Locking type connector

Abstract

A lock-type connector (1) is provided with: a female connector (2) having a male screw section (23) on the outer peripheral surface thereof; a male connector (3); a locking ring (4) which is formed in a ring shape covering the periphery of the male connector (3), and which locks the male connector (3) in a connected state while pressing the male connector (3) toward the female connector (2) by screwing a female screw part (41) provided on the inner circumferential surface and the male screw part (23); one or more protrusions (5) formed on either the outer peripheral surface of the male connector (3) or the inner peripheral surface of the lock ring (4); and a slope part (6) which is formed on the other one of the outer peripheral surface of the male connector (3) and the inner peripheral surface of the lock ring (4), has one or more inclined surfaces (61) formed inclined with respect to the circumferential direction such that the diameter gradually increases in the rotation direction during screwing, and is configured such that the convex part (5) interferes with the inclined surfaces (61) as the female screw part (41) is screwed into the male screw part (23). And the locking ring (4) is prevented from loosening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking connector. Background Art

[0002] In the blood circuit used in blood purification devices, a locking connector called a shunt connector is used. For example, a locking connector is used to connect a tube extending from an arterial or venous puncture needle to the tubes that constitute the blood circuit. The locking connector includes: a male connector, which is attached to the top of one tube to be connected; a female connector, which is attached to the top of the other tube; and a locking collar, which locks the male and female connectors in the connected state.

[0003] As a conventional locking connector, a locking connector is known, which is configured such that a locking ring serving as a locking unit is assembled on the male connector side, a male thread portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the female connector, and a female thread portion that screws into the male thread portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the locking ring. By screwing the female thread portion into the male thread portion, the locking ring presses the male connector toward the female connector side, thereby locking the connection between the male and female connectors (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-077385 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, the components of the aforementioned locking connector, such as the male connector, female connector, and locking ring, are made of resin and are formed by resin molding. This presents a problem: if these components develop burrs or dents (i.e., depressions) due to molding defects, loosening of the locking ring may not be adequately suppressed. Furthermore, if the circumferential surface of the locking ring is scraped, loosening of the locking ring may not be adequately suppressed.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a locking connector capable of suppressing loosening of a locking ring.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] A locking connector according to one embodiment of the present invention is a locking connector for connecting the ends of a pair of tubes to each other, comprising: a first connector portion, which is provided at the end of one of the tubes and has a male thread portion on its outer peripheral surface; a second connector portion, which is provided at the end of the other of the tubes and is connected to the first connector portion; a locking ring, which is formed into an annular shape covering the periphery of the second connector portion and has a female thread portion on its inner peripheral surface that screws with the male thread portion, and a movement limiting portion that limits movement of the second connector portion toward the base end side, wherein the female thread portion is screwed into the male thread portion, and the second connector portion is pressed toward the first connector portion by the movement limiting portion while the second connector portion is pressed toward the first connector portion. The first connector part and the second connector part are locked in a connected state; one or more convex parts are formed on one of the outer peripheral surface of the second connector part or the inner peripheral surface of the locking ring; and a ramp part is formed on the other of the outer peripheral surface of the second connector part or the inner peripheral surface of the locking ring, having one or more inclined surfaces inclined relative to the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis during the screwing in such a manner that the diameter gradually increases along the rotation direction during the screwing, and is configured so that by screwing the female thread part and the male thread part, the convex part rotates relative to the ramp part, and as the convex part rotates, the convex part interferes with the inclined surface, thereby preventing the locking ring from loosening.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lock-type connector capable of suppressing loosening of a lock ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a blood circuit using a lock-type connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a locking connector.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a locking connector.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the locking connector in the connected state.

[0018] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the male connector.

[0019] Figure 5B is a side view of the male connector.

[0020] Figure 5C This is the front view of the male connector.

[0021] Figure 6AIt is a three-dimensional image of the locking circle.

[0022] Figure 6B It is a longitudinal cross-section of the locking ring.

[0023] Figure 6C This is the main view of the locking circle.

[0024] Figure 7 This figure explains how to prevent the lock ring from loosening when it is tightened.

