JPH08312866A - Pipe joint - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a pipe joint which can be attached and detached with simple operation by forming both ends of joint bodies into the same offsetting shape simply and substantially. CONSTITUTION: Opposed ends of a pair of cylindrical joint members 2A, 2B are respectively provided with a projection 4 projected to a diametral outer side within a semi-circular range on an end circumference, and a fitting groove 5 recessed in the diametral outer direction at a position offset in an axial end side from the projection 4 within the remaining semi-circular range. The projection 4 and the fitting groove 5 are detachably attached to each other by relative motion in the diameter direction. A means is provided for restricting diametral relative motion of the joint members 2A, 2B when the projection 4 is fitted to the groove 5.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a joint for connecting pipes such as hoses, tubes and pipes, and more particularly to a pipe joint which can be detached by a simple operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Pipes such as hoses, tubes, and pipes are connected in the longitudinal direction and used as a means for transporting fluids and powders. A pipe joint is often used for connecting the ends of the pipes or connecting the pipes with a device such as a valve. As a typical example of this pipe joint, a flange is provided on each of the pair of joint members, and a connection structure in which the two flanges of both joint members are clamped and fixed, or a male screw is formed on one of the pair of joint members, and the other is formed. There is a connection structure in which female threads are processed and screwed together.

However, in these conventional pipe joints, the attaching / detaching work is performed by rotating the screw a number of times and tightening the screw.
Since it has to be loosened, there is a drawback that quick work cannot be performed. In addition, when attaching and detaching, a wide open space is required for handling tools around the pipe joint, and the pipe joint cannot be installed in a narrow space.

Conventionally, as a means for solving such a problem, one side of a joint member is provided with a retractable pawl urged by a spring as a male type, and the other side is provided with an engaging recess for engaging with the pawl. It has been proposed that the two joint members be relatively moved in the axial direction so as to be attached and detached with one touch. However, since the above-mentioned pipe joint has a structure based on a spring mechanism, it has a drawback that the mechanism becomes complicated and the weight becomes large, and the handling becomes difficult when the diameter is large. Further, there is also a drawback that the mechanical strength cannot be increased because the mechanism is complicated.

Further, since the pipe joint is composed of a combination of a male type and a female type, it is necessary to dispose different types of male type and female type to face each other when connecting.
Therefore, for example, in applications where quick attachment / detachment is required, such as fire hose pipe joints, if even one joint end portion of the same type is arranged so as to face each other, there is a problem that fire fighting activities will be seriously hindered. there were.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe joint which can be attached and detached by a simple operation by making the structure of both ends of the joint member simple and substantially the same offset shape. To do. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pipe joint that enables greater mechanical strength by simplifying the structure. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a distinction between male type and female type,
It is to provide a pipe joint that can be attached and detached by a simple operation.

[0007]

The pipe joint of the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object comprises a pair of tubular joint members, and the joint members have a half circumference of the outer circumference of each of the end portions facing each other. A projection protruding radially outward in the area within and a fitting groove recessed radially outward in the area within the remaining half circumference and at a position offset from the projection toward the end in the axial direction are provided. The projection and the fitting groove can be attached to and detached from each other by relative movement in the radial direction, and means for restraining the relative movement of the joint members in the radial direction when the projection and the fitting groove are mounted, The restraint means is detachable within a maximum of two movements.

As described above, protrusions are provided on the outer peripheries of the end portions of both joint members within the half circumference, and fitting grooves are provided on the inner peripheral side of the remaining half end areas, so that both joint members have substantially the same structure. Therefore, the protrusion and the fitting groove can be fitted to each other and brought into a connected state only by linearly moving the ends of both joint members relative to each other in the radial direction. Further, since the means for restraining the relative movement in the radial direction after the mounting is provided, it is possible to prevent the detachment even when receiving an external force in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and further, the restraining means is detachable within a maximum of 2 movements. Therefore, it can be attached and detached with a simple operation.

Therefore, unlike a conventional joint for rotating a screw, the screw can be easily attached and detached without providing a wide working space around the joint. In addition, since the structures are substantially the same, it is possible to easily eliminate the male and female orientations between the joint members, if necessary. In addition, the structure of both ends is simple and substantially the same, so the mechanical strength between both joint members is the same, and it is possible to reasonably support a large load with a small shape, and it is lightweight and compact. Can be facilitated.

