link

Abstract

The coupling member of the present application can realize compactness and light weight, and the disassembly and assembly operation is easy; the coupling member (100) is provided with a tubular part (110) constituting a pipeline, and a coupling and engaging part (120) provided at one end in the axial direction and configured to be coupled by rotating around the shaft in the state of being engaged with another coupling member, the coupling member has: a ring-shaped boundary surface (CBP) provided between the tubular part and the coupling and engaging part; a first engaging recess (112a) provided on the tubular part; a second engaging recess (121a) provided on the coupling and engaging part and opposite to the opening of the first engaging recess; and a coupling member (140) engaged with the first engaging recess and the second engaging recess at the same time, the tubular part and the coupling and engaging part are engaged and held in the axial direction via the coupling member, and at least one of the first engaging recess and the second engaging recess is configured to be ring-shaped around the shaft, so that the tubular part and the coupling and engaging part can rotate around the shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting member. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various connectors are used to connect various hoses such as fire hoses, firefighting equipment, and other various equipment. Among them, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and Non-Patent Document 1, a rotationally coupled connector is known, which is configured to connect the connectors by inserting them into each other and rotating them relative to each other by a predetermined angle.

[0003] Figure 6 An example of such a connector is shown in FIG. In this example, the ends of hoses 20 and 20' are fastened to connectors 10 and 10', respectively, using fasteners 21 and 21', connecting the connectors 10 and 10' in an opposing relationship. Connectors 10 and 10' include tubular portions 11 and 11' for connecting the hoses 20 and 20', and coupling engaging portions 12 and 12' integrally formed at the ends of the tubular portions 11 and 11'. Connectors 10 and 10' can have identical structures, as shown in the example, or they can have corresponding but different structures.

[0004] like Figure 7 As shown, the connector 10 includes a tubular portion 11 and a connecting engaging portion 12. The connecting engaging portion 12 has a plurality of protruding claws 12a projecting axially from the tubular portion 11 about the axis. The protruding claws 12a are provided with engaging recesses 12b and engaging protrusions 12c. The engaging recesses 12b are open on one side in the rotational direction about the axis, and the engaging protrusions 12c are provided protruding from the base of the engaging recesses 12b. When the connector 10 is combined with the protruding claws of another connector 10', with the protruding claws 12a alternately arranged about the axis, and the connectors are rotated relative to each other about the axis (clockwise in the illustrated example), the engaging recesses 12b engage with the engaging protrusions (not shown) of the connector 10', and the engaging protrusions 12c engage with the engaging recesses (not shown) of the connector 10', thereby providing a secure connection in the axial direction. Then, by placing the stoppers 13, 13' between the protruding claws 12a in this state, relative rotation to the left in the illustrated example is restricted, and the connected state is locked. Conversely, to release the connected state, the stoppers 13, 13' can be lifted and the connectors 10, 10' can be rotated in the opposite direction, allowing for easy removal.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-090488

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-168092

[0009] Non-patent literature

[0010] Non-Patent Document 1: "Jstorz Joint Metal Fittings Specifications and Instructions" Japan Fire Fighting Equipment Manufacturers Association, Inc. URL = http: / / www.jfe.or.jp / jstorz / Jstorz_doc3.pdf Summary of the Invention

[0011] The above existing connecting parts have the following advantages: Figure 6 As shown, the connecting structure of the connectors 10 and 10', namely the connecting engaging portions 12, 12', is compact and can be easily assembled and disassembled by a slight relative rotation. However, when using large-diameter hoses 20, 20', the rotational resistance of the hoses makes relative rotation of the connectors 10, 10' difficult, resulting in a cumbersome assembly and disassembly operation.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize compactness and weight reduction of a connecting member while facilitating assembly and disassembly operations.

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the connecting piece of the present invention comprises: a tubular portion constituting a pipeline, and a connecting clamping portion, the connecting clamping portion being arranged at one end portion in the axial direction and being configured to be connected by rotating around the axis in a state of being engaged with another connecting piece, the connecting clamping portion having a plurality of protruding clamping portions around the axis, the plurality of protruding clamping portions protruding in the axial and radial directions and being able to be connected to another connecting piece, the connecting piece having: an annular boundary surface, being arranged between the tubular portion and the connecting clamping portion in a manner of being opposed to each other in the radial direction inside and outside; a first engaging recess The cam is connected to the second engaging groove of the first engaging groove and the second engaging groove of the second engaging groove, and the cam is connected to the second engaging groove of the second engaging groove. The cam is connected to the second engaging groove of the second engaging groove and the second engaging groove.

