JP7423713B2 - Clip and annular cover - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a joint member that prevents a pipe inserted into a connecting cylinder from coming off by a clip fitted to the connecting cylinder.

In the joint member shown in Patent Document 1, a U-shaped clip enters the inside of the connecting tube through a communication hole formed in the tube wall of the connecting tube, and the clip is formed on the outer surface of the tube. It engages with the annular groove formed.

JP2011-106604A (Paragraph [0029], Figures 3 and 4)

In the joint member of Patent Document 1, the clip may come off due to external force, and there has been a demand for further stabilization of the connection between the connecting cylinder and the pipe body.

A first aspect of the invention , which was made to solve the above problems, includes a connecting tube into which the tip of the tube to be connected is inserted, and a C-shape having an opening at one location in the circumferential direction. and a clip that fits into a circumferential groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder, the clip having a clip extending outward from at least one of both ends sandwiching the opening. a claw portion protruding from the inner circumferential surface and entering the inner side of the connecting cylinder portion through a communicating hole formed through the bottom wall of the circumferential groove, and formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tube body; a coupling protrusion that engages with an annular groove, the coupling member having an annular shape into which the connection tube is inserted, and a receiving recess that is open at an end facing the tube; an annular cover that receives the claw portion in the receiving recess and restricts opening of the clip when the clip is surrounded from the outside, and the annular cover is arranged such that the annular cover surrounds the clip; The joint member is formed with a movement restriction portion that engages with the connecting tube portion or the clip in a state where the annular cover is moved in a direction away from the tube body.

In a second aspect of the invention , the movement restricting portion is formed by an engaging protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular cover and engaging with an engaging recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion. The joint member according to the first aspect .

In a third aspect of the invention , the depth of the circumferential groove is greater than the radial thickness of the clip, the engagement recess is formed by the circumferential groove, and the engagement protrusion is formed by the circumferential groove. The joint according to the second aspect, wherein the annular cover is prevented from moving away from the tube by coming into contact with a portion of the inner surface of the groove that faces the tube and is exposed outside of the clip . It is a member.

A fourth aspect of the invention is the first aspect, wherein the receiving recess is formed by an opening that penetrates the annular cover in a radial direction , and the claw part is configured to be visible from the outside through the opening. The joint member according to any one of the third aspects .

A fifth aspect of the invention is that the annular cover is provided with a notch that opens at an end facing the tube body, and when the movement restriction part engages with the connecting cylinder part or the clip, the notch opens. The joint according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a portion of the opening edge of the opening facing the tube body is arranged substantially flush with an edge of the clip facing the tube body. It is a member.

A sixth aspect of the invention is the joint member according to the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect , wherein the annular cover is colored differently from the clip.

A seventh aspect of the invention is a pipe connection structure comprising the joint member according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and the pipe body, wherein the pipe body is arranged on the outside of the hose portion. is fixed to the distal end of a drain hose covered with a heat insulating material; a drain hose abutting part that protrudes outward from the middle part of the small diameter cylindrical part and against which the end of the drain hose is abutted; The pipe connection structure includes a large-diameter cylindrical part that sandwiches the hose part and the heat insulating material between the cylindrical part and the cylindrical part.

In an eighth aspect of the invention , the annular cover is formed so as to be able to abut against the drain hose abutting portion, and the movement regulating portion is configured such that when the annular cover abuts against the drain hose abutting portion, The tube connection structure according to the seventh aspect , which engages with the connection cylinder portion or the clip.

In the first and seventh aspects of the invention , when the annular cover surrounds the clip from the outside, the opening of the clip is restricted, so the clip is prevented from coming off due to external force, and the connection between the connecting cylinder and the pipe body is prevented. Stabilization will be achieved. Further, in a state where the annular cover surrounds the clip from the outside, movement of the annular cover in a direction away from the tubular body is restricted by a movement restriction section provided on the annular cover. This makes it easier to maintain the annular cover in a state surrounding the clip from the outside.

Here, if the receiving recess that receives the claw of the clip is closed on the side opposite to the tube, the annular cover will move in the direction toward the tube due to the contact between the inner surface of the receiving recess and the claw. Since the annular cover is regulated, the annular cover can be fixed to surround the clip from the outside. In addition, the tube body is fixed to the distal end of a drain hose whose outside is covered with a heat insulating material, and includes a small-diameter cylindrical portion whose proximal end is inserted into the hose portion, and a small-diameter cylindrical portion whose base end is inserted into the hose portion. A hose section is provided between a drain hose abutting section that protrudes outward from the middle section and against which the end of the drain hose abuts, and the small diameter cylindrical section that extends from the outer edge of the drain hose abutting section toward the proximal end of the small diameter cylindrical section. and a large-diameter cylindrical portion sandwiching a heat insulating material ( seventh aspect of the invention ), the annular cover can abut against the drain hose abutting portion, and in the abutting state, the movement regulating portion becomes annular. By engaging with the cover or the connecting tube, the annular cover is prevented from moving in the direction toward the tube body, so the annular cover can be fixed in a state surrounding the clip from the outside ( Eighth aspect of the invention ).

