100) has a circumferential groove 1116 into which the ring engaging body 1104 is fitted (see FIG. 20).

In the connected state in which the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 are engaged with each other, the ring engaging body 1104 can be removed from the lower member 1100 (main body portion 1110). In the present application, the relative positional relationship between the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 in the connected state is also referred to as a normal connection position. When the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 are in the normal connection position, the ring engagement body 1104 can be removed from the lower member 1100. The ring engaging body 1104 may be attached to the lower member 1100 when the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 (excluding the ring engaging body 1104) are in the normal connection position.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the packing 1112 has a flange portion 1120 and a cylindrical portion 1122. The flange portion 1120 extends radially outward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 1122.

In the attached state, the discharge pipe f30 passes through the cylindrical portion 1122 of the flange portion 1120. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 1122 in the natural state is smaller than the outer diameter of the discharge pipe f30 passing through the cylindrical portion 1122. Therefore, in the attached state, the cylindrical portion 1122 of the flange portion 1120 is in close contact with the outer surface of the discharge pipe f30 (see FIG. 18). This close contact prevents water leakage.

As shown in FIG. 20, the hose connecting portion 1106 is composed of a nipple member 1130. The nipple member 1130 has a hose connection portion 1106 and a coupling portion 1132. The coupling portion 1132 is inserted and fixed inside the main body portion 1110. The packing 1112 is sandwiched and fixed between the main body 1110 and the nipple member 1130.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the upper member 1000 as seen from diagonally above and to the right. FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the upper member 1000 seen from diagonally lower right. FIG. 21C is a perspective view of the upper member 1000 as viewed from diagonally lower left. FIG. 22A is a front view of the upper member 1000. 22B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 22C is a rear view of the upper member 1000.

The upper member 1000 has a side wall portion 1002 and an upper wall portion 1004. The upper member 1000 is opened downward. The side wall portion 1002 has a substantially cylindrical shape, but a part thereof in the circumferential direction is missing. That is, the side wall portion 1002 has the missing portion 1006.

The upper member 1000 has a contact portion 1010 that can contact the discharge pipe f3 from above (see FIG. 18). In the upper wall portion 1004 of the upper member 1000, the portion located above the missing portion 1006 is the contact portion 1010.

In the attached state, the discharge pipe f30 passes through the missing portion 1006 of the upper member 1000, reaches the lower member 1100 via the internal space of the upper member 1000.

The upper member 1000 has a contact surface M1. The contact surface M1 is provided at the lower end of the upper member 1000. The contact surface M1 is an inclined surface. In the process of pressing one of the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 against the other, the contact surface M1 may contact an engagement protrusion 1104a (described later) of the ring engagement body 1104.

The upper member 1000 has an upper engaging portion 1020. The upper engaging portion 1020 is provided on the side wall portion 1002. The upper engagement portion 1020 is a recess. More specifically, the upper engagement portion 1020 is a groove provided along the circumferential direction. However, the upper engagement portion 1020 (groove) is interrupted in the region where the missing portion 1006 exists. The upper engagement portion 1020 can engage with an engagement protrusion 1104a (described later) of the ring engagement body 1104.

The upper member 1000 has a detent recess 1030. The detent recess 1030 is a groove extending in the insertion direction, and the lower end of this groove is open. On the other hand, the main body portion 1110 has a rotation preventing protrusion 1118 (see FIG. 20). In the connected state, the detent recess 1030 and the detent protrusion 1118 engage with each other. Due to the concave-convex engagement, rotation of the upper member 1000 with respect to the lower member 1100 (main body portion 1110) is restricted.

23A is a perspective view of the ring engaging body 1104, and FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the ring engaging body 1104 seen from another viewpoint. 23C is a plan view of the ring engaging body 1104, and FIG. 23D is a bottom view of the ring engaging body 1104.

The ring engaging body 1104 is a substantially C-shaped member. The ring engaging body 1104 is an annular member having an end. The ring engaging body 1104 has an engaging protrusion 1104a, a first end t1, a second end t2, and a connecting portion 1104b.

The material of the ring engaging body 1104 is resin. The connecting portion 1104b can be elastically deformed. The ring engagement body 1104 can be elastically deformed so that the distance between the first end t1 and the second end t2 becomes large. The elastic deformation of the ring engaging body 1104 is also referred to as expansion deformation. The expanded and deformed ring engaging body 1104 tries to return to a natural state by the elastic force. That is, the ring engagement body 1104 that has been expanded and deformed can be elastically deformed so that the distance between the first end t1 and the second end t2 becomes smaller. The elastic deformation of the ring engaging body 1104 is also referred to as a diameter reduction deformation.

The ring engaging body 1104 has a plurality of engaging protrusions 1104a protruding inward in the radial direction. In the embodiment of FIG. 23, an engagement protrusion p1, an engagement protrusion p2, and an engagement protrusion p3 are provided as a plurality (three) of engagement protrusions 1104a. An engagement protrusion p3 is provided between the engagement protrusion p1 and the engagement protrusion p2. The engagement protrusion p1 is provided between the engagement protrusion p3 and the first end t1. The engagement protrusion p2 is provided between the engagement protrusion p3 and the second end t2.

The connecting portion 1104b connects the engaging protrusions 1104a with each other. The first connecting portion 1104b connects the engaging protrusion p1 and the engaging protrusion p3. The second connecting portion 1104b connects the engaging protrusion p2 and the engaging protrusion p3. The engagement protrusion 1104a protrudes inward in the radial direction with respect to the connecting portion 1104b.

As described above, the ring engaging body 1104 is attached to the outer surface of the lower member 1100 (main body portion 1110). This installation is easy. When the first end t1 and the second end t2 of the ring engaging body 1104 are pressed against (the circumferential groove 1116 of) the main body portion 1110, the ring engaging body 1104 undergoes the expansion deformation and the diameter reduction deformation, and the main body portion 1110 (the circumference thereof). It is fitted in the groove 1116). At the same time, each of the engaging protrusions 1104a penetrates the through hole 1114 of the main body 1110 and protrudes inward from the inner surface of the main body 1110 (see FIG. 19). The state of the ring engaging body 1104 is also referred to as a normal mounted state.

[Connected and mounted]
As shown in FIG. 18, due to the connected state in which the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 are engaged, the curved discharge pipe f30 is sandwiched. By this sandwiching, the hose connector 900 is fixed to the discharge pipe f30. As long as the connected state is maintained, the hose connector 900 will not come off from the discharge pipe f30.

The connected state is formed by pressing one of the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 against the other. The upper member 1000 may be pressed against the lower member 1100, or the lower member 1100 may be pressed against the upper member 1000. The connection state is formed with one touch. It is very easy to form the connection state.

24A and 24B are cross-sectional views illustrating the connection between the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100. In this connection, the ring engaging body 1104 is in the normal mounting state. By pressing one of the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 against the other, the contact surface M1 of the upper member 1000 abuts on the engaging protrusion 1104a (each of the engaging protrusions p1 to p3). The contact surface M1 is inclined so as to be closer to the inner surface of the upper member 1000 as it approaches the end surface of the upper member 1000. Therefore, as the upper member 1000 moves toward the lower member 1100 side, the contact surface M1 displaces the engaging protrusion 1104a outward. Due to this displacement, the ring engaging body 1104 is expanded and deformed. When the upper engagement portion 1020 of the upper member 1000 reaches the position of the engagement protrusion 1104a, the elastic restoring force of the ring engagement body 1104 causes the ring engagement body 1104 to contract and deform. Due to this diameter reduction deformation, the engagement protrusion 1104a enters (engages) into the upper engagement portion 1020 (FIG. 24(b)).

