pipe joint

Abstract

A pipe joint connects a first pipe and a second pipe, at least one of which is twistable, to each other, the pipe joint including a main body and a sleeve. The main body is a cylindrical member including a connection portion connected to the first pipe at one axial end portion and an annular groove and an internal thread at the other axial end portion. The sleeve includes an annular protrusion capable of being pressed into the annular groove of the main body and an external thread capable of being fastened with the internal thread of the main body at one axial end portion, and a connection portion connected to the second pipe at the other axial end portion. A rotation angle between the two threads required for fastening of the internal thread of the main body and the external thread of the sleeve is set to be within a range of a twist that can be applied to the first pipe connected to the main body or the second pipe connected to the sleeve by a single hand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to pipe fittings, and more particularly to a pipe fitting that utilizes threads in piping connections. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacture of semiconductors, medical products, pharmaceuticals, or food, various liquid solutions or ultrapure water are used. Since piping equipment handling these liquid solutions requires frequent cleaning and maintenance, ease of assembly is preferred. The same applies to piping systems used in automobiles for conveying gasoline, cooling water, or exhaust gas. Therefore, pipe fittings that facilitate easy pipe connections are useful in these systems.

[0003] As such a pipe fitting, for example, the pipe fitting disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. This pipe fitting includes a cylindrical body, a sleeve, and a connecting nut. The body includes a connecting portion for connection to a pipe at one axial end, and an annular groove and external threads at the other axial end. The sleeve includes an annular protrusion at one axial end, and a connecting portion for connection to another pipe at the other axial end. The connecting nut includes an internal thread capable of tightening with the external thread of the body. When the connecting nut is screwed into the external thread of the body with the sleeve coaxially accommodated inside, the sleeve is pressed against the body by the connecting nut, thus pressing the annular protrusion of the sleeve into the annular groove of the body. Therefore, the surface of the annular protrusion is in close contact with the surface of the annular groove, thus sealing the sleeve and the body. In the operation of screwing the connecting nut into the external thread of the body, the annular protrusion can be easily and reliably pressed into the annular groove compared to applying pressure directly to the body by hand, thus facilitating pipe connections based on this pipe fitting.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-070387 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the pipe fitting disclosed in Patent Document 1, the connecting nut is a component independent of either the body or the sleeve. Therefore, when screwing the connecting nut into the external thread of the body, neither the body nor the sleeve needs to be rotated, thus eliminating the need to apply torque to the piping connected to either the body or the sleeve. Consequently, the operation of screwing the connecting nut into the external thread of the body is not limited by the difficulty of torturing the piping. However, conversely, because the connecting nut needs to be manufactured independently of the body and the sleeve, it is difficult to reduce the manufacturing cost of the pipe fitting.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in particular, to provide a pipe fitting that can reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining high workability for piping connections.

[0010] means for solving problems

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a pipe fitting for connecting at least one of a rotatable first pipe and a second pipe to each other, comprising a body and a sleeve. The body is a cylindrical component, comprising a connecting portion for connection to the first pipe at one axial end and an annular groove and an internal thread at the other axial end. The sleeve comprises an annular protrusion for press-in into the annular groove of the body and an external thread for tightening with the internal thread of the body at one axial end, and a connecting portion for connection to the second pipe at the other axial end. The rotation angle between the two threads required for tightening the internal thread of the body and the external thread of the sleeve is set within a range of torsion that can be applied by one hand to the first pipe connected to the body or the second pipe connected to the sleeve.

[0012] In this pipe fitting, the rotation angle between the two threads required for tightening the internal thread of the body and the external thread of the sleeve can be less than 180°. The body may include a first engaging portion protruding outward from a portion of its outer circumferential surface, and the sleeve may include a second engaging portion protruding outward from a portion of its outer circumferential surface. When the rotation angle between the internal thread of the body and the external thread of the sleeve reaches the tightening end position, the first engaging portion can engage with the second engaging portion in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a pipe fitting for connecting at least one of a first pipe and a second pipe, both capable of being twisted, to each other. It includes a body and a sleeve. The body is a cylindrical component, comprising a connecting portion for connection to the first pipe at one axial end and an annular groove and external threads at the other axial end. The sleeve comprises an annular protrusion for press-in into the annular groove of the body and an internal thread for tightening with the external thread of the body at one axial end, and a connecting portion for connection to the second pipe at the other axial end. The rotation angle between the two threads required for tightening the external thread of the body and the internal thread of the sleeve is set within a range of torsion that can be applied by one hand to either the first pipe connected to the body or the second pipe connected to the sleeve.