[0014] According to the present application, by providing the coupling member that is fitted to the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess at the same time, the linking engagement portion is configured to be able to rotate with respect to the tubular portion in a state of being held in engagement in the axial direction via the coupling member. Thus, when the linking engagement portion is rotated with respect to the other linking member in the attachment and detachment operation of the link member, the operation can be performed without rotating the hose fixed to the tubular portion, and thus the attachment and detachment work can be easily performed. In addition, the coupling member is disposed inside the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess that are provided in a manner that the tubular portion and the linking engagement portion are opened at the annular boundary surface and oppose each other, and thus, when the reaction force of the linking fastening force applied from the linking engagement portion to the tubular portion when linked with the other linking member acts from the tubular portion to the linking engagement portion, the reaction force is applied in the axial direction to a position close to the tubular boundary surface, and is received via the coupling member disposed inside the space formed by the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess, and thus, the rigidity for receiving the reaction force described above can be easily improved, and thus the compactness, thinness, and lightness of the linking engagement portion can be achieved.

[0015] In the present application, it is preferable that, between the plurality of protruding engagement portions, a fitting base surface is formed on a surface portion on a more axially distal end side than a region in which the coupling member is disposed, and a thick wall portion surface is formed on a surface portion including the region on a more axially proximal end side than the fitting base surface, in which the fitting base surface is a surface into which the other link member is inserted and fitted to be engaged with the protruding engagement portion, and the thick wall portion surface is configured to be thicker and higher than the fitting base surface. Thus, the fitting base surface into which the other link member is fitted is configured to be lower, and the thick wall portion surface including the region in which the coupling member is disposed is configured to be higher. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outer dimensions of the linking engagement portion, and to suppress the decrease in the rigidity of the guide structure around the coupling member that is engaged in the axial direction and configured to be rotatable around the axis, and thus the compactness and the lightness of the linking engagement portion are not hindered.

[0016] In the present application, it is preferable that the protruding engagement portion have an elongated base that is elongated toward the axial base end side without increasing the outer dimensions compared to the portion protruding in the axial and radial directions, and be integrated with the thick-walled portion surface. Thus, by having an elongated base, the axial rigidity of the protruding engagement portion itself is increased, and the rigidity of the guide structure around the joining member under the thick-walled portion surface integrated with the elongated base is further increased, so that the compactness and lightness of the linking engagement portion are not hindered. Here, it is preferable that the elongated base have a base-side groove portion extending in the axial direction at the width direction center. Thus, both the rigidity reduction of the integrated structure of the elongated base and the thick-walled portion surface can be suppressed, and further lightness can be achieved. An opening portion for introducing the joining member into the interior of the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess can be provided inside the base-side groove portion, and the opening portion is closed by a closing member. In addition, from the viewpoint of increasing the rigidity of the protruding engagement portion and increasing the rigidity of the guide structure, it is preferable that the elongated base have an inclined upper edge portion whose height decreases toward the axial base end side, and the distance from the portion at the radial direction outermost periphery of the protruding engagement portion to the axial base end be twice or more the distance from this portion to the axial front end.

[0017] In the present application, it is preferable that the joining member be covered inside the tubular portion and the linking engagement portion.

[0018] By covering the joining member inside the tubular portion and the linking engagement portion, the state of not being exposed to the outside is achieved, so the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess are not in communication with the outside, and thus the rigidity of the tubular portion and the linking engagement portion is difficult to reduce, and thus the compactness and lightness of the linking engagement portion can be achieved.

[0019] In the present application, it is preferable that the axial both end portions of the joining member be convex. As the convex shape of the both end portions, for example, a semispherical shape, a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, a mountain shape, a triangular shape, and the like can be given. In addition, as the overall shape of the joining member at this time, a spherical shape, a spheroid shape, an octahedral shape, a dodecahedral shape, a soroban shape, and the like can be given.

[0020] In the present application, it is preferable that the joining member be configured to be able to roll around an axis with respect to at least one of the inner surface portions of the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess. In this case, it is preferable that the joining member be configured to be able to roll around an axis with respect to both the inner surface portions of the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess. Here, "roll around an axis" means that the joining member moves while rolling in the direction around the axis. Generally, the joining member rotates around an axis parallel to the axis when rolling.

[0021] In the present application, it is preferable that the coupling member be configured to be able to roll or slide about an axis with respect to both the inner surface portion of the first fitting recess and the inner surface portion of the second fitting recess. As the form of the coupling member at this time, a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, or the like can be given.

[0022] In the present application, it is preferable that the coupling member be held about an axis with respect to one of the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess, and be configured to be able to roll or slide about an axis with respect to the inner surface portion of the other of the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess.

[0023] In the present application, it is preferable that, on the annular boundary surface between the tubular portion and the link engaging portion, a first step portion provided in the axial direction of the tubular portion and a second step portion provided in the axial direction of the link engaging portion be provided, and the first step portion and the second step portion engage in the axial direction. In this case, it is preferable that the second step portion engage with the first step portion in a manner that abuts against the axial direction end side. Further, the first step portion and the second step portion engage at an axial position different from the region where the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess are opposed (where the coupling member is provided). Here, it is preferable that the step amount of the second step portion be within a range of 10% to 50%, and preferably within a range of 20% to 40%, of the thickness of the region of the link engaging portion where the thickness is the smallest along the annular boundary surface (for example, the region where the fitting surface is provided).