As a method of attaching the hose connector 900, the following procedures D and E are possible. By the procedures D and E, the attachment state is completed at the same time when the connection state is completed.
(Procedure D) The discharge pipe f3 is covered with the upper member 1000 from above, and then, while the discharge pipe f30 is being inserted into the discharge pipe insertion portion 1102, the lower member 1100 is pressed against the upper member 1000 from below.
(Procedure E) The lower member 1100 is attached to the discharge pipe f30 from below, and then the upper member 1000 is pressed against the lower member 1100 from above.

Regarding workability of mounting, the hose connector 900 can be mounted only by covering the upper member 1000 from above. In any of the procedure D and the procedure E described above, the upper member 1000 covers the discharge pipe f30 from above, and the lower member 1100 inserts the discharge pipe f30 from below and only performs one-touch connection. Therefore, mounting with one hand is also possible.

In these procedures D and E, the ring engagement body 1104 is attached to the lower member 1100 before connecting the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100. In other words, before the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 are connected, the ring engagement body 1104 is put into the normal mounting state. This is also called pre-wearing. In the case of pre-mounting, the connection state can be formed by simply pressing one of the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 against the other. That is, one-touch connection is possible.

As described above, the ring engaging body 1104 is detachably attached to the outside of the lower member 1100. Therefore, the ring engaging body 1104 can be mounted after the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 have the same positional relationship as the connected state. This is also referred to as post-installation. From the viewpoint of smooth connection (one-touch connection), the pre-installation is preferable to the post-installation. That is, it is preferable to attach the ring engaging body 1104 after the ring engaging body 1104 has been put into the normal attachment state in advance as in the procedures D and E. In other words, before pressing one of the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 against the other, the ring engaging body 1104 is attached to the lower member 1100 (the ring engaging body 1104 is in the regular attachment state). ) Is preferred.

As described above, in the hose connector 900, the lower engagement portion is configured by the ring engagement body 1104 which is an endless annular member. The upper member 1000 has a recess 1020 as an upper engaging portion and a contact surface M1. The lower member 1100 has a through hole 1114 (FIG. 20). The ring engaging body 1104 is fitted on the outer side of the lower member 1100. Due to the elastic deformation (expansion deformation and diameter reduction deformation) of the ring engaging body 1104, the ring engaging body 1104 is detachably attached to the outer surface of the lower member 1100. When the ring engagement body 1104 is in the normal mounting state, the engagement protrusion 1104a passes through the through hole 1114 and protrudes inside the lower member 1100 (FIG. 19). The contact surface M1 contacts one of the upper member 1000 and the lower member 1100 against the other by contacting the engaging protrusion 1104a that protrudes inside the lower member 1100, so that the ring engaging body 1104 is fixed. It is configured to be expanded and deformed (FIG. 24A). The engagement protrusion 1104a enters the recess 1020 by the diameter reduction deformation of the ring engagement body after the expansion deformation. As a result, the connected state is formed (FIGS. 18 and 24(b)).

From the viewpoint of stable engagement, the number of engagement protrusions 1104a is preferably 2 or more, and more preferably 3 or more. When the size of the engaging protrusions 1104a is secured, the number of engaging protrusions 1104a is limited. Further, if the number of engaging protrusions 1104a is excessive, the structure becomes complicated, which is not preferable in terms of smooth engagement. From this viewpoint, the number of engaging protrusions 1104a is preferably 6 or less, and more preferably 4 or less.

The ring engaging body 1104 can be mounted even if it is turned upside down. Even if the ring engaging body 1104 is mounted upside down, the contact surface M1 (inclined surface) of the upper member 1000 can press the engaging protrusion 1104a of the ring engaging body 1104. One-touch connection is possible even when the ring engaging body 1104 is mounted upside down.

Both the connection structure (engagement claw type) described in the first to third embodiments and the connection structure (ring engagement body type) of the hose connector 900 according to the fourth embodiment have water pressure. It is hard to come off from the faucet even if it works. That is, both types have high slip-out prevention performance. In particular, the hose connector 900 has a higher disconnection prevention performance. At high water pressure, the force (water pressure) in the direction of separating the upper member and the lower member becomes large. In the case of the above-described engagement claw type, the clearance in the insertion direction between the upper engagement portion and the engagement claw is ensured so that all of the plurality of engagement claws dispersedly arranged in the circumferential direction are surely engaged. The (engagement play) needs to be relatively large. Further, the engaging claw can be deformed by the water pressure. On the other hand, the ring engagement body type requires less clearance and the ring engagement body 1104 is less deformed even at high water pressure. Therefore, the ring-engaging body type hose connector has an extremely high performance of preventing slipping out at high water pressure. Of course, the engaging claw type hose connector may also have a practical pull-out prevention performance.

The ring engaging body type has a simpler structure and a smaller number of parts than the engaging claw type. Therefore, the ring engaging body type is easy to assemble and has few failures. Further, since the ring engaging body is removable, it is easy to replace the parts individually. Further, since the ring engaging body can be attached and detached by the user, it can be shipped without mounting the ring engaging body, and the user can replace the parts. The ring engagement type has a simple structure, but can realize highly reliable engagement with little clearance (play).

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector 1200 according to the fifth embodiment is attached to the faucet f10. FIG. 26 is a sectional view of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 25. 28 is an exploded perspective view in which the lower member of FIG. 27 is further disassembled.

The hose connector 1200 has an upper member 1300 and a lower member 1400. The upper member 1300 and the lower member 1400 are detachably connected to each other.

The faucet f10 has a faucet body f20, a discharge pipe f30, and an operating portion f40. Further, a valve (not shown) is built in the faucet f10. By operating (rotating) the operation part f40, it is possible to switch the discharge water and adjust the discharge amount.

As described above, this faucet f10 is called a universal faucet. In this faucet f10, a discharge pipe f30 extends obliquely. Therefore, in the attached state, the upper member 1300 is located diagonally above the lower member 1400 (see FIG. 25).

The upper member 1300 includes a main body portion 1302, an adjusting portion 1304, a reverse rotation preventing member 1306, a holding portion 1308, and a connecting member 1310. The adjustment unit 1304 is a dial that can be rotated by an operation. The coupling member 1310 is a screw. Details of the upper member 1300 will be described later.

The lower member 1400 has a discharge pipe insertion portion 1402, a ring engagement body 1404, and a hose connection portion 1406. The discharge pipe insertion portion 1402 has a cylindrical inner surface. The lower end of the discharge pipe f30 is inserted into the discharge pipe insertion portion 1402. A hose (a connector attached to the end of the hose) is connected to the hose connecting portion 1406. The hose connecting portion 1406 has an O-ring 1408. The O-ring 1408 enhances water tightness at the connection portion.

As shown in FIG. 28, the discharge pipe insertion portion 1402 has a main body portion 1410 and a packing 1412. The main body portion 1410 has through holes 1414 at a plurality of locations (three locations) in the circumferential direction. The packing 1412 is a wing packing.

The main body portion 1410 has a missing portion 1410a. The missing portion 1410a extends downward from the upper end surface of the main body portion 1410. The missing portion 1410a prevents interference between the discharge pipe f30 and the lower member 1400. Due to the missing portion 1410a, the degree of freedom in the shape of the faucet f10 to which the hose connector 1200 can be attached is increased.

The main body portion 1410 has an outer extending portion 1410b. The outward extending portion 1410b extends outward from the lower end of the missing portion 1410a. By placing a finger on the outer extending portion 1410b, the lower member 1400 can be easily attached to the discharge pipe f30.

The ring engaging body 1104 is the same as that used in the above-described fourth embodiment.

The ring engaging body 1104 is detachably attached to the lower member 1400. The main body portion 1410 (lower member 1400) has a circumferential groove 1416 into which the ring engaging body 1104 is fitted (see FIG. 28).