[0014] In this pipe fitting, the rotation angle between the external thread of the body and the internal thread of the sleeve required for tightening can be less than 180°. The body may include a first engaging portion protruding outward from a portion of its outer circumferential surface, and the sleeve may include a second engaging portion protruding outward from a portion of its outer circumferential surface. When the rotation angle between the external thread of the body and the internal thread of the sleeve reaches the tightening end position, the first engaging portion can engage with the second engaging portion in a snap-fit ​​manner. Additionally, in the axial direction of the sleeve, the tip of the annular protrusion can be located within the range of the internal thread.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] In the pipe fitting of the present invention, one of the body and the sleeve includes an external thread and the other includes an internal thread. Therefore, unlike conventional pipe fittings, this pipe fitting eliminates the need for a pipe nut. On the other hand, in this pipe fitting, tightening the external and internal threads requires applying torque to the piping connected to the body or sleeve. However, the rotation angle between the two threads required for tightening is set within a range where torque can be applied to either piping with one hand, thus allowing for easy application of the required torque. Therefore, this pipe fitting reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining high workability regarding piping connections.

[0017] Furthermore, in existing pipe fittings, when separating pipes in a connected state, it is necessary to remove the connecting nut from the external thread and then pull the sleeve to draw out the annular protrusion of the sleeve from the annular groove of the body. In contrast, in the pipe fitting of the present invention, the annular protrusion can be drawn out from the annular groove by using the force of releasing the tightening of the external and internal threads. Moreover, the torsion required to be applied to the pipe connected to the body or sleeve is within the range that can be applied by one hand. Therefore, compared with existing pipe fittings, this pipe fitting improves the operability of separating pipes.

[0018] When the body includes a first engaging portion and the sleeve includes a second engaging portion, the operator can easily apply circumferential force to the body and sleeve by contacting these engaging portions with their fingers while rotating the body and sleeve relative to each other about a common axis. Furthermore, the tip of the first engaging portion is further away from the axis of the body than the rest of the body, and the tip of the second engaging portion is further away from the axis of the sleeve than the rest of the sleeve. Therefore, by applying circumferential force to the tips of each engaging portion, the operator can apply a greater torque to the body and sleeve than would be applied to the rest of the body and sleeve with the same force. Moreover, when the rotation angle between the external and internal threads reaches the final tightening position, the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion in a snap-fit ​​manner. Therefore, the operator can visually confirm that the first and second engaging portions are engaged and auditorily confirm the sound produced when the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion, thus easily confirming that the rotation angle between the external and internal threads has reached the final tightening position.

[0019] When one end of the sleeve includes an internal thread, the tip of the annular protrusion can be located within the range of the internal thread in the axial direction of the sleeve. Therefore, compared to the case where one end of the sleeve includes an external thread, it is easier to thin that end and the other end of the body connected to it in the axial direction. Since this thinning reduces the amount of material used in the body and sleeve, it helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the pipe fitting. Furthermore, the internal thread surrounding the tip of the annular protrusion provides the effect of acting as a protective wall for the annular protrusion, thus reducing the risk of deformation or breakage of the tip of the annular protrusion due to unintentional contact with external objects such as the body. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pipe fitting according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view of line II-II is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pipe fitting according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line IV-IV is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pipe fitting according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of line VI-VI is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pipe fitting according to a modified example of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of line IIX-IIX is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0029] Implementation Method 1

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pipe connector 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shown is along line II-II. The pipe connector 100 is, for example, in the cooling lines of a battery pack in an electric vehicle (EV), as... Figure 2 As shown, the first hose 510 is connected to the second hose 520. These hoses 510 and 520 are made of resins such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are used as piping for the passage of cooling water (LLC).

[0031] The pipe fitting 100 consists of a body 200 and a sleeve 300. Both the body 200 and the sleeve 300 are cylindrical components made of resins such as polyamide (PA) or glass fiber reinforced polyamide (PA-GF). Figure 2 As shown, the main body 200 is connected to the first flexible hose 510, and the sleeve 300 is connected to the second flexible hose 520. The axially perpendicular cross-sections of the cavity 201 of the main body 200 and the cavity 301 of the sleeve 300 are circular and share a common diameter. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, when the main body 200 and the sleeve 300 are coaxially connected to each other, the internal space of the first hose 510 communicates with the internal space of the second hose 520 through these cavities 201 and 301. That is, the cavities 201 and 301 function as flow paths for the LLC connecting the two hoses 510 and 520.