When the movement restriction part engages with the connecting cylinder part, the movement restriction part may be an engagement protrusion that engages with an engagement recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection cylinder part ( second aspect of the invention) . Embodiment ) It may be a recess that engages with a protrusion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder. In the former case, if the circumferential groove of the connecting tube is used as the engagement recess, there is no need to newly provide an engagement recess in the connection tube. Specifically, the depth of the circumferential groove is made larger than the radial thickness of the clip, so that the engaging protrusion comes into contact with a portion of the inner surface of the circumferential groove that faces the tubular body and is exposed outside of the clip. ( Third aspect of the invention ).

If the receiving recess that receives the claw portion of the clip is composed of an opening that radially penetrates the annular cover, it is possible to determine whether or not the clip is present based on whether or not the claw portion is visible through the opening. ( Fourth aspect of the invention ). In addition, a notch is formed in the annular cover that opens at the end facing the tube, and when the movement restricting portion engages with the connecting tube or clip, the portion of the opening edge of the notch facing the tube opens. If the clip is arranged substantially flush with the end edge facing the tube body, it is possible to determine whether the movement restricting portion has engaged with the connecting tube portion or the clip depending on whether or not the clip is visible through the notch. It becomes possible to confirm this ( fifth aspect of the invention ). In either case, if the annular cover is colored differently from the clip, it becomes easier to distinguish between the annular cover and the clip, and the clip becomes easier to recognize through the notch or opening ( sixth aspect of the invention ). .

Schematic configuration diagram of drain piping using the pipe connection structure according to the first embodiment Side sectional view of pipe connection structure (A) Perspective view from the distal end of the tube, (B) Perspective view from the proximal end. Perspective view of the area around the fitting part of the joint member Perspective view of the area around the fitting part of the connecting cylinder part (A) Perspective view of the clip as seen from the side opposite to the opening, (B) Perspective view as seen from the opening side Plane sectional view of the clip fitted in the circumferential groove (A) Perspective view from the distal end of the annular cover, (B) Perspective view from the proximal end. (A) A front view of the tube connection structure when the annular cover is placed closer to the proximal end of the connecting tube than the clip, (B) A front view of the tube connection structure when the annular cover is placed outside the clip. Plane sectional view of pipe connection structure Side cross-sectional view of the tube connection structure when the annular cover is placed outside the clip (A) Side sectional view of the engagement protrusion that has entered the circumferential groove, (B) Side sectional view of the engagement protrusion located closer to the proximal end of the connecting cylinder than the circumferential groove. (A) A perspective view of the annular cover according to the second embodiment as seen from the distal end, and (B) a perspective view as seen from the proximal end. Front view of pipe connection structure A side sectional view showing an engaged state of a protrusion and a recess according to another embodiment (A) A perspective view of an annular cover according to another embodiment as seen from the distal end, and (B) a perspective view as seen from the proximal end. Plane sectional view of pipe connection structure

[First embodiment]
The joint member 10 and pipe connection structure 100 of the first embodiment will be described below based on FIGS. 1 to 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pipe connection structure 100 of the present embodiment is used for a drain pipe 112 that drains drain water generated in an air conditioner 110 to a drain drain pipe 111. It consists of a joint member 10 connected to the discharge port 110A or the drain pipe 111, and a pipe body 50 attached to the end of the drain hose 120. Note that the drain pipe 112 is installed on the ceiling and is routed in an inverted U-shape with the middle portion raised upward.

As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the tubular body 50 includes a small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 and a drain hose contact portion 55 that protrudes outward from an axially intermediate portion of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51. , a large diameter cylindrical portion 56 extending from the outer edge of the drain hose contact portion 55 to the base end side of the small diameter cylindrical portion 51. As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular body 50 is configured such that the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 is inserted into the drain hose 120 from the base end side, and the drain hose contact portion 55 is abutted against the end surface of the drain hose 120. , is fixed to the drain hose 120. Here, the drain hose 120 has a two-layer structure in which the outside of the hose part 121 is covered with a heat insulating material 122, and the base end of the small diameter cylinder part 51 is inserted inside the hose part 121, and the large diameter cylinder The hose portion 121 and the heat insulating material 122 are sandwiched between the portion 56 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 51.

