Pipe joint

Abstract

The invention provides a pipe joint capable of determining whether fastening is completed or not. A pipe joint is provided with: a joint provided along an insertion space of a pipe body; a radially deformable sleeve provided so as to surround the outer periphery of an insertion space for the pipe body formed along the outer peripheral surface of the joint; a plurality of split retainers which cover the outer surface of the sleeve in the circumferential direction on the outer side of the sleeve and are provided so as to be capable of being separated in the radial direction; and a fastening member that is provided across the plurality of divided retainers and moves the divided retainers closer to each other in the radial direction so that the diameter of the sleeve is reduced, spacers are disposed between the plurality of divided retainers and the sleeve, and the spacers can be visually recognized between the plurality of divided retainers in a state where fastening is not completed. In a state in which fastening is completed, the spacers are housed in the recesses of the plurality of split retainers so as not to be visible at all.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint for connecting pipe bodies such as flexible and deformable hoses and tubes formed of soft materials such as synthetic resins and rubber, for example. Background Art

[0002] In the past, as such a pipe joint, there is a hose connector comprising: a joint into which a hose can be inserted; a plurality of semi-cylindrical split retainers that can be engaged with the joint; and an elastic deformable ring for tightening the hose, wherein bolts are inserted into bolt holes at the ends of the plurality of split retainers and the plurality of split retainers are tightened, so that the elastic deformable ring is deformed and evenly bites into the outer circumference of the hose to prevent leakage (for example, refer to patent document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-85275 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0007] In a pipe joint of the type in which a plurality of split retainers are brought close together by tightening bolts as described in Patent Document 1, the reaction force generated by the diameter reduction deformation of the elastic deformation ring is usually used as a clue to determine whether the tightening is sufficient. However, a certain degree of experience is required to make this judgment. If the on-site construction worker is unfamiliar or inexperienced, it is easy to make a wrong judgment that the tightening work is completed when the tightening is not completed. Insufficient tightening will naturally reduce the drop strength of the hose and easily cause fluid leakage accidents.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pipe joint that allows an inexperienced operator to determine whether or not the fastening of a plurality of split retainers is complete.

[0009] Means for solving technical problems

[0010] In order to achieve these objects, the present invention provides a pipe joint for connecting a pipe body, the pipe joint being characterized in that it comprises: a joint, arranged along an insertion space of the pipe body; a sleeve capable of radial deformation, arranged in a manner surrounding the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe body formed along the outer peripheral surface of the joint; a plurality of split retainers, which cover the outer surface of the sleeve in the circumferential direction on the outer side of the sleeve and are arranged in a manner capable of radial separation; and a fastening component, which is arranged across the plurality of split retainers and causes the split retainers to move radially closer to each other in a manner that causes the sleeve to reduce in diameter, a spacer being arranged between the plurality of split retainers and the sleeve, wherein in a state in which fastening is not completed, the spacer can be visually identified between the plurality of split retainers, and in a state in which fastening is completed, the spacer is accommodated in the recessed portions of the plurality of split retainers and is completely unable to be visually identified.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention having the above-described features, it is possible to provide a pipe joint that allows an inexperienced operator to determine whether or not the fastening of the plurality of split retainers is complete. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) is the front view, Figure 1 (b) is a top view, Figure 1 (c) is the left side view, Figure 1 (d) is the upper left stereogram, Figure 1 (e) is a side sectional view of a sleeve which is a component of the pipe joint. Figure 1 (f) is a three-dimensional diagram of the sleeve.

[0014] Figure 2 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (a) is an exploded stereogram. Figure 2 (b) is a three-dimensional view of the appearance after assembly. Figure 2 (c) Yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part G in (a).

[0015] Figure 3 It is a side sectional view and a partial enlarged view showing the contact state between the pipe body and the grounding clamp.

[0016] Figure 4 The diagrams are explanatory diagrams showing the process of connecting the pipe joint and the pipe body according to the embodiment of the present invention, and are diagrams showing process 1 to process 3.

[0017] Figure 5It is an explanatory diagram showing a process of connecting a pipe joint and a pipe body by the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing process 4.

[0018] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing a connection process between the pipe joint and the pipe body according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing step 5 and step 6.

[0019] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing the shapes of a grounding clamp and a spacer as components of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 (a) is an upper perspective view, a side view and a lower perspective view showing the shape of the grounding clamp. Figure 7 (b) is an upper stereogram and a side view and a front view and a lower stereogram showing another shape of the grounding clamp, Figure 7 (c) is an upper perspective view, a side view, and a lower perspective view showing the shape of the spacer.