[0024] (EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION)

[0025] According to the present application, since the link engaging portion is configured to be able to rotate with respect to the tubular portion at the time of the linking operation of the link member, it is possible to perform the rotation operation only on the link engaging portion without rotating the hose fixed to the tubular portion, and thus it is possible to easily perform the disassembly work. Further, since it is easy to increase the rigidity of the guide structure around the coupling member, it is possible to achieve the mounting strength of the link engaging portion with respect to the tubular portion that is sufficient to ensure the strength with respect to the linking fastening force generated with other link members. Therefore, even if the link engaging portion is configured to be able to rotate with respect to the tubular portion, it is possible to maintain the compactness of the link engaging portion. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the compactness and light weight of the link member, particularly the link engaging portion, while making the disassembly work easy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a partial side sectional view (a) and a front view (b) showing a form observed from the axial front surface of the first embodiment of the link member to which the present application pertains.

[0027] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a side view (a) and a front view (b) of the link engaging portion of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 Fig. 6 is a plan view (a), a sectional view along a-a (b), and a sectional view along b-b (c) of the protruding claw portion of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 Fig. 7 is a plan view (a) and a longitudinal sectional view (b) of the protruding claw portion of the first embodiment provided with a coupling member in the back portion.

[0030] Figure 5 Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view (a) showing the mounting structure of the second embodiment, perspective views (b) to (e) of each example of the coupling member, a longitudinal sectional view (f) showing the mounting structure of the third embodiment, a longitudinal sectional view (g) showing the mounting structure of the fourth embodiment, a longitudinal sectional view (h) showing the mounting structure of the fifth embodiment, and a longitudinal sectional view (i) showing the mounting structure of the sixth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the coupling state of the conventional link member.

[0032] Figure 7 Fig. 10 is a side view of the conventional link member.

[0033] (Symbol explanation)

[0034] 100... link member, 110... tubular portion, 111... hose mounting surface, 112... mounting outer surface, 112a... first fitting recess, 112b... first stepped portion, 120... link engaging portion, 121... mounting inner surface, 121a... second fitting recess, 121b... second stepped portion, 122... protruding claw portion, 122a... engaging recess, 122b... claw outer peripheral surface, 122c... extension base portion, 122d... base portion side groove portion, 123... engaging protrusion, 124... fitting base surface, 125... thick wall portion surface, 130... stopper, 140, 142, 143, 145, 145'... coupling member, 141... closing member, 144, 144'... holding member, CBP... annular boundary surface, CS... annular space, 200... hose, 210... fastening member DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Next, the embodiments of the present application will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. First, referring to Figures 1 to 4A first embodiment relating to the present application will be described. The coupling member 100 of the first embodiment has a tubular portion 110 and a coupling engaging portion 120. An end portion of a hose 200 is inserted on a hose mounting surface 111 on a proximal end side of a cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 110, and the end portion of the hose 200 is fastened and fixed to the tubular portion 110 by a fastener 210. Further, the hose 200 and the fastener 210 are the same as in the prior structure, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In addition, with respect to an axis 100x of the coupling member 100 in the drawing, a direction along the axis 100x is referred to as an axial direction, and a direction around the axis 100x is referred to as a circumferential direction.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the coupling engaging portion 120 is formed in a ring shape so as to be in contact with the tubular portion 110 on the outer side in the radial direction, and is rotatably mounted to the tubular portion 110 around the axis. An inner peripheral surface, i.e., a mounting inner surface 121 of the coupling engaging portion 120 is in sliding contact with a mounting outer surface 112 on the distal end side of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 110. The mounting outer surface 112 and the mounting inner surface 121 are opposed to each other in the radial direction, and constitute a ring-shaped boundary surface CBP of the sliding contact. A seal member mounting recess 113 is provided on a distal end edge of the tubular portion 110, and a tubular seal member 114 is mounted in the seal member mounting recess 113. In addition, a plurality of protruding engaging portions are provided on the coupling engaging portion 120 at intervals around the axis, and protrude in the axial and radial directions, so that the same portions of another coupling member (not shown, and can have the same structure as the coupling member 100) are inserted in the axial direction and fitted around the axis. Each of the protruding engaging portions includes a protruding claw portion 122 having an engaging recess 122a, and an engaging protrusion 123 provided on a side portion of the protruding claw portion 122. The protruding claw portion 122 is formed so as to have the engaging recess 122a in a shape in which the protruding claw portion 122 protrudes in the axial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the coupling engaging portion 120 on the ring-shaped boundary surface CBP and the distal end is bent. In the illustrated example, the protruding claw portion 122 extends from the outer side in the radial direction of the tubular portion 110 to the distal end side, and the engaging recess 122a is provided on the inner side in the radial direction of the protruding claw portion 122. Thus, the distal end of the protruding claw portion 122 is formed in a hook shape. In addition, one side surface portion of the protruding claw portion 122 around the axis is provided with the engaging protrusion 123. The engaging protrusion 123 is fitted into the engaging recess of the other coupling member (not shown) at the time of coupling.