The tubular body 50 is fixed to the drain hose 120 using an adhesive or the like. Specifically, adhesive is applied in advance to the inner circumferential surface of the hose portion 121 of the drain hose 120, the outer circumferential surface and tip surface of the heat insulating material 122, and the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter cylindrical portion 51 of the tube body 50, and By inserting the small diameter cylindrical portion 51 of the body 50 into the drain hose 120, the tubular body 50 is fixed to the drain hose 120. In order to facilitate insertion of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 into the drain hose 120, the length of the portion of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 that is disposed closer to the proximal end than the drain hose contact portion 55 is longer than that of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56. The outer circumferential surface of the base end of the small diameter cylindrical portion 51 is formed into a tapered shape whose diameter gradually decreases toward the base end.

The tubular body 50 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin, such as a soft polyvinyl chloride resin, a hard polyvinyl chloride resin, or a polyolefin resin. The thermoplastic resin forming the tube body 50 may be either a transparent resin or an opaque resin. Further, the hose portion 121 of the drain hose 120 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin, preferably a polyolefin resin, a vinyl chloride resin, or the like. The heat insulating material 122 is preferably formed of a thermoplastic resin foam such as polyolefin resin (for example, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin), foam rubber, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3(A), a first enlarged diameter portion 52 and a second enlarged diameter portion 53 are formed in order from the distal end side in a portion of the small diameter cylindrical portion 51 that is closer to the distal end than the drain hose contact portion 55. has been done. A first annular groove 52M is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first enlarged diameter portion 52, into which an O-ring (not shown) is attached. Further, a second annular groove 53M is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second enlarged diameter portion 53 to engage with a clip 30 of the joint member 10, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the first enlarged diameter portion 52 is configured to include two first annular grooves 52M, but it may be configured to include only one first annular groove 52M, or it may include three or more first annular grooves 52M. It may be a configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the joint member 10 includes a connecting cylinder portion 11, a clip 30, and an annular cover 40. Note that the connecting tube portion 11, the clip 30, and the annular cover 40 are made of thermoplastic resin. Specifically, the connecting tube portion 11 is preferably formed of a soft polyvinyl chloride resin, a hard polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyolefin resin, or the like. The clip 30 is preferably formed of polyamide resin such as polyacetal resin or nylon 66. The annular cover 40 is preferably made of polyolefin resin, polyamide resin, or the like. Note that the thermoplastic resin forming the connecting tube portion 11, the clip 30, and the annular cover 40 may be either a transparent resin or an opaque resin. If at least the connecting cylinder part 11 is made of a transparent thermoplastic resin, the inside of the connecting cylinder part 11 can be visually checked from the outside, and the state of the drain water flowing inside the pipe can be recognized. If the tube body 50, clip 30, and annular cover 40 are made of transparent thermoplastic resin in addition to the connecting tube portion 11, the state of the drain water flowing inside the tube can be recognized over a wide range.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the connecting cylinder part 11 includes an elbow part 12 curved in an L-shape, and a drain outlet 110A or a drain drain pipe connected to one end of the elbow part 12. 111 (see FIG. 1); and a fitting portion 14 that is connected to the other end of the elbow portion 12 and fits into the small diameter cylindrical portion 51 of the tube body 50 from the outside. , is equipped with. In this embodiment, in the joint member 10, the side on which the fitting portion 14 is arranged will be appropriately referred to as the distal end side, and the side on which the connecting end portion 13 will be arranged as the proximal end side.

The fitting part 14 has a structure in which the diameter of the distal end part remote from the elbow part 12 is enlarged in a stepped manner, and the opening of the enlarged diameter part 14K is the insertion opening 11A (see Fig. 5). A C-shaped circumferential groove 15 (see FIG. 5) in plan view is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the enlarged diameter portion 14K. Note that the portion where the circumferential groove 15 is not formed in the enlarged diameter portion 14K is arranged so as to face the same side as the connection end portion 13 when viewed from the central axis direction of the fitting portion 14. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the outer diameter of the expanded diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the elbow portion 12, but may be different.

As shown in FIG. 5, a communication hole 16 is formed through the groove bottom wall 15H of the circumferential groove 15 to communicate the inner side of the fitting portion 14 and the circumferential groove 15. As shown in FIG. The communication hole 16 extends in the circumferential direction of the fitting part 14, and is located on one side (in this embodiment, in the groove width direction of the circumferential groove 15 (i.e., in the central axis direction of the fitting part 14) in the groove bottom wall 15H. The connecting tube portion 11 is disposed closer to the distal end side of the connecting tube portion 11. In this embodiment, one pair of communication holes 16 are provided so as to face each other in the radial direction of the fitting portion 14, but a pair may be provided at positions shifted from the positions facing each other in the radial direction. , two or more pairs may be provided so as to face each other in the radial direction. Further, only one communication hole 16 or three or more communication holes 16 may be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the clip 30 includes a C-shaped ring portion 31 having an opening 31A at one location in the circumferential direction, and both ends of the ring portion 31 that sandwich the opening 31A. A pair of claw portions 35, 35 are provided extending from the ring portion 31 to the outside in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the claw portion 35 protrudes from the entire axial direction of both ends of the ring portion 31, but may protrude from a portion of the both ends in the axial direction.

