Pipe connection part structure and pipe connection device

Abstract

To provide a pipe connection part structure which improves workability in connection / disconnection of a pipe by making connecting / disconnecting operation of the pipe possible through intuitive operation.SOLUTION: A pipe connection part structure comprises: a cylinder part in a hollow cylindrical shape through which a pipe is interpolated; a lock body which is disposed in the cylinder part and configured to lock the pipe when a lock part is located at a lock position proximate to an outer surface of the pipe; and an operation ring body which is mounted to the cylinder part movably in relative to the cylinder part. The operation ring body is capable of maintaining a connection state of the pipe when the operation ring body relatively moves to a connection position and disconnecting the pipe when the operation ring body relatively moves to a disconnection position which is located closer to a tip end than the connection position in an axial direction. There are provided a control path which controls the relative movement of the operation ring body to the cylinder part and a controlled part of which the movement is controlled within the control path. The control path includes a connection region in which the operation ring body is disposed at the connection position and a disconnection region in which the operation ring body is disposed at the disconnection position. A movement route, which forms at least a portion of the control path, between the connection region and the disconnection region extends in the axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe connection structure for connecting pipes, and a pipe connection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various pipe connection structures have been used to connect pipes in order to terminate the ends of pipes, to connect pipes to installations such as boxes, and to connect two or more pipes to each other.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a corrugated pipe joint for connecting corrugated pipes. In the following paragraph, the reference number of Patent Document 1 is shown in parentheses. In Patent Document 1, the corrugated pipe joint is composed of a cylindrical joint body (10) and a cylindrical nut (20) whose diameter is larger and shorter than that of the joint body (10). On the inner surface of the nut (20), a large number of strip-like claw pieces (22) are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction and extend from one end to the center of the nut (20) in the axial direction. A protruding claw portion (24) is provided near the tip of the claw piece (22) and protrudes toward the center and fits into a valley portion (32) of the corrugated pipe (30). An engaging protrusion (28) is formed on the inner surface of the nut (20) at a position opposite to the side on which the claw piece (22) is formed. The joint body (10) has a nut connecting portion (12) at one end. A pushing portion (14) is provided on the edge of the nut connecting portion (12). A shallow engagement groove (50) is provided on the nut connecting portion (12) along the outer circumferential surface. The engagement groove (50) is composed of an introduction portion (52), a fixing portion (54), a releasing portion (56), and a moving portion (54a). When the nut (20) is fitted to the joint body (10), the engagement protrusion (28) of the nut (20) fits into the engagement groove (50) and can slide freely along the above-mentioned portions (52 to 56). Of the engagement groove (50), the introduction portion (52) continues short from the edge of the joint body (10) along the axial direction, and the fixing portion (54) and the releasing portion (56) are connected to the left and right at the end of the introduction portion (52). The fixing portion (54) extends in the circumferential direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The release portion (56) extends at an incline with respect to the circumferential direction, i.e., the direction in which the fixed portion (54) is formed. Therefore, the release portion (56) advances toward the inner side of the joint body (10) as it approaches the tip side. To remove the corrugated pipe (30) from the nut (20), the entire nut (20) is moved toward the inner side of the joint body (10) and the engagement protrusion (28) of the nut (20) is moved to the release portion (56) or the moving portion (54a). On the inner surface of the nut (20), the tip of the claw piece (22) moves toward the pushing portion (14) of the joint body (10), so that the operating portion (26) rides up along the inclination of the pushing portion (14), and the entire claw piece (22) rotates toward the outer periphery.When the claw pieces (22) rotate outward, the claw pieces (22) disengage from the valleys (32) of the corrugated tube (30) and move outward. In this state, the corrugated tube (30) can be removed from the nut (20) by pulling it out of the nut (20). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-272677 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The corrugated pipe joint (pipe connection structure) of Patent Document 1 requires that, when the pipe is pulled out of the joint, the nut must be pressed against the opposite direction to the pipe pulling direction. Since the nut operation direction and the pipe pulling direction are opposite, the operator cannot intuitively operate the joint, which causes confusion, and it is difficult to apply a force in the opposite direction to the nut and pipe, which causes problems in terms of poor workability. Furthermore, when the pipe is in a connected state with tension applied, it is necessary to forcibly move the pipe together with the nut in the opposite direction to the pipe pulling direction. Since such an operation requires a strong force, there is a problem in that the workability is poor when disconnecting the joint.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pipe connection structure that enables an intuitive operation to disconnect a pipe and improves the workability in disconnecting the pipe. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pipe connection device that includes a connector having the pipe connection structure and a pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The pipe connection structure according to claim 1 is a pipe connection structure for connecting pipes, a hollow cylindrical portion extending from an axial base end to an axial tip end, having an insertion opening at the axial tip end for receiving the tube, the tube being inserted through the insertion opening; a locking body having a base portion disposed within the cylindrical portion, and a locking portion extending from the base portion, disposed radially outward of the tube inserted into the cylindrical portion and displaceable in the radial direction, the locking portion being configured to be able to lock the tube at a locking position adjacent to an outer surface of the tube; an operating ring body attached to an axial end of the cylindrical portion so as to be movable relative to the cylindrical portion, the operating ring body has an abutment portion that abuts against the locking portion to place the locking portion at the locking position according to a relative position with respect to the cylindrical portion, and is capable of maintaining a connected state of the tube when the operating ring body moves relatively to a connection position, and is capable of disconnecting the tube when the operating ring body moves relatively to a release position that is located axially further toward the tip side than the connection position, A control path for controlling a relative movement of the operation ring body with respect to the cylindrical portion is provided on one of the cylindrical portion and the operation ring body, and a controlled portion whose movement is controlled within the control path is provided on the other of the cylindrical portion and the operation ring body, The control path comprises a connection region in which the operating ring body is placed in the connection position when the controlled unit is placed, and a release region in which the operating ring body is placed in the release position when the controlled unit is placed, and a movement path between the connection region and the release region, which forms at least a part of the control path, extends in the axial direction.