[0032] [Structure of the main body]

[0033] One axial end 210 of the main body 200 (hereinafter referred to as the "first end") is a connecting portion that connects to the first flexible hose 510, such as... Figure 2As shown, it is coaxially disposed in the first flexible tube 510. Since the outer diameter of the first end 210 is larger than the inner diameter of the first flexible tube 510, the open end of the first flexible tube 510 expands when the first end 210 is pressed into the first flexible tube 510. Due to the restoring force of the open end, the first end 210 is tightened in the inward circumferential direction, thus the first flexible tube 510 is fixed at the first end 210, and a seal is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the first flexible tube 510 and the outer circumferential surface of the first end 210.

[0034] The other axial end 220 of the main body 200 (hereinafter referred to as the "second end") is the connection part with the sleeve 300, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes an inner cylinder portion 221, an annular groove 230, a flange 240, an internal thread 250, and a first engaging portion 260.

[0035] The inner cylinder portion 221 is a cylindrical portion that divides the cavity 201 of the main body 200. The annular groove 230 is a coaxial annular groove that surrounds the inner cylinder portion 221. The inner surface of the inner circumferential side of the annular groove 230 is formed by the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder portion 221.

[0036] Flange 240 is a substantially cylindrical portion coaxially surrounding the annular groove 230, with an outer diameter larger than that of the first end 210. A portion of the inner circumferential surface of flange 240 forms the inner surface of the outer circumferential side of the annular groove 230. Near the boundary between the first end 210 and the second end 220 of the body 200, flange 240 connects to the inner cylinder portion 221 and becomes integral with the second end 220, forming the bottom 231 of the annular groove 230. On the other hand, near the opening 222 of the inner cylinder portion 221, flange 240 extends axially along the body 200. Figure 2 The flange 240 extends beyond the opening 222 of the inner cylinder portion 221 (to the right). An internal thread 250 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the extended portion. The internal thread 250 is, for example, two threads 251 and 252, which extend helically along the inner circumferential surface of the flange 240.

[0037] The first engaging portion 260 is a circumferential part of the outer peripheral surface 241 of the flange 240 (in Figure 1 , Figure 2 The middle part is the upper part) towards the outer perimeter (in Figure 1 , Figure 2 The protrusion is located at the top center. On the surface of the first engaging portion 260, the axial position of the main body 200 is near the opening 222 of the inner cylinder portion 221 (in...). Figure 2 The surface opening (right side) has a locking hole 261.

[0038] [Sleeve Structure]

[0039] One axial end 310 of the sleeve 300 (hereinafter referred to as the "first end") is a connection part to the body 200, which includes an inner cylinder portion 311, an annular protrusion 320, an external thread 330, a flange 340, and a second engaging portion 350.

[0040] The inner cylinder portion 311 is a cylindrical portion that divides the cavity 301 of the sleeve 300. The annular protrusion 320 is a coaxial annular protrusion that surrounds the opening 312 of the inner cylinder portion 311, extending from the periphery of the opening 312 toward the axial direction of the sleeve 300. Figure 2 (The middle part is on the left) protrudes. The external thread 330 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 311 and can be fastened to the internal thread 250 of the main body 200. In particular, the external thread 330 is multiple threads with the same number as the internal thread 250, for example, two threads, and the two thread teeth 331, 332 extend in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 311.

[0041] Flange 340 is a substantially cylindrical portion coaxially surrounding the inner cylinder portion 311 and the annular protrusion 320. The outer diameter of flange 340 is larger than the outer diameter of the other axial end 360 (hereinafter referred to as the "second end") of sleeve 300. Near the boundary between the first end 310 and the second end 320 of sleeve 300, flange 340 is connected to the inner cylinder portion 311 and integral with the first end 310. On the other hand, near the tip 321 of the annular protrusion 320, flange 340 extends axially along the sleeve 300 (in... Figure 2 (The middle part is on the left) extends beyond the top 321 of the annular protrusion 320.

[0042] The second engaging portion 350 is a circumferential part of the outer peripheral surface 341 of the flange 340 (in Figure 1 , Figure 2 The middle part is the upper part) towards the outer perimeter (in Figure 1 , Figure 2 The protrusion is located at the top (center). For example... Figure 1 As shown, with the sleeve 300 correctly connected to the body 200, the position of the second engaging portion 350 in the common circumferential direction between the body 200 and the sleeve 300 coincides with the position of the first engaging portion 260 of the body 200.