The ring portion 31 can be elastically deformed to widen the opening 31A from the state shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B). Then, the clip 30 changes into a closed state shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) and an open state in which the opening 31A is wider than the closed state. The inner diameter of the ring portion 31 in the closed state is approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the groove bottom wall 15H of the circumferential groove 15 in the fitting portion 14, and the ring portion 31 is fitted into the circumferential groove 15 (Fig. 7 reference).

As shown in FIG. 7, the pair of claw parts 35, 35 are formed in a tapered shape that becomes narrower in the circumferential direction of the ring part 31 as it goes radially outward of the ring part 31. Specifically, surfaces 35M1 of the pair of claw portions 35, 35 that face each other in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 31 are formed substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the ring portion 31; 35, a surface 35M2 facing the opposite side in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 31 is curved so as to move away from the opening 31A of the ring portion 31 as it goes radially inward of the ring portion 31 (i.e., toward the base end side of the claw portion 35). It is formed in a rounded shape. Note that the surface 35M2 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the ring portion 31 similarly to the surface 35M1.

A pair of connecting protrusions 32 , 32 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the ring portion 31 so as to protrude toward the center of the ring portion 31 . The pair of connecting protrusions 32 , 32 are formed in an arc shape extending along the ring portion 31 , and are arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the ring portion 31 in correspondence with the communication hole 16 of the fitting portion 14 . has been done. Then, with the ring portion 31 fitted into the circumferential groove 15, the pair of connecting protrusions 32, 32 enter and engage with the pair of communicating holes 16, 16. Here, the amount of protrusion of the connecting protrusion 32 is larger than the thickness of the groove bottom wall 15H of the circumferential groove 15, and the connecting protrusion 32 protrudes into the inside of the fitting part 14.

As shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the pair of connecting protrusions 32, 32 are arranged closer to one side in the central axis direction of the ring portion 31. It is designed so that it does not enter the pair of communication holes 16, 16 when the front and back are reversed. Further, the inner circumferential portion of each connecting protrusion 32 (the leading end in the protruding direction of the connecting protrusion 32) is formed into a tapered shape with one side in the central axis direction of the ring portion 31 tapered. A tip inclined surface 32K in which a surface facing one side in the central axis direction of the ring part 31 in the inner peripheral part of the connecting protrusion 32 turns toward one side in the central axis direction of the ring part 31 as the distance from the center of the ring part 31 increases. It becomes. Note that the connecting protrusion 32 may be configured without the tip inclined surface 32K.

As shown in FIG. 7, a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the connecting protrusion 32 opposite to the opening 31A of the ring portion 31 (see FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B)) is rounded. . This makes it easy to insert the connecting protrusion 32 into the communication hole 16. Further, the connecting protrusion 32 includes a protrusion 32T that protrudes from the inner peripheral portion thereof toward the opening 31A of the ring portion 31. This makes it difficult for the connecting protrusion 32 inserted into the communication hole 16 to come off from the communication hole 16. Note that the connecting protrusion 32 may be configured without the protrusion 32T.

As shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the annular cover 40 is formed in an annular shape, and the fitting portion 14 (see FIG. 4) of the connecting cylinder portion 11 is inserted into the inside thereof. Ru. The inner diameter of the annular cover 40 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14. Note that in the annular cover 40 of this embodiment, the thickness in the radial direction (thickness) is smaller than the length in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 8(A), the annular cover 40 of this embodiment has a first notch 41 that is open at one end of the annular cover 40 in the axial direction. A pair of first notches 41 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40 . Here, the annular cover 40 is attached to the fitting part 14 of the connecting cylinder part 11 so that the open end of the first notch part 41 faces the distal end side of the connecting cylinder part 11. Therefore, the open end of the first notch 41 faces the tube body 50 (see FIG. 9(A)). When the annular cover 40 is arranged to surround the clip 30 attached to the circumferential groove 15 of the fitting part 14 from the outside, the pair of first notches 41, 41 are formed in the pair of first notches 41, 41. 9(B)). In this embodiment, one end of the annular cover 40 in the axial direction (that is, the end that the first notch 41 opens) and the other end will be appropriately referred to as the distal end and the proximal end of the annular cover 40. Note that the first notch portion 41 of this embodiment may be formed according to the form of the claw portion 35 provided on the clip 30. For example, when the claw portion 35 protrudes from part of both ends of the ring portion 31 in the axial direction, the degree of cutout of the first notch portion 41 may be adjusted according to the claw portion 35.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 10, the cross-sectional shape of the first notch 41 when viewed from the axial direction of the annular cover 40 is approximately the same as the shape of the claw portion 35 when viewed from the axial direction of the clip 30. Specifically, the first notch 41 is formed in a tapered shape that becomes narrower in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40 as it goes radially outward of the annular cover 40. A surface 41M1 facing the surface 35M1 of the claw portion 35 is formed substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40, and a surface 41M2 facing the surface 35M2 of the claw portion 35 becomes radially inward of the annular cover 40. It is formed in an R shape that is curved away from 41M1.