[0025] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the locking connector.

[0026] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the locking connector.

[0027] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the locking connector.

[0028] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the locking connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] [Implementation Method]

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] (Blood circuit 100 using locking connector 1)

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a blood circuit 100 using the locking connector 1 of this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the blood circuit 100 is used to circulate a patient's blood extracorporeally for the purpose of artificial dialysis treatment and to perform blood purification during the process. It is mainly composed of an arterial blood circuit 110 with an arterial puncture needle 111 connected to its top end, and a venous blood circuit 120 with a venous puncture needle 121 connected to its top end. The base ends of the arterial blood circuit 110 and the venous blood circuit 120 are each connected to a dialyzer 130, which serves as a blood purifier. A dialysate inlet line 131 and a dialysate outlet line 132 are connected to the dialyzer 130, respectively, so that useless substances (waste products) in the blood can be dialyzed and removed on the dialysate side within the dialyzer 130.

[0033] The arterial blood circuit 110 and the venous blood circuit 120 are each composed of flexible tubes. A peristaltic blood pump 112 is provided midway through the arterial blood circuit 110 to drive the tubes that form the flow path of the arterial blood circuit 110 while causing peristalsis. An air trap chamber 122 is provided midway through the venous blood circuit 120 to remove air bubbles. Figure 1 The blood circuit 100 is just an example and may include other components.

[0034] The locking connector 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, in a blood circuit 100 to connect an arterial puncture needle 111 and a venous puncture needle 121. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the locking connector 1 is used to connect the end of the tube constituting the arterial blood circuit 110 and the end of the tube 111a extending from the arterial puncture needle 111. Figure 1 In the example shown, the locking connector 1 is also used to connect the end of the tube constituting the venous blood circuit 120 with the end of the tube 121a extending from the venous puncture needle 121. Furthermore, without limitation, the locking connector 1 can be used to connect the ends of tubes. For example, the locking connector 1 can be used to connect a fluid infusion line to the venous blood circuit 120. Furthermore, the locking connector 1 can also be used for purposes other than the blood circuit 100.

[0035] (Locking connector 1)

[0036] Figure 2 、 Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the locking connector 1. Figure 4 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the locking connector 1 in the connected state. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the locking connector 1 includes: a female connector 2, which is provided at the end of a tube (not shown) as a connection object; a male connector 3, which is provided at the end of another tube (not shown) as a connection object; and a rock ring 4, which is used to lock the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 in the connected state. The female connector 2 is equivalent to the first connector part of the present invention, and the male connector 3 is equivalent to the second connector part of the present invention. However, the male-female relationship between the first connector part and the second connector part can also be reversed. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the rotation axis O of the rock ring 4 (i.e., the insertion direction of the male connector 3 relative to the female connector 2) is referred to as the axial direction, and the rotation direction of the rock ring 4 (i.e., the rotation direction centered on the rotation axis O) is referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0037] (Female connector 2)

[0038] The female connector 2 is generally hollow and cylindrical, having a hollow portion 2a extending axially through the female connector 2. A tube insertion portion 21 is formed at one opening of the hollow portion 2a for insertion of a tube (not shown). A fitting portion 22 is formed at the other opening of the hollow portion 2a, into which the distal end (i.e., insertion portion 31) of the male connector 3 is inserted and engaged. The female connector 2 also has a male threaded portion 23 provided on its outer circumference. The male threaded portion 23 is provided at the end portion of the fitting portion 22.

[0039] The female connector 2 is made of a resin, and here, a component made of PC (polycarbonate) is used. However, this is not limiting and the female connector 2 can also be made of PP (polypropylene), high-density PE (polyethylene), thermoplastic elastomer, vinyl chloride, etc. Because the locking connector 1 is sometimes heat-sterilized (or sterilized), a resin that is not easily deformed by heat is used for the female connector 2.