[0020] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing the details of the shape of a split retainer as a component of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 (a) is the front view, Figure 8 (b) are top and bottom views, Figure 8 (c) is a cross-sectional view, Figure 8 (d) is the upper left stereogram.

[0021] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 (a) is the front view, Fig. 9 (b) is a top view, Fig. 9 (c) is the left side view, Fig. 9 (d) is the upper left stereogram, Fig. 9 (e) is a side sectional view of a sleeve which is a component of the pipe joint. Fig. 9 (f) is a three-dimensional diagram of the sleeve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] (Structure of Pipe Joint According to Embodiment)

[0024] Figure 1 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) is the front view, Figure 1 (b) is a top view, Figure 1 (c) is the left side view, Figure 1 (d) is the upper left stereogram, Figure 1(e) is a side sectional view of a sleeve which is a component of the pipe joint. Figure 1 (f) is a three-dimensional diagram of the sleeve. Figure 2 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (a) is an exploded stereogram. Figure 2 (b) is a three-dimensional view of the appearance after assembly. Figure 2 (c) Yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part G in (a).

[0025] The pipe joint A according to the embodiment of the present invention is a pipe joint for use in the following manner: Figure 1 (a)~ Figure 1 (f) and Figure 2 (a)~ Figure 2 As shown in (c), a connecting end of a tube body B having a conductive carbon wire BC and a reinforcing component protruding in a spiral shape along the outer surface is inserted between a joint 1 and a sleeve 2 which can deform radially, a plurality of split retaining frames 3 are put on the outer side of the sleeve 2, and the split retaining frames 3 are moved radially toward each other by a fastening component 4 to be connected into a cylindrical shape, and at the same time, the tube body B is grounded.

[0026] By using the fastening component 4 to move the plurality of split retainers 3 closer together to reduce the diameter of the sleeve 2, the inner surface of the sleeve 2 is roughly evenly in contact with the outer surface of the connection end of the tube body B throughout the entire circumference. At the same time, the inner surface of the tube body B is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the joint 1 to connect the pipes in a manner that allows for easy loading and unloading. As a result, even a large-diameter tube body B with a relatively large diameter can be easily connected, and can be easily assembled and disassembled, so it is also suitable for maintenance such as cleaning. In addition, it is not just a simple connection. When the split retainers 3 are connected to each other, the grounding clamp 5 fixed to the outer periphery of the joint 1 contacts the conductive carbon wire BC of the tube body B to perform a grounding connection.

[0027] If described in detail, the pipe joint A involved in the embodiment of the present invention has the following as main components: a joint 1, which is arranged along the insertion space of the pipe body B and has conductivity; a sleeve 2 that can be deformed in the radial direction and is arranged in a manner surrounding the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe body B formed along the outer peripheral surface of the joint 1; a plurality of split retainers 3, which cover the outer surface of the sleeve 2 in the circumferential direction on the outer side of the sleeve 2 and are arranged in a manner that can be separated in the radial direction; a fastening component 4, which is arranged across the plurality of split retainers 3 and allows the split retainers 3 to move radially closer to each other in a manner that reduces the diameter of the sleeve 2; a grounding clamp 5, which is fixed to the outer periphery of the conductive joint 1 and has conductivity; and a retainer extension portion 33, which extends along the pipe insertion direction and is longer than the length portion of the sleeve 2.

[0028] In addition, the insertion direction of the tube body B into the insertion space is hereinafter referred to as the "tube insertion direction", and the opposite direction to the tube insertion direction is hereinafter referred to as the "tube removal direction".

[0029] The joint 1 is made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or brass that is not easy to rust, or a conductive resin material, and is formed into a roughly cylindrical shape with a relatively thick wall thickness by cutting or casting, or is formed by stamping or other molding processes. The side of the joint 1 connected to the pipe body B is cylindrical, and the opposite side is set to an appropriate shape suitable for connecting to another pipe body (not shown) or a pipe connection port (not shown) of another machine. Specifically, in order to connect to other pipe bodies, cylindrical parts such as ferrules, threads, and bushings are formed as one body.

[0030] The outer diameter of the joint 1 is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of a pipe body B described later, or to be slightly larger or smaller than the inner diameter.

