Pipe joint

Abstract

A pipe joint in which a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body into which the first cylindrical body is inserted are detachably connected, the pipe joint comprising: a first valve having: a first valve body for opening and closing a flow path in the first cylindrical body; the first rotating rod is arranged on the outer side of the first cylindrical body, is connected to the first valve element and enables the first valve element to rotate, and the first valve element and the first rotating rod are arranged on the first cylindrical body; a second valve which is provided in the second cylindrical body and opens and closes a flow path in the second cylindrical body; and a sleeve movably provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical body, the sleeve moving toward the first cylindrical body to connect the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body in a state in which the first cylindrical body is inserted into the second cylindrical body, and the sleeve moving toward the second cylindrical body in a state in which the flow path in the first cylindrical body is opened by rotating the first rotating lever. The first rotating rod restricts the movement of the sleeve on the outer peripheral surface, and when the first rotating rod is rotated to close the flow path in the first cylindrical body, the restriction of the sleeve by the first rotating rod is released, so that the sleeve can move on the outer peripheral surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a pipe joint in which two joint halves, a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body into which the first cylindrical body is inserted, are detachably connected.

[0003] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, this type of pipe joint includes a rotary valve provided on each joint half, and the connection between the joint halves is fixed when at least one of the rotary valves is open.

[0004] Specifically, this pipe joint features a convex locking element formed on the valve shaft of one rotary valve and a concave locking element formed on the outer circumference of the other joint half. The rotary valve is then opened by rotating one joint half relative to the other, so that the locking element on the valve shaft engages with the locking element formed on the other joint half. With the rotary valve open, the locking elements engage, securing the connection between the joint halves. This prevents erroneous operation that could cause the joint halves to disconnect.

[0005] However, with the aforementioned pipe joint, to secure the connection between the joint halves, one joint half must be rotated relative to the other before opening the rotary valve. Furthermore, to release the connection between the joint halves, one joint half must be rotated relative to the other after closing the rotary valve. Therefore, simply opening and closing the rotary valve cannot secure or release the connection between the joint halves. Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-535344 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the main problem of the present invention is that in a pipe joint in which a first tubular body and a second tubular body for inserting the first tubular body are detachably connected, erroneous operation that accidentally releases the connection between the first tubular body and the second tubular body can be prevented, and the first tubular body and the second tubular body can be easily detached.

[0008] The cam is adapted to engage the first and second valve members of the valve body and to engage the first and second valve members of the valve body to engage the first and second valve members of the valve body.

[0009] With this configuration of the pipe joint, the connection and disconnection of the first and second tubular bodies can be switched simply by rotating the first rotating lever, without requiring any other operation. Furthermore, as the first valve is opened, the first rotating lever restricts movement of the sleeve on the outer circumference of the second tubular body. This prevents the first tubular body from accidentally falling off the second tubular body while fluid is flowing through the pipe joint. Furthermore, since the valves are provided on either the first tubular body or the second tubular body, the first tubular body and the second tubular body can be arbitrarily installed on either the upstream side or the downstream side, regardless of the pressure on the upstream side or the downstream side.

[0010] As a form of a pipe joint, it can be cited that the pipe joint also includes: a protrusion formed on the first rotating rod, protruding from the first rotating rod toward the outer circumferential surface of the first tubular body; and a recessed portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve, engaged with the protrusion. When the first tubular body is inserted into the second tubular body, when the first rotating rod is rotated to open the flow channel in the first tubular body, the protrusion is engaged with the recessed portion. When the rotating rod is rotated to close the flow channel in the first tubular body, the engaged state is released.

[0011] With this structure, when fluid flows in the pipe joint, the protrusion and the recess fit together, so that the movement of the sleeve can be more reliably restricted, and the first tubular body and the second tubular body can be connected more firmly.

[0012] The second valve includes: a second valve core, which opens and closes the flow channel in the second cylindrical body; a second rotating rod, which is arranged on the outside of the second cylindrical body, is connected to the second valve core and rotates the second valve core. When the first cylindrical body is inserted into the second cylindrical body, the sleeve is arranged between the first rotating rod and the second rotating rod. The second rotating rod has a limiting surface. When the second rotating rod rotates to open the flow channel in the second cylindrical body, the limiting surface limits the sleeve from moving toward the second rotating rod side.