[0037] The mounting outer surface 112 of the tubular portion 110 is provided with a first fitting recess 112a. The first fitting recess 112a is an annular groove around an axis, and the groove cross section is configured in a semicircular shape. On the other hand, the mounting inner surface 121 of the connecting engagement portion 120 is provided with a second fitting recess 121a. The second fitting recess 121a is an annular groove around an axis, and the groove cross section is configured in a semicircular shape. The first fitting recess 112a and the second fitting recess 121a are formed in such a manner that the opening portions face each other. That is, the openings of the first fitting recess 112a and the second fitting recess 121a are both disposed at the same position on the annular boundary surface CBP.

[0038] The annular space CS composed of the first fitting recess 112a and the second fitting recess 121a that face each other in the radial direction accommodates a coupling member 140. In the present embodiment, the annular space CS is circular in cross section, and the coupling member 140 is a sphere. The coupling member 140 is composed of a material such as stainless steel that has rigidity. Here, a plurality of spherical coupling members 140 are accommodated in a rollable manner so as to substantially fill the annular space CS. In the illustrated example, about 108 coupling members 140 composed of 11 / 32 inch (diameter 8.72125 mm) bearing balls are introduced into the annular space CS having a circular cross section with a diameter of 9 mm and a diameter of 300 mm.

[0039] On the annular boundary surface CBP, a first step portion 112b toward the axial base end side is provided on the mounting outer surface 112, and a second step portion 121b toward the axial front end side is provided on the mounting inner surface 121. The first step portion 112b and the second step portion 121b are in a state of being opposed to each other and engaged in the axial direction. When the first step portion 112b and the second step portion 121b are engaged, a state in which the first fitting recess 112a and the second fitting recess 121a are opposed to each other is obtained, and more specifically, a state in which the opening position (position in the axial direction) of the first fitting recess 112a coincides with the opening position (position in the axial direction) of the second fitting recess 121a is obtained. Here, the first step portion 112b and the second step portion 121b can function as positioning guides of the first fitting recess 112a and the second fitting recess 121a. However, in the present embodiment, since the second step portion 121b abuts against the first step portion 112b on the axial front end side, the second step portion 121b can also function as a part of a structure for receiving a reaction force of a joining fastening force when the joining member is joined to another member. Here, the engagement structure of the first step portion 112b and the second step portion 121b is preferably less than half, for example, in a range of 10% to 50% of the thickness of the region of the fitting base surface 124 of the joining engagement portion 120, and more desirably, for example, in a range of 20% to 40% of 1 / 3 as shown in the drawing. Thus, in particular, a decrease in rigidity of the joining engagement portion 120, which is difficult to ensure the thickness, can be suppressed. In addition, the second step portion 121b is formed along the axial direction boundary position of the fitting base surface 124 and the engaging protrusion 123, and the vertical position of the terminal portion on the axial front end side within the base side groove portion 122d of the protruding claw portion 122. Thus, a thin-walled portion of the joining engagement portion 120 can be reduced, and thus a decrease in rigidity can be suppressed. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in rigidity, the second step portion 121b shown in the drawing can be formed at a position further on the axial front end side than the above-mentioned positions in the axial direction.

[0040] The stopper 130 is attached to the end portion of the protruding claw portion 122' formed in the same manner as the protruding claw portion 122 of the basic structure. In the illustrated example, the stopper 130 is attached to the side surface of the protruding claw portion 122' so as to be rotatable about the attachment axis 131, and is applied with a force by the torsion spring 132 so as to be in a locked position (illustrated attitude) in which the stopper 130 is disposed between the adjacent protruding claw portions 122. The stopper 130 is configured to be rotatable to the radial direction outside from the illustrated state, and thus to be released from the radial direction position between the adjacent protruding claw portions 122, and thus to be able to perform a rotation operation of the joining engagement portion 120 for releasing the joined state.

[0041] Figure 2 is a side view (a) and a front view (b) of the joining engagement portion 120, Figure 3is an enlarged plan view (a), a sectional view along line A-A (b), and a sectional view along line B-B (c) of the protruding claw portion 122, Figure 4 is a plan view (a) and a longitudinal sectional view (b) of the protruding claw portion 122 as viewed from the radial direction outer side of the protruding claw portion 122 at the introduction position of the coupling member 140. Further, Figures 2 to 4 The coupling engaging portion 120 shown in the drawing has a protruding claw portion 122 having a claw shape in which the front end of the protruding claw portion 122 is provided with the above-described engaging recess 122a, and a claw outer peripheral surface 122b that is a surface of the protruding claw portion 122 that is provided with the engaging recess 122a and that is a surface that is engaged with the protruding claw portion of the other coupling member. Figure 1 The protruding claw portion 122 shown in the drawing has a slightly different shape of the front end of the protruding claw portion 122, and the surface shape of the fitting base surface 124 in which the protruding claw portion of the other coupling member is fitted is also different, but the structures of the other portions are the same.