As shown in FIG. 8(B), the first notch 41 is formed in a rectangular shape and is disposed over almost the entire annular cover 40 in the axial direction. A reinforcing rib 42 that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the annular cover 40 and extends in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40 is provided at a portion of the opening edge of the first notch 41 that faces the open end of the first notch 41 . It is being

As shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the annular cover 40 has a rectangular second notch 43 that is open at the tip of the annular cover 40, in addition to the first notch 41. has been done. The second notch 43 is formed at the tip of the annular cover 40 and has a length shorter than the first notch 41 in the axial direction of the annular cover 40 . A plurality of second notches 43 (in this embodiment, two) are provided, and a partition wall 44 is formed between adjacent second notches 43 in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40. .

An engaging protrusion 45 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular cover 40 and extends along the circumferential direction. The engagement protrusion 45 is disposed at the base end of the annular cover 40, and is formed in an arc shape in a region of the annular cover 40 excluding the region where the pair of first notches 41, 41 are formed. The inner diameter of the engagement protrusion 45 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the expanded diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14, and larger than the outer diameter of the ring portion 31 of the clip 30 (see FIG. 12(B)).

The cross-sectional shape of the engaging protrusion 45 when cut at an arbitrary position in the circumferential direction is formed into a triangular shape in which the inner diameter decreases as the distance from the distal end and the proximal end of the annular cover 40 increases. This suppresses interference between the engagement protrusion 45 and the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14, making it possible to insert the enlarged diameter portion 14K inside the annular cover 40. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the engaging protrusion 45 may be formed in a triangular shape in which the inner diameter becomes smaller as the distance from the tip of the annular cover 40 increases. In this case, it becomes possible to enhance the effect of preventing the annular cover 40 from coming off toward the base end side.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, in the pipe connection structure 100 of this embodiment, the small diameter cylindrical portion 51 of the tube body 50 is inserted into the fitting portion 14 of the connection cylindrical portion 11 in the joint member 10, and the A portion of the connecting protrusion 32 that protrudes into the inside of the fitting portion 14 engages with the second annular groove 53M of the small diameter cylindrical portion 51. Then, due to the engagement between the connecting protrusion 32 and the second annular groove 53M, the tube body 50 is prevented from coming off from the connecting tube portion 11. Note that the space between the fitting portion 14 and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 51 is sealed by an O-ring (not shown) installed in the first annular groove 52M.

In this embodiment, the tubular body 50 can be inserted into the fitting part 14 with the ring part 31 of the clip 30 fitted into the circumferential groove 15 of the fitting part 14. That is, when the ring portion 31 is fitted into the circumferential groove 15, the connecting protrusion 32 of the clip 30 protrudes into the inside of the fitting portion 14. When the tubular body 50 is inserted into the fitting portion 14, the distal end portion (specifically, the second enlarged diameter portion 53) of the tubular body 50 comes into contact with the distal end inclined surface 32K of the connecting protrusion 32. The second enlarged diameter portion 53 can be inserted further into the fitting portion 14 while pushing the ring portion 31 outward by contacting the tip inclined surface 32K. The ring portion 31 that has been expanded by the insertion of the second enlarged diameter portion 53 is restored by its own elastic force when the connecting protrusion 32 is overlapped with the second annular groove 53M.

By the way, in this embodiment, when the fitting part 14 of the connecting cylinder part 11 is inserted into the inside of the annular cover 40 and the annular cover 40 is arranged so as to surround the clip 30 from the outside, one pair of the clip 30 is inserted. The claw portions 35, 35 are received in a pair of first notches 41, 41 of the annular cover 40 (see FIG. 10). As a result, the pair of claws 35, 35 are prevented from separating from each other due to external force.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9(B), even when the annular cover 40 surrounds the clip 30 from the outside, the claw portion 35 is visible from the outside through the first cutout portion 41. There is. That is, the first notch 41 constitutes an opening that makes the clip 30 visible from the outside. Thereby, in this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the clip 30 is fitted into the circumferential groove 15 in a state where the annular cover 40 is disposed outside the circumferential groove 15 .