[0043] The second engaging portion 350 includes a thin plate portion 351 and a thick plate portion 352. The thin plate portion 351 and the thick plate portion 352 are each perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve 300 (in...). Figure 2The sleeve 300 has a plate-like portion (in the left-right direction). Regarding the axial thickness of the sleeve 300, the thickness of the thin plate portion 351 is less than the thickness of the thick plate portion 352. Axially, the thin plate portion 351 is located approximately at the same position as the top end 342 of the flange 340, while the thick plate portion 352 is located approximately in the same range as the inner cylinder portion 311. A gap 353 is provided between the thin plate portion 351 and the thick plate portion 352. Figure 2 As shown, a locking protrusion 355 is formed in the surface of the thin plate portion 351. When the sleeve 300 is connected to the main body 200, the locking protrusion 355 extends from one side 354 of the first locking portion 260 facing the main body 200 (in...). Figure 2 The middle part is the left side of the plate) axially towards the sleeve 300 (in Figure 2 The middle section (left side) protrudes. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the length of the engaging protrusion 355 in the axial direction of the sleeve 300, the shape and size of the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, and the radial position of the sleeve 300 are designed such that, when the sleeve 300 is connected to the body 200, the engaging protrusion 355 is located in the engaging hole 261 of the first engaging portion 260.

[0044] The second end 360 of the sleeve 300 is a connecting part that connects to the second hose 520, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it is coaxially disposed in the second hose 520. Since the outer diameter of the second end 360 is larger than the inner diameter of the second hose 520, the open end of the second hose 520 is expanded when the second end 360 is pressed into the second hose 520. Simultaneously, the restoring force of the open end tightens the second end 360 in the inward circumferential direction, thus fixing the second hose 520 to the second end 360, sealing the inner circumferential surface of the second hose 520 with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the second end 360.

[0045] [Connection work using hose fittings]

[0046] The operation of connecting the second hose 520 to the first hose 510 using the pipe fitting 100 is performed, for example, as follows: First, press the first end 210 of the body 200 into the open end of the first hose 510, and press the second end 360 of the sleeve 300 into the open end of the second hose 520. Then, tighten the external thread 330 of the sleeve 300 into the internal thread 250 of the body 200.

[0047] Since the internal thread 250 is integrally formed on the body 200 in the pipe fitting 100, in order to fasten the external thread 330 to the internal thread 250, one of the body 200 and the sleeve 300 needs to rotate relative to the other about a common axis. Since the first hose 510 is already fixed to the body 200 and the second hose 520 is already fixed to the sleeve 300, when the body 200 and the sleeve 300 rotate relative to each other, a torsion is applied to at least one of the first hose 510 and the second hose 520. Preferably, the torsion is applied to either the first hose 510 or the second hose 520 before the external thread 330 is fastened to the internal thread 250. The angle of this torsion is set to be equal to, but opposite in direction to, the rotation between the two threads required to fasten the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330. Thus, no torsion remains in either the first hose 510 or the second hose 520 at the end of the tightening of the external thread 330 and the internal thread 250.

[0048] Hereinafter, the rotation angle between the two threads when one of the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330 begins to enter the other thread is referred to as the "tightening start position". Further, the rotation angle between the two threads when the axial length of the portion of the external thread 330 entering the inner circumference of the internal thread 250 reaches the required value is referred to as the "tightening end position". The rotation angle from the tightening start position to the tightening end position is the rotation angle between the two threads required for the tightening of the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330.

[0049] In the fitting 100, in particular, the rotation angle between the two threads required for tightening the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330 is designed to be within the range that an operator can apply with one hand to either the first hose 510 connected to the body 200 or the second hose 520 connected to the sleeve 300; specifically, for example, less than 180 degrees, preferably less than 90 degrees. This design can be achieved, for example, by adjusting the number or pitch of the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330. With this design, before tightening the external thread 330 of the sleeve 300 connected to the second hose 520 to the internal thread 250 of the body 200 connected to the first hose 510, for example, an operator can apply the required torque to either the hose 510 or 520 by twisting one of the hands holding the body 200 and the other of the hand holding the sleeve 300.

[0050] [Seal between the body and the sleeve]

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, the annular groove 230 of the main body 200 and the annular protrusion 320 of the sleeve 300 are designed such that when the sleeve 300 is connected to the main body 200, the annular protrusion 320 can be pressed into the annular groove 230. Specifically, when the main body 200 and the sleeve 300 are separated, the inner diameter of the annular protrusion 320 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the inner circumference of the annular groove 230, or the outer diameter of the annular protrusion 320 is slightly larger than the diameter of the inner surface of the outer circumference of the annular groove 230. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, when the sleeve 300 is connected to the body 200, the inner surface of the inner circumferential side of the annular groove 230 and the inner circumferential surface of the annular protrusion 320, or the inner surface of the outer circumferential side of the annular groove 230 and the outer circumferential surface of the annular protrusion 320, are pressed together strongly. As a result, the gap between the body 200 and the sleeve 300 is sealed.