In the connected state where the upper member 1300 and the lower member 1400 are engaged with each other, the ring engagement body 1104 can be removed from the lower member 1400 (main body portion 1410). When the upper member 1300 and the lower member 1400 are in the normal connection position, the ring engaging body 1404 can be detached from the lower member 1400. The ring engagement body 1104 may be attached to the lower member 1400 when the upper member 1300 and the lower member 1400 (excluding the ring engagement body 1104) are in the normal connection position.

As shown in FIG. 28, the packing 1412 has a flange portion 1420 and a cylindrical portion 1422. The flange portion 1420 extends radially outward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 1422.

In the attached state, the discharge pipe f30 passes through the cylindrical portion 1422 of the flange portion 1420. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 1422 in the natural state is smaller than the outer diameter of the discharge pipe f30 passing through the cylindrical portion 1422. Therefore, in the mounted state, the cylindrical portion 1422 of the flange portion 1420 is in close contact with the outer surface of the discharge pipe f30. This close contact prevents water leakage.

As shown in FIG. 28, the hose connecting portion 1406 is composed of a nipple member 1430. The nipple member 1430 has a hose connection portion 1406 and a coupling portion 1432. The coupling portion 1432 is fixed to the inside of the main body portion 1410 by screw coupling. The packing 1412 is sandwiched and fixed between the main body 1410 and the nipple member 1430.

29A is a front view of the hose connector 1200, and FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 29A.

As shown in FIG. 28, the joining member 1310 joins the holding portion 1308 and the adjusting portion 1304. The pressing portion 1308 rotates integrally with the adjusting portion 1304. The reverse rotation preventing member 1306 is fixed to the main body 1302 of the upper member 1300.

As shown in FIG. 29B, a plurality of protrusions u1 are formed on the inner surface of the adjusting portion 1304. A plurality of recesses r1 are formed on the inner surface of the adjusting portion 1304. A recess r1 is formed between adjacent protrusions u1. These convexes u1 (concave r1) are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the adjusting portion 1304. As a result, a gear (internal gear) is formed on the inner surface of the adjusting portion 1304. The gear (internal gear) and the reverse rotation preventing member 1306 mesh with each other.

FIG. 30A is a perspective view of the main body 1302 as seen from diagonally above right. FIG. 30B is a perspective view of the main body 1302 as seen from diagonally below left. FIG. 30C is a perspective view of the main body 1302 as seen from diagonally lower right. FIG. 31A is a front view of the main body 1302. 31B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 31C is a rear view of the main body 1302.

The main body 1302 has a side wall 1322 and an upper wall 1324. The main body 1302 is opened downward. The side wall 1322 has a substantially cylindrical shape, but a part thereof in the circumferential direction is missing. That is, the side wall portion 1322 has the missing portion 1326.

The upper wall portion 1324 has a through hole 1328 and a lower surface 1330. The coupling member 1310 is inserted into the through hole 1328 (see FIG. 26). The adjuster 1304 is arranged above the upper wall 1324. The pressing portion 1308 is arranged below the upper wall portion 1324. The upper wall portion 1324 is sandwiched between the adjusting portion 1304 and the pressing portion 1308. By connecting the adjusting unit 1304 and the pressing unit 1308 with the coupling member 1310, the adjusting unit 1304 and the pressing unit 1308 are rotatably fixed to the upper wall 1324 (upper member 1300).

In the attached state, the discharge pipe f30 passes through the cutout portion 1326 of the main body 1302, reaches the lower member 1400 via the internal space of the main body 1302.

The main body 1302 has a contact surface M1. The contact surface M1 is provided at the lower end of the main body 1302. The contact surface M1 is an inclined surface. In the process of pressing one of the upper member 1300 and the lower member 1400 against the other, the contact surface M1 may contact the engaging protrusion 1104a of the ring engaging body 1104.

The main body 1302 has an upper engagement portion 1340. The upper engaging portion 1340 is provided on the side wall portion 1322. The upper engagement portion 1340 is a recess. More specifically, the upper engagement portion 1340 is a groove provided along the circumferential direction. The upper engaging portion 1340 can engage with the engaging protrusion 1104a of the ring engaging body 1104.

The main body 1302 has a rotation stopping recess 1350. The detent recess 1350 is a groove extending in the insertion direction, and the lower end of this groove is open. On the other hand, the main body portion 1410 of the lower member 1400 has a detent protrusion 1418 (see FIG. 28). In the connected state, the detent recess 1350 and the detent protrusion 1418 engage with each other. Due to the concave-convex engagement, rotation of the upper member 1300 (main body portion 1302) with respect to the lower member 1400 (main body portion 1410) is restricted.

FIG. 32A is a perspective view of the adjusting unit 1304 as viewed from above. FIG. 32B is a perspective view of the adjustment unit 1304 as seen from below. FIG. 32C is a bottom view of the adjusting unit 1304.

The adjusting portion 1304 has a cylindrical shape as a whole. The inside of the adjusting unit 1304 is open downward. An internal gear 1304a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the adjusting portion 1304. Further, the adjusting portion 1304 has a central protrusion 1304b extending downward. An engagement hole 1304c is formed at the center of the central protrusion 1304b. The engagement hole 1304c is a female screw and is coupled to the coupling member 1310 (screw). The central protrusion 1304b has a non-circular end 1304d at its lower end. The cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the non-circular end portion 1304d is non-circular (hexagonal).

FIG. 33A is a perspective view of the reverse rotation preventing member 1306 as seen from above. FIG. 33B is a plan view of the reverse rotation prevention member 1306. FIG. 33C is a perspective view of the reverse rotation preventing member 1306 as seen from below.

The reverse rotation prevention member 1306 has a plurality (two) of pawls 1306a. These pawls 1306a are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction. The circumferential direction is the circumferential direction of the adjusting unit 1304.

The reverse rotation prevention member 1306 has a central through hole 1306b. The cross-sectional shape of the central through hole 1306b is circular. The central protrusion 1304b of the adjusting portion 1304 is inserted into the central through hole 1306b. As shown in FIG. 29B, the reverse rotation preventing member 1306 is arranged coaxially with the adjusting portion 1304.

The reverse rotation prevention member 1306 has a convex portion 1306c. The convex portion 1306c is fitted in the concave portion 1352 of the main body 1302 (see FIG. 28). The convex portion 1306c is fixed to the main body portion 1302.

As shown in FIG. 33B, the extending direction of the pawl 1306a is inclined with respect to the radial direction. The radial direction is the radial direction of the central through hole 1306b and also the radial direction of the adjusting portion 1304. The radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation prevention member 1306. The plurality of pawls 1306a are inclined in the same direction with respect to the radial direction. The plurality of pawls 1306a are inclined at the same angle with respect to the radial direction.

As shown in FIGS. 32(c) and 29(b), each of the teeth forming the internal gear 1304a is inclined in the same direction as the pawl 1306a. The reverse rotation prevention mechanism is formed by the engagement of the internal gear 1304a and the pawl 1306a. This reverse rotation prevention mechanism is a ratchet mechanism. A ratchet mechanism is configured between the adjusting portion 1304 (internal gear 1304a) and the reverse rotation preventing member 1306 (pawl 1306a). The adjusting unit 1304 can rotate in the first direction DR1 (clockwise direction in FIG. 29B) but cannot rotate in the second direction DR2 (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 29B).

In the present application, the operation direction when the contact portion that contacts the discharge pipe f30 approaches the discharge pipe f30 is the first direction DR1, and the operation direction when the contact portion moves away from the discharge pipe f30 is the second direction. DR2. Further, in the present application, the operation direction S1 is a concept including the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second direction DR2 is the opposite direction of the first direction DR1.

34A is a perspective view of the holding portion 1308 viewed from above, FIG. 34B is a side view of the holding portion 1308, and FIG. 34C is a perspective view of the holding portion 1308 viewed from below. 34D is a bottom view of the holding portion 1308.