As shown on the left side of FIG. 11, the annular cover 40 has a portion of the opening edge of the first notch 41 that faces toward the tip side of the annular cover 40 (i.e., a portion that faces the open end of the first notch 41). By coming into contact with the claw portion 35, access to the tubular body 50 is restricted. Note that when the drain hose contact portion 55 of the tubular body 50 projects outward from the annular cover 40 (that is, the outer diameter of the large diameter cylindrical portion 56 is larger than the outer diameter of the annular cover 40), the annular cover 40 , may be restricted from approaching the tubular body 50 by being abutted against the drain hose contact portion 55 of the tubular body 50.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the claw portion 35 comes into contact with the portion of the opening edge of the first notch portion 41 that faces the open end, the engagement protrusion 45 of the annular cover 40 engages the diameter of the fitting portion 14. It overlaps the circumferential groove 15 when viewed from the direction. Here, the outer diameter of the ring portion 31 of the clip 30 is smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14, and the outer diameter of the ring portion 31 of the clip 30 is smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14. A portion of the surface is exposed outside the ring portion 31. Further, the inner diameter of the engaging protrusion 45 is smaller than the outer diameter of the expanded diameter portion 14K of the fitting portion 14 and larger than the outer diameter of the ring portion 31. Therefore, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 12(A), the engaging protrusion 45 enters the circumferential groove 15, and among the inner surfaces of the circumferential groove 15, the opposing surface 45M (i.e., , the opposing surface 45M is a surface facing the tubular body 50). Thereby, the annular cover 40 is also restricted from moving in a direction away from the tubular body 50. As described above, the cross-sectional shape of the engaging protrusion 45 when cut at any position in the circumferential direction is a triangular shape whose inner diameter decreases as it moves away from the tip and base ends of the annular cover 40. When inserting the enlarged diameter portion 14K inside the annular cover 40, the engagement protrusion 45 can smoothly overcome the portion of the enlarged diameter portion 14K that is disposed closer to the proximal end than the circumferential groove 15. Become.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12(A), when the engaging protrusion 45 of the annular cover 40 enters the circumferential groove 15, the end of the clip 30 that is disposed on the distal end side of the connecting cylinder part 11 The edge and a portion of the opening edge of the second notch 43 in the annular cover 40 that faces the open end of the second notch 43 are arranged substantially flush with each other. In this state, the clip 30 is difficult to see through the second notch 43. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12(B), if the engagement protrusion 45 of the annular cover 40 is disposed closer to the proximal end of the connecting tube 11 than the circumferential groove 15, the clip can be inserted through the second notch 43. 30 becomes visible. That is, in this embodiment, depending on whether or not the clip 30 is visible through the second notch 43, the annular cover 40 is restricted from moving away from the tube body 50 (i.e., the annular cover 40 is in a normal state). It is possible to determine whether or not the device is placed in the correct position.

Here, if the clip 30 and the annular cover 40 are made to have different colors, the clip 30 and the annular cover 40 can be easily distinguished. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the clip 30 is fitted into the circumferential groove 15 depending on whether or not the claw portion 35 of the clip 30 is visible through the first notch 41. Whether or not the annular cover 40 is placed in the normal position (that is, whether the engaging protrusion 45 has entered the circumferential groove 15 or not) can be easily determined by whether or not the clip 30 is visible through the clip 30. can.

Note that the second notch 43 can also be used when removing the annular cover 40 from the enlarged diameter portion 14K. That is, by inserting a tool such as a pen or a flathead screwdriver into the second notch 43 and moving the annular cover 40 toward the proximal end of the connecting tube 11, the engagement protrusion 45 of the annular cover 40 and the circumferential groove 15 ( The engagement with the opposing surface 45M) can be removed.

In this way, in the joint member 10 and the pipe connection structure 100 of the present embodiment, when the annular cover 40 surrounds the clip 30 from the outside, the pair of claws 35, 35 are formed in the pair of first notches 41, 41. When the clip 30 is received, the opening of the clip 30 is regulated. Thereby, the clip 30 is prevented from coming off due to external force, and the connection between the connecting cylinder portion 11 and the tube body 50 is stabilized. Here, when the annular cover 40 surrounds the clip 30 from the outside, the engagement protrusion 45 provided on the annular cover 40 restricts the annular cover 40 from moving away from the tube body 50. This makes it easier to maintain the annular cover 40 in a state surrounding the clip 30 from the outside. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the part of the opening edge of the first notch 41 that faces the open end of the first notch 41 comes into contact with the claw part 35, so that the annular cover 40 approaches the tube body 50. Since movement is restricted, the annular cover 40 can be fixed in a state surrounding the clip 30 from the outside.