[0008] The pipe connection structure of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the pipe connection structure of claim 1, the connection region has at least a connection section in which axial movement of the controlled portion is restricted, and a transitional section that is axially connected to the release section and allows movement of the controlled portion to both the connection section and the release section.

[0009] The pipe connection structure described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the pipe connection structure described in claim 2, an intermediate region is formed between the transition area and the release area in the control path, and the intermediate region extends continuously along the pipe withdrawal direction so as to allow relative axial movement of the tubular portion and the operating ring body.

[0010] The pipe connection structure according to claim 4 is characterized in that in the pipe connection structure according to claim 2 or 3, the connection region is a region that extends in a circumferential direction in the control path at a position different in the axial direction from the release region, and when the controlled unit is placed in the transferable region, the relative rotation of the operation ring body is permitted around the cylindrical portion as an axis so that the controlled unit moves to the connection region along the circumferential direction.

[0011] The pipe connection structure described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the pipe connection structure described in claim 4, the relative rotation amount of the operating ring body required for the controlled unit to move between the transitionable area and the connection area is within half a rotation.

[0012] The pipe connection structure of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the pipe connection structure of claim 4, the release region is provided with a release area arranged axially alongside the transition area and an extension area circumferentially connected to the release area, and the rotation direction of the operating ring body when the controlled unit moves from the release area to the extension area is the same as the rotation direction of the operating ring body when the controlled unit moves from the transition area to the connection area.

[0013] The pipe connection structure according to claim 7 is the pipe connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the connection region includes at least a connection section in which axial movement of the controlled portion is restricted, and a transitional section that communicates with the release region in the axial direction and allows movement of the controlled portion to both the connection section and the release region. the control path includes a circumferential region including the connection region on one circumferential side and the transitionable region on the other circumferential side, and an axial region including the transitionable region on one axial side and at least a portion of the release region on the other axial side, the circumferential region allows the operation ring body to rotate relative to the cylindrical portion as an axis without requiring a relative movement of the operation ring body in an axial direction, The axial region is characterized in that it allows relative axial movement of the operating ring body with respect to the cylindrical portion without requiring relative rotation of the operating ring body in the circumferential direction.

[0014] The pipe connection structure of claim 8 is characterized in that, in the pipe connection structure of claim 1 or 7, the release region is provided with a release area arranged axially alongside the transitionable area, and an extension area connected to the release area so that the controlled unit enters from the release area by rotating the operating ring body.

[0015] The pipe connection portion structure described in claim 9 is characterized in that, in the pipe connection portion structure described in any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7, the connection region allows forced operation of the operating ring body, but is provided with a movement restricting portion that restricts free movement of the controlled portion from the connection region to the release region.

[0016] The pipe connection structure according to claim 10 is the pipe connection structure according to claim 9, wherein the movement restricting portion restricts free movement of the controlled portion disposed in the connection region in a circumferential direction, and the controlled portion is configured to overcome the movement restricting portion by a forced rotation operation about the cylindrical portion of the operation ring body as an axis, The present invention is characterized in that an extension rotation path extending circumferentially is provided at a location within the connection area closer to the release area than the movement restricting portion so as to ensure a circumferential free movement area of ​​the operating ring body.

[0017] The pipe connection structure according to claim 11 is the pipe connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7, wherein the locking portion includes a contact-separation piece extending from the base portion toward a tip end side in an axial direction and displaceable in a contact-separation direction of the pipe inserted into the cylindrical portion, and a locking projection projecting from the contact-separation piece toward an outer surface of the pipe, The cylindrical portion includes a hollow cylindrical outer cylindrical portion into which the tube is inserted, and a hollow cylindrical inner cylindrical portion that is inserted into the tube inserted into the outer cylindrical portion, The present invention is characterized in that, when the locking portion is disposed at the locking position, the tip of the inner cylindrical portion extends axially toward the tip side beyond the position of the locking projection.

[0018] The pipe connection device according to claim 12 comprises a connector provided with one or more pipe connection portion structures according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7, and one or more pipes connected to the connector via the pipe connection structure. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the pipe connection structure of claim 1, when the operation ring body moves relatively to the connection position, the locking body locks the outer surface of the pipe to maintain the connection state of the pipe, and when the operation ring body moves relatively to the release position located on the axial tip side of the connection position, the locking body does not lock the outer surface of the pipe, making it possible to disconnect the pipe. The control path and the controlled part of the pipe connection structure control the path of the relative movement of the operation ring body with respect to the tube part to determine the operation direction of the operator. The control path includes a connection region in which the operation ring body is placed at the connection position when the controlled part is placed, and a release region in which the operation ring body is placed at the release position when the controlled part is placed. The movement path between the release region and the connection region, which constitutes at least a part of the control path, extends in the axial direction. That is, when the operator disconnects the pipe, the operator operates the operation ring body so as to pull it toward the axial tip side in the same direction as the pipe extraction direction, thereby moving the controlled part from the connection region to the release region in the axial direction, and the locking of the pipe by the locking body can be released. In this case, since the direction in which the tube is removed and the direction in which the operating ring body is operated are the same, and the locking body and the operating ring body are independent, the influence of the tension of the tube in the connected state on the operation of the operating ring body is suppressed. Therefore, the tube connection structure of the present invention enables the operation of disconnecting the tube by an intuitive operation, and improves the workability in disconnecting the tube.

[0020] According to the pipe connection structure of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, by arranging the controlled part in the connection zone of the connection region, it is possible to prevent the controlled part from easily moving unintentionally to the release zone, and to stably maintain the operation ring body in the connection position. On the other hand, by arranging the controlled part in the transferable zone of the connection region, it is possible for the controlled part to easily move to the release zone, and the operation ring body can be easily transferred from the connection position to the release position.