The pressing portion 1308 has a central through hole 1308a. A coupling member 1310 is inserted through the central through hole 1308a. The holding portion 1308 has a non-circular hole 1308b. The non-circular hole 1308b is formed above the central through hole 1308a. The non-circular end portion 1304d of the adjusting portion 1304 is fitted into the non-circular hole 1308b. By the engagement of the non-circular hole 1308b and the non-circular end portion 1304d, the pressing portion 1308 rotates integrally with the adjusting portion 1304.

The pressing portion 1308 has a height changing portion 1308c. The height changing portion 1308c constitutes a side surface of the pressing portion 1308. Due to the height changing portion, the height of the side surface of the holding portion 1308 changes depending on the circumferential position of the holding portion 1308. The height changing portion 1308c has a lower surface 1308d. The lower surface 1308d extends in a spiral shape. Due to this spiral shape, the height of the height changing portion 1308c gradually changes depending on the circumferential position. The height change in the height changing portion 1308c may be a stepless change or a stepwise change.

In the connected state, the pressing portion 1308 contacts the discharge pipe f30. The lower surface 1308d of the pressing portion 1308 is a contact portion that contacts the discharge pipe f30. By rotating the adjusting portion 1304, the height of the pressing portion 1308 at the position in contact with the discharge pipe f30 changes. In other words, by rotating the adjusting portion 1304, the position of the lower surface 1308d (contact portion) with respect to the discharge pipe f30 changes. The position of the contact portion can be changed according to the change in the shape of the discharge pipe f30. Therefore, the hose connector 1200 can be applied to different types of faucets f10. The hose connector 1200 can be attached to a horizontal faucet and can be attached to a universal faucet.

[Connected and mounted]
As shown in FIG. 26, the bent and extending discharge pipe f30 is sandwiched by the connected state in which the upper member 1300 and the lower member 1400 are engaged with each other. Due to this sandwiching, the hose connector 1200 is fixed to the discharge pipe f30. As long as the connected state is maintained, the hose connector 1200 will not come off from the discharge pipe f30.

The connected state is formed by pressing one of the upper member 1300 and the lower member 1400 against the other. The upper member 1300 may be pressed against the lower member 1400, or the lower member 1400 may be pressed against the upper member 1300. The connection state is formed with one touch. It is very easy to form the connection state.

35A and 35B are cross-sectional views illustrating the connection between the upper member 1300 and the lower member 1400. In this connection, the ring engaging body 1104 is in the normal mounting state. By pressing one of the upper member 1300 and the lower member 1400 against the other, the contact surface M1 of the upper member 1300 contacts the engaging protrusion 1104a. The contact surface M1 is inclined so as to be closer to the inner surface of the upper member 1300 as it approaches the end surface of the upper member 1300. Therefore, as the upper member 1300 moves to the lower member 1400 side, the contact surface M1 displaces the engaging protrusion 1104a outward. Due to this displacement, the ring engaging body 1104 is expanded and deformed. When the upper engagement portion 1340 of the upper member 1300 reaches the position of the engagement protrusion 1104a, the ring engagement body 1104 is contracted and deformed by the elastic restoring force of the ring engagement body 1104. Due to this diameter reduction deformation, the engaging protrusion 1104a enters the upper engaging portion 1340 (FIG. 35(b)).

As described above, the fifth embodiment can be mounted by both the procedure D and the procedure E described above, similarly to the fourth embodiment. One-touch connection is possible and it can be installed with one hand. Further, with respect to the ring engaging body 1104, the pre-mounting is possible and the post-mounting is also possible. Since this fifth embodiment is also a ring engaging body type, it has the various advantages described above.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector 1500 according to the sixth embodiment is attached to the faucet f10. FIG. 37 is a sectional view of FIG. 36. 38 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 36. FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view in which the lower member of FIG. 38 is further disassembled.

The hose connector 1500 has an upper member 1600 and a lower member 1400. The upper member 1600 and the lower member 1400 are detachably connected to each other.

The faucet f10 has a faucet body f20, a discharge pipe f30, and an operating portion f40. Further, a valve (not shown) is built in the faucet f10. By operating (rotating) the operation part f40, it is possible to switch the discharge water and adjust the discharge amount.

The upper member 1600 has a main body portion 1602 and an adjusting portion 1604. The adjustment unit 1604 can be moved by an operation. Details of the upper member 1600 will be described later.

The lower member 1400 is the same as that used in the fifth embodiment described above. The ring engaging body 1104 is the same as that used in the above-described fourth and fifth embodiments.

40(a) is a rear view of the hose connector 1500, and FIG. 40(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 40(a).

As shown in FIG. 39 and FIG. 40B, a plurality of protrusions u1 are formed on the side surface of the adjusting portion 1604. These protrusions u1 are arranged at different positions in the moving direction (operating direction) of the adjusting unit 1604. A plurality of recesses r1 are formed on the side surface of the adjusting portion 1604. A recess r1 is formed between adjacent protrusions u1. These recesses r1 are arranged at different positions in the moving direction (operating direction) of the adjusting portion 1604. The concave portion r1 and the convex portion u2 of the main body portion 1602 mesh with each other (FIG. 40(b)).

FIG. 41A is a perspective view of the main body 1602 as seen from diagonally above and to the right. FIG. 41(b) is a perspective view of the main body portion 1602 as seen from diagonally lower right. FIG. 41(c) is a perspective view of the main body portion 1602 as seen from the lower left. FIG. 42A is a front view of the main body 1602. 42B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 42C is a rear view of the main body 1602. 42D is a bottom view of the main body 1602.

The main body portion 1602 has a side wall portion 1622 and an upper wall portion 1624. The main body 1602 is opened downward. The side wall portion 1622 has a substantially cylindrical shape, but a part thereof in the circumferential direction is missing. That is, the side wall portion 1622 has a missing portion 1626.

The main body portion 1602 has a holding portion 1640 capable of holding the adjusting portion 1604 in a state of being able to move in and out. The holding portion 1640 has an internal space K1 into which the adjusting portion 1604 can be inserted, an opening P1 through which the adjusting portion 1604 can pass, and an engaging portion 1642 that can engage with the adjusting portion 1604. The engaging portion 1642 is a convex u2 provided on each of the left and right sides. Each of the protrusions u2 is an edge portion that extends in the vertical direction.

The adjusting portion 1604 is held between these two protrusions u2 (see FIG. 40(b)). The concave portion r1 of the adjusting portion 1604 and the convex u2 of the main body portion 1602 are engaged with each other, so that the adjusting portion 1604 is held by the main body portion 1602.

In the attached state, the discharge pipe f30 passes through the cutout portion 1626 of the main body 1602, reaches the lower member 1400 via the internal space of the main body 1602.

The main body portion 1602 has a contact surface M1. The contact surface M1 is provided at the lower end of the main body 1602. The contact surface M1 is an inclined surface. In the process of pressing one of the upper member 1600 and the lower member 1400 against the other, the contact surface M1 may contact the engaging protrusion 1104a of the ring engaging body 1104.

The main body portion 1602 has an upper engagement portion 1646. The upper engagement portion 1646 is provided on the side wall portion 1622. The upper engagement portion 1646 is a recess. More specifically, the upper engagement portion 1646 is a groove provided along the circumferential direction. The upper engagement portion 1646 can engage with the engagement protrusion 1104a of the ring engagement body 1104.

The main body portion 1602 has a rotation preventing recess 1650. The detent recess 1650 is a groove extending in the insertion direction, and the lower end of this groove is open. In the connected state, the detent recess 1650 and the detent protrusion 1418 of the lower member 1400 engage with each other. Rotation of the upper member 1600 with respect to the lower member 1400 is restricted by the concave-convex engagement.

FIG. 43A is a perspective view of the adjusting portion 1604 as seen from above. FIG. 43B is a perspective view of the adjusting unit 1604 as seen from below. FIG. 43C is a bottom view of the adjusting unit 1604.