Further, in this embodiment, since the engaging protrusion 45 engages with the circumferential groove 15 into which the clip 30 is fitted, it is necessary to newly provide a recessed part in the connecting cylinder part 11 that engages with the engaging protrusion 45. Thereby, the connecting cylinder portion 11 can be made more compact.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of claws 35, 35 are visible through the pair of first notches 41, 41, so that the annular cover 40 surrounds the circumferential groove 15 from the outside. However, the presence or absence of the clip 30 can be determined based on whether the claw portion 35 is visible through the first notch portion 41. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the engagement protrusion 45 of the annular cover 40 enters the circumferential groove 15, the edge of the clip 30 disposed on the distal end side of the connecting cylinder section 11 and the second notch 43 Since the portion of the opening edge that faces the open end of the second notch 43 is arranged substantially flush with the opening edge, the engagement protrusion 45 can be moved around the circumference depending on whether or not the clip 30 is visible through the second notch 43. By engaging with the groove 15, it becomes possible to confirm whether or not the annular cover 40 is placed in a normal position.

[Second embodiment]
This embodiment is a modification of the annular cover 40 of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), in the annular cover 40V of this embodiment, the shape of the first notch 41V is the same as that of the first notch 41 of the first embodiment. It is different from The first cutout portion 41V includes a guide portion 41VA that extends linearly from the distal end of the annular cover 40 toward the proximal end, and a housing portion that extends from the proximal end of the guide portion 41VA to one side in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40. 41VB, and is formed in an L-shape. The housing portion 41VB is formed in a size that can accommodate the claw portion 35 of the clip 30.

Note that in the example shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), the annular cover 40V is not provided with the second notch 43, but may be provided. Further, the annular cover 40V does not need to include the engagement protrusion 45. The other configurations of the joint member 10 and the pipe connection structure 100 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used to omit the explanation.

By engaging with the clip 30, the annular cover 40V of this embodiment restricts the movement of the connecting cylinder portion 11 in the extending direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14(A), the annular cover 40V is arranged such that the distal end side (that is, the open end side of the first notch portion 41V) faces the distal end side of the connecting cylinder portion 11. Ru. As shown in FIG. 14(B), the pair of first notch portions 41V and the pair of guide portions 41VA and 41VA of 41V are arranged at the same circumferential position as the pair of claw portions 35 and 35 of the clip 30. When the annular cover 40V is operated toward the distal end side of the connecting cylinder portion 11 in this state, the pair of claw portions 35, 35 are received in the pair of guide portions 41VA, 41VA. Next, as shown in FIG. 14(C), when the annular cover 40V is operated to rotate to the other side in the circumferential direction (i.e., to the side opposite to the accommodating part 41VB with respect to the guide part 41VA), the pair of The claw portions 35, 35 are accommodated in a pair of accommodating portions 41VB, 41VB. At this time, the claw portion 35 is sandwiched between the opening edge of the housing portion 41VB in the axial direction of the annular cover 40V. The engagement between the housing portion 41VB and the claw portion 35 restricts the movement of the annular cover 40V in the extending direction of the connecting cylinder portion 11.

In addition, in order to prevent the annular cover 40V from coming off the state shown in FIG. 14(C), a retaining mechanism may be provided in one or both of the housing part 41VB and the claw part 35. An example of the retaining mechanism is a configuration in which a protrusion is provided on a surface of the inner surface of the housing portion 41VB that faces in the axial direction of the annular cover 40V. In this configuration, the contact between the protrusion and the claw 35 prevents the annular cover 40V from rotating to one side in the circumferential direction, and prevents the annular cover 40V from coming off the state shown in FIG. 14(C). can. Here, the protrusions may be provided at a plurality of locations, or may be provided on one or both of the surface facing the distal end and the surface facing the proximal end of the annular cover 40V on the inner surface of the accommodating portion 41VB. Furthermore, the claw portion 35 may be formed with a recess that engages with the protrusion.

[Other embodiments]
(1) In the first embodiment, the engagement protrusion 45 provided on the annular cover 40 engages with the engagement recess (circumferential groove 15) provided on the connecting tube 11. 15(A), a configuration may be adopted in which a recess 61A provided on the annular cover 40 and a protrusion 61T provided on the connecting cylinder portion 11 engage with each other.