[0031] The outer peripheral surface of the joint 1 has a concave-convex portion for preventing the tube from falling out, which is arranged to face the inner surface of the sleeve 2 described later in the radial direction across the insertion space of the tube body B, and a flange 11 as a means for preventing the split retainer 3 described later from moving in the axial direction. Figure 2 As shown in the partial enlarged view of (c), locking holes 12 for locking with the grounding clamp 5 described later are provided at two locations of the flange 11 (only one location is shown in the partial enlarged view).

[0032] As a specific example of the joint 1, Figure 2 As shown in (a), in order to prevent the tube from falling off only at the front end portion (the end portion in the tube falling off direction) of the outer peripheral surface, a plurality of annular concave portions and annular convex portions are alternately continuous in the axial direction to form concave and convex portions.

[0033] Furthermore, as another example, although not shown in the figure, changes can be made as follows: the approximate total length of the outer circumferential surface of the joint 1 is formed into an external thread shape with annular recesses and annular protrusions alternating in the axial direction, or an annular sealing material is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the joint 1 which is radially crimped to the inner surface of the tube body B.

[0034] The sleeve 2 is formed of a material that can be elastically deformed, such as rubber or soft synthetic resin, into a generally cylindrical shape that can be elastically deformed at least in the radial direction, and is assembled on the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the joint 1 in a manner that is radially opposed across the insertion space of the pipe body B. The sleeve 2 has an inner surface that is mounted on the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the joint 1 during the assembly and that is radially opposed to and abuts against the outer surface of the connection end of the pipe body B, and an outer surface that is radially opposed to the inner side surfaces of a plurality of split retainers 3 described later.

[0035] The inner surface of the sleeve 2 is set so that its inner diameter when expanded is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube body B described later, and is set so that its inner diameter when reduced is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body B. Figure 1 As shown in (e), a spiral groove is formed on the inner surface of the sleeve 2 so as to correspond to the spiral shape of the reinforcement member protruding along the outer surface of the tube B.

[0036] Furthermore, the outer surface of the sleeve 2 is set to have an outer diameter when the diameter is expanded, which is larger than the inner diameter when the approach movement of the plurality of split retainers 3 described later is completed. That is, it is set as follows: when the approach movement of the plurality of split retainers 3 is completed and further approach movement is impossible, it is larger than the inner diameter of the inner surface of the plurality of split retainers 3.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferable that a sufficient difference in inner diameter and outer diameter is generated during the diameter expansion deformation and the diameter reduction deformation by forming a plurality of cutouts at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the sleeve 2 for smooth elastic deformation in the radial direction.

[0038] The elastic deformation is only for the embodiment. Even if it is a solid or a nearly solid plastic deformation, as long as it can be deformed by tightening and assembled, it can be used as the sleeve 2 of the present invention.

[0039] The split retainer 3 is, for example, a cylindrical body made of a metal such as stainless steel or brass that is not easy to rust or a rigid material such as a hard synthetic resin. Figure 2 As shown in (a), the split retainer is divided into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction and is formed into two symmetrical semi-cylindrical shapes. The plurality of split retainers 3, 3 each have a pair of peripheral end portions 31, and the peripheral end portions 31 have recessed portions 32 that are substantially parallel and opposed to each other.

[0040] The plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are assembled to surround the outer surface of the sleeve 2 from the outside. In this assembled state, the split retainers 3, 3 have a plurality of peripheral end portions 31, 31 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and a plurality of inner side surfaces facing the outer surface of the elastic sleeve 2 in the radial direction.

[0041] The peripheral end portions 31 of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are formed in a manner that protrudes radially outward relative to at least one pair of each split retainer 3, and have end faces that are substantially parallel and opposite in the circumferential direction. Moreover, the structure is as follows: even when the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are completely in contact, there is a gap between the opposing end faces. That is, a recess 32 is provided at the opposing portion of each split retainer 3. The depth of the recess 32 is set in a manner that the spacer 6 described later can be accommodated in a manner that cannot be visually recognized from the outside when the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are completely in contact. This becomes an indicator indicating that the fastening of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 is reliably completed.

[0042] The plurality of split retainers 3, 3 have retainer extension portions 33 extending in the pipe insertion direction to be longer than the length of the sleeve 2. Figure 1 (c) and Figure 1 (d) It can be understood that the retainer extension 33 is formed in a shape in which the side portion in the figure is extended longer than the upper and lower portions. The upper and lower portions of the retainer extension 33 abut against the abutment portion 53 of the grounding clamp 5 described later during assembly. On the other hand, the retainer extension 33 has a locking portion 34 formed in the form of a connection with the side portion, and the locking portion 34 is engaged with the flange 11 of the joint 1 in a manner that cannot move in the axial direction.