[0021] According to the pipe connection structure described in claim 3, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 2, the intermediate region between the transition area and the release area extends continuously along the pipe withdrawal direction, thereby allowing relative axial movement of the cylindrical portion and the operating ring body, facilitating the pipe release operation.

[0022] According to the tube connection structure of claim 4, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 2 or 3, the controlled part moves in the circumferential direction between the connection area and the transition area by rotating the operation ring body around the cylindrical part. That is, since the direction of operation of the operation ring is different from the direction in which the tube is pulled out, even if a pull-out tension is applied to the tube, the controlled part does not move from the connection area to the transition area due to the pull-out tension. Therefore, the controlled part is stably maintained in the connection area within the connection region, and the connection state of the tube can be more reliably maintained.

[0023] According to the pipe connection structure described in claim 5, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 4, the relative rotation amount of the operating ring body required for the controlled unit to move between the transition area and the connection area is within half a rotation, so that the operator can operate it without having to change the grip of the operating ring body with his or her hand.

[0024] According to the pipe connection structure of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 4, by disposing the controlled part in the expansion area circumferentially connected to the release area, it is possible to prevent the operation ring body from easily moving unintentionally from the release position to the connection position, and to stably maintain the operation ring body at the release position. Furthermore, since the rotation direction of the operation ring body when the controlled part moves from the release area to the expansion area is the same as the rotation direction of the operation ring body when the controlled part moves from the transition area to the connection area, the rotation operation of the operation ring body is kept within a certain range in the circumferential direction, and deterioration of operability is suppressed.

[0025] According to the pipe connection structure of claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, by arranging the controlled part in the connection area of ​​the connection area, it is possible to prevent the controlled part from easily moving unintentionally to the release area, and to stably maintain the operation ring body at the connection position. On the other hand, by arranging the controlled part in the transferable area of ​​the connection area, it is possible for the controlled part to easily move to the release area, and the operation ring body can be easily transferred from the connection position to the release position. In addition, the control path includes a circumferential area including the connection area on one side in the circumferential direction and the transferable area on the other side in the circumferential direction, and an axial area including the transferable area on one side in the axial direction and at least a part of the release area on the other side in the axial direction. When the controlled part performs a connection release operation from the connected state of the pipe arranged in the connection area, the controlled part can be easily moved from the connection area to the transferable area in the circumferential area by a rotation operation about the cylindrical part of the operation ring body as an axis, without the need for an axial operation of the operation ring body. Next, by operating the operation ring body toward the axial tip side with respect to the cylindrical part, it is possible to easily move the controlled part from the transferable area to the release area in the axial area, without the need for a circumferential rotation or rotation operation of the operation ring body. In other words, the pipe connection structure makes it possible to release the pipe connection state with an intuitive and simple operation, without requiring a complicated operation such as a screw rotation.

[0026] According to the pipe connection structure described in claim 8, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1 or 7, by arranging the controlled portion in an expansion area circumferentially connected to the release area, it is possible to prevent the operating ring body from easily moving unintentionally from the release position to the connection position, and to stably maintain the operating ring body in the release position.

[0027] According to the tube connection part structure of claim 9, in addition to the effects of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7, the movement restricting part provided in the connection area restricts free movement of the controlled part from the connection area to the release area, thereby more reliably preventing the operation ring body from moving unintentionally from the connection position to the release position and the tube from coming out. On the other hand, when disconnecting the tube, the controlled part can overcome the movement restricting part by forcibly operating the operation ring body.

[0028] According to the pipe connection structure of claim 10, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 9, the movement restricting part restricts the free movement of the controlled part toward the release area in the connection area, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent the controlled part from unintentionally detaching from the connection area. Furthermore, the extended rotation path extending in the circumferential direction at a location in the connection area closer to the release area than the movement restricting part ensures a free movement area in the circumferential direction of the operation ring body. In other words, by forming an extra stroke in the rotation operation of the operation ring body, even if the operator cannot sense the resistance when operating to ride over the movement restricting part, it is possible to determine whether or not the movement restricting part has been overcome based on the amount of rotation operation.

[0029] According to the pipe connection structure described in claim 11, in addition to the effects of any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 3 and 7, the inner tubular portion is inserted into the pipe inserted into the outer tubular portion of the tubular portion, and the inner tubular portion extends at least toward the axial tip side of the locking projection. This prevents the pipe from being significantly deformed radially inward when the locking projection abuts against the outer surface of the pipe, making it possible to stably connect the pipes.