[0040] (Male connector 3)

[0041] like Figures 5A to 5C As shown, the male connector 3 is formed as a whole into a hollow cylindrical shape, having a hollow portion 3a that extends axially through the male connector 3. An insertion portion 31 is formed at the top end of the male connector 3 to be inserted into the fitting portion 22 of the female connector 2, and a tube connection portion 32 is formed at the base end of the male connector 3 to be inserted into a tube (not shown). By inserting the insertion portion 31 of the male connector 3 into the fitting portion 22 of the female connector 2, the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 are connected, and the ends of the tubes are connected to each other via the hollow portions 2a and 3a, allowing the flow of liquids such as blood. In order to facilitate insertion into the fitting portion 22 and to prevent the insertion portion 31 from being easily disengaged when inserted into the fitting portion 22, the insertion portion 31 is formed into a tapered shape with a decreasing outer diameter toward the top end. The specific shape of the insertion portion 31 is specified in accordance with the ISO 80369-7 standard, and any shape that complies with this standard may be used.

[0042] In addition, the male connector 3 has an interference portion 33 between the insertion portion 31 and the tube connection portion 32, the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameters of the insertion portion 31 and the tube connection portion 32. The interference portion 33 interferes with the locking ring 4 when the locking ring 4 is tightened, thereby restricting the male connector 3 from moving toward the base end side ( Figure 5B The interference portion 33 is moved to the right side of the locking ring 4 and prevents loosening. The details of the interference portion 33 will be described later.

[0043] The male connector 3 is a resin component. Here, like the female connector 2, a component made of PC (polycarbonate) is used. However, this is not limiting and the male connector 3 may also be made of PP (polypropylene), high-density PE (polyethylene), thermoplastic elastomer, vinyl chloride, or the like. Because the locking connector 1 is sometimes heat-sterilized, a resin that is less susceptible to deformation due to heat is used for the male connector 3.

[0044] (Lock circle 4)

[0045] like Figures 6A to 6C As shown, the locking ring 4 is formed into an annular shape (i.e., a hollow cylindrical shape) that covers the circumference of the male connector 3 and has a hollow portion 4a that extends axially through the locking ring 4. A female threaded portion 41 is formed on the inner circumference of the locking ring 4, which screws into the male threaded portion 23 of the female connector 2. Furthermore, the locking ring 4 has a movement-restricting portion 42 on the inner circumference of the proximal end of the female threaded portion 41, which interferes with the interference portion 33 of the male connector 3 and restricts the proximal movement of the male connector 3. As the female threaded portion 41 screws into the male threaded portion 23, the locking ring 4 advances toward the female connector 2. As the female threaded portion 41 screws into the male threaded portion 23, the male connector 3 is pressed toward the female connector 2 by the movement-restricting portion 42, locking the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 in the connected state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement-restricting portion 42 works together with the interference portion 33 of the male connector 3 to prevent the locking ring 4 from loosening. The details of the movement-restricting portion 42 will be described later.

[0046] The locking ring 4 is a resin component. Here, a component comprising PP (polypropylene), which is softer than the female connector 2 and the male connector 3, is used. This allows the convex portion 5, described later, to deform easily, further enhancing the locking ring 4's anti-loosening effect. However, this is not limiting, and the locking ring 4 may also be made of PC (polycarbonate), high-density PE (polyethylene), thermoplastic elastomer, vinyl chloride, or the like. Since the locking connector 1 is sometimes subjected to heat sterilization, a resin that is not easily deformed by heat can be used as the locking ring 4, similar to the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 described above. The outer diameter of the locking ring 4 is, for example, approximately 10 mm.

[0047] (Description of Loosening Prevention by Interference Portion 33 and Movement Restriction Portion 42)

[0048] In this embodiment, the connector includes one or more convex portions 5 formed on either the outer circumferential surface of the male connector 3 or the inner circumferential surface of the lock ring 4; and a ramp portion 6 formed on the other of the outer circumferential surface of the male connector 3 or the inner circumferential surface of the lock ring 4. The ramp portion 61 has one or more inclined surfaces 61 inclined relative to the circumferential direction, with the diameter gradually increasing along the rotational direction of the lock ring 4 when the lock ring 4 is screwed together. Furthermore, when the female thread 41 of the lock ring 4 is screwed together with the male thread 23 of the female connector 2, the convex portion 5 rotates relative to the ramp portion 6. As this rotation occurs, the convex portion 5 interferes with the inclined surface 61, thereby preventing the lock ring 4 from loosening. "Inclined relative to the circumferential direction" means inclined so as to intersect the circumferential direction.