[0043] Furthermore, a fastening member 4, which will be described later, is provided across the peripheral end portions 31 of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Figure 2 (a) It can be understood that the structure is as follows: by operating the fastening member 4, the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are moved closer to each other in the radial direction to reduce the diameter of the sleeve 2. When the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are moved closer to each other by the fastening member 4, the inner side surfaces of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are formed into an arc surface in which the inner side surfaces of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are continuous and substantially a perfect circle. It is preferred that a step portion 35 for positioning the sleeve 2 in the axial direction is provided on the inner side surface of each split retainer 3.

[0044] As the fastening member 4, Figure 2 As shown in (a), it is preferred to use a threaded part such as a bolt, which includes: a head 41 having a tool engagement portion engaged with a tool such as a wrench or a spanner (not shown); a shaft 42 continuous with the head 41; and a threaded part 43 formed at the front end of the shaft 42. In the example shown in the figure, the tool engagement portion is an engagement recess such as a hexagonal hole. In addition, a washer passes through the shaft 42.

[0045] When a screw component is used as the fastening member 4, the screw component is inserted across the through hole opened in any one of the peripheral end portions 31 of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 adjacent in the circumferential direction and the screw hole opened in the other. In this inserted state, a tool such as a wrench or a spanner is engaged with the tool engagement portion of the screw component and a rotation operation is performed.

[0046] By this rotation operation, the pair of split retainers 3, 3 move radially toward each other to reduce the diameter of the sleeve 2. In addition, since it can be tightened with a relatively small tool such as a wrench or a spanner, even a large-diameter pipe joint A for connecting a large-diameter pipe body B can be easily connected, and it can be easily assembled and disassembled, so it is also suitable for maintenance such as cleaning.

[0047] As another example, although not shown, the following changes may be made: as the fastening member 4, a bolt whose outer peripheral surface of the head engaged with the tool is formed into a polygon such as a hexagonal shape is used, or a fastening part other than a screw part is used.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown in (c), the grounding clamp 5 responsible for the grounding connection of the tube body B is composed of a substantially U-shaped portion 51, a convex portion 52, and a contact portion 53. The substantially U-shaped portion 51 is inserted into the locking hole 12 of the joint 1 in advance, and the grounding clamp 5 is locked to the joint 1. The substantially U-shaped portion 51 allows the grounding clamp 5 to move in the tube insertion direction. The convex portion 52 is configured to be able to abut against the conductive carbon wire BC of the tube body B, and the contact portion 53 is able to contact the retainer extension portion 33.

[0049] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a pipe body B is provided with conductive carbon wires BC in the axial direction and with a reinforcing member protruding in a spiral shape along the outer surface. On site, if the pipe body B is cut to adjust the length, the position of the conductive carbon wires BC first appearing from the connection end of the pipe body B in the long side direction will be different due to the relationship with the protruding shape of the reinforcing member. In order to cope with this situation, the grounding clamp 5 can be moved in the pipe insertion direction. Figure 3 It is a side sectional view and a partially enlarged view showing the contact state between the tube body B and the grounding clamp 5, but it can be understood as follows: no matter what the positional relationship is between the connecting end of the tube body B in the conductive carbon wire BC and the protruding shape of the reinforcing component, the grounding clamp 5 can move in a manner that allows the protrusion 52 to abut against the conductive carbon wire BC of the tube body B.

[0050] Furthermore, the grounding clip 5 has elasticity. The elasticity allows the protrusion 52 to firmly contact the conductive carbon wire BC of the tube B or the retainer extension 33 of the split retainer 3, and also has the effect of not being easily removed from the joint 1. Moreover, elastic deformation rather than plastic deformation is also conducive to destruction or consumption during repeated use.

[0051] The spacer 6 is formed of a material such as polyacetal resin or other synthetic resin having excellent surface sliding properties, and is a component for suppressing local bulging deformation of the sleeve 2. Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of spacers 6 are respectively arranged between the peripheral end portions 31 of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 adjacent in the circumferential direction, and have guide surfaces 61 which are radially opposed to and abut against the excess material portion of the sleeve 2 which is deformed and reduced in diameter as the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are moved closer to each other by the fastening member 4. Furthermore, the spacer 6 has a penetration portion 62 through which the fastening member 4 penetrates. In addition, the composition of the spacer 6 may be a solid material such as metal in addition to resin.