[0030] The pipe connection device described in claim 12 can exert the effect of the pipe connection structure of any one of claims 1 to 3, or 7 as a pipe connection device comprising a connector having the pipe connection structure and a pipe connected to the connector via the pipe connection structure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1]1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector having a pipe connection portion structure according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a connector body having a tubular portion of the pipe connection structure of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3A is a front view, FIG. 3B is a side view, and FIG. 3C is a plan view of the connector body of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the connector body of FIG. 3 , and FIG. 4B is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the connector body of FIG. 3 . [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a control path of the barrel portion of FIG. 3; [Figure 6] 2A is a front perspective view of a locking body of the pipe connection structure of FIG. 1 , and FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the locking body of the pipe connection structure of FIG. 1 . [Figure 7] 7A is a front view, FIG. 7B is a side view, FIG. 7C is a rear view, and FIG. 7D is a CC cross-sectional view of the locking body of FIG. [Figure 8] 2A and 2B are front and rear perspective views of an operating ring body of the pipe connection structure of FIG. 1 ; [Figure 9] 9A is a front view, FIG. 9B is a side view, and FIG. 9C is a rear view of the operating ring body of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are DD and EE longitudinal sectional views, respectively, of the operating ring body of FIG. 9 . [Figure 11] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the connector in the pipe connection structure of FIG. 1, in which the operating ring body is in a connection position with respect to the cylindrical portion. FIG. [Figure 12] 12A is a front view, (b) a side view, and (c) a plan view of the connector of FIG. 11 . [Figure 13] (a) FF longitudinal section, (b) GG longitudinal section, and (c) HH transverse section of the connector in FIG. 12 . [Figure 14] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the connector in the pipe connection structure of FIG. 1 with the operating ring body in a release position relative to the cylindrical portion. FIG. [Figure 15] 15A is a front view, (b) a side view, and (c) a plan view of the connector of FIG. 14 . [Figure 16] 16A and 16B are respectively a F'-F' longitudinal cross-sectional view, a G'-G' longitudinal cross-sectional view, and a H'-H' transverse cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 15 . [Figure 17]2 is a schematic diagram showing a movement path in a control path of a controlled portion when an operating ring body moves from a connected position to a released position in the pipe connection portion structure of FIG. 1; [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a pipe connection device in a connected state in which pipes are connected via a pipe connection portion structure of one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a pipe connection device in a released state in which the connection of a pipe can be released, in a pipe connection portion structure of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a connector having a pipe connection portion structure according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 21] 21 is a schematic perspective view of a connector having a tubular portion of the pipe connection structure of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] 22A, 22B, and 22C are front, side, and plan views, respectively, of the connector of FIG. 21 . [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 shows (a) KK longitudinal section and (b) LL transverse section of the connector of FIG. 22 . [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a pipe connection device in a connected state in which pipes are connected via a pipe connection portion structure according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a pipe connection device in a released state in which the connection of a pipe can be released, in a pipe connection portion structure according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a pipe connection device in a connected state in which pipes are connected via a pipe connection portion structure according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a pipe connection device in a released state in which the connection of a pipe can be released, in a pipe connection portion structure according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a control path of a pipe connection structure according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a control path of a pipe connection structure according to a modified example of the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a control path of a pipe connection structure according to a modified example of the present invention. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a control path of a pipe connection structure according to a modified example of the present invention. [Diagram 32]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a box as an application example of the pipe connection structure of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes of the figures referred to in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for explaining preferred shapes and dimensions, and the dimensional ratios do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios in the drawings. Furthermore, the up, down, left, and right directions in the present invention are merely concepts indicating relative positions, and it goes without saying that they can be applied by being interchanged.

[0033] [First embodiment] The pipe connection structure 100 of one embodiment of the present invention is provided in the connector 11 as a structure for detachably connecting the ends of the pipes. In this embodiment, the connector 11 is composed of a pipe joint that connects two pipes in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). The pipe is exemplified as a corrugated pipe 15 having concave and convex portions alternately arranged in the axial direction on its outer surface. The pipe connection device 10 is a device composed of the connector 11 having one or more pipe connection structures 100 and one or more corrugated pipes 15 having concave portions formed on their axial outer surfaces. However, the pipe connection structure and the pipe connection device of the present invention are not limited to applications as pipe joints for connecting corrugated pipes to each other, and can be applied to any applications for connecting pipes, such as terminal processing applications such as caps and bell mouths, and applications for connecting to installations such as wiring boxes. The corrugated pipe 15 of this embodiment is a general flexible pipe having small-diameter concave portions and large-diameter convex portions alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction, and is used to house and protect wires and the like inside.

[0034] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector 11 having a pipe connection structure 100 at both ends according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 11 has a pair of pipe connection structures 100 that allow pipes to be inserted into both axial ends, respectively, and has a structure that is symmetrical about the axial center. The connector 11 is configured by assembling a connector body 13 having a pair of tubular parts 110, a locking body 130, and an operation ring body 150 as separate bodies. In this embodiment, each member is made of a hard synthetic resin material, but may be made of any material. In addition, the connector 11 of this embodiment is exemplified as a straight pipe joint having the pipe connection structure 100 at both ends, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the connector may be an L-shaped joint or a three-way joint. In addition, the pipe connection structure may be provided only at one connection port of the joint.

[0035] 1, the pipe connection structure 100 includes a hollow cylindrical tube portion 110 that extends from an axial base end to an axial tip end, has an insertion opening 112 at its axial tip end for receiving a tube, and has a tube inserted through the insertion opening 112, a locking body 130 that is disposed in the tube portion 110 and locks the outer surface of the tube inserted in the tube portion 110, and an operation ring body 150 that is attached to the axial tip end of the tube portion 110 so as to be movable relative to the tube portion 110 and controls the locking state of the locking body 130 to the outer surface of the tube. The operation ring body 150 is configured to control whether or not the locking body 130 locks the outer surface of the tube depending on its relative position with respect to the tube portion 110. In particular, the operation ring body 150 has an abutment surface 157 (abutment portion) that abuts against the locking portion 132 to place the locking portion 132 in a locking position depending on its relative position (in the axial direction) with respect to the tube portion 110. The pipe connection structure 100 is configured to maintain the pipe connection state based on a first relative positional relationship between the abutment surface 157 and the locking portion 132 when the operation ring body 150 moves relative to the connection position, and to enable the pipe to be disconnected based on a second relative positional relationship between the abutment surface 157 and the locking portion 132 when the operation ring body 150 moves relative to a release position located on the axial tip side of the connection position. Furthermore, the pipe connection structure 100 is provided with a control path 120 and a controlled portion 155 for controlling the relative movement of the operation ring body 150 with respect to the tube portion 110. Each component of the pipe connection structure 100 will be described in detail below.