[0052] The force that presses the annular protrusion 320 of the sleeve 300 into the annular groove 230 of the body 200 is the axial force borne by the annular protrusion 320 as it fastens the external thread 330 of the sleeve 300 to the internal thread 250 of the body 200. Regarding this axial force, the circumferential deviation of the annular protrusion 320 is smaller compared to the axial force borne by the annular protrusion 320 when the body 200 and sleeve 300 are directly pressed together axially by hand. Furthermore, from the perspective of increasing the force pressing the annular protrusion 320 into the annular groove 230, increasing the tightening torque of the external thread 330 relative to the internal thread 250 is easier than directly increasing the axial force pressing the body 200 and sleeve 300 together.

[0053] [Functions and effects of the locking mechanism]

[0054] In the operation of fastening the external thread 330 of the sleeve 300 to the internal thread 250 of the body 200, when the body 200 and the sleeve 300 are rotated relative to each other about a common axis, the operator can place their fingers on the respective engagement portions 260 and 350, thus easily applying a circumferential force to the body 200 and the sleeve 300. Furthermore, compared to other parts of the body 200, the tip of the first engagement portion 260 is further away from the axis of the body 200, and compared to other parts of the sleeve 300, the tip of the second engagement portion 350 is further away from the axis of the sleeve 300. Therefore, by the operator applying a circumferential force to the tips of the respective engagement portions 260 and 350, a greater torque can be applied to the body 200 and the sleeve 300 than when the same force is applied to other parts of the body 200 and the sleeve 300.

[0055] When the external thread 330 of the sleeve 300 is fastened to the internal thread 250 of the body 200, as the rotation angle between the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330 changes, the first engaging portion 260 of the body 200 and the second engaging portion 350 of the sleeve 300 are displaced in the common circumferential direction between the body 200 and the sleeve 300. When the rotation angle between the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330 reaches the final tightening position, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first engaging portion 260 and the second engaging portion 350 are aligned in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the operator can visually confirm that the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330 are properly tightened by observing that the first engaging portion 260 and the second engaging portion 350 are in the same position in the circumferential direction.

[0056] When the rotation angle between the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330 reaches the final tightening position, the engaging protrusion 355 of the second engaging portion 350 further engages into the engaging hole 261 of the first engaging portion 260 in a snap-fit ​​manner. Just before the rotation angle between the two threads 250 and 330 reaches the final tightening position, the engaging protrusion 355 collides with the side surface 262 of the first engaging portion 260. Because the thin plate portion 351 of the second engaging portion 350 bends towards the thick plate portion 352, the engaging protrusion 355 extends beyond the side surface 262 of the first engaging portion 260. When the two threads 250 and 330 reach the final tightening position, the engaging protrusion 355 engages into the engaging hole 261, and the bending of the thin plate portion 351 is restored. Thus, by utilizing the elasticity of the thin plate portion 351, the engaging protrusion 355 is inserted into the engaging hole 261, and the second engaging portion 350 engages with the first engaging portion 260, thereby fixing the sleeve 300 to the main body 200.

[0057] As the thin plate portion 351 returns to its original position after bending, it strikes the side 262 of the first engaging portion 260. The sound echoes in the gap 353 between the thin plate portion 351 and the thick plate portion 352. By hearing this echoing sound, the operator can confirm by ear that the rotation angle between the two threads 250 and 330 has reached the final tightening position.

[0058] [Advantages of Implementation Method 1]

[0059] In the pipe fitting 100 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the body 200 includes an internal thread 250, and the sleeve 300 includes an external thread 330. Therefore, unlike conventional pipe fittings, the pipe fitting 100 does not require a connecting nut. On the other hand, in the pipe fitting 100, when tightening the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330, it is necessary to apply torque to at least one of the first hose 510 connected to the body 200 and the second hose 520 connected to the sleeve 300. However, the rotation angle between the two threads 250 and 330 required for tightening is set within a range where torque can be applied to either hose 510 or 520 with one hand, thus allowing easy application of the required torque to either the first hose 510 or the second hose 520. Therefore, the pipe fitting 100 can reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining high workability regarding the connection of the hoses 510 and 520.