Also, since the fitting between the projection between both joint members and the fitting groove restrains the movement in the axial direction, this restrained state can be further strengthened by the fluid pressure in the pipe, and a more reliable fixing is achieved. enable.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention in a connected state, and FIG. 2 is an external view showing the pipe joint with a restraining ring removed. 1 and 2, the pipe joint 1 is a pair of tubular joint members 2A, 2
U-rings 3, 3 made of elastic material having a U-shaped cross section as a sealing mechanism, which are configured by a combination of B and have a joint structure in which the ends facing each other are as described below.
Are connected via. An end of a pipe 10 (hose, tube, pipe, etc.), which is an object to be connected, is attached to each joint member 2A, 2B. The means for attaching the pipe 10 to the joint members 2A and 2B is not particularly limited, and any conventionally used means can be used.

These joint members 2A and 2B are shown in FIG.
As shown in detail in (A) and (B), a semi-annular projection 4 and a fitting groove 5 are formed on the outer circumferences of the opposite ends so as to be separated by a half circumference. The protrusion 4 is formed so as to protrude outward in the radial direction over a half circumference of the outer circumference of the end portion, and the fitting groove 5 is formed so as to be recessed in the inner circumference of the flange portion 6 that protrudes outward in a semi-annular shape in the remaining half circumference. ing. The projections 4 and the fitting grooves 5 may be provided in the respective regions within a half circumference of the outer circumference of the end portion, and are not necessarily provided over the entire half circumference (180 °) as illustrated.

The projection 4 and the fitting groove 5 are offset from each other in the axial direction, and the fitting groove 5 is located on the axial end side (outside) of the projection 4. The outer diameter of the protrusion 4 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the fitting groove 5, and preferably the outer diameter of the protrusion 4 is the fitting groove 5.
It is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of. As shown in FIG. 4, the two joint members 2A and 2B configured as described above are in a state in which the end portions provided with the projections 4 and the fitting grooves 5 are opposed to each other, and one joint member is indicated by an arrow. When it is moved linearly in the radial direction, the mutual protrusions 4 and 4 are moved to the other side joint member 2
It can be fitted into the fitting grooves 5 and 5 of A and 2B by only one movement in the radial direction. Of course, the two joint members 2A, 2
The radial movement of B may be performed relatively.
May be moved toward the joint member 2B, or both joint members 2A and 2B may be moved simultaneously so as to approach each other.

A restraint ring 7 is attached to the outside of both joint members 2A and 2B in which the projection 4 and the fitting groove 5 are fitted to each other in this manner so as to surround the outer peripheries of the flanges 6 and 6.
The restraint ring 7 restrains the relative movement of the joint members 2A and 2B in the radial direction, and prevents the joint 1 from easily coming off even if a strong external force in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction is applied. The restraint ring 7 is attached to the flange 6 as shown in FIG.
It suffices to push it in the axial direction from the outside toward the flange 6, and it can be easily attached by only one axial movement. Further, when removing the restraint ring 7, it can be easily detached by pushing back along the axial direction in the opposite direction to the above.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a so-called U ring 3 is provided as a sealing mechanism, and the opening side of the U ring 3 is opened to the passage side of the joint members 2A and 2B.
Therefore, the U-ring 3 receives the pressure of the transport liquid or the like to widen the opening side, and further acts to further enhance the sealing property of the joint portion of the two joint members 2A and 2B. In the present invention, the joint member 2
As the material of A and 2B, any of the materials used for conventional joints can be used. In particular, metals such as cast iron, cast steel, stainless castings, gun metal, and aluminum alloys as well as resins can be used. The resin may be a mixture of reinforcing materials such as fibers.

The restraint ring 7 is preferably made of an elastic material such as resin or spring steel. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, the inner peripheral surface of the restraint ring 7 may be formed with a plurality of convex portions 7a that protrude inward. By forming such a convex portion 7a, it is possible to enhance the fitting property and further enhance the restraining effect of the restraining ring 7.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the U-ring 3 is provided on both joint members 2A and 2B. However, it is not always necessary to install two U-rings 3 on the left and right sides. Thus, it may be mounted on only one joint member 2A and omitted on the other joint member 2B. Of course, when the joint structure is the same structure with no directionality without distinguishing between male and female, two U-rings 3 as shown in FIG.
It is necessary to provide 3. Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the end portions of the joint members 2A and 2B which face each other are formed on the surfaces perpendicular to the axial direction. However, when the O-ring 3 ′ is mounted as the sealing mechanism, as shown in FIG. It is advisable to make the surface inclined at an angle θ with respect to the axial direction. Further, the angle θ may be in the range of 92 ° to 99 °.