[0036] First, the configuration of the tubular portion 110 of the pipe connection portion structure 100 of one embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the connector body 13 including the tubular portion 110. Figs. 3(a) to (c) are a front view, a side view, and a plan view of the connector body 13 and the tubular portion 110. Figs. 4(a) and (b) are an AA cross-sectional view and a BB cross-sectional view of the connector body 13 and the tubular portion 110. Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing a control path 120 of the tubular portion 110.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the tube part 110 is integrally formed at the end of the hollow tube-shaped connector body 13. The tube part 110 is a hollow tube-shaped part extending from the axial base end to the axial tip end at the end of the connector body 13. The tube part 110 has a substantially cylindrical tube wall 111 forming an outer wall, and a space for inserting and holding a tube is defined inside the tube wall 111. The tube wall 111 can be divided into a tip side part 111a where the operation ring body 150 is inserted and attached, and a base side part 111b on the base side of the tip side part 111a (where the operation ring body 150 does not move).

[0038] The cylindrical portion 110 is open at both axial ends. In particular, the cylindrical portion 110 is provided with an insertion opening 112 at its axial tip for receiving a tube, and a connection port 113 at its axial base for connecting the tip of the tube to a predetermined object (another tube in this case). The inner circumference of the cylindrical wall 111 and the insertion opening 112 have a diameter that allows the tube to be inserted, but as shown in FIG. 4(a), the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall 111 is slightly reduced from the base end side to the tip end side. On the other hand, at the base end of the cylindrical portion 110, a restricting wall 114 is provided that protrudes radially inward from the cylindrical wall 111, and a connection port 113 is formed inside the restricting wall 114. The connection port 113 has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube to be inserted. In other words, the restricting wall 114 functions to axially lock the tube inserted inside the cylindrical wall 111. In this embodiment, two pipe connection structures 100 are formed adjacent to each other at both axial ends of the connector main body 13, and the regulating wall 114 of one pipe connection structure 100 and the regulating wall 114 of the other pipe connection structure 100 are integrated.

[0039] A locking body holding portion 115 for holding the locking body 130 therein is formed on the leading edge of the cylindrical wall 111 of the cylindrical portion 110. The locking body holding portion 115 is provided at a plurality of locations (four locations in this embodiment) at equal intervals on the leading edge of the cylindrical wall 111. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the locking body holding portion 115 is composed of an introduction recess 115a recessed from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall 111 to introduce the protruding held portion 136 of the locking body 130 (which has been forcibly elastically displaced radially inward), and a slide groove 115b connected to the base end side of the introduction recess 115a. The slide groove 115b extends in the axial direction so as to hold the held portion 136 (which has passed through the introduction recess 115a and elastically returned) therein and to allow the locking body 130 to slide in the axial direction within the cylindrical portion 110. In this embodiment, the slide groove 115b is formed as a through groove larger than the held portion 136, but it may be a (non-through) recessed groove deeper than the introduction recess 115a.

[0040] A flange 116 protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the cylindrical wall 111 of the cylindrical portion 110. The flange 116 is formed at a position retreated from the axial tip of the cylindrical portion 110 toward the base end, and defines the boundary between a tip portion 111a and a base portion 111b of the cylindrical wall 111. The flange 116 forms an engagement surface on its tip side for receiving the base end surface of the peripheral wall portion 151 of the operating ring body 150.

[0041] A control path 120 for controlling the operation direction or movement path of the operation ring body 150 relative to the cylinder part 110 is provided in an area adjacent to the tip side of the flange 116 on the outer surface of the cylinder wall 111. In this embodiment, the control path 120 is formed in two locations on both sides of the cylinder wall 111 in the diameter direction, and the number of control paths 120 can be arbitrarily increased or decreased. The control path 120 is formed by a convex wall 120a provided in a convex manner outward in the radial direction from the outer surface of the tip side part 111a of the cylinder wall 111, and its outer periphery being bordered by the flange 116. The control path 120 is configured to place the projecting piece-shaped controlled part 155 of the operation ring body 150 inside the control path 120 and to restrict the departure of the controlled part 155 from the control path 120. In other words, since the movement path of the controlled part 155 is limited within the control path 120, the control path 120 can control the operation (movement path) of the controlled part 155 according to its shape. As a result, the operating direction of the operating ring body 150 relative to the tube portion 110 can be controlled via the control path 120 and the controlled portion 155 .

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the control path 120 is substantially U-shaped. A plurality of regions and zones are defined in the control path 120 for determining the connected and released states of the tube. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the control path 120 includes a connection region 121 that places the operation ring body 150 in the connected position when the controlled portion 155 is placed, a release region 123 that places the operation ring body 150 in the released position when the controlled portion 155 is placed, and an intermediate region 125 that forms a transition state between the connected state and the released state. The connection region 121 is a region that extends in the circumferential direction in the control path 120 at a position different from the release region 123 in the axial direction, and the connection region 121 is located on the base end side of the release region 123. The connection region 121 and the release region 123 are arranged to communicate with each other in the axial direction via the intermediate region 125 located therebetween. That is, the movement path between the connection region 121 and the release region 123, which constitutes at least a part of the control path 120, extends substantially linearly along the axial direction. At least a part of the connection region 121 and at least a part of the release region 123 overlap at a circumferential position and face (or communicate with) each other along the axial direction. In other words, the intermediate region 125 extends continuously along the tube extraction direction so as to allow relative axial movement of the tube portion 110 and the operation ring body 150. The circumferential width of this intermediate region 125 is the same as or slightly larger than the circumferential width of the controlled portion 155. This intermediate region 125 (i.e., the movement path between the transferable region 121b and the release region 123 in the control path 120) is configured to restrict both forward and reverse rotation of the operation ring body 150 around the tube portion 110 as an axis. However, this intermediate region 125 may be wider than the controlled unit 155 so as to allow the operating ring body 150 (or the controlled unit 155) to oscillate circumferentially, and the controlled unit 155 may be moved from the connection region 121 to the release region 123 while changing its angle with respect to the axial direction as the tube is disconnected.