[0060] In the pipe fitting 100, since the internal thread 250 is integrally formed on the body 200, when from... Figure 2 When disassembling the sleeve 300 from the main body 200 in the shown state, the annular protrusion 320 can be pulled out from the annular groove 230 by releasing the fastening of the internal thread 250 and the external thread 330. Furthermore, the torque required to be applied to the first hose 510 or the second hose 520 at this time is within the range that can be applied by one hand. Therefore, the pipe fitting 100 improves the operability of separating the hoses 510 and 520.

[0061] Implementation Method 2

[0062] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pipe connector 110 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV. The pipe fitting 110 differs from the pipe fitting 100 of Embodiment 1 in that the external thread is provided in the body 200, while the internal thread is provided in the sleeve 300. The other structural features are the same as those of the pipe fitting 100 of Embodiment 1. Figure 3 , Figure 4 In China, for the sake of Figure 1 , Figure 2 The constituent elements shown have the same structure as the constituent elements, and are given the same... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The attached figures are shown.

[0063] Same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, hereinafter, pipe fitting 110 is the same as pipe fitting 100 in Embodiment 1.

[0064] The parts with different structures will be explained, and the description of other parts will refer to Implementation Method 1.

[0065] like Figure 4The second end 220 of the main body 200, in addition to the inner cylinder portion 221, the annular groove 230, and the first engaging portion 260, also includes a flange 270 and an external thread 280. The flange 270 differs from the flange 240 of Embodiment 1 as follows. The axial direction of the main body 200 (in...) Figure 4 The top end 271 (in the left-right direction) and the opening 222 of the inner cylinder 221 are aligned at the same position in the axial direction of the main body 200. Furthermore, near the top end 271, the outer peripheral surface of the flange 270 is provided with an external thread 280. The external thread 280 is, for example, two threads, with two thread teeth 281, 282 extending helically along the outer peripheral surface of the flange 270.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the first end 310 of the sleeve 300 includes, in addition to the inner cylinder portion 311, the annular protrusion 320, and the second engaging portion 350, a flange 370 and an internal thread 380. The flange 370 differs from the flange 340 of Embodiment 1 as follows: An internal thread 380 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the flange 370. The internal thread 380 can be fastened to the external thread 280 of the body 200. In particular, the internal thread 380 consists of multiple threads equal in number to the external thread 280, for example, two threads, with the two thread teeth 381 and 382 extending helically along the inner circumferential surface of the flange 370.

[0067] In the pipe fitting 110, the body 200 includes an external thread 280, and the sleeve 300 includes an internal thread 380. Therefore, the pipe fitting 110, like the pipe fitting 100 of Embodiment 1, does not require a connecting nut. Furthermore, in the pipe fitting 110, similarly to the pipe fitting 100 of Embodiment 1, the rotation angle between the two threads 280 and 380 required for tightening the external thread 280 and internal thread 380 is set within a range where any one hose 510 or 520 can be twisted with one hand, thus allowing easy application of the required twist to either the first hose 510 or the second hose 520. Thus, similarly to the pipe fitting 100 of Embodiment 1, the pipe fitting 110 can reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining high workability regarding the connection of the hoses 510 and 520.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, in the sleeve 300 of Embodiment 1, in its axial direction (in Figure 2 On the left-right direction, the annular protrusion 320 is entirely positioned outside the area of ​​the external thread 330. This is because otherwise, not only would the structure of the first end 310 of the sleeve 300 and the second end 220 of the body 200 become more complex, but their outer diameters would also increase. For this reason, as... Figure 4 As shown, in the sleeve 300 of Embodiment 2, in its axial direction (in Figure 4On the left-right direction, the top end 321 of the annular protrusion 320 can be positioned within the range of the internal thread 380. In this case, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the main body 200 of Embodiment 2, in its axial direction (in Figure 4 On the left-right direction, the external thread 280 is set within the range of the annular groove 230. Figure 4 The structure of the second end 220 of the main body 200 and the first end 310 of the sleeve 300 shown is similar to... Figure 2 The second end 220 of the body 200 and the first end 310 of the sleeve 300 shown have the same level of structural complexity. Furthermore, since the extent of the annular protrusion 320 overlaps with the extent of the internal thread 380 in the axial direction of the sleeve 300, it is easy to thin the first end 310 of the sleeve 300 in the axial direction. Similarly, since the extent of the annular groove 230 overlaps with the extent of the external thread 280 in the axial direction of the body 200, it is easy to thin the first end 310 of the sleeve 300 in the axial direction. This thinning of the sleeve 300 and the body 200 reduces the amount of material used in these components, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the pipe fitting 110.