[0049] In this embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the convex portion 5 is formed on the lock ring 4 side and the sloped portion 6 is formed on the male connector 3 side. Furthermore, although details will be described later, in this embodiment, since the convex portion 5 and the sloped portion 6 are formed in substantially the same shape, it is also possible to interpret that, for example, the sloped portion 6 is formed on the lock ring 4 side and the convex portion 5 is formed on the male connector 3 side.

[0050] First, the slope portion 6 on the side of the male connector 3 will be described. The slope portion 6 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the interference portion 33 of the male connector 3. Figure 7 This figure explains how to prevent the locking ring from loosening when tightening. Figure 7 Show Figure 4 The action at the AA line section. Figure 7 As shown, the ramp portion 6 includes multiple (here, six) inclined surfaces 61, which are formed to be inclined relative to the circumferential direction so that their diameter gradually increases along the rotational direction (direction of the arrow in the figure) when the locking ring 4 is screwed together. In this embodiment, the inclined surfaces 61 are curved to convexly extend radially outward, but the inclined surfaces 61 may also be flat surfaces with no curvature or curved to concavely extend radially inward. Steps 62 are formed between adjacent inclined surfaces 61 in the circumferential direction.

[0051] By including the ramp portion 6, when the lock ring 4 is rotated for tightening, the convex portion 5 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lock ring 4 rotates relative to the ramp portion 6 as the rotation progresses. Then, as this relative rotation progresses, the convex portion 5 is gradually pressed against the inclined surface 61 of the ramp portion 6, achieving a securely tightened state. This securely prevents the lock ring 4 from loosening. Specifically, in this embodiment, the relative rotation between the lock ring 4 and the male connector 3 during tightening of the lock ring 4 is utilized, and this relative rotation causes the convex portion 5 to climb onto the inclined surface 61 of the ramp portion 6, thereby preventing the lock ring 4 from loosening.

[0052] Furthermore, if the angle of the inclined surface 61 is too steep, the convex portion 5 may not be able to climb up to the slope 6, and the locking ring 4 may not be able to fully prevent loosening. Therefore, it can be said that the inclination angle of the inclined surface 61 is preferably relatively gentle. More specifically, when the number of inclined surfaces 61 is set to six as in the present embodiment, the radial height of the step portion 62 can be greater than 0.05 mm and less than 2.0 mm. This is because the formation of a step portion 62 less than 0.05 mm is unstable, and if the step portion 62 is set to more than 2.0 mm, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 61 may sometimes be too large to achieve a sufficient anti-loosening effect. The radial height of the step portion 62 can preferably be greater than 0.1 mm and less than 1.0 mm, and more preferably greater than 0.2 mm and less than 0.6 mm. In the present embodiment, the radial height of the step portion 62 is set to 0.4 mm. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since one inclined surface 61 occupies an angular range of approximately 60°, the radius from the inclined surface 61 to the rotation axis O can increase by a factor of (0.05 / 60) mm to (2.0 / 60) mm per 1°, preferably (0.1 / 60) mm to (1.0 / 60) mm, and more preferably (0.2 / 60) mm to (0.6 / 60) mm. Furthermore, the step 62 can be formed along a radial direction centered on the rotation axis O, or can be inclined relative to the radial direction. In other words, the step 62 can be formed to be inclined in a direction opposite to the inclined surface 61 relative to the circumferential direction. Furthermore, if the lock ring 4 is tightened at the moment when the convex portion 5 crosses the step 62 while the male connector 3 is rotating relative to the lock ring 4, the convex portion 5 may abut against the step 62 during tightening. In such a case, by increasing the inclination angle of the step 62 with respect to the radial direction, the amount of interference between the convex portion 5 and the step 62 can be increased, thereby firmly preventing loosening.