[0042] The protruding claw portion 122 has a hook-shaped claw shape in which the above-described engaging recess 122a is provided at the axial front end side. On the other hand, an extended base portion 122c extending in the axial direction from the claw shape is provided at the axial base end side of the protruding claw portion 122. In the illustrated example, the extended base portion 122c has an inclined upper edge portion in which the height is lowered toward the axial base end side. A base portion side groove portion 122d extending in the axial direction is provided at the width direction center of the extended base portion 122c. The extended base portion 122c is a reinforcing structure for increasing the rigidity for receiving the above-described reaction force without increasing the radial direction thickness of the coupling engaging portion 120 around the coupling member 140. In addition, the base portion side groove portion 122d is a weight reduction structure for suppressing a decrease in the rigidity of the coupling engaging portion 120 and achieving weight reduction. The above-described extended base portion 122c is integrated with the thick wall portion surface 125 described later, and thus functions to increase the rigidity in the axial direction of the protruding claw portion 122 while further increasing the rigidity of the guide structure around the coupling member 140. The extended base portion 122c is divided into two by the base portion side groove portion 122d. In this way, by providing two extended base portions 122c for one protruding claw portion 122 and integrating them with the thick wall portion surface 125, weight reduction is achieved as described above, and a decrease in the rigidity of the protruding claw portion 122, the rigidity of the guide structure including the coupling member 140 below the thick wall portion surface 125 is suppressed. Further, as shown in the drawing, Figure 3 As shown in the drawing, the surface inside the base portion side groove portion 122d is configured to be a groove inner surface set to the same height as the thick wall portion surface 125, and is not formed to be lowered like the fitting base surface 124, and thus a further decrease in the rigidity of the guide structure due to the formation of the base portion side groove portion 122d can be suppressed. The extended base portion 122c is formed in a manner in which the outer dimensions are not increased compared to the claw outer peripheral surface 122b located at the outermost periphery of the protruding claw portion 122, and is configured such that, when viewed with the claw outer peripheral surface 122b as the center, the distance from the claw outer peripheral surface 122b to the rear end of the extended base portion 122c on the axial base end side is greater than the distance from the claw outer peripheral surface 122b to the claw front end edge on the axial front end side (preferably two times or more, and in the illustrated example, about three times).

[0043] Between the plurality of protruding engagement portions (protruding claw portions 122 and engagement protrusions 123) formed around the axis, an engagement base surface 124 formed so as to surround the engagement protrusions 123 and a thick wall portion surface 125 formed higher than the engagement base surface 124 are provided. The thick wall portion surface 125 makes the axial base end side of the link engagement portion 120 thick, and particularly, the rigidity of the portion provided with the engagement recess 121a is improved. The engagement base surface 124 is a surface that is L-shaped in plan view, and when the protruding claw portion of the other link member is engaged with the engagement protrusion 123, the radially inner surface of the protruding claw portion of the other link member slides in contact with the engagement base surface 124 when the other link member is inserted, and in the state where the link is finally connected by relative rotation, the inner surface opposes and abuts (engages) against the engagement base surface 124. By making this surface lower than the thick wall portion surface 125, the outer dimensions of the protruding claw portion 122 are not increased, and thus, the thinning and compactness of the link engagement portion 120 are not hindered. In addition, the thick wall portion surface 125 is provided at a position further toward the axial base end side than the engagement base surface 124, and is provided on the surface portion of the region including the annular space CS and the coupling member 140. Thus, the rigidity of the guide structure including the coupling member 140 below the thick wall portion surface 125 can be improved.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4 The annular space CS is configured so as to have an opening portion 122e in the base side groove portion 122d of one (one in the illustrated example) of the protruding claw portions 122, and the coupling member 140 can be introduced into the annular space CS from the opening portion 122e. The opening portion 122e is closed by a closing member 141 composed of a screw or the like, and the closing member 141 is fixed by riveting or an adhesive or the like as necessary. Further, by making the opening portion 122e open in the base side groove portion 122d of the elongated base portion 122c on both sides around the axis, the decrease in rigidity of the guide structure including the coupling member 140 can be suppressed. In particular, as shown, the decrease in rigidity is further suppressed by making the periphery of the opening portion 122e protrude higher than the surrounding surface in the base side groove portion 122d.