[0069] In the sleeve 300 of embodiment 1, as Figure 2 As shown, flange 340 surrounds the top 321 of annular protrusion 320, while in sleeve 300 of embodiment 2, as Figure 4 As shown, flange 370 surrounds the top end 321 of annular protrusion 320. Since either flange 340 or 370 functions as a protective wall for the top end 321 of annular protrusion 320, the risk of deformation or damage to the top end 321 of annular protrusion 320 due to unintentional contact with external objects such as the main body 200 is reduced. Furthermore, since the flange 370 of Embodiment 2 has thread teeth 381 and 382 with internal threads 380 protruding from its inner circumferential surface, the space surrounding annular protrusion 320 is narrower than that of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the flange 370 of Embodiment 2 functions better as a protective wall for the top end 321 of annular protrusion 320 than the flange 340 of Embodiment 1.

[0070] [Variation Example]

[0071] In embodiments 1 and 2, the flanges 240 and 270 of the main body 200 are substantially cylindrical, with a first engaging portion 260 protruding from a portion in the circumferential direction. Similarly, the flanges 340 and 370 of the sleeve 300 in embodiments 1 and 2 are substantially cylindrical, with a second engaging portion 350 protruding from a portion in the circumferential direction. However, the shape of the flanges is not limited to these shapes; they can also be other non-axisymmetric shapes, for example, a polygonal shape in profile perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pipe fitting 120 according to a modified example of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI. The difference between pipe fitting 120 and pipe fitting 100 of Embodiment 1 is the shape of the flange. Other structural features are the same as those of pipe fitting 100 of Embodiment 1. Figure 5 , Figure 6 In China, for the sake of Figure 1 , Figure 2 The constituent elements shown have the same structure as the constituent elements, and are given the same... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the parts of the pipe connector 120 that differ in structure from the pipe connector 100 of Embodiment 1 will be described below; the rest will refer to the description of Embodiment 1.

[0073] The second end 220 of the body 200 includes a flange 290. The flange 290 is a cylindrical portion coaxially surrounding the annular groove 230, and its outer periphery, in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, is substantially hexagonal. The distance between two opposing sides of this hexagon is greater than the outer diameter of the first end 210. A portion of the inner circumferential surface of the flange 290 forms the inner surface of the outer circumferential side of the annular groove 230. In the axial direction of the body 200 (in... Figure 6 On the left-right direction, the flange 290 extends beyond the opening 222 of the inner cylinder 221 (in the left-right direction). Figure 6 The flange 290 extends to the right of the opening 222. An internal thread 250 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the extended portion. The internal thread 250 is, for example, two threads, and two threaded grooves 253 and 254 extend helically along the inner circumferential surface of the flange 290.

[0074] The first end 310 of the sleeve 300 includes a flange 390. The flange 390 is located within the inner cylinder portion 311, extending axially from the sleeve 300. Figure 6 The middle (in the left-right direction) is located on the opposite side of the opening 312 (in Figure 6 The annular portion 313 (right side) expands outward in a peripheral direction, and the outer periphery of its cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction is substantially hexagonal. The distance between two opposing sides of the hexagon is greater than the outer diameter of the second end 360.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pipe fitting 130 according to a modified example of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view along line IIX-IIX. The flange shape of pipe connector 130 differs from that of pipe connector 110 in Embodiment 2. Other structural features are the same as those of pipe connector 110 in Embodiment 2. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In China, for the sake of Figure 3 and Figure 4 The constituent elements shown have the same structure as the constituent elements, and are given the same... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the parts of the pipe connector 130 that differ in structure from the pipe connector 110 of Embodiment 2 will be described below; other parts will refer to the description of Embodiment 2.

[0076] The second end 220 of the main body 200 includes a flange 295. The flange 295 is located within the inner cylinder portion 221, extending axially from the main body 200. Figure 8 The middle (in the left-right direction) is located on the opposite side of the opening 222 (in Figure 8 The annular portion 223 (left side) expands outward in a peripheral direction, and its outer periphery, perpendicular to the axial direction, is substantially hexagonal. The distance between two opposing sides of this hexagon is greater than the outer diameter of the first end 210. The outer cylinder portion 296 extends axially from the flange 295 toward the body 200 (in... Figure 8 (The middle part is on the right) protrudes. The cross-section of the outer cylinder 296, perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body 200, is substantially annular. The top end 297 of the main body 200 in the axial direction is aligned with the opening 222 of the inner cylinder 221 at the same position in the axial direction of the main body 200. The inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 296 forms the inner surface of the outer circumferential side of the annular groove 230. On the other hand, an external thread 280 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 296.