[0053] Moreover, if Figure 5B As shown, in this embodiment, the inclined surface 61 of the slope portion 6 is oriented with a diameter toward the base end side of the male connector 3 ( Figure 5B The way the right side of the axial direction gradually decreases is relative to the axial direction ( Figure 5BThe male connector 3 is formed so as to be inclined (in the left-right direction). As a result, as the locking ring 4 advances in the axial direction during tightening, the inclined surface 61 of the male connector 3 is gradually pressed into the movement-limiting portion 42 (the convex portion 5), achieving a more secure tightening state. As a result, the locking ring 4 can be more securely prevented from loosening. The inclined surface 61 can have an inclination angle θ relative to the axial direction of 0.5° or greater and 45° or less. This is because a tilt angle θ less than 0.5° makes stable molding difficult. If the tilt angle θ exceeds 45°, the inclined surface 61 may not fully penetrate the movement-limiting portion 42, failing to achieve a sufficient anti-loosening effect. However, if the tilt angle θ is too small, the axial length of the inclined surface 61 must be very long. Therefore, the tilt angle θ is preferably between 1° and 30°, and more preferably between 2° and 15°. Here, the tilt angle θ is set to 6°, and the axial length of the slope 6 (the inclined surface 61) is set to approximately 6 mm.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the inclined surface 61 is described as being inclined relative to the axial direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The convex portion 5 may be inclined relative to the axial direction (ie, with the diameter toward the base end side ( Figure 4 The inclined surface 61 and the convex portion 5 may be formed so as to be inclined in a manner that the angle gradually decreases (to the right side). Alternatively, both the inclined surface 61 and the convex portion 5 may be formed so as to be inclined relative to the axial direction. By forming the inclined surface 61 and the convex portion 5 so as to be inclined relative to the axial direction, for example, even if burrs, dents, etc. are formed on the inclined surface 61 and the convex portion 5 due to poor molding, or if the inclined surface 61 and the convex portion 5 are scraped, the locking ring 4 can be tightened to move the inclined surface 61 and the convex portion 5 relative to each other in the axial direction to a position where an appropriate tightening force is obtained, thereby achieving a sufficient anti-loosening effect.

[0055] Next, the convex portion 5 formed on the locking ring 4 will be described. The convex portion 5 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the movement limiting portion 42. In addition, the convex portion 5 may be formed in a manner extending beyond the movement limiting portion 42 toward the female thread portion 41. Figure 6C and Figure 7 As shown, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 5 is an outer shape that roughly transfers the shape of the slope portion 6 when viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction. That is, the convex portion 5 is formed with an inclination relative to the circumferential direction in such a way that the diameter gradually increases along the rotation direction when the locking ring 4 is screwed. In addition, in the present embodiment, the number of convex portions 5 is the same as the number of inclined surfaces 61 (here, 6), and the convex portions 5 and the inclined surfaces 61 are in a one-to-one correspondence. In other words, when viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, the shape of the inner edge of the convex portion 5 and the shape of the outer edge of the slope portion 6 are roughly similar shapes. Thereby, the contact area between the convex portion 5 and the inclined surface 61 can be increased, and as a more secure fastening state, the anti-loosening effect can be further improved (refer to Figure 7).

[0056] In addition, the shape of the convex portion 5 is not limited thereto, and for example, Figure 8A As shown, the convex portion 5 may also be a rib-shaped protrusion protruding inward from the inner circumference of the locking ring 4. In addition, in this embodiment, the convex portion 5 is provided on the locking ring 4 and the slope portion 6 is provided on the male connector 3, but even if Figure 8B As shown, the slope portion 6 is provided on the locking ring 4 and the convex portion 5 is provided on the male connector 3, and the same effect can be obtained.