[0045] In the link member 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, the tubular portion 110 and the link engagement portion 120 are installed radially inside and outside, and the link engagement portion 120 is configured to be rotatable around the axis with respect to the tubular portion 110. Thus, when the link member 100 is connected with the other link member by rotating the link engagement portion 120 around the axis, the tubular portion 110 in which the hose is installed does not need to be rotated, and thus, the workability of the assembly and disassembly can be greatly improved.

[0046] Further, by disposing the coupling member 140 in the annular space CS formed by the first fitting recess 112a and the second fitting recess 121a facing each other, the tubular portion 110 and the link engaging portion 120 are axially held fixed via the coupling member 140 at the annular boundary surface CBP. Therefore, the link engaging portion 120 receives the above-mentioned reaction force in the axial direction in the direction close to and substantially along the annular boundary surface CBP with respect to the tubular portion 110, and thus, even if the structure is made compact, it is easy to ensure rigidity, and as a result, the compactness of the link engaging portion 120 can be achieved. In particular, in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the coupling member 140 in the axial direction is circular, and thus, the upper and lower direction central portion of the coupling member 140 receives the above-mentioned reaction force by abutting against the opening edges of the first fitting recess 112a and the second fitting recess 121a, and thus, the portion close to the annular boundary surface CBP becomes the point of action. Therefore, even if the link engaging portion 120 is made thin-walled in the radial direction, it is easy to further ensure the rigidity of the link engaging portion 120 using the strength in the axial direction, and thus, the compactness of the link engaging portion 120 is further facilitated.

[0047] Further, the above-mentioned reaction force is received between the tubular portion 110 and the link engaging portion 120 via the coupling member 140 in the annular space CS on the annular boundary surface CBP therebetween, and thus, the reaction force acts on the inside surrounded by the tubular portion 110 and the link engaging portion 120, and thus, it is easy to ensure the rigidity of the tubular portion 110 and the link engaging portion 120 with respect to the above-mentioned reaction force as a whole. As a result, it is considered that the link member 100 as a whole can be made thin-walled and light-weight, and thus, it is considered that this contributes to further compactness of the link engaging portion 120. More specifically, the mounting outer surface 112 of the tubular portion 110 and the mounting inner surface 121 of the link engaging portion 120 are in sliding contact at the annular boundary surface CBP. Since this sliding contact region exists on both sides of the axial direction of the portion where the above-mentioned annular space CS and the coupling member 140 are disposed, the surrounding structure of the coupling member 140 is completely surrounded by the tubular portion 110 and the link engaging portion 120. It is considered that by thus surrounding the structure portion that receives the above-mentioned reaction force with other structures, it is easy to further improve the rigidity for receiving the above-mentioned reaction force.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the first stepped portion 112b and the second stepped portion 121b are engaged in the axial direction. Thus, when the tubular portion 110 and the link engagement portion 120 are assembled, by engaging the first stepped portion 112b and the second stepped portion 121b in the axial direction, positioning of the first fitting recess 112a and the second fitting recess 121a in the axial direction is completed, and the coupling member 140 can be housed without any obstacle. In the illustrated example, since the second stepped portion 121b is engaged with the first stepped portion 112b so as to abut on the axial front end side, the reaction force of the link fastening force can also be received by the engagement between the stepped portions, and thus the axial rigidity of the link engagement portion 120 with respect to the tubular portion 110 can be further improved. However, in the present embodiment, since the axial reaction force is mainly received by the coupling member 140, the stepped amount of the first stepped portion 112b and the second stepped portion 121b can be reduced, and as a result, the thickness of the link engagement portion 120 can be reduced.

[0049] Figure 5 Figs. 13A to 13E are a partial cross-sectional view (a) of the vicinity of the annular boundary surface CBP of a second embodiment, and perspective views (b) to (e) showing a plurality of shape examples of a coupling member 142, the annular boundary surface CBP of the second embodiment having a coupling member 142 having a shape different from that of the first embodiment and an annular space CS' having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the coupling member 142. In the second embodiment, the coupling member 142 has a shape elongated in the axial direction. Also, the annular space CS' becomes a space having a cross-sectional shape elongated in the axial direction corresponding to the coupling member 142. The shape of the coupling member 142 elongated in the axial direction does not increase the tubular portion 110 and the link engagement portion 120 in the radial direction (thickness direction), and thus has the advantage that it can be configured without hindering the compactness.