[0013] With this structure, when the flow passage of the second cylindrical body is open, the first rotating lever and the restricting surface restrict the movement of the sleeve. Therefore, in order to allow the sleeve to move, both the first and second rotating levers must be rotated. As a result, even if one valve is accidentally closed while fluid is flowing through the pipe joint, as long as the other valve remains open, the movement of the sleeve is restricted, and this more reliably prevents the first cylindrical body from accidentally falling off the second cylindrical body.

[0014] Preferably, the first valve or the second valve is a ball valve.

[0015] With such a structure, when the flow channel is open, the flow channel diameter is maximized, thereby reducing flow resistance and increasing the flow rate in the pipe joint compared to conventional quick connectors.

[0016] According to the present invention described above, in a pipe joint in which a first tubular body and a second tubular body into which the first tubular body is inserted are detachably connected, erroneous operation that accidentally releases the connection between the first tubular body and the second tubular body can be prevented, and the first tubular body and the second tubular body can be easily attached and detached. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the pipe joint according to the same embodiment. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the pipe joint according to the same embodiment. Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the pipe joint according to the same embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, for ease of understanding, any of the following figures may be omitted or exaggerated for schematic purposes. Identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0019] <Device Configuration> like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the pipe joint 100 of this embodiment is a so-called quick joint, and includes a first tubular body 1 , a second tubular body 2 into which the first tubular body 1 is inserted, and a sleeve 3 for connecting and fixing the first tubular body 1 and the second tubular body 2 .

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first tubular body 1 is, for example, cylindrical, with a flow channel formed inside the cylindrical body. Here, the insertion direction relative to the second tubular body 2 is defined as the front of the first tubular body 1, and the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the second tubular body 2 is defined as the rear of the first tubular body 1. Furthermore, a tubular member P is connected to the rear end of the first tubular body 1.

[0021] Specifically, the first cylindrical body 1 includes a small-diameter portion 11 having a narrow front end and inserted into the second cylindrical body 2 when connected to the second cylindrical body 2; and a large-diameter portion 12, which is provided behind the small-diameter portion 11 and has an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 11. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11 and the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 12 are substantially the same. Furthermore, a recessed portion for arranging a metal fall-off prevention member is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter portion 11. The fall-off prevention member prevents the first cylindrical body from falling off from the second cylindrical body 2.

[0022] Moreover, if Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a first valve 4 is provided in the large-diameter portion 12 to open and close the flow path of the first cylindrical body 1. Specifically, the first valve 4 comprises a first valve element 41 disposed in the flow path of the large-diameter portion 12, and a first rotating rod 42 disposed outside the first cylindrical body 1, connected to the first valve element 41 and configured to rotate the first valve element 41. In this embodiment, the first valve 4 is, for example, a ball valve, and the operator rotates the first rotating rod 42 to open and close the first valve 4.

[0023] The first valve element 41 is substantially spherical and has a cylindrical flow path formed in the center thereof. The flow path formed in the first valve element 41 has substantially the same inner diameter as the flow path of the first tubular body 1 .

[0024] The first rotating rod 42 is generally rectangular and is connected to the first valve core 41 via a valve stem 43. In this embodiment, when the first valve 4 is open, the longitudinal component of the first rotating rod 42 is generally parallel to the longitudinal component of the flow path of the first cylindrical body 1. On the other hand, when the first valve 4 is closed, the longitudinal component of the first rotating rod 42 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal component of the flow path of the first cylindrical body 1.

[0025] The first rotating rod 42 is further formed with a protrusion 42a that projects from the first rotating rod 42 toward the outer circumferential surface of the first tubular body 1. Specifically, the protrusion 42a is formed forward of the opposing surface of the first rotating rod 42, which is the surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the first tubular body 1. More specifically, when the first valve 4 is open, the protrusion 42a projects from the forward side of the opposing surface of the first rotating rod 42 toward the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 3.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second cylindrical body 2 is, for example, cylindrical, and a flow channel is formed inside the cylindrical body. In this embodiment, the flow channel of the second cylindrical body 2 has an inner diameter substantially the same as that of the flow channel of the first cylindrical body 1. Here, the insertion direction relative to the first cylindrical body 1 is defined as the front of the second cylindrical body 2, and the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the first cylindrical body 1 is defined as the rear of the second cylindrical body 2. In addition, a tubular member P is connected to the rear of the second cylindrical body 2.