[0057] (Functions and Effects of Implementation Methods)

[0058] As described above, the lock-type connector 1 of this embodiment includes: one or more convex portions 5 formed on one of the outer circumferential surface of the male connector 3 or the inner circumferential surface of the lock ring 4; and a ramp portion 6 formed on the other of the outer circumferential surface of the male connector 3 or the inner circumferential surface of the lock ring 4. The ramp portion 6 has one or more inclined surfaces 61 formed such that the diameter gradually increases along the rotational direction during screwing and is inclined relative to the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis O during screwing. The configuration is such that, when the female thread portion 41 and the male thread portion 23 are screwed together, the convex portion 5 rotates relative to the ramp portion 6. With this rotation, the convex portion 5 interferes with the inclined surface 61, thereby preventing the lock ring 4 from loosening.

[0059] Thus, the locking ring 4 can be prevented from loosening by utilizing its rotation during tightening, achieving a lock-type connector 1 in which the locking ring 4 is less likely to loosen. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the convex portion 5 continuously ascends the inclined surface 61 through relative rotation, even if burrs or dents (i.e., depressions) are formed due to molding defects, the angle of relative rotation will appropriately change accordingly, achieving sufficient tightening force and a sufficient loosening prevention effect. For example, even if the dimensions are reduced due to molding defects, the convex portion 5 continuously ascends the inclined surface 61, and the locking ring 4 is rotated to a position where a certain interference volume or area is maintained and then stopped. This ensures a stable tightening force and a sufficient loosening prevention effect. As a result, it is possible to prevent problems such as unintended disconnection in connection sections using the lock-type connector 1.

[0060] Furthermore, in the lock-type connector 1 of this embodiment, at least one of the inclined surface 61 and the convex portion 5 is formed to be inclined relative to an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis O so that its diameter gradually decreases toward the base end. Thus, the lock ring 4 can be prevented from loosening not only by the rotation of the lock ring 4 during tightening but also by the axial advancement of the lock ring 4, thereby realizing a lock-type connector 1 in which the lock ring 4 is less likely to loosen.

[0061] (Variation)

[0062] In the above embodiment, the number of convex portions 5 and the number of inclined surfaces 61 are set to the same number. However, in this case, when the locking ring 4 is tightened, all the convex portions 5 may cross the step portion 62 at once, and the operator may feel a click due to the impact of this crossing. Although the operator can be informed of the expected tightening state by providing a click feeling, it is also conceivable that the operator may mistakenly believe that the tightening is sufficient and stop tightening the locking ring 4, resulting in an insufficient tightening state. Therefore, in order to suppress this click feeling, the following situation can be considered: Figure 9 As shown, the number of convex portions 5 may be different from the number of inclined surfaces 61. In the example shown, the number of convex portions 5 is less than the number of inclined surfaces 61, but the number of convex portions 5 may be greater than the number of inclined surfaces 61.

[0063] In addition, in order to make the fastening force greater and further improve the anti-loosening effect, such as Figure 10 As shown, rib-shaped protrusions 61a may be further formed on the inclined surface 61. As the lock ring 4 rotates during tightening, the protrusions 61a are loaded so as to be pressed against the convex portion 5, thereby further improving the anti-loosening effect.

[0064] (Summary of Implementation Methods)

[0065] Next, the technical ideas grasped from the above-described embodiments will be described using the reference numerals in the embodiments. However, the reference numerals in the following description do not limit the constituent elements in the claims to those specifically shown in the embodiments.

[0066] [1] A locking connector (1) is a locking connector (1) for connecting the ends of a pair of tubes to each other, comprising: a first connector part (female connector 2) which is provided at the end of one of the tubes and has a male thread part (23) on the outer peripheral surface; a second connector part (male connector 3) which is provided at the end of the other tube and is connected to the first connector part (2); a locking ring (4) which is formed into a ring shape covering the periphery of the second connector part (3) and has a female thread part (41) on the inner peripheral surface which is screwed with the male thread part (23) and a movement limiting part (42) which limits the movement of the second connector part (3) toward the base end side, wherein the female thread part (41) is screwed with the male thread part (23) while the second connector part (3) is pressed toward the first connector part (2) by the movement limiting part (42). While locking the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) in a connected state, one or more convex parts (5) are formed on one of the outer peripheral surface of the second connector part (3) or the inner peripheral surface of the locking ring (4); and a slope part (6) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second connector part (3) or the inner peripheral surface of the locking ring (4), and has one or more inclined surfaces (61) formed in a manner that gradually increases in diameter along the rotation direction when screwing with respect to the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis when screwing. The structure is configured such that when the female thread part (41) and the male thread part (23) are screwed together, the convex part (5) rotates relative to the slope part (6), and with this rotation, the convex part (5) interferes with the inclined surface (61), thereby preventing the locking ring (4) from loosening. As a result, loosening of the locking ring 4 can be suppressed.