[0050] The coupling member 142 can be configured so that Figure 5 The coupling member 142A and 142B shown in Figs. 13B and 13C are cylindrical, and thus, as in the first embodiment, the coupling member 142 is housed in the annular space CS' so as to be able to roll around the axis. Here, Figure 5 The coupling member 142A shown in Fig. 13B, like the coupling member 140, has an end portion in the axial direction configured in a convex shape (convex arc shape), and thus, is likely to receive a reaction force on the annular boundary surface CBP, and thus has the advantage that it is easy to ensure rigidity and that it is easier to make compact. The coupling member 142B is configured in a cylindrical shape. Figure 5The coupling members 142C and 142D of the intermediate (d) and (e) have a shape elongated around an axis, and are configured to be slidable with respect to both the tubular portion 110 and the link engaging portion 120. Further, like the coupling member 142A, the coupling member 142C has both end portions in the axial direction configured in a convex shape (in the illustrated example, a convex spherical shape) in the axial direction, and thus is easily able to concentrate the reaction force on the annular boundary surface CBP, and thus has the advantage of easily ensuring rigidity and making it easier to achieve compactness. As the convex shape of the both end portions, in addition to the convex spherical shape, convex curved surface shapes such as a convex cylindrical shape, a convex elliptical cylindrical shape, and a convex triangular shape (wedge shape), a convex conical shape, and the like can be given. Further, the coupling member 142D has a slightly curved cuboid shape. Further, although not illustrated, a coupling member that is a curved cylindrical shape elongated around an axis, and has a circular cross section in the axial direction like the first embodiment can be used.

[0051] Figure 5 The intermediate (f) shows a configuration example of the third embodiment in which a coupling member 143 is disposed on the annular boundary surface CBP, and is held at a specific angular position around an axis by a holding member 144 installed in a radial hole formed in the link engaging portion 120. In this embodiment, the coupling member 143 is held in a holding recess 144a, which corresponds to the second fitting recess, formed in the front end of the holding member 144. At this time, if the coupling member 143 is spherical as illustrated, the coupling member 143 is configured to be able to roll with respect to the annular first fitting recess formed in the tubular portion 110 in a state of sliding contact with the holding member 144. However, in this case, the coupling member 143 can also be configured to be fixed with respect to the holding member 144 and slidable with respect to the tubular portion 110. Here, the coupling member 143 can use the various shapes of coupling members mentioned above.

[0052] Figure 5In (g), a configuration example of a third embodiment is shown in which the coupling member 143 is disposed on the annular boundary surface CBP and is held at a specific angular position around the axis by the holding member 144' installed in the radial hole formed in the tubular portion 110. In this embodiment, the coupling member 143 is held in the holding recess 144a' formed in the front end of the holding member 144' corresponding to the first fitting recess. At this time, if the coupling member 143 is spherical as shown in the drawing, the coupling member 143 is configured to be able to roll with respect to the annular second fitting recess formed in the link engaging portion 120 in a state of sliding contact with the holding member 144'. However, in this case, the coupling member 143 can also be configured to be fixed with respect to the holding member 144' and able to slide with respect to the link engaging portion 120. Here, the coupling member 143 can use the coupling members of various shapes mentioned above.

[0053] Figure 5 In (h), a coupling member 145 installed in the link engaging portion 120 is shown. This coupling member 145 is installed in the second fitting recess constituted by the radial hole formed in the link engaging portion 120, and the front end portion 145a thereof is in sliding contact with the annular first fitting recess provided in the tubular portion 110. In the example shown in the drawing, the front end portion 145a is shown as a semispherical shape, but can be formed in any surface shape as long as it is able to roll around the axis with respect to the first fitting recess of the tubular portion 110. Of course, the surface shape of the front end portion 145a is preferably a surface shape corresponding to the inner surface of the first fitting recess.

[0054] Figure 5 In (i), a coupling member 145' installed in the tubular portion 110 is shown. This coupling member 145 is installed in the first fitting recess constituted by the radial hole formed in the tubular portion 110, and the front end portion 145a' thereof is in sliding contact with the annular second fitting recess provided in the link engaging portion 120. In the example shown in the drawing, the front end portion 145a' is shown as a semispherical shape, but can be formed in any surface shape as long as it is able to roll around the axis with respect to the second fitting recess of the link engaging portion 120. Of course, the surface shape of the front end portion 145a' is preferably a surface shape corresponding to the inner surface of the second fitting recess.

[0055] In Figure 5 In the configurations shown in (f) and (g) using the coupling member 143 and the holding member 144, 144', the coupling member 143 is held at a specific position of the link engaging portion 120 or the tubular portion 110, and therefore, a plurality of sets of the coupling member 143 and the holding member 144, 144' need to be arranged dispersedly around the axis in the link engaging portion 120 or the tubular portion 110. These coupling members 143 are completely covered by the tubular portion 110 and the link engaging portion 120.

[0056] In addition, Figure 2 The coupling members 145, 145' shown in (h) and (i) are also installed at specific positions of the linking engaging portions 120 or the tubular portions 110, and thus, a plurality of coupling members 145, 145' need to be dispersedly arranged around the axis in the linking engaging portions 120 or the tubular portions 110. These coupling members 145, 145' are in a state of being exposed on the outer surface of the linking engaging portions 120 or the inner surface of the tubular portions 110 without being completely covered by the tubular portions 110 and the linking engaging portions 120, but the portion that functions as a coupling member to bear the reaction force is only the tip portion in contact with the first fitting recess of the tubular portion 110 or the second fitting recess of the linking engaging portion 120, and thus, it is considered that the function is substantially the same as when it is completely covered by the tubular portions 110 and the linking engaging portions 120.