[0043] The connection region 121 is divided in the circumferential direction into a plurality of regions according to the connection state. The connection region 121 includes a connection region 121a in which at least the movement of the controlled portion 155 in the axial direction is restricted, and a transferable region 121b that communicates with the release region 123 in the axial direction and allows the controlled portion 155 to move to both the connection region 121a and the release region 123. The connection region 121a is formed in a portion on one end side of the connection region 121 that is relatively separated from the release region 123, and the transferable region 121b is formed in a portion on the other end side that is relatively close to the release region 123.

[0044] Further, the connection region 121 is provided with a movement restricting portion 122 that allows the operation ring body 150 to be forcibly operated, but restricts the controlled portion 155 from moving freely from the connection region 121 to the release region 123. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the movement restricting portion 122 is formed as a convex strip extending in the axial direction lower than the convex wall 120a, and is configured to provide resistance to the controlled portion 155 moving over without completely restricting the controlled portion 155 from moving over. In other words, by applying a certain or more force to the operation ring body 150 to rotate it, it is possible to make the controlled portion 155 move over the movement restricting portion 122 (by elastic displacement in the radial outward direction). The movement restricting portion 122 is formed in a position circumferentially separated from the transferable region 121b in the connection region 121. In this embodiment, the rear side of the movement restricting portion 122 (the distal side of the release region 123) is defined as the connection region 121a.

[0045] Between the movement restricting portion 122 and the transferable area 121b, an extended rotation path 121c is provided, which extends in a circumferential direction by a predetermined length. The circumferential length of the extended rotation path 121c is preferably greater than at least the circumferential width of the controlled portion 155, and more preferably greater than the circumferential length of the connection area 121a and / or the transferable area 121b. The extended rotation path 121c is formed in a location closer to the release area 123 than the movement restricting portion 122 in the connection area 121, and is configured to ensure a circumferential free movement area of ​​the operation ring body 150. As will be described later, the extended rotation path 121c is intended to ensure the stroke of the rotation operation of the operation ring body 150 and improve the usability. In the present invention, it goes without saying that the entire area adjacent to the transferable area 121b in which axial movement is restricted (including the extended rotation path 121c) may be interpreted as the connection area, and the movement restricting portion 122 may be omitted.

[0046] The release area 123 is an area extending in the circumferential direction in the control path 120. The release area 123 is divided in the circumferential direction into a plurality of areas according to the release state. The release area 123 is provided with a release area 123a arranged in the axial direction alongside the transferable area 121b of the connection area 121, and an expansion area 123b connected to the release area 123a so that the controlled unit 155 enters from the release area 123a by rotating the operation ring body 150. In addition, the extension direction from the release area 123a to the expansion area 123b is the same as the extension direction from the transferable area 121b to the connection area 121a. In other words, the rotation direction of the operation ring body 150 when the controlled unit 155 moves from the release area 123a to the expansion area 123b is the same as the rotation direction of the operation ring body 150 when the controlled unit 155 moves from the transferable area 121b to the connection area 121a. When the controlled unit 155 is retreated to the expansion area 123b, the axial movement of the controlled unit 155 is restricted, so that the controlled unit 155 can be stably maintained within the release region 123. A second movement restriction unit may be provided between the release area 123a and the expansion area 123b.

[0047] Furthermore, in the control path 120, the connection region 121 extending in the circumferential direction is defined as the circumferential region, and the region in which the connection region 121, the intermediate region 125, and the release region 123 are arranged in the axial direction is defined as the axial region. That is, the control path 120 includes a circumferential region including the connection region 121a on one circumferential side and the transferable region 121b on the other circumferential side, and an axial region including the transferable region 121b on one axial side and at least a part of the release region 123 (the release region 123a) on the other axial side. The circumferential region and the axial region intersect in an L-shape to guide the operation direction of the operating ring body 150 by the operator. In particular, the circumferential region can allow the relative rotation of the operating ring body 150 about the cylindrical portion 110 without requiring a relative axial movement of the operating ring body 150 (axial pulling or pushing operation). The axial region can allow relative movement of the operating ring body 150 in the axial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion 110 without requiring relative rotation (rotational operation) of the operating ring body 150 in the circumferential direction.

[0048] An operation instruction unit 118 that indicates to the operator the connected state (locked state) and the released state, as well as the operation direction of the operation ring body 150, is displayed on the outer surface of the base end side portion 111b located adjacent to the base end side of the control path 120. The operation instruction unit 118 cooperates with a position display unit 156 that indicates the position of the controlled portion 155 of the operation ring body 150, to help the operator visually and intuitively grasp the operation method of the operation ring body 150.

[0049] Next, the configuration of the locking body 130 of the pipe connection structure 100 of one embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6(a) and (b) are schematic perspective views of the locking body 130 as viewed from the front and rear. Fig. 7(a) to (d) are a front view, a side view, a rear view, and a CC cross-sectional view of the locking body 130.

[0050] Locking body 130 is disposed within tubular portion 110 and is made of an annular band configured to lock the outer surface of a tube inserted into tubular portion 110. Locking body 130 has an annular base portion 131 disposed within tubular portion 110, and a locking portion 132 that extends from base portion 131 toward the axial tip, is disposed radially outward of the tube inserted into tubular portion 110, and is displaceable in the radial direction.