[0077] The first end 310 of the sleeve 300 includes a flange 395. The flange 395 is a cylindrical portion surrounding the inner cylindrical portion 311 and the annular protrusion 320, and its outer periphery, in a section perpendicular to the axial direction, is substantially hexagonal. The distance between two opposing sides of this hexagon is greater than the outer diameter of the second end 360. In the axial direction of the sleeve 300 (in... Figure 8 On the right-hand side, flange 395 extends beyond the top 321 of the annular protrusion 320 (at the...). Figure 8 It extends to the left (more than the top 321). An internal thread 380 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the flange 390, which surrounds the annular protrusion 320.

[0078] Both the pipe fitting 120 of the modified embodiment 1 and the pipe fitting 130 of the modified embodiment 2 have six corners 291 and 391 on the outer surfaces of flanges 290, 390, 295, and 395. During the operation of connecting the sleeve 300 to the body 200, when the operator rotates the body 200 and sleeve 300 relative to each other about a common axis, the operator's fingers can contact the corners 291 and 391 of each flange 290, 390, 295, and 395, thereby easily applying a circumferential force to the body 200 and sleeve 300. Furthermore, as the rotation angle between the body 200 and sleeve 300 changes, the corners 291 and 391 of flanges 290, 390, 295, and 395 are displaced in the common circumferential direction. Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, when the rotation angle between the internal and external threads reaches the final tightening position, the angles 291 and 391 of flanges 290, 390, 295, and 395 are aligned circumferentially. Therefore, the operator can visually confirm the completion of the tightening of the internal and external threads by observing that angles 291 and 391 of flanges 290, 390, 295, and 395 are in the same circumferential position.

Claims

1. A pipe fitting for connecting at least one rotatable first pipe and second pipe to each other, characterized in that, include: The main body is a cylindrical component, including a connecting portion at one axial end for connection with the first pipe, and an annular groove and internal thread at the other axial end; and The sleeve includes an annular protrusion at one axial end that can be pressed into the annular groove and an external thread that can be fastened to the internal thread, and a connecting portion at the other axial end that connects to the second pipe. The main body includes a first engaging portion, which is a protrusion extending outward from a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the main body in the circumferential direction, and makes the shape of the main body asymmetrical about its central axis. The sleeve includes a second engaging portion, which is a protrusion extending outward from a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve in the circumferential direction, and makes the shape of the sleeve asymmetrical about its central axis. The rotation angle between the two threads required for tightening the internal and external threads is set within a range that allows for single-handed application of torsion to either the first pipe connected to the body or the second pipe connected to the sleeve. When the rotation angle between the internal thread and the external thread reaches the tightening end position, the first engaging part and the second engaging part are aligned in the common circumferential direction between the body and the sleeve and are engaged in a snap-fit ​​manner, so that the contours of the body and the sleeve are aligned with the profile of the cross section perpendicular to the common axis.

2. The pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second engaging part includes: The thin plate portion is a plate-shaped portion that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve. When the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion in a snap-fit ​​manner, it will temporarily bend and use the recovery of this bend to strike the first engaging portion.

3. A pipe fitting for connecting at least one rotatable first pipe and second pipe to each other, characterized in that, include: The main body is a cylindrical component, including a connecting portion for connection with the first pipe at one axial end, and an annular groove and external threads at the other axial end; and The sleeve includes an annular protrusion at one axial end that can be pressed into the annular groove and an internal thread that can be tightened with the external thread, and a connecting portion at the other axial end that connects to the second pipe. The main body includes a first engaging portion, which is a protrusion extending outward from a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the main body in the circumferential direction, and makes the shape of the main body asymmetrical about its central axis. The sleeve includes a second engaging portion, which is a protrusion extending outward from a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve in the circumferential direction, and makes the shape of the sleeve asymmetrical about its central axis. The rotation angle between the two threads required for tightening the external and internal threads is set within a range that allows for single-handed application of torsion to either the first pipe connected to the body or the second pipe connected to the sleeve. When the rotation angle between the internal thread and the external thread reaches the tightening end position, the first engaging part and the second engaging part are aligned in the common circumferential direction between the body and the sleeve and are engaged in a snap-fit ​​manner, so that the contours of the body and the sleeve are aligned with the profile of the cross section perpendicular to the common axis.

4. The pipe fitting according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second engaging part includes: The thin plate portion is a plate-shaped portion that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve. When the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion in a snap-fit ​​manner, it will temporarily bend and use the recovery of this bend to strike the first engaging portion.

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