The adjustment unit 1604 has a first arm 1604a, a second arm 1604b, a central portion 1604c, and a base portion 1604d. The base portion 1604d is an operation portion of the adjustment portion 1604. The operation unit 1604d is operated to move the adjustment unit 1604.

The first arm 1604a extends in one direction from the base 1604d. The second arm 1604b extends in one direction from the base 1604d. The central portion 1604c extends in one direction from the base portion 1604d. The first arm 1604a and the second arm 1604b extend parallel to each other. The central portion 1604c and the first arm 1604a extend parallel to each other. The central portion 1604c and the second arm 1604b extend parallel to each other. The first arm 1604a and the second arm 1604b form a pair of arms.

As described above, the adjustment unit 1604 has the plurality of protrusions u1. The plurality of protrusions u1 are provided on each of the arms. The adjustment unit 1604 has a plurality of recesses r1. The plurality of recesses r1 are provided in each of the arms. The recess r1 is located between the protrusions u1 adjacent to each other. As a result of forming the convex u1, the concave r1 is formed.

Hereinafter, the insertion direction of the adjustment unit 1604 is also referred to as the first direction DR1 and the direction opposite to the first direction is also referred to as the second direction DR2 (see FIG. 40(b)). The first direction and the second direction are parallel to the operation direction S1 of the adjustment unit 1604.

The protrusion u1 projects in a direction perpendicular to the operation direction S1. As shown in FIG. 43(c), each of the protrusions u1 has a first surface m1 and a second surface m2. The first surface m1 and the second surface m2 form the side surface of the convex u1. In one certain projection u1, the first surface m1 is located on the first direction side (front side) with respect to the second surface m2.

The first surface m1 is inclined with respect to the extending direction of the arm. The first surface m1 is inclined so that the protruding height of the convex u1 becomes lower toward the first direction side. The second surface m2 is perpendicular to the operation direction S1.

As shown in FIG. 43B, the central portion 1604c has a height changing portion 1604e. In the height changing portion 1604e, the position of the lower surface of the central portion 1604c has changed. The lower surface of the central portion 1604c has a step shape. The position of the lower surface of the central portion 1604c changes so as to become higher toward the first direction side. In this embodiment, this change is gradual. This change may be stepless.

The adjusting portion 1604 is inserted into the main body portion 1602 (see FIG. 38). The adjusting portion 1604 is inserted into the holding portion 1640 of the main body portion 1602. The adjusting portion 1604 is inserted from the tip side. The adjustment unit 1604 can move along the operation direction S1 (see FIG. 40B).

When the adjusting portion 1604 is inserted into the main body portion 1602, the protrusion u1 located closest to the first direction comes into contact with the protrusion u2 of the engaging portion 1642. More specifically, the first surface m1 of the convex u1 located closest to the first direction abuts the convex u2. As the adjustment unit 1604 moves in the first direction DR1, the convex u2 slides on the first surface m1 and presses the first surface m1. Due to this pressing, the first arm 1604a is elastically deformed and is bent toward the center side (center portion 1604c side) of the adjusting portion 1604. Similarly, the second arm 1604b bends toward the center side (center side 1604c side) of the adjusting portion 1604 due to elastic deformation. With these elastic deformations, the convex u2 gets over the convex u1. When the convex u2 gets over the convex u1, the elastic deformation is restored and at the same time, the convex u2 enters the concave r1. FIG. 40(b) shows a state in which the protrusion u2 has entered the recess r1 closest to the first direction.

When the adjusting portion 1604 is further pushed in the first direction side, the protrusion u2 enters the second recess r1 from the front through the elastic deformation and elastic recovery described above. When the adjusting portion 1604 is further pushed in the first direction side, the protrusion u2 enters behind the third protrusion u1 from the first direction side through the elastic deformation and elastic recovery described above. In this way, the adjusting portion 1604 is held by the main body portion 1602 at a plurality of positions in the operation direction S1.

Due to the inclination of the first surface m1, the adjustment unit 1604 easily moves in the first direction (insertion direction). On the other hand, due to the orientation of the second surface m2, the adjustment unit 1604 cannot easily move in the second direction. In the adjusting portion 1604, movement in the direction opposite to the inserting direction is restricted.

In the connected state, the central portion 1604c contacts the discharge pipe f30. With the movement of the adjusting unit 1604, the position of the height changing unit 1604e where the discharge pipe f30 contacts changes. By moving the adjusting portion 1604, the height of the adjusting portion 1604 at the position in contact with the discharge pipe f30 changes. The height of the adjusting portion 1604 can be changed according to the change in the shape of the discharge pipe f30. Therefore, the hose connector 1500 can be adapted to different types of faucets f10.

[Connected and mounted]
As shown in FIG. 37, the discharge pipe f30 that bends and extends is sandwiched by the connected state in which the upper member 1600 and the lower member 1400 are engaged. Due to this sandwiching, the hose connector 1500 is fixed to the discharge pipe f30. As long as the connected state is maintained, the hose connector 1500 will not come off from the discharge pipe f30.

The connected state is formed by pressing one of the upper member 1600 and the lower member 1400 against the other. The upper member 1600 may be pressed against the lower member 1400, or the lower member 1400 may be pressed against the upper member 1600. The connection state is formed with one touch. It is very easy to form the connection state.

44A and 44B are cross-sectional views illustrating the connection between the upper member 1600 and the lower member 1400. In this connection, the ring engaging body 1104 is in the normal mounting state. By pressing one of the upper member 1600 and the lower member 1400 against the other, the contact surface M1 of the upper member 1600 abuts the engagement protrusion 1104a. The contact surface M1 is inclined so as to be closer to the inner surface of the upper member 1600 as it approaches the end surface of the upper member 1600. Therefore, as the upper member 1600 moves toward the lower member 1400, the contact surface M1 displaces the engaging protrusion 1104a outward. Due to this displacement, the ring engaging body 1104 is expanded and deformed. When the upper engagement portion 1646 of the upper member 1600 reaches the position of the engagement protrusion 1104a, the elastic restoring force of the ring engagement body 1104 causes the ring engagement body 1104 to contract and deform. Due to this diameter reduction deformation, the engaging protrusion 1104a enters the upper engaging portion 1646 (FIG. 44(b)).

As described above, the sixth embodiment can be mounted by both the procedure D and the procedure E described above, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments. One-touch connection is possible and it can be installed with one hand. Further, with respect to the ring engaging body 1104, the pre-mounting is possible and the post-mounting is also possible. This sixth embodiment also has the various advantages described above because it is a ring engaging body type.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hose connector 1700 according to the seventh embodiment is attached to the faucet f10. 46 is a sectional view of FIG. 45. 47 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 45. 48 is an exploded perspective view in which the lower member of FIG. 47 is further disassembled.

The hose connector 1700 has an upper member 1800 and a lower member 1400. The upper member 1800 and the lower member 1400 are detachably connected to each other.

The faucet f10 has a faucet body f20, a discharge pipe f30, and an operating portion f40. Further, a valve (not shown) is built in the faucet f10. By operating (rotating) the operation part f40, it is possible to switch the discharge water and adjust the discharge amount.

The upper member 1800 has a main body portion 1802 and an adjusting portion 1804. The adjustment unit 1804 can be moved by an operation. Details of the upper member 1800 will be described later.

The lower member 1400 is the same as that used in the fifth and sixth embodiments described above. The ring engaging body 1104 is the same as that used in the above-described fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments.

49(a) is a side view of the hose connector 1700, and FIG. 49(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 49(a).

As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49(b), a plurality of protrusions u1 are formed on the side surface of the adjusting portion 1804. These protrusions u1 are arranged at different positions in the operation direction of the adjusting unit 1804. A plurality of recesses r1 are formed on the side surface of the adjusting portion 1804. A recess r1 is formed between adjacent protrusions u1. These recesses r1 are arranged at different positions in the operation direction of the adjusting portion 1804. The concave portion r1 and the convex portion u2 of the main body portion 1802 mesh with each other (FIG. 49(b)).