[0067] [2] The locking connector (1) according to [1], wherein at least one of the inclined surface (61) or the convex portion (5) is formed to be inclined relative to an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis in such a manner that the diameter gradually decreases toward the base end side. This can further suppress loosening of the locking ring 4.

[0068] [3] The locking connector (1) according to [1], wherein the convex portion (5) is formed to be inclined relative to the circumferential direction in such a manner that the diameter gradually increases along the screwing direction of the female thread portion (41). As a result, the contact area between the convex portion 5 and the inclined surface (61) can be increased, and loosening of the locking ring 4 can be further suppressed.

[0069] [4] The locking connector (1) according to [3], wherein the number of the convex portions (5) is the same as the number of the inclined surfaces (61), and the convex portions (5) and the inclined surfaces (61) are in one-to-one correspondence. Thus, the contact area between the convex portions 5 and the inclined surfaces (61) can be increased, and loosening of the locking ring 4 can be further suppressed.

[0070] [5] The locking connector (1) according to [1], wherein the number of the convex portions (5) is different from the number of the inclined surfaces (61). This can suppress a rattling feeling when the locking ring 4 is rotated.

[0071] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for achieving the desired results. Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0072] Description of Reference Numerals

[0073] 1…locking connector

[0074] 2…Female connector (first connector part)

[0075] 21…Tube insertion portion

[0076] 22…Fitting part

[0077] 23…male thread

[0078] 3…Male connector (second connector part)

[0079] 31…Insertion

[0080] 32…Pipe connection

[0081] 33…Interference Department

[0082] 4…locking circle

[0083] 41…Female thread

[0084] 42…Movement restriction unit

[0085] 5…convex part

[0086] 6…Slope

[0087] 61… inclined surface

[0088] 62…step part.

Claims

1. A locking connector for connecting the ends of a pair of pipes to each other, characterized in that: have: a first connector portion provided at an end portion of one of the tubes and having a male thread portion on an outer peripheral surface; a second connector portion provided at the other end of the tube and connected to the first connector portion; a locking ring formed into an annular shape covering the circumference of the second connector portion, and having on its inner circumferential surface a female threaded portion that screws into the male threaded portion, and a movement limiting portion that limits movement of the second connector portion toward the base end side, wherein the female threaded portion is screwed into the male threaded portion, and the movement limiting portion presses the second connector portion toward the first connector portion, thereby locking the first connector portion and the second connector portion in a connected state; one or more convex portions formed on one of the outer peripheral surface of the second connector portion or the inner peripheral surface of the lock ring; and a ramp portion formed on the other of the outer circumferential surface of the second connector portion or the inner circumferential surface of the locking ring, and having one or more inclined surfaces inclined relative to the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis during the screwing so that the diameter gradually increases along the rotation direction during the screwing; The female screw portion and the male screw portion are screwed together to rotate the convex portion relative to the slope portion. As the convex portion and the inclined surface interfere with each other with the rotation, the lock ring is prevented from loosening.

2. The locking connector according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the inclined surface and the convex portion is formed to be inclined with respect to an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis so that the diameter gradually decreases toward the base end side.

3. The locking connector according to claim 1, wherein: The convex portion is formed to be inclined with respect to the circumferential direction so that its diameter gradually increases along the screwing direction of the female thread portion.

4. The locking connector according to claim 3, wherein: The number of the convex portions is the same as the number of the inclined surfaces, and the convex portions and the inclined surfaces are in one-to-one correspondence.

5. The locking connector according to claim 1, wherein The number of the convex portions is different from the number of the inclined surfaces.

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