By making the end surfaces of the joint members 2A and 2B inclined as described above, when both joint members 2A and 2B are relatively moved in the radial direction as shown in FIG.
The O-ring 3'protruding from the joining end face does not hinder the movement, and the connection operation can be performed smoothly. In the present invention, the restraint means for restraining the relative movement of the joint members 2A and 2B in the radial direction is not limited to the restraint ring 7 of FIG.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is a joint member 2
A ball 10 is embedded in a protrusion 4 of A so as to be retractable from a right-angled end face, and the ball 10 is further urged axially outward by a spring 11. On the other hand, a flange 6 of a joint member 2B is arranged so as to face the ball 10. The recess 12 is formed on the end face, and the push pin 12a is slidably inserted into the recess 12 to configure the restraint means. The ball 10 may be replaced by a pin.

Since the restraint means is configured as described above, both joint members 2A and 2B are moved in the radial direction relative to each other as indicated by the arrow in FIG. When fitted, the relative positions of the ball 10 and the recess 12 will be as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6B from FIG. 6A, the ball 10 can be engaged with the recess 12 by only one radial movement. By engaging the ball 10 with the recess 12, both joint members 2A and 2B can be restrained in the radial direction.

When the restraint state is released, the push pin 12a is pushed toward the ball 10 side to move the ball 10 into the spring 1.
It can be pushed out from the concave portion 12 against 1, and can be separated by applying an external force so as to separate the joint members 2A and 2B in the radial direction. 7 and 8
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the support block 13 is fixed to the back surface of the protrusion 4 of the joint member 2A, and the engagement claw 1
4 is movably supported in the axial direction, and is urged toward the joint member 2B side by the spring 15, while the joint groove 2 is provided on the right-angled outer end surface of the flange 6 on the joint member 2B side. It constitutes the restraint means.

Since the restraint means is constructed as described above, when the two joint members 2A and 2B are relatively moved in the radial direction as shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, first, in FIG. The claw 14 is pulled up in the direction of moving away from the joint member 2B, and then the projection 4 and the fitting groove 5 are fitted by the relative movement of both joint members 2A and 2B, and then engaged as shown in FIG. 8 (B). When the pawl 14 is released, the engaging pawl 14 is engaged with the engaging groove 1
6 can be locked.

In this way, the engaging claw 14 is simply moved in one direction to engage with the engaging groove 16, and this engagement restrains the radial movement of both joint members 2A and 2B. To release the restraint state, if the engaging claw 14 is moved in a direction to be removed from the engaging groove 16, the radial restraint state of both joint members 2A and 2B can be released by one operation.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the engagement pin 17 extending in the axial direction is formed on the end surface of the flange 6 of the joint member 2B.
On the other hand, the elastic crotch portion 18 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint member 2A facing the pin 17 to form a restraint means.
Since the restraint means is configured as described above, both joint members 2A and 2B are relatively moved in the radial direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9 so that both projections 4 and fitting grooves 5 are fitted together. When,
Simultaneously with the radial operation, the engaging pin 17 is gripped by the elastic crotch portion 18, and the result is as shown in FIG. By this gripping, both joint members 2A and 2B are in a state of being restrained so as not to move in the radial direction.

To release the restraint state, both joint members 2A,
If an external force is applied in the direction of pulling 2B away in the radial direction, the engaging pin 17 is disengaged against the elastic force of the elastic crotch portion 18,
It can be released easily. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the buckle lock 19 and the linear body 20 such as a wire constitute a restraining means. That is, the restraint means is configured by connecting the buckle 19a of the buckle lock 19 and the hook 19b to both ends of the linear body 20. Here, the linear body 20 may be replaced with a belt-shaped body such as a belt. Instead of providing the buckle 19a and the hook 19b, a plastic binder obtained by directly molding the hook and the engaging portion on the plastic band itself may be used.

In this restraint means, the linear body 20 is wound around the outer circumferences of the flanges 6 and 6 of the joint members 2A and 2B fitted and mounted, and the hook 19b at one end thereof and the buckle 19a at the other end.
When the buckle 19a is reversed by engaging with each other, the linear body 20 is tightened as shown in FIG.
The radial movements of A and 2B are restrained. This mounting operation can be performed by only two operations of winding the linear body and reversing the buckle. Further, the release may be performed by reversing the buckle 19a in the direction opposite to the tightening direction. When the above plastic binder is used, it may be cut with a cutter or the like for disposable use.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, engaging pieces 21 and 22 are provided on the outer circumferences of the end portions of both joint members 2A and 2B, respectively.
Is provided to constitute the restraint means. That is, the flanges 6 provided on both joint members 2A and 2B are divided into two in the middle in the circumferential direction to form a separation area 23, and the left and right flanges 6 and 6 are engaged toward the separation area 23 from one end portion thereof. Piece 21
On the other hand, another engaging piece 22 is provided at an intermediate portion in the circumferential direction of the projection 4 so as to hang backward, thereby constituting a restraint means.