[0027] Specifically, the second cylindrical body 2 is provided with an insertion recess 21 provided on the front side of the second cylindrical body 2 and into which the small-diameter portion 11 is inserted. In the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the insertion recess 21 gradually decreases toward the rear of the second cylindrical body 2, and the rear end of the insertion recess 21 is passed through, and its inner diameter is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the flow passage of the second cylindrical body 2. In addition, a metal fall-off prevention member is provided in the insertion recess 21 to prevent the second cylindrical body 2 from falling off from the first cylindrical body 1.

[0028] The sleeve 3 is movably provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical body 2. When the small diameter portion 11 is inserted into the insertion recess 21, the sleeve 3 moves to the front side of the second cylindrical body 2 to connect the first cylindrical body 1 and the second cylindrical body 2. Specifically, the sleeve 3 is substantially cylindrical and can move to the front or rear of the second cylindrical body 2.

[0029] Furthermore, a recessed portion 3a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 3. When the first valve 4 is open, the recessed portion 3a engages with the protrusion 42a. Specifically, the recessed portion 3a is formed on the front side of the sleeve 3 along the circumferential direction of the sleeve 3. In this embodiment, the recessed portion 3a is formed on the entire circumference of the sleeve 3, but it may also be formed on a portion of the circumference of the sleeve 3.

[0030] Moreover, if Figures 1 to 4As shown, the second cylindrical body 2 is provided with a second valve 5 for opening and closing the flow passage of the second cylindrical body 2. Specifically, the second valve 5 comprises a second valve core 51 disposed in the flow passage, further rearward of the second cylindrical body 2 than the insertion recess 21; and a second rotating rod 52 disposed outside the second cylindrical body 2, connected to the second valve core 51 and causing it to rotate. In this embodiment, the second valve 5 is, for example, a ball valve, and the operator rotates the second rotating rod 52 to open and close the second valve 5.

[0031] The second valve element 51 is substantially spherical and has a cylindrical flow path formed in the center thereof. The flow path formed in the second valve element 51 has substantially the same inner diameter as the flow path of the second tubular body 2 .

[0032] The second rotating rod 52 is generally rectangular and connected to the second valve core 51 via the valve stem 53. In this embodiment, when the second valve 5 is open, the longitudinal component of the second rotating rod 52 is generally parallel to the longitudinal component of the flow path of the second cylindrical body 2. On the other hand, when the second valve 5 is closed, the longitudinal component of the second rotating rod 52 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal component of the flow path of the second cylindrical body 2.

[0033] The second rotating rod 52 also has a limiting surface 52a. When the second rotating rod 52 is rotated to open the flow path of the second cylindrical body 2, the limiting surface 52a limits the movement of the sleeve 3 toward the second rotating rod 52. When the second valve 5 is open, the limiting surface 52a is arranged opposite the rear end surface of the sleeve 3. According to this structure, if the operator mistakenly attempts to move the sleeve 3 backward, the rear end of the sleeve 3 abuts against the limiting surface 52a, thereby limiting the sleeve 3 from moving further backward than the limiting surface 52a. In addition, in this embodiment, the limiting surface 52a is a portion of the side surface of the second rotating rod 52.

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the second rotating rod 52 from interfering with the sleeve 3 when the second rotating rod 52 rotates, the surface of the side surface of the second rotating rod 52, except for the limiting surface 52a, which is formed with a limiting surface 52a, is arranged in front of the second tubular body 2 than the limiting surface 52a and outside the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 3 (that is, outside the second tubular body 2 than the limiting surface 52a).

[0035] <Assembly and disassembly of the first and second cylindrical bodies> First, use Figure 2 A state in which the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 are open will be described.