[0052] The guide surface 61 is a surface formed inside the spacer 6 so as to be continuous with the inner side surfaces (arc surfaces) of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the distance between the end faces of the peripheral end portions 31 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is wider than the distance between the end faces of the peripheral end portions 31 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction when the fastening is started with the fastening member 4. Figure 2 When the fastening member 4 shown in the figure starts to be fastened, there is no gap between the circumferential ends of the guide surface 61 and the circumferential end edges of the inner side surfaces (arc surfaces) of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3. Figure 2 The through hole shown or other hoe-shaped notches, etc.

[0053] The spacer 6 is colored with a conspicuous color such as red or fluorescent color. As described above, when the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are in full contact, the spacer 6 is completely contained in the recess 32 provided at the peripheral end portion 31 of the split retainer 3 and cannot be visually identified from the outside. Therefore, it is preferably colored with a conspicuous color. In addition, the spacer 6 is limited in radial movement of the split retainer 3 by the contact effect with the inner side surface (arc surface) of the split retainer 3 and the cooperation of the penetration state of the fastening component 4 to the penetration portion 62, so that the spacer 6 will not be exposed from the split retainer 3 but will definitely be contained in the recess 32.

[0054] As described above, the tube body B used in the present embodiment is a tube body B having conductive carbon wires BC in the axial direction and reinforcing members protruding in a spiral shape along the outer surface. Specifically, as an intermediate layer between the transparent or opaque outer layer and the inner layer, there can be cited a laminated hose (braided hose) in which multiple or single synthetic resin braided wires (reinforcement wires) are buried in a spiral shape, a spiral reinforced hose in which a synthetic resin or metal strip-shaped reinforcing material with a rectangular cross section and a linear reinforcing material with a circular cross section are wound into a spiral shape and integrated as an intermediate layer, or a spiral reinforced hose in which a metal wire or a hard synthetic resin wire is buried in a spiral shape. In addition, if the hose has a certain degree of transmittance, it is advantageous to be able to strictly distinguish the conductive carbon wires BC and to confirm the fluid passing through the inside of the tube body B, but even if the hose is opaque, there is no problem as long as it can be clearly distinguished from the conductive carbon wires BC by color.

[0055] (Connecting Step of Pipe Joint According to Embodiment)

[0056] Next, according to Figures 4 to 6 The connection process of the pipe joint according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figures 4 to 6 2 shows the steps of connecting the pipe joint and the pipe body according to the embodiment of the present invention as steps 1 to 6.

[0057] First, in Figure 4 In the process 1 shown, Figure 4 As shown, after the joint 1 and the pipe body B are prepared, the sleeve 2 is inserted into the connecting end of the pipe body B.

[0058] Then, in Figure 4 In the step 2 shown in the figure, the pipe body B is inserted along the outer circumference of the joint 1 in the pipe insertion direction. When inserting, the grounding clamp 5 is aligned with the position of the conductive carbon wire BC of the pipe body B (refer to Figure 4 (a top view in step 2), and at the same time, the grounding clamp 5 is temporarily fixed (positioned).

[0059] Then, in Figure 4 In the step 3 shown, a plurality of split retainers 3, 3, fastening members 4, and spacers 6 are arranged in a manner to cover the outer surface of the sleeve 2 in the circumferential direction. In the figure, the retainer extension 33 of the split retainer 3 on the side where the through hole is opened is arranged on the grounding clamp 5 side, but since the split retainer 3 on the side where the threaded hole is opened is also provided with the retainer extension 33, grounding connection can be performed even when the upper and lower positions of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are reversed.

[0060] Later, in Figure 5 In the step 4 shown, the fastening member 4 is screwed in with a hexagonal wrench for temporary fastening. At this time, the positions of the split retainer 3 and the joint 1 in the pipe insertion direction are aligned. That is, as shown in the II sectional view, the locking portion 34 of the split retainer 3 is locked on the flange 11 of the joint 1. At this time, as shown in the left side view, the red color of the spacer 6 is in a state that can be visually recognized well from between the plurality of split retainers 3, 3.

[0061] Then, in Figure 6 In the process 5 shown, the fastening member 4 is formally fastened, and the tube body B is compressed by the sleeve 2. At this time, as shown in the left side view and the partial enlarged view of the process 5, the red color of the spacer 6 is still visible from between the plurality of split retainers 3, 3. This indicates that the fastening is not completed. This state is a state in which the compression of the tube body B by the sleeve 2 is insufficient, and the convex part 52 of the grounding clamp 5 is in contact or not in contact with the surface of the conductive carbon wire BC of the tube body B in terms of grounding. That is, it is a state of low conductivity.