In this restraint means, both joint members 2A and 2B are relatively moved in the radial direction so that the projection 4 and the fitting groove 5 are fitted with each other, and then the joint members are slightly rotated in the circumferential direction. The radial movement of the members 2A and 2B can be restricted.
That is, one joint member 2 is moved by one movement in the circumferential direction.
The engagement piece 21 of A overlaps the engagement piece 22 of the other joint member 2B in the axial direction, and the engagement piece 22 of one joint member 2A overlaps the engagement piece 21 of the other joint member 2B in the axial direction. Therefore, the radial movement of both joint members 2A and 2B is in a restrained state. To release this, both joint members 2A and 2B may be slightly rotated in the opposite direction to the above.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is a modification of the embodiments shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, the outer diameters of the protrusion 4 and the flange 6 are made smaller than the outer diameters of the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 as a whole. In order to reduce the diameter, the protrusion 4 is formed in the convex portion 4a in which only the ball 10 is protruded in the radial direction.
In the case of, the separation area 6a is provided in the center and the separation area 6a
A recess 12 is provided in the.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the recess 12 is formed in the arc groove 1
The ball 10 is shaped like a hook 10 'as well as being shaped like a 2'. By forming the restraint means into the shape of the hook 10 'and the arcuate groove 12' in this manner, even if there is a slight deviation in the circumferential direction when fitting the joint members 2A and 2B, they can be reliably engaged with each other. I am trying to bring them together.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 17 shows still another embodiment. In this embodiment, a hook-shaped engaging protrusion 31 is formed in the center of the protrusion 4 in the circumferential direction, while an elastic loop 32 formed of a wire is formed so as to partially face the separation area 6a in the center of the flange 6, and a coil spring 33 is formed. And the coil spring 33 is fixed to the end surface of the joint member to form a restraint means.

As shown by the arrow in FIG. 17, the restraint means moves both joint members 2A and 2B relatively in the radial direction to fit the protrusions 4 and the fitting groove 5 at the same time. 18A and 18B, the engaging protrusion 31
Goes under the elastic loop 32 and engages,
The relative movement in the radial direction is restricted. When releasing the restraint state, if the outer end of the elastic loop 32 is pressed as shown by the arrow in FIG. 18B, the inner end of the elastic loop 32 is disengaged from the engaging projection 31, and thus the restraint is released. can do.

As mentioned above, according to the joint of the present invention,
By relatively moving the joint members 2A, 2B linearly in the radial direction, the mutual protrusions 4, 4 can be made by only one movement in the radial direction.
4 and the fitting grooves 5 and 5 can be fitted to each other and can be connected so as not to separate in the axial direction. Furthermore, joint members 2A, 2B
Restraint means such as a restraint ring 7 is provided on the outer circumferences of the flanges 6 and 6 to restrain the relative movement in the radial direction, so that the above-mentioned coupling can be reliably performed. Moreover,
The restraint means can restrain and release with a simple operation within a maximum of two movements.

Further, since the joint members 2A and 2B can be attached and detached by only one simple radial movement, the pipe joint can be attached and detached by providing a small working space on one side. Further, since both joint members have substantially the same structure, it can be easily applied to applications in which a structure without distinction between male type and female type is required. Further, since the pipe joint of the present invention has a simple structure in which the projection 4 and the fitting groove 5 are formed in the respective regions within a half circumference of the joint member, the mechanical strength can be increased while the weight is reduced. Also,
In the connection by the pipe joint, the protrusion 4 and the fitting groove 5 extending in the radial direction are fitted to restrain the axial movement of both joint members, so that the pressure of the transport fluid is substantially axial. Since it acts only in the direction and does not act in the radial direction, the axial restraining force of the both joint members can be further strengthened. The above-described pipe joint of the present invention can be used as any connecting means for pipes such as hoses, tubes, pipes, etc. used for industrial or domestic use, and these pipes can be connected to other devices such as valves. It can also be used as a connecting means between them.

The object to be transported by the hose, tube, pipe or the like connected by the pipe joint of the present invention is not limited to fluid such as liquid and gas, and can be applied to powder or granular material. It can also be applied as a joint for electric wiring and signal wiring.