[0051] The base 131 has an inner diameter that allows a pipe to be inserted therein, and an outer diameter that allows it to be accommodated in the tubular portion 110. The outer peripheral surface of the base 131 is provided with a held portion 136 that is held by the locking body holding portion 115 formed at the tip of the tubular portion 110. The held portion 136 is a rectangular protrusion that is protruded from the outer peripheral surface of the base 131. The held portions 136 are formed at a plurality of locations (four locations in this embodiment) on the outer peripheral surface of the base 131 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to correspond to the locking body holding portions 115. When the locking body 130 is inserted into the tubular portion 110 from the insertion opening 112, each held portion 136 passes through the introduction recess 115a while elastically deforming radially inward, and is disposed in the slide groove 115b. When the locking body 130 is assembled in the tubular portion 110, each held portion 136 can slide in the slide groove 115b in the axial direction. Therefore, the locking body 130 is held via the locking body holding portion 115 and the held portion 136 so as to be movable relative to the cylindrical portion 110 in the axial direction.

[0052] The locking body 130 is configured to be able to maintain the connection state of the tube to the tube connection structure 100 by locking the tube with the locking portion 132 in close proximity to the outer surface of the tube. The locking portion 132 includes a plurality of contact-separation pieces 133 extending from the tip edge of the base portion 131 toward the tip side in the axial direction, and a plurality of locking projections 134 projecting (inward in the radial direction) toward the outer surface of the tube inserted into the tubular portion 110 at the tip of each contact-separation piece 133. The contact-separation pieces 133 are plate-shaped and can be elastically deformed inward and outward in the radial direction. That is, the contact-separation pieces 133 can be deformed in the contact-separation direction with respect to the outer surface of the tube. Each of the locking projections 134 projects radially inward from the inner surface of each of the contact-separation pieces 133 in a sawtooth shape, as shown in FIG. 7(d). Each of the locking projections 134 forms an inclined surface on its tip side, and is configured to allow progression in the tube connection direction toward the inside of the locking body 130. On the other hand, the surface facing the base end of each locking protrusion 134 forms a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and is configured to lock the tube from slipping out. When the tube is a corrugated tube 15 as shown in FIG. 18, the locking protrusion 134 can enter the recess and lock the corrugated tube 15. On the other hand, even if the tube is not a corrugated tube 15, the locking protrusion 134 can lock the tube by biting into the outer surface. Also, on the radial outer surface (the surface opposite to the locking protrusion 134) of the tip of each contact / separation piece 133 of the locking portion 132, an abutment portion 135 that acts on (or is guided by) an abutment surface 157 of the operation ring body 150 described later is formed to position the locking portion 132 at the locking position.

[0053] Next, the configuration of the locking body 130 of the pipe connection portion structure 100 of one embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. Fig. 8(a) and (b) are schematic perspective views of the operating ring body 150 as viewed from the front and rear. Fig. 9(a) to (c) are front, side, and rear views of the operating ring body 150. Fig. 10(a) and (b) are DD and EE cross-sectional views of the operating ring body 150.

[0054] The operation ring body 150 is configured to be attached to the axial tip of the tube part 110 so as to be movable relative to the tube part 110. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the operation ring body 150 is a ring body that is open on both the axial tip side and the axial base side, and is formed to be fitted or inserted on the tip side part 111a of the tube part 110. The operation ring body 150 is configured so that the locking body 130 can be arranged on the radial inside. The operation ring body 150 has an annular peripheral wall part 151 that forms its outer circumferential surface. The outer surface of the peripheral wall part 151 is provided with a plurality of projections and recesses so that the operator can easily grip and rotate the operation. The peripheral wall part 151 has a tip side opening 152 and a base side opening 153. The tip side opening 152 has an inner diameter that allows the end of a tube to be inserted therein. On the other hand, the base side opening 153 has an inner diameter that allows the tip side part 111a of the tube part 110 to be inserted therein. Moreover, the inner diameter of the base end opening 153 is smaller than the outer diameter of the flange of the cylindrical portion 110. This allows the base end surface of the operating ring body 150 to engage with the flange .

[0055] 10(a), the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 151 of the operating ring body 150 forms an inclined surface at its tip portion (near the tip edge) that decreases in diameter toward the tip. This inclined surface acts on the abutted portion 135 of the locking body 130 from the radially outer side, and functions as an abutment surface 157 (abutment portion) that guides or maintains the locking portion 132 in the approaching direction of the tube. Since the outer diameter of the abutted portion 135 is larger than the minimum inner diameter (inner diameter of the tip) of the abutment surface 157, the abutted portion 135 moves relatively toward the axial tip so as to abut or approach the abutment surface 157, thereby elastically deforming the contact / separation piece 133 radially inward, or restricting the elastic deformation of the contact / separation piece 133 radially outward.

[0056] 10(a) and 10(b), the inner surface of the peripheral wall 151 of the operation ring body 150 is provided with an accommodation recess 154 recessed at its base end portion (near the base end edge) to accommodate the control path 120 (projecting wall 120a) of the tube portion 110, and a controlled portion 155 formed to protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the accommodation recess 154. The controlled portion 155 is a rectangular protrusion, and is disposed inside the control path 120 accommodated in the accommodation recess 154, and its movement is restricted within the control path 120. The controlled portion 155 is disposed at the base end of the peripheral wall 151, and has a bottom surface on the base end side common to the base end surface of the peripheral wall 151. In other words, the bottom surface of the controlled portion 155 and the end surface of the peripheral wall 151 are on the same plane. In this embodiment, the accommodating recess 154 and the controlled portion 155 are formed at two locations in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 151 so as to correspond to the control paths 120 formed at two locations in the cylindrical wall 111. In addition, a position display portion 156 indicating the position of the controlled portion 155 is displayed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 151.

[0057] Based on the above description of each component, the pipe connection structure 100 in which the operating ring body 150 is in the connection position with respect to the tube portion 110 will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13. Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the connection body 11 including the pipe connection structure 100. Figs. 12(a) to (c) are a front view, a side view, and a plan view of the connection body 11. Figs. 13(a) to (c) are an FF vertical cross-sectional view, a GG vertical cross-sectional view, and an HH horizontal cross-sectional view of the pipe connection structure 100.