[0062] However, sometimes, excess material is generated by moving multiple split retainers 3, 3 radially closer to each other by using the fastening component 4 to shrink the sleeve 2. This excess material gradually increases in the radial or axial direction as the sleeve 2 shrinks, and the excess material with nowhere to go bulges out between the peripheral end portions 31 of multiple split retainers 3 adjacent in the circumferential direction. However, the bulging of the excess material is suppressed by the guide surface 61 of the spacer 6 abutting radially from the outside of the excess material portion of the sleeve 2, and the excess material will not enter between the peripheral end portions 31 of the multiple split retainers 3, 3 and be guided in the circumferential direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the excess material portion of the sleeve 2 from biting into the peripheral end portions 31 of the multiple split retainers 3, 3, so that the multiple split retainers 3, 3 can be fastened by the fastening component 4.

[0063] Finally, in Figure 6 In the step 6 shown, the fastening member 4 is screwed in until the red color of the spacer 6 cannot be visually recognized from the joint of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3. As shown in the left side view of step 6 and its partially enlarged view, the red color of the spacer 6 is completely indistinguishable from the surrounding as a whole. By making the color of the spacer 6 indistinguishable from the visual view, it has the effect of visually notifying that the connection work is completed. In this state, the inner surface of the retainer extension portion 33 of the split retainer 3 is firmly pressed against the abutment portion 53, and the grounding clamp 5 is completely compressed. By compressing the grounding clamp 5, the protrusion 52 of the grounding clamp 5 is firmly pressed against the conductive carbon wire BC of the tube body B, thereby ensuring good conductivity. It can be understood that the spacer 6 plays an important function of indicating that the fastening work is completed.

[0064] As described above, the spacer 6 also has an important function of preventing the excess material of the sleeve 2 from biting into the split retainer 3. That is, due to the presence of the spacer 6, the sleeve 2 is not loosened at the excess material and can be tightened uniformly as a whole relative to the pipe body B, thereby improving the strength of the pipe body B relative to the joint 1 in the direction of the pipe falling off, and can reliably prevent fluid leakage accidents, thereby providing excellent safety.

[0065] Moreover, it is possible to prevent the excess material from biting into the peripheral end portions 31 of the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 regardless of the wall thickness of the sleeve 2, so that the tube body B can be further firmly fastened by the thick-walled sleeve 2. Thus, the fall-off strength of the tube body B is further improved, and fluid leakage accidents can be reliably prevented for a long time.

[0066] (Shapes of Components of the Pipe Joint of the Embodiment)

[0067] The shapes of the grounding clamp and the spacer, which are components of the pipe joint according to the embodiment of the present invention, will be described in particular. Figure 7 (a) is an upper perspective view, a side view and a lower perspective view showing the shape of the grounding clamp. Figure 7(b) is an upper stereogram, a side view and a lower stereogram showing another shape of the grounding clamp, Figure 7 (c) is an upper perspective view, a side view, a front view, and a lower perspective view showing the shape of the spacer.

[0068] exist Figure 7 The grounding clamp 5 described as an embodiment so far is shown as an upper perspective view, a side view, and a lower perspective view in (a). As described above, the grounding clamp 5 is composed of a substantially U-shaped portion 51, a convex portion 52, and a contact portion 53. The substantially U-shaped portion 51 is set to have a significant length, which is set to be a length of one pitch or more of the reinforcing member that is spirally protruding along the outer surface of the tube body B. By setting it in this way, no matter at which angular position the conductive carbon wire BC is arranged in the circumferential direction after the tube body B is cut, the convex portion 52 of the grounding clamp 5 that can move in the tube insertion direction can always contact the conductive carbon wire BC.

[0069] Furthermore, the grounding clip 5 has elasticity. Due to the elasticity, the protrusion 52 is firmly in contact with the conductive carbon wire BC of the tube body B. For reference, Figure 7 (a) shows the grounding clip 5 in a state compressed by the retainer extension portion 33 of the split retainer 3, with the position slightly shifted to the right between the side view and the lower perspective view.