[0036]

As described above, in the pipe joint of the present invention, the structure of the connecting portion of both joint members is provided with the projections provided within the half circumference of the outer periphery of the end portion and the fitting provided within the remaining half circumference. Since the structure is formed of the groove, the connection work can be performed by fitting the projection and the fitting groove into each other by simply moving the ends of both joint members relative to each other in the radial direction. Further, since the restraint means for the radial movement is provided, the connection of both joint members can be ensured, and the restraint means can be attached and detached in a maximum of two movements, so that the operation can be easily performed together with the connecting operation of both joint members. can do. Furthermore, it enables easy attachment / detachment without requiring a large working space.

Further, since both joint members are simply provided with substantially the same simple structure of the protrusion and the fitting groove, respectively,
It is possible to equalize the load burden between the two and to obtain a large mechanical strength, and to reduce the size and weight. Therefore, it is possible to easily cope with an application in which both male and female types are required to have no directivity so that the both have exactly the same structure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention in a connected state.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the pipe joint of FIG. 1 with a restraint ring removed.

FIG. 3A is a sectional view showing an example of a joint member constituting the pipe joint of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a front view thereof.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a connecting operation of the pipe joint of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the pipe joint of the present invention in a separated state.

6A and 6B are explanatory views showing a fitting operation of the restraint means of the pipe joint in FIG. 5, where FIG. 6A shows a state before fitting and FIG. 6B shows a state after fitting.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the pipe joint of the present invention in a separated state.

8A and 8B are explanatory views showing a fitting operation of the restraint means of the pipe joint of FIG. 7, where FIG. 8A shows a state before fitting and FIG. 8B shows a state after fitting.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the pipe joint of the present invention in a separated state.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state after the pipe joint of FIG. 9 is joined.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state before tightening the restraint means in still another embodiment of the pipe joint of the present invention.

12 is a side view showing a state after tightening the restraining means on the pipe joint of FIG. 11. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the pipe joint of the present invention in a separated state.

14A is a cross-sectional view of a joint member that constitutes the pipe joint of FIG. 13, and FIG. 14B is a front view of the joint member.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the pipe joint of the present invention in a separated state.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the pipe joint of the present invention in a separated state.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the pipe joint of the present invention in a separated state.

18A is a plan view of the restraint means provided in the pipe joint of FIG. 17, and FIG. 18B is a side view of the same.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to still another embodiment of the present invention in a connected state.

20 is an explanatory view showing a connecting operation of the pipe joint of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to still another embodiment of the present invention in a connected state.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pipe joint 2A, 2B Joint member 4 Protrusion 5 Fitting groove 6 Flange 7 Restraint ring (restraint means) 10 Ball (restraint means) 10 'Hook (restraint means) 12 Recessed portion (restraint means) 12' Arc groove (restraint means) 13 Engagement Claw (Restriction Means) 16 Engagement Groove (Restriction Means) 17 Engagement Pin (Restriction Means) 18 Elastic Crotch (Restriction Means) 19 Buckle Lock (Restriction Means) 20 Linear Body (Restriction Means) 31 Engagement Projection (restraint) 32 Elastic loop (restraint)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A pair of tubular joint members, each of which has an end portion at which the joint members oppose each other, a protrusion protruding radially outward in an area within a half circumference of the outer circumference of the end portion, and a remaining half circumference. A fitting groove recessed radially outward is provided at a position offset from the projection toward the end in the axial direction in the region of, and the projection and the fitting groove are formed by the relative movement of both joint members in the radial direction. A pipe joint which is detachable from each other, and which is provided with a means for restraining the relative movement of the joint members in the radial direction when the projection and the fitting groove are mounted, and the restraining means is detachable within a maximum of two operations. 2. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein the restraint means is constituted by a ring, a linear body, or a strip-shaped body that surrounds the outer peripheries of the end portions of the joint members facing each other at the same time. 3. The engaging means is provided with an engagement recess provided at an end of one joint member and an end of the other joint member so as to be axially movable and biased toward the engagement recess. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein the pipe joint is formed of an engaging protrusion, and the engaging recess and the engaging protrusion are engaged with each other when the protrusion and the fitting groove are mounted. 4. The restraint means comprises an engaging protrusion provided at an end of one joint member and an elastic crotch portion or an elastic loop provided at an end of the other joint member. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein the portion and the elastic crotch portion or the elastic loop engage with each other when the protrusion and the fitting groove are mounted. 5. The restraint means comprises engaging pieces provided at axial ends of the joint members, respectively, and the engaging pieces are provided in the circumferential direction when the projection and the fitting groove are mounted. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein the pipe joint is overlapped and engaged with each other by rotation.