[0036] In this state, the flow path of the first tubular body 1 is connected to the flow path of the second tubular body 2 to form a single flow path. In addition, the first valve core 41 and the first rotating rod 42 are provided in the first tubular body 1, and the second valve core 51 and the second rotating rod 52 are provided in the second tubular body 2.

[0037] Moreover, in this state, the sleeve 3 is arranged between the valve stem 43 of the first valve 4 and the limiting surface 52a. Moreover, the movement of the sleeve 3 relative to the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical body 2 is restricted by the protrusion 42a of the first rotating rod 42 and the limiting surface 52a of the second rotating rod 52. Specifically, the protrusion 42a is fitted into the recess 3a of the sleeve 3, and the forward and backward movement of the sleeve 3 is restricted. In addition, if the operator mistakenly attempts to move the sleeve 3 backward, the rear end of the sleeve 3 abuts against the limiting surface 52a, thereby restricting the sleeve 3 from moving further backward than the limiting surface 52a.

[0038] Next, use Figure 3 and Figure 4 The following describes how to attach and detach the first cylindrical body 1 and the second cylindrical body 2.

[0039] The operator rotates the first rotating rod 42 and the second rotating rod 52, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 are closed respectively.

[0040] When the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 are closed, the protrusion 42a separates from the recess 3a of the sleeve 3 as the first rotating lever 42 rotates, thereby releasing the engagement of the protrusion 42a with the recess 3a of the sleeve 3. Furthermore, the restriction surface 52a separates from the rear end portion of the sleeve 3 as the second rotating lever 52 rotates, thereby releasing the restriction on the rearward movement of the sleeve 3.

[0041] Thus, the sleeve 3 can move relative to the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical body 2. As a result, Figure 4 As shown, the operator moves the sleeve 3 from the front end side of the second tubular body 2 toward the second rotating rod 52 , thereby being able to remove the first tubular body 1 from the second tubular body 2 .

[0042] In addition, even in the state where the first tubular body 1 is detached from the second tubular body 2, the state where the first tubular body 1 and the second tubular body 2 are connected is the same as that in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the first valve core 41 and the first rotating rod 42 are provided in the first tubular body 1 , and the second valve core 51 and the second rotating rod 52 are provided in the second tubular body 2 .

[0043] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the pipe joint 100 thus constructed, the connection and disconnection of the first cylindrical body 1 and the second cylindrical body 2 can be switched simply by rotating the first rotating lever 42 and the second rotating lever 52, without requiring any other operation. Furthermore, as the first valve 4 is opened, the first rotating lever 42 restricts the movement of the sleeve 3 on the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body 2. Therefore, when fluid is flowing through the pipe joint 100, it is possible to prevent the first cylindrical body 1 from being accidentally disconnected from the second cylindrical body 2 due to erroneous operation. In addition, since the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 are respectively arranged on either side of the first cylindrical body 1 and the second cylindrical body 2, the first cylindrical body 1 and the second cylindrical body 2 can be arbitrarily installed on either side of the upstream side or the downstream side regardless of the pressure on the upstream side and the downstream side.

[0044] Furthermore, since the first valve element 41 and the first rotating rod 42 are both provided in the first tubular body 1 which is the same tubular body, the piping length of the first tubular body 1 can be shortened compared to a case where the valve element and the rotating rod are provided in different tubular bodies. Furthermore, since the second valve element 51 and the second rotating rod 52 constituting the second valve 5 are provided in the second tubular body 2 , the piping length of the second tubular body 2 can also be shortened.

[0045] Furthermore, since the protrusion 42a and the recess 3a fit together when the fluid flows in the pipe joint 100, the movement of the sleeve 3 can be more reliably restricted, and the first tubular body 1 and the second tubular body 2 can be connected more firmly.

[0046] Furthermore, since the movement of the sleeve 3 is restricted by the protrusion 42a and the restriction surface 52a, it is necessary to rotate both the first rotating rod 42 and the second rotating rod 52 in order to enable the movement of the sleeve 3. As a result, even if one valve is accidentally closed while fluid is flowing through the pipe joint 100, as long as the other valve remains open, the movement of the sleeve 3 is restricted, and the first tubular body 1 can be more reliably prevented from accidentally falling off from the second tubular body 2.