[0070] exist Figure 7 (b) shows an example of another shape of the grounding clamp 5 as an upper perspective view, a side view and a lower perspective view. The following points are different: Figure 7 In the example of (a), the portion of the substantially U-shaped portion 51 connected from the convex portion 52 is inserted into the locking hole 12 of the connector 1. Figure 7 In the example of (b), the folded portion of the substantially U-shaped portion 51 is inserted into the locking hole 12. Figure 7 (a) is shaped in a manner that the substantially U-shaped portion 51 from the end to the inner side is inserted into the locking hole 12, so it is not easy to fall off. Figure 7 (b) shape, because the insertion part is shallow, so if (although not easy to fall off) and Figure 7 (a) is easier to fall off than (b). Whether it is preferred that it is not easy to fall off or that it is easy to fall off varies depending on the application, so you only need to select an appropriate one.

[0071] exist Figure 7 (c) shows the spacer 6 as an upper stereogram, a side view, a front view (arranged in parallel), and a lower stereogram. As described above, the spacer 6 has a guide surface 61 that is radially opposed to and abuts against the excess material portion of the sleeve 2, and a through portion 62 through which the fastening member 4 passes. The opposite side of the guide surface 61 contacts the inner side surface (arc surface) of the split retainer 3, but as shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown in (c), the wall thickness along the guide surface 61 is tapered in a manner that the center is thick and gradually becomes thinner toward the end. The tapered portion slides as the plurality of split retainers 3, 3 are moved closer together by the fastening member 4. As a result, the spacer 6 moves smoothly toward the radial inside relative to the fastening member 4, and the tightening torque by the fastening member 4 can be reduced. As a result, there are the following advantages: excellent workability, for example, even a weak operator such as a woman can tighten the split retainer 3 (complete tightening) by the fastening member 4.

[0072] When the spacer 6 is assembled, the shaft portion 42 and the threaded portion 43 of the fastening member 4 are inserted through the through portion 62. However, after the spacer 6 is assembled, the inner diameter of the through portion 62 in the short-side direction is made smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the head portion 41 and the threaded portion 43 of the fastening member 4 and larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 42.

[0073] That is, the spacer 6 is formed of an elastically deformable material as a whole, and is formed so that the inner diameter of the through portion 62 in the short-side direction is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded portion 43, and the through portion 62 is deformed in its short-side direction when the threaded portion 43 is inserted. In the example shown in the figure, the through portion 62 is formed into a tumbler shape in which a large circular portion having a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded portion 43 and a small circular portion having a diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the shaft portion 42 are connected.

[0074] The shape of the split cage will also be described in detail. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing the details of the shape of a split retainer as a component of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 (a) is the front view, Figure 8 (b) are top and bottom views, Figure 8 (c) is a cross-sectional view, Figure 8 (d) is a top left perspective view. In some of the figures, a spacer is also shown. Figure 8 (b) shows the split retainer 3 on one side having a through hole for inserting the fastening member 4 (not shown) in a top view, and shows the split retainer 3 on one side having a threaded hole for screwing the fastening member 4 (not shown) in a bottom view. In addition, regarding the numbers of each part or each part, only the parts that are helpful for explanation are recorded.

[0075] As mentioned above, and as Figure 8 As shown in (b), since the retainer extension portion 33 is provided in each of the split retainers 3, the split retainers can be assembled without paying particular attention to the vertical orientation (in the drawing) of the split retainers.

[0076] As from Figure 8 (c) and Figure 8(d) It can be seen that the inner side surface of the portion corresponding to the peripheral end portion 31 is formed into a roughly straight retreat portion 36 that bulges outward in a manner that the diameter is larger than the extension line of the arc. The retreat portion 36 contacts the opposite surface of the guide surface 61 of the spacer 6. As described above, when the sleeve 2 (not shown) has elasticity, if the multiple split retainers 3, 3 are moved radially closer to each other, sometimes the excess material portion bulges due to the shrinkage deformation of the sleeve 2 (not shown). If it is a normal split retainer structure without taking any countermeasures, it is possible that the excess material portion bites into the spacers when tightening. However, in the present embodiment, the bulging of the excess material portion is suppressed by the retreat portion 36 and the spacer 6 arranged thereon, and the excess material portion will not enter between the peripheral ends 31 of the multiple split retainers 3, 3 and be guided circumferentially. This prevents the excess material of the sleeve 2 (not shown) from being bitten between the peripheral end portions 31 of the plurality of split retainers 3 , 3 , and enables the plurality of split retainers 3 , 3 to be fastened by the fastening member 4 .