[0057] Further, in the above-described embodiment, in order to improve the strength of each portion, it is preferable that the corner portion (including the ridge line portion. The same applies hereafter) or the corner portion (including the valley portion. The same applies hereafter) of the surface or the cross section be rounded. This is particularly effective in the linking engaging portions 120 having many concave-convex shapes. In addition, in the case where the linking engaging portions 120 or other portions are formed of a casting, it is effective for preventing stress concentration that causes the casting to break. In particular, in the above-described embodiment, it is effective that the corner portion or the corner portion of each surface portion of the protruding claw portion 122, such as the portion facing the engaging recess 122a, the corner portion or the corner portion of the engaging protrusion 123 and the periphery thereof, the corner portion or the corner portion of the extension base portion 122c, and the like be rounded.

[0058] In addition, as Figure 3 In (a), Figure 4 In (a) and Figure 1 In (a), the corner portion or the corner portion is rounded in such a manner that the line indicating the corner portion or the corner portion in the cross section between the thick wall surface 125 or the protruding claw portion 122 and the fitting base surface 124 is curved. In addition, as Figure 2 In (a), Figure 4 In (a), Figure 5 In (b) and ​ In (a), the corner portion or the corner portion is rounded in such a manner that the line indicating the corner portion or the corner portion in the cross section between the thick wall surface 125 or the protruding claw portion 122 and the fitting base surface 124 is curved. In addition, as

[0059] Furthermore, the link member of the present application is not limited to the above-described illustrated examples, and various modifications can be applied within the scope of the gist of the present application. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the description has been made on the premise that the pair of illustrated link members 100 are configured to be capable of being linked to each other with the same shape and structure, but the link members can be configured to be capable of being disassembled from each other even if not the same shape and structure, as long as they have the same basic structure.

Claims

1. A fastener, comprising: Possessing: a tubular portion constituting a pipe; and a linking and engaging portion provided at one end portion in the axial direction and configured to be linked by being rotated around the axis in a state of being fitted with another linking member, the linking and engaging portion has a plurality of protruding engaging portions protruding in the axial direction and the radial direction and capable of being linked with another linking member, the linking member has: a ring-shaped boundary surface provided between the tubular portion and the linking and engaging portion in a manner of facing each other in the radial direction; a first fitting recess provided in the tubular portion and opened at the ring-shaped boundary surface; a second fitting recess provided in the linking and engaging portion and opened at the ring-shaped boundary surface in a manner of facing the opening of the first fitting recess; and a coupling member fitted with the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess at the same time, the tubular portion and the linking and engaging portion are axially held by the coupling member, at least one of the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess is configured in a ring shape around the axis, so that the tubular portion and the linking and engaging portion are configured to be rotatable around the axis, between the plurality of protruding engaging portions, a fitting base surface is formed on a surface portion on a more axially front end side than a region in which the coupling member is disposed, and a thick wall portion surface is formed on a surface portion including the region on a more axially base end side than the fitting base surface, wherein the fitting base surface is a surface into which another linking member to be engaged with the protruding engaging portions is inserted and fitted, and the thick wall portion surface is configured to be thicker and higher than the fitting base surface; the thick wall portion surface configures the axially base end side of the linking and engaging portion to be thick-walled; the protruding engaging portion has an elongated base portion that is elongated toward the axially base end side without increasing the outer dimensions compared to the portion protruding in the axial direction and the radial direction, and is integrated with the thick wall portion surface; the elongated base portion has a base side groove portion extending in the axial direction at the center in the width direction.

2. The linking member according to claim 1, wherein an inside of the base side groove portion has an opening portion for guiding the coupling member into the inside of the first fitting recess and the second fitting recess, and the opening portion is closed by a closing member.

3. The linking member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongated base portion has an inclined upper edge portion whose height decreases toward the axially base end side, and a distance from a portion located at a radially outermost periphery of the protruding engaging portion to a rear end of the elongated base portion on the axially base end side is twice or more a distance from the portion to a claw front edge of a protruding claw portion included in the protruding engaging portion on the axially front end side.

4. The linking member according to claim 1, wherein on the ring-shaped boundary surface between the tubular portion and the linking and engaging portion, a first step portion provided in the axial direction of the tubular portion and a second step portion provided in the axial direction of the linking and engaging portion are provided, and the first step portion and the second step portion are engaged in the axial direction.

5. The linking member according to claim 4, wherein The second stepped portion is engaged with the first stepped portion in abutment toward the axial front end side.

6. The link according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The stepped amount of the second stepped portion is in a range of 10% to 50% of the thickness of the region of the link engaging portion where the thickness along the annular boundary surface is the smallest.

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