[0047] Furthermore, since the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 are ball valves, the flow path diameter in the pipe joint 100 is maximized when the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 are open. As a result, flow resistance can be reduced, and the flow rate in the pipe joint 100 can be increased compared to conventional quick connectors.

[0048] <Other Implementation Methods> In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0049] In the embodiment, the limiting surface 52a is formed on the second rotating rod 52, but the limiting surface 52a may not be formed. In this case, the connection and release of the first cylindrical body 1 and the second cylindrical body 2 can be switched only by rotating the first rotating rod 42 without any other operation.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the protrusion 42a is formed on the first rotating rod 42, but the structure of the first rotating rod 42 for restricting the movement of the sleeve 3 is not limited to this. For example, the first rotating rod 42 may be provided opposite the front end of the sleeve 3 and include a restricting surface for restricting the forward movement of the sleeve 3.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the limiting surface 52a is formed on the second rotating rod 52, but the structure of the second rotating rod 52 for limiting the rearward movement of the sleeve 3 is not limited thereto. For example, a protrusion that protrudes toward the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical body 2 may be formed in front of the second rotating rod 52, and a recess that engages with the protrusion of the second rotating rod 52 may be formed in the rear of the sleeve 3 to limit the rearward movement of the sleeve 3.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the restriction surface 52a is a portion of the side surface on the front end side of the second rotating lever 52 in the state where the second valve 5 is open. However, the restriction surface 52a may be the entire side surface.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 are ball valves, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be other types of valves.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0055] According to the present invention, a pipe joint in which a first tubular body and a second tubular body into which the first tubular body is inserted are detachably connected can be realized, and erroneous operation of accidentally releasing the connection between the first tubular body and the second tubular body can be prevented, and the first tubular body and the second tubular body can be easily attached and detached. Description of Reference Numerals

[0056] 100 pipe joints 1 First cylindrical body 2 Second cylindrical body 3 sleeves 3a recess 4 First valve 41 First valve core 42 First rotating rod 42a protrusion 5 Second valve 51 Second valve core 52 Second rotating rod 52a Restriction surface.

Claims

1. A pipe joint, wherein a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body into which the first cylindrical body is inserted are detachably connected, characterized in that: include: The first valve comprises: a first valve core for opening and closing the flow passage in the first cylindrical body; and a first rotating rod, disposed outside the first cylindrical body and connected to the first valve core to rotate the first valve core, wherein the first valve core and the first rotating rod are disposed on the first cylindrical body; a second valve, disposed in the second cylindrical body, for opening and closing the flow passage in the second cylindrical body; as well as The sleeve is movably provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical body, and is moved toward the first cylindrical body to connect the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body when the first cylindrical body is inserted into the second cylindrical body. When the first rotating rod is rotated to open the flow channel in the first cylindrical body, the first rotating rod restricts the movement of the sleeve on the outer circumferential surface. When the first rotating rod is rotated to close the flow channel in the first cylindrical body, the restriction of the sleeve by the first rotating rod is released, allowing the sleeve to move on the outer circumferential surface.

2. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a protrusion formed on the first rotating rod and protruding from the first rotating rod toward the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical body; as well as A recessed portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve and is fitted into the protruding portion. When the first tubular body is inserted into the second tubular body, when the first rotating rod is rotated to open the flow path in the first tubular body, the protrusion is engaged with the recessed portion, and when the rotating rod is rotated to close the flow path in the first tubular body, the engaged state is released.

3. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein: The second valve has: a second valve core, for opening and closing the flow passage in the second cylindrical body; The second rotating rod is arranged on the outside of the second cylindrical body, connected to the second valve core and causes the second valve core to rotate. In a state where the first cylindrical body is inserted into the second cylindrical body, the sleeve is disposed between the first rotating rod and the second rotating rod. The second rotating rod has a restriction surface that restricts movement of the sleeve toward the second rotating rod when the second rotating rod rotates to open the flow path in the second cylindrical body.

4. The pipe joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first valve or the second valve is a ball valve.

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