FIG. 50A is a perspective view of the main body 1802 as seen from diagonally above and to the right. FIG. 50(b) is a perspective view of the main body 1802 as viewed from the lower right. FIG. 50C is a perspective view of the main body portion 1802 as seen from diagonally below left. FIG. 51A is a front view of the main body 1802. 51B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 51C is a rear view of the main body 1802.

The main body portion 1802 has a side wall portion 1822 and an upper wall portion 1824. The main body 1802 is opened downward. The side wall portion 1822 has a substantially cylindrical shape, but a part thereof in the circumferential direction is missing. That is, the side wall portion 1822 has a missing portion 1826.

The main body portion 1802 has a holding portion 1840 capable of holding the adjusting portion 1804 in a state of being able to move in and out. The holding portion 1840 has an internal space K1 into which the adjusting portion 1804 can be inserted, an opening P1 through which the adjusting portion 1804 can pass, and an engaging portion 1842 that can engage with the adjusting portion 1804. The engaging portion 1842 is a convex u2 provided on each of the left and right sides. Each of the protrusions u2 is an edge portion that extends along the upper wall portion 1824. The opening P1 is a through hole that penetrates the upper wall portion 1824 (FIG. 50(a)). The convex u2 is a part of the frame portion of the opening P1.

The adjusting portion 1804 is held between these two protrusions u2 (see FIG. 49(b)). The concave portion r1 of the adjusting portion 1804 and the convex portion u2 of the main body portion 1802 engage with each other, so that the adjusting portion 1804 is held by the main body portion 1802.

In the attached state, the discharge pipe f30 passes through the cutout portion 1826 of the main body 1802, reaches the lower member 1400 via the internal space of the main body 1802.

The main body portion 1802 has a contact surface M1. The contact surface M1 is provided at the lower end of the main body 1802. The contact surface M1 is an inclined surface. In the process of pressing one of the upper member 1800 and the lower member 1400 against the other, the contact surface M1 may contact the engagement protrusion 1104a of the ring engagement body 1104.

The main body portion 1802 has an upper engagement portion 1846. The upper engagement portion 1846 is provided on the side wall portion 1822. The upper engagement portion 1846 is a recess. More specifically, the upper engagement portion 1846 is a groove provided along the circumferential direction. The upper engagement portion 1846 can engage with the engagement protrusion 1104a of the ring engagement body 1104.

The body portion 1802 has a rotation preventing recess 1850. The detent recess 1850 is a groove extending in the insertion direction, and the lower end of this groove is open. In the connected state, the detent recess 1850 and the detent protrusion 1418 of the lower member 1400 engage with each other. Rotation of the upper member 1800 with respect to the lower member 1400 is restricted by the concave-convex engagement.

FIG. 52A is a perspective view of the adjusting portion 1804 as seen from above. FIG. 52B is a perspective view of the adjusting portion 1804 as seen from below. FIG. 52C is a side view of the adjusting unit 1804. 52D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 52C.

The adjusting portion 1804 has a first arm 1804a, a second arm 1804b, a central portion 1804c, and a base portion 1804d. The base portion 1804d is an operation portion of the adjustment portion 1804. The operation unit 1804d is operated to move the adjustment unit 1804.

The base portion 1804d has a disc shape. The central portion 1804c is a cylinder. The base portion 1804d and the central portion 1804c are coaxial with each other. The first arm 1804a constitutes a part of a cylinder as a whole. The second arm 1804b constitutes a part of a cylinder as a whole. The cylinder in which the first arm 1804a forms a part thereof and the cylinder in which the second arm 1804b forms a part thereof are common. This cylinder is coaxial with the central portion 1804c.

The first arm 1804a extends in one direction from the base 1804d. The second arm 1804b extends in one direction from the base portion 1804d. The central portion 1804c extends in one direction from the base portion 1804d. The first arm 1804a and the second arm 1804b extend parallel to each other. The central portion 1804c and the first arm 1804a extend parallel to each other. The central portion 1804c and the second arm 1804b extend parallel to each other. The first arm 1804a and the second arm 1804b form a pair of arms.

The adjustment unit 1804 has a plurality of protrusions u1. The plurality of protrusions u1 are provided on each of the arms. The adjusting portion 1804 has a plurality of recesses r1. The plurality of recesses r1 are provided in each of the arms. The recess r1 is located between the protrusions u1 adjacent to each other. As a result of forming the convex u1, the concave r1 is formed.

Hereinafter, the insertion direction of the adjusting portion 1804 is also referred to as the first direction DR1 and the direction opposite to the first direction is also referred to as the second direction DR2 (see FIG. 40(a)). The first direction and the second direction are parallel to the operation direction S1 of the adjustment unit 1804.

The protrusion u1 projects in a direction perpendicular to the operation direction S1. As shown in FIG. 52D, each of the protrusions u1 has a first surface m1 and a second surface m2. The first surface m1 and the second surface m2 form the side surface of the convex u1. In one certain convex u1, the first surface m1 is located on the first direction side (lower side) with respect to the second surface m2.

The first surface m1 is inclined with respect to the extending direction of the arm. The first surface m1 is inclined so that the protruding height of the convex u1 becomes lower toward the first direction side. The second surface m2 is perpendicular to the operation direction S1.

The adjusting portion 1804 is inserted into the main body portion 1802 (see FIG. 38). The adjusting portion 1804 is inserted into the holding portion 1840 of the main body portion 1802. The adjusting portion 1804 is inserted from the tip side (the side opposite to the base portion 1804d). The adjustment unit 1604 can move along the operation direction S1 (see FIG. 49(b)).

When the adjusting portion 1804 is inserted into the main body portion 1802, the protrusion u1 located closest to the first direction comes into contact with the protrusion u2 of the engaging portion 1842. More specifically, the first surface m1 of the convex u1 located closest to the first direction abuts the convex u2. As the adjustment unit 1804 advances in the first direction DR1, the convex u2 slides on the first surface m1 and presses the first surface m1. Due to this pressing, the first arm 1804a is elastically deformed and is bent toward the center side (the central portion 1804c side) of the adjusting portion 1804. Similarly, the second arm 1804b is elastically deformed to bend toward the center of the adjusting portion 1804 (toward the central portion 1804c). With these elastic deformations, the convex u2 gets over the convex u1. When the convex u2 gets over the convex u1, the elastic deformation is restored and at the same time, the convex u2 enters the concave r1. FIG. 49(b) shows a state in which the convex u2 has entered the concave r1 closest to the first direction.

When the adjusting portion 1804 is further pushed in the first direction side, the protrusion u2 enters the second recess r1 from the front through the elastic deformation and elastic recovery described above. When the adjusting portion 1804 is further pushed in the first direction side, the protrusion u2 is fitted over the third protrusion u1 from the first direction side through the elastic deformation and elastic recovery described above. In this way, the adjusting portion 1804 is held by the main body portion 1802 at a plurality of positions in the operation direction S1.

The adjustment portion 1804 easily moves in the first direction (insertion direction) due to the inclination of the first surface m1. On the other hand, due to the orientation of the second surface m2, the adjustment unit 1604 cannot easily move in the second direction. In the adjusting portion 1804, movement in the direction opposite to the insertion direction is restricted.

In the connected state, the tip (lower end) of the central portion 1804c abuts the discharge pipe f30. With the movement of the adjusting portion 1804, the position of the tip of the central portion 1804c changes. The position of the tip of the central portion 1804c can be changed according to the change in the shape of the discharge pipe f30. Therefore, the hose connector 1700 can be adapted to different types of faucets f10.