(2) In the above (1), the protrusion 61T may be provided on the clip 30 (see FIG. 15(B)). In addition, in the said 2nd Embodiment, it can be said that the protrusion 61T is comprised by the claw part 35 of the clip 30, and 61 A of recessed parts are comprised by the accommodating part 41VB of the 1st notch part 41V.

(3) In the first embodiment, the engagement protrusion 45 of the annular cover 40 may be configured to engage with a recess formed in the outer peripheral surface of the clip 30 (specifically, the ring portion 31). good.

(4) In the first embodiment, the engagement protrusions 45 of the annular cover 40 may be scattered at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the annular cover 40. Further, in (1) and (2) above, the protrusions 61T may be scattered at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the connecting cylinder portion 11 or the clip 30.

(5) As shown in FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B), the annular cover 40 may include a cover wall 46 that covers the first notch 41 from the outside. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, when the claw part 35 of the clip 30 is received in the first notch part 41, the claw part 35 is covered from the outside by the cover wall 46, so that no external force is applied to the claw part 35. Such things are regulated. Note that if the cover wall 46 is made of a transparent member, the presence or absence of the claw portion 35 can be determined through the cover wall 46, so whether or not the clip 30 is present inside the annular cover 40 can be visually determined. Can be done. Furthermore, even if the cover wall 46 is made of an opaque material, if a notch or window is formed in the cover wall 46, the presence or absence of the claw part 35 can be determined through the notch or window. can.

(6) In the above embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the annular cover 40, 40V is provided with a receiving recess that opens at the tip edge of the annular cover 40, 40V, and the pair of claws 35, 35 of the clip 30 are provided in the receiving recess. It may also be configured to accept. Note that one pair of receiving recesses may be provided corresponding to the pair of claws 35, 35, or only one receiving recess may be provided.

(7) In the above embodiment, only one first notch 41, 41V may be provided. In this case, the length of the first notch portions 41, 41V in the circumferential direction of the annular covers 40, 40V may be set to a length capable of receiving the pair of claw portions 35, 35 of the clip 30.

(8) The communication hole 16 may be formed in the center of the circumferential groove 15 in the width direction. In this case, the connecting protrusion 32 of the clip 30 may not include the tip inclined surface 32K.

(9) Although the connecting tube portion 11 of this embodiment is configured in an L-shape having the elbow portion 12, it may be configured in an I-shape with the elbow portion 12 as a socket portion.

(10) In the first embodiment, the annular cover 40 may not include the reinforcing ribs 42. In particular, when the claw portions 35 protrude from part of both ends of the ring portion 31 of the clip 30 in the axial direction, the degree of the first notch portion 41 is reduced, and the annular cover can be removed without providing the reinforcing ribs 42. It becomes possible to maintain the strength of 40.

(11) In the above embodiment and (6), (7), and (10), the clip 30 includes one pair of claw portions 35, but may include only one pair of claw portions 35. Specifically, the claw portion 35 may be configured to protrude from one of both ends of the ring portion 31 sandwiching the opening 31A. In this case, the annular cover 40 only needs to have one first notch 41 corresponding to the claw 35 .

10 Joint member 11 Connecting tube portion 15 Circumferential groove 16 Communication hole 30 Clip 32 Connecting protrusion 35 Claw portion 40 Annular cover 45 Engaging protrusion 50 Pipe body 53M Second annular groove 100 Pipe connection structure

Claims (2)

a connecting tube into which the tip of the tube is inserted;
A clip for use in a joint member, comprising: an annular cover having an annular shape into which the connecting tube is inserted and having a receiving recess that is open at an end facing the tube body;
is formed in a C-shape, fits into a circumferential groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder part, and is surrounded by the annular cover from the outside,
Protruding from the inner circumferential surface, entering the inner side of the connecting cylinder through a communication hole formed through the bottom wall of the circumferential groove, and engaging with an annular groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tube body. a connecting protrusion that
a claw extending outward from at least one end and regulating opening of the clip when received in the receiving recess of the annular cover;
A clip comprising a protrusion provided on an outer circumferential surface of the clip and engaged with an inner circumferential surface of the annular cover in a concave-convex manner . a connecting tube into which the tip of the tube is inserted;
A clip that is formed in a C-shape and fits into a circumferential groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder part, and is provided with a claw part extending outward from at least one end. An annular cover used for a joint member comprising:
The connecting tube portion has an annular shape that is inserted inside and includes a receiving recess that is open at an end facing the tube body, and when the clip is surrounded from the outside, the claw portion is received in the receiving recess. regulating the opening of the clip;
An annular cover including a movement restricting portion that is arranged to surround the clip and engages with the connecting tube portion or the clip to restrict movement of the annular cover in a direction away from the tubular body.

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