[0077] (Structure of a pipe joint according to another embodiment)

[0078] The tube body B used in the embodiments described so far is a tube body B having conductive carbon wires BC in the axial direction and having a reinforcing member protruding in a spiral shape along the outer surface, but the present invention is also applicable to a tube body B having a flat outer surface. Another embodiment targeting a tube body B having a flat outer surface will be described.

[0079] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 (a) is the front view, Fig. 9 (b) is a top view, Fig. 9 (c) is the left side view, Fig. 9 (d) is the upper left stereogram, Fig. 9 (e) is a side sectional view of a sleeve which is a component of the pipe joint. Fig. 9 (f) is a three-dimensional diagram of the sleeve.

[0080] The pipe joint A involved in another embodiment is used for the following pipe joint: Fig. 9 (a)~ Fig. 9 As shown in (f), the connecting end of the pipe body B having the conductive carbon wire BC is inserted between the joint 1 and the sleeve 2 which can be deformed in the radial direction, a plurality of split retainers 3 are put on the outer side of the sleeve 2, and the split retainers 3 are moved radially toward each other by the fastening member 4 to be connected into a cylindrical shape, and the ground connection of the pipe body B is performed at the same time. Among them, the pipe body B as the object of the pipe joint is a pipe body B which does not have a spiral reinforcement member and has a flat outer surface.

[0081] By using the fastening member 4 to move the plurality of split retainers 3 closer together to reduce the diameter of the sleeve 2, the inner surface of the sleeve 2 is brought into close contact with the outer surface of the connection end of the tube body B over the entire circumference. At the same time, the inner surface of the tube body B is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the joint 1 to achieve a pipe connection in a manner that allows for easy loading and unloading. This allows for simple connection, easy assembly and disassembly, and is therefore suitable for maintenance such as cleaning. Furthermore, it is not simply a simple connection. When the split retainers 3 are connected to each other, the grounding clamp 5 secured to the outer periphery of the joint 1 contacts the conductive carbon wire BC of the tube body B to achieve a grounding connection.

[0082] The inner surface of the sleeve 2 is set so that its inner diameter when expanded is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube body B, and is set so that its inner diameter when reduced is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body B. Fig. 9 (e) and Fig. 9 As shown in (f), although grooves are formed on the inner surface of the sleeve 2 so as to facilitate diameter reduction deformation, spiral grooves are not formed as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0083] As can be understood from this, the only difference in another embodiment is the shape of the sleeve 2, and the other structures are exactly the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0084] In the above, the pipe joint according to the embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings, and its structure is explained, but the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and the changes in design that do not deviate from the scope of the main purpose of the present invention are also included in the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, it is easy to understand that since an elastically deformable sleeve is used, a spacer is arranged to prevent the excess material portion of the sleeve from biting into the split retainer, but if a solid sleeve with almost no excess material portion is used, the spacer does not necessarily need to be arranged.

[0085] Explanation of symbols

[0086] A-pipe joint, 1-joint, 11-flange, 12-stopping hole, 2-sleeve, 3-split retainer, 31-peripheral end portion, 32-recess, 33-retainer extension portion, 34-stop portion, 35-step portion, 36-retreat portion, 4-fastening component, 41-head portion, 42-shaft portion, 43-threaded portion, 5-grounding clamp, 51-roughly U-shaped portion, 52-convex portion, 53-abutment portion, 6-spacer, 61-guide surface, 62-through portion, B-tube body.

Claims

1. A pipe joint, used for connecting a pipe body, wherein the pipe joint is characterized by comprising: A connector is disposed along the insertion space of the pipe body; a sleeve capable of radial deformation, arranged in a manner surrounding the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe body formed along the outer peripheral surface of the joint; A plurality of split retainers are arranged on the outer side of the sleeve to cover the outer surface of the sleeve in the circumferential direction and to be separable in the radial direction; and A fastening member is provided across the plurality of split retainers and moves the split retainers closer to each other in the radial direction in such a manner as to reduce the diameter of the sleeve. A spacer is arranged between the plurality of split retainers and the sleeve, In the unfastened state, the spacer can be visually recognized between the plurality of split retainers, whereas in the fastened state, the spacer is accommodated in the recessed portions of the plurality of split retainers and cannot be visually recognized at all.

2. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein: The spacer is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the split retainer and the fastening member penetrates therethrough, so that the spacer does not protrude from the plurality of split retainers and cannot be visually recognized at all.

3. The pipe joint according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the case where the sleeve is an elastically deformable sleeve, the spacer serves to release the excess material portion generated by tightening the elastically deformable sleeve in the circumferential direction.

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