[Connected and mounted]
As shown in FIG. 46, the bent discharge pipe f30 is sandwiched by the connected state in which the upper member 1800 and the lower member 1400 are engaged with each other. By this sandwiching, the hose connector 1700 is fixed to the discharge pipe f30. As long as the connection state is maintained, the hose connector 1700 will not come off from the discharge pipe f30.

The connected state is formed by pressing one of the upper member 1800 and the lower member 1400 against the other. The upper member 1800 may be pressed against the lower member 1400, or the lower member 1400 may be pressed against the upper member 1800. The connection state is formed with one touch. It is very easy to form the connection state.

53A and 53B are cross-sectional views illustrating the connection between the upper member 1800 and the lower member 1400. In this connection, the ring engaging body 1104 is in the normal mounting state. By pressing one of the upper member 1800 and the lower member 1400 against the other, the contact surface M1 of the upper member 1800 contacts the engaging protrusion 1104a. The contact surface M1 is inclined so that the contact surface M1 becomes closer to the inner surface of the upper member 1800 as it approaches the end surface of the upper member 1800. Therefore, as the upper member 1800 moves toward the lower member 1400, the contact surface M1 displaces the engaging protrusion 1104a outward. Due to this displacement, the ring engaging body 1104 is expanded and deformed. When the upper engagement portion 1846 of the upper member 1800 reaches the position of the engagement protrusion 1104a, the elastic restoring force of the ring engagement body 1104 causes the ring engagement body 1104 to contract and deform. Due to this diameter reduction deformation, the engaging protrusion 1104a enters the upper engaging portion 1846 (FIG. 53(b)).

As described above, the seventh embodiment can be mounted by any of the procedure D and the procedure E described above, as in the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments. One-touch connection is possible and it can be installed with one hand. Further, with respect to the ring engaging body 1104, the pre-mounting is possible and the post-mounting is also possible. This sixth embodiment also has the various advantages described above because it is a ring engaging body type.

As described above, in the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments, the upper member is provided with an adjusting portion that can change the position of the contact portion by an operation, and the adjusting portion at different operation direction positions. It has a holding part which can hold.

In the case of the fifth embodiment, the position of the contact portion (the lower surface 1308d of the pressing portion 1308) is changed by operating (rotating) the adjusting portion 1304. The position of this contact portion means the position with respect to the discharge pipe f30. The ratchet mechanism described above is a holding unit that can hold the adjusting unit 1304 at different operation direction positions. In the fifth embodiment, the operation direction S1 is the rotation direction of the adjusting unit 1304, and the operation direction position is the phase of the adjusting unit 1304.

In the case of the sixth embodiment, the position of the contact portion (the lower surface of the central portion 1604c) is changed by operating (moving) the adjusting portion 1604. In addition, the holding unit 1640 can hold the adjusting unit 1604 at different operation direction positions.

In the case of the seventh embodiment, the position of the contact portion (the lower end of the central portion 1804c) is changed by operating (moving) the adjusting portion 1804. In addition, the holding unit 1840 can hold the adjusting unit 1804 at different operation direction positions.

In the adjusting parts illustrated in the fifth to seventh embodiments, since the position of the contact part can be adjusted, different types of faucets can be accommodated and the shape of the discharge pipe f30 can be changed. .. Therefore, a hose connector having high adaptability to changes in the type and shape of the faucet can be realized.

In the present application, the operation direction S1 when the contact portion approaches the discharge pipe f30 is the first direction DR1, and the operation direction S1 when the contact portion moves away from the discharge pipe f30 is the second direction DR2.

In the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments, the operation of the adjusting unit in the second direction DR2 is restricted compared to the operation of the adjusting unit in the first direction DR1. In other words, the operation of the adjusting unit in the second direction DR2 is more difficult to perform than the operation of the adjusting unit in the first direction DR1. Therefore, the operation direction position of the adjusting portion is maintained in a state where the contact portion is in contact with the discharge pipe f30. Further, the position of the adjusting portion in the operation direction is maintained with the contact portion pressing the discharge pipe f30. Therefore, the adaptability to changes in the type and shape of the faucet is further enhanced, and the hose connector can be more reliably fixed to the faucet.

In the fifth embodiment, the member (holding portion 1308) that interlocks with the adjusting portion 1304 has a contact portion. On the other hand, in 6th Embodiment, the adjustment part 1604 has a contact part. Also in the seventh embodiment, the adjusting portion 1804 has a contact portion. As described above, since the adjusting portion or the member interlocking with the adjusting portion has the contact portion, the position of the contact portion can be changed by operating the adjusting portion.

Needless to say, the adjusting unit and the like used in the fifth to seventh embodiments can also be applied to the first to fourth embodiments.

Examples of the material of the upper member include resins and metals. As the resin, a resin excellent in strength and productivity is preferable. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, the resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable resins. From the viewpoint of strength, polyacetal (POM) is more preferable. In the above-described embodiment, the material of the upper member is polyacetal (POM).

Examples of the material of the engaging elastic body include resin and metal. As the resin, a resin excellent in strength and productivity is preferable. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, the resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable resins. From the viewpoint of strength, polyacetal (POM) is more preferable. In the above-described embodiment, the material of the engaging elastic body is polyacetal (POM).

Examples of the material of the slide ring include resin and metal. As the resin, a resin that is inexpensive and has excellent productivity is preferable. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, the resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) and polyacetal (POM) are exemplified as more preferable resins. ABS is more preferable because it is inexpensive and has excellent strength. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the material of the slide ring is ABS.

Examples of the material of the main body include resin and metal. As the resin, a resin that is inexpensive and has excellent productivity is preferable. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, the resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable resins. ABS is more preferable because it is inexpensive and has excellent strength. In the above-described embodiment, the material of the main body is ABS.

Examples of the material of the hose connecting portion include resin and metal. As the resin, a resin that is inexpensive and has excellent productivity is preferable. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, the resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable resins. ABS is more preferable because it is inexpensive and has excellent strength. In the above-described embodiment, the material of the hose connecting portion is ABS.

The ring engaging body 1104 is preferably excellent in strength and needs to have a characteristic of bending back. Resin is preferable as the material of the ring engaging body 1104. As the resin, a thermoplastic resin is preferable from the viewpoint of moldability. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable. POM is more preferable from the viewpoint of excellent strength.

Examples of the material of the pressing portion 1308 (fifth embodiment) include resin and metal. As the resin, a resin excellent in strength and productivity is preferable. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, the resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable resins. From the viewpoint of strength, polyacetal (POM) is more preferable. In the above-described fifth embodiment, the material of the pressing portion 1308 is polyacetal (POM).

Examples of the material of the main body of the upper member (fifth to seventh embodiments) include resins and metals. As the resin, a resin excellent in strength and productivity is preferable. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, the resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable resins. From the viewpoint of strength, polyacetal (POM) is more preferable. In the fifth to seventh embodiments described above, the material of the main body of the upper member is polyacetal (POM).

The reverse rotation preventing member 1306 (fifth embodiment) preferably has excellent strength and needs to have a characteristic of bending back. Resin is preferable as the material of the reverse rotation preventing member 1306. As the resin, a thermoplastic resin is preferable from the viewpoint of moldability. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable. From the viewpoint of excellent strength, polyacetal (POM) is more preferable. In the fifth embodiment described above, the material of the reverse rotation preventing member 1306 is polyacetal (POM).

Examples of the material of the adjusting unit 1304 (fifth embodiment) include resin and metal. As the resin, a resin excellent in strength and productivity is preferable. From the viewpoint of ease of molding, the resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable. From the viewpoint of excellent strength, polyacetal (POM) is more preferable. In the fifth embodiment described above, the material of the adjusting portion 1304 is polyacetal (POM).

The adjusting portion 1604 (sixth embodiment) preferably has excellent strength and needs to have a characteristic of bending back. Resin is preferable as the material of the adjusting portion 1604. As the resin, a thermoplastic resin is preferable from the viewpoint of moldability. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable. From the viewpoint of excellent strength, polyacetal (POM) is more preferable. In the sixth embodiment described above, the material of the adjusting unit 1604 is polyacetal (POM).

The adjusting portion 1804 (seventh embodiment) is preferably excellent in strength and needs to have a characteristic of bending back. Resin is preferable as the material of the adjusting portion 1804. As the resin, a thermoplastic resin is preferable from the viewpoint of moldability. From the viewpoint of moldability, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) and polyacetal (POM) are more preferable. From the viewpoint of excellent strength, polyacetal (POM) is more preferable. In the seventh embodiment described above, the material of the adjusting portion 1804 is polyacetal (POM).

The present application also describes other inventions not included in the inventions claimed in the independent claims. Each of the forms, members, configurations, etc. described in the claims and the embodiments of the present application is recognized as an invention based on the action and effect that each has.

Each form, member, configuration, etc. shown in each of the above-mentioned embodiments does not have all the forms, members, or configurations of these embodiments, individually, including the inventions claimed in the claims of the present application. It can be applied to all the inventions described.

The hose connector described above can be applied to any faucet.

100... Hose connector 200... Upper member 206... Missing part 210... Abutting part 220... Upper engaging part 300... Lower member 302... Discharge pipe insertion part 304 ...Lower side engaging part 306...Hose connecting part 308...Slide ring 310...Main body part 312...Packing
316... Engaging elastic body 318... Engaging claw 330... Nipple member 400... Hose connecting tool 500... Upper member 502... Right side wall portion 503... Left side wall portion 504. ..Connecting portion 520...upper side engaging portion 600...lower member 606...hose connecting portion 608...slide ring 610...main body of lower member 612...packing 900...・Hose connector 1000... Upper member 1020... Upper engaging portion (recess)
1100... Lower member 1104... Ring engagement body 1104a... Engagement protrusion part 1200... Hose connector 1300... Upper member 1304... Adjusting part 1308... Pressing part 1400... -Lower member 1500... Hose connecting tool 1600... Upper member 1604... Adjusting part 1700... Hose connecting tool 1800... Upper member 1804... Adjusting part

Claims (13)

It has an upper member and a lower member that can be detachably connected to each other,
The upper member has a contact portion that can contact the discharge pipe of the faucet from above, and an upper engagement portion,
The lower member has a discharge pipe insertion portion having a packing, a lower engagement portion capable of engaging with the upper engagement portion, and a hose connection portion,
By pressing one of the upper member and the lower member against the other, a connection state in which the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion are engaged with each other is formed,
The upper member has an adjusting portion that can change the position of the contact portion by an operation, and a holding portion that can hold the adjusting portion in different operation direction positions,
When the operation direction when the contact portion approaches the discharge pipe is the first direction, and when the operation direction when the contact portion moves away from the discharge pipe is the second direction,
A hose connector in which the operation of the adjusting portion in the second direction is restricted compared to the operation of the adjusting portion in the first direction. It has an upper member and a lower member that can be detachably connected to each other,
The upper member has a contact portion that can contact the discharge pipe of the faucet from above, and an upper engagement portion,
The lower member has a discharge pipe insertion portion having a packing, a lower engagement portion capable of engaging with the upper engagement portion, and a hose connection portion,
By pressing one of the upper member and the lower member against the other, a connection state in which the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion are engaged with each other is formed,
The upper member has an adjusting portion that can change the position of the contact portion by an operation, and a holding portion that can hold the adjusting portion in different operation direction positions,
A hose connector in which the upper member and the lower member are engaged by elastic deformation. The engagement is a concavo-convex engagement that develops when the positional relationship between the upper member and the lower member becomes a predetermined positional relationship, and one of the upper member and the lower member is elastic by compression. The hose connection according to claim 2, wherein the hose connection has a convex portion that recedes due to deformation, and the other has a concave portion that allows the convex portion to project in the predetermined positional relationship while engaging with the projecting convex portion. Ingredient It has an upper member and a lower member that can be detachably connected to each other,
The upper member has a contact portion that can contact the discharge pipe of the faucet from above, and an upper engagement portion,
The lower member has a discharge pipe insertion portion having a packing, a lower engagement portion capable of engaging with the upper engagement portion, and a hose connection portion,
By pressing one of the upper member and the lower member against the other, a connection state in which the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion are engaged with each other is formed,
The upper member has an adjusting portion that can change the position of the contact portion by an operation, and a holding portion that can hold the adjusting portion in different operation direction positions,
A hose connector in which the upper member and the lower member are connected in a state in which the upper member is inserted inside the discharge pipe insertion portion of the lower member. It has an upper member and a lower member that can be detachably connected to each other,
The upper member has a contact portion that can contact the discharge pipe of the faucet from above, and an upper engagement portion,
The lower member has a discharge pipe insertion portion having a packing, a lower engagement portion capable of engaging with the upper engagement portion, and a hose connection portion,
By pressing one of the upper member and the lower member against the other, a connection state in which the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion are engaged with each other is formed,
The upper member has an adjusting portion that can change the position of the contact portion by an operation, and a holding portion that can hold the adjusting portion in different operation direction positions,
The packing has a cylindrical portion that can be in close contact with the outer surface of the discharge pipe,
A hose connector in which a space is provided outside the cylindrical portion. It has an upper member and a lower member that can be detachably connected to each other,
The upper member has a contact portion that can contact the discharge pipe of the faucet from above, and an upper engagement portion,
The lower member has a discharge pipe insertion portion having a packing, a lower engagement portion capable of engaging with the upper engagement portion, and a hose connection portion,
By pressing one of the upper member and the lower member against the other, a connection state in which the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion are engaged with each other is formed,
The upper member has an adjusting portion that can change the position of the contact portion by an operation, and a holding portion that can hold the adjusting portion in different operation direction positions,
A hose connector in which the upper member does not apply a compressive force to the packing in the connected state. The hose connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operation of the adjusting portion is rotation. It has an upper member and a lower member that can be detachably connected to each other,
The upper member has a contact portion that can contact the discharge pipe of the faucet from above, and an upper engagement portion,
The lower member has a discharge pipe insertion portion having a packing, a lower engagement portion capable of engaging with the upper engagement portion, and a hose connection portion,
By pressing one of the upper member and the lower member against the other, a connection state in which the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion are engaged with each other is formed,
The upper member has an adjusting portion that can change the position of the contact portion by an operation, and a holding portion that can hold the adjusting portion in different operation direction positions,
The operation of the adjustment unit is rotation,
The contact portion is a lower surface extending in a spiral shape,
A hose connector in which the position of the lower surface with respect to the discharge pipe is changed by rotating the adjusting portion. It has an upper member and a lower member that can be detachably connected to each other,
The upper member has a contact portion that can contact the discharge pipe of the faucet from above, and an upper engagement portion,
The lower member has a discharge pipe insertion portion having a packing, a lower engagement portion capable of engaging with the upper engagement portion, and a hose connection portion,
By pressing one of the upper member and the lower member against the other, a connection state in which the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion are engaged with each other is formed,
The upper member has an adjusting portion that can change the position of the contact portion by an operation, and a holding portion that can hold the adjusting portion in different operation direction positions,
The operation of the adjustment unit is rotation,
A hose connector in which the holding portion is composed of a ratchet mechanism. The hose connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper engagement portion has a cutout portion that is partially cut off in the circumferential direction. By providing the missing portions at two locations in the circumferential direction, the upper engagement portion is divided into a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion,
The upper member has a connecting portion that connects the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion,
The hose connector according to claim 10, wherein the connecting portion has the contact portion. The hose connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the upper member can be attached to the discharge pipe from the upper side. The hose connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the upper member and the lower member are configured to be able to sandwich the curved and extending discharge pipe.

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