[0058] When the operation ring body 150 is in the connection position with respect to the tubular portion 110, as shown in Figures 11 to 13, the operation ring body 150 moves to the base end side of the tubular portion 110, and the tube connection portion structure 100 assumes a form in which it is contracted in the axial direction. At this time, the locking body 130 is housed on the tip side within the tubular wall 111 of the tubular portion 110, and the operation ring body 150 is fitted externally to the tubular wall 111 so as to cover the tip side portion 111a of the tubular portion 110 and the tip portion of the locking body 130.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 13(a), the tip of the locking portion 132 (the contact / separation piece 133 and the locking protrusion 134) of the locking body 130 protrudes from the insertion opening 112 at the tip of the tube wall 111, while being surrounded from the radially outer side by the peripheral wall portion 151 of the operation ring body 150. The locking body 130 is held by the tube portion 110 by disposing the held portion 136 of the locking body 130 in the slide groove 115b of the locking body holding portion 115 of the tube wall 111. The locking body 130 can move in the axial direction relative to the tube portion 110 and the operation ring body 150 by moving the held portion 136 in the slide groove 115b. In FIG. 13(a) and (b), the solid lines indicate a state in which the locking body 130 retreats to the base end side in the slide groove 115b, and the imaginary lines indicate a state in which the locking body 130 advances to the tip end side in the slide groove 115b.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 13(b) and (c), the controlled portion 155 of the operating ring body 150 is disposed in the control path 120, so that the operating ring body 150 is held by the tube portion 110. In addition, the base end surface of the operating ring body 150 engages with the flange 116 of the tube portion 110, so that the operating ring body 150 is disposed in the connection position. At the same time, the controlled portion 155 is disposed in the connection region 121 in the control path 120. As shown in Fig. 13(c), when the controlled portion 155 is disposed in the connection region 121a, the axial movement of the controlled portion 155 is restricted, and the free movement of the controlled portion 155 to the transferable region 121b is restricted, so that the operating ring body 150 is stably maintained at the connection position.

[0061] Here, in the tube connection structure 100 shown in Fig. 13, the operation ring body 150 is disposed at the connection position, but when the locking body 130 is disposed at the base end side (shown by the solid line in Fig. 13), the abutted part 135 of the locking body 130 is separated from the abutment surface 157 of the operation ring body 150. On the other hand, when the locking body 130 moves to the axial tip side following the tube extraction operation (shown by the imaginary line in Fig. 13), the abutted part 135 acts on the abutment surface 157 from the radial outside, and the locking part 132 can be disposed at the locking position on the radial inside (see Fig. 18). In other words, at least in a state in which the abutted part 135 abuts against the abutment surface 157, the displacement of the locking part 132 to the radial outside is restricted, and the locking part 132 is maintained at the locking position. That is, the pipe connection structure 100 controls the locking portion 132 of the locking body 130 when the operating ring body 150 moves relatively to the connection position, thereby making it possible to maintain the connected state of the pipes.

[0062] Next, the pipe connection structure 100 in which the operating ring body 150 is in the release position relative to the tube portion 110 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16. Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a connector 11 including the pipe connection structure 100. Figs. 15(a) to (c) are a front view, a side view, and a plan view of the connector 11. Figs. 16(a) to (c) are an F'-F' longitudinal cross-sectional view, a G'-G' longitudinal cross-sectional view, and an H'-H' transverse cross-sectional view of the pipe connection structure 100.

[0063] When the operating ring body 150 is in the release position relative to the tubular portion 110, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, the operating ring body 150 moves to the tip side of the tubular portion 110, and the pipe connection portion structure 100 takes a form in which it is extended in the axial direction. At this time, the locking body 130 is housed on the tip side within the tubular wall 111 of the tubular portion 110, and the operating ring body 150 is fitted externally to the tubular wall 111 so as to cover a part of the tip side portion 111a of the tubular portion 110 and the tip portion of the locking body 130.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 16(a), the tip of the locking portion 132 (the contact / separation piece 133 and the locking protrusion 134) of the locking body 130 protrudes from the insertion opening 112 at the tip of the tube wall 111, while being surrounded from the radially outer side by the peripheral wall portion 151 of the operation ring body 150. Similarly, in the released state, the held portion 136 of the locking body 130 moves within the slide groove 115b of the tube portion 110, so that the locking body 130 can move in the axial direction relative to the tube portion 110 and the operation ring body 150. In Figs. 16(a) and (b), the solid lines indicate a state in which the locking body 130 retreats to the base end side within the slide groove 115b, and the imaginary lines indicate a state in which the locking body 130 advances to the tip end side within the slide groove 115b.

[0065] 16(b) and (c), the controlled portion 155 of the operating ring body 150 is disposed in the control path 120, whereby the operating ring body 150 is held by the tubular portion 110. The operating ring body 150 is disposed in the release position so that the base end face of the operating ring body 150 is separated from the flange 116 of the tubular portion 110. At the same time, the controlled portion 155 is disposed in the release region 123 in the control path 120. As shown in FIG. 16(c), when the controlled portion 155 is disposed in the expansion area 123b, the axial movement of the controlled portion 155 is restricted, so that the operating ring body 150 is stably maintained in the release position.

[0066] Here, in the tube connection structure 100 shown in Fig. 16, the operation ring body 150 is disposed at the release position, so that the abutted portion 135 of the locking body 130 is constantly separated from the abutting surface 157 of the operation ring body 150 regardless of the presence or absence of axial movement of the locking body 130. In other words, even if the locking body 130 moves to the axial tip side following the tube extraction operation, at least the locking portion 132 is allowed to displace radially outward, and the locking portion 132 is not maintained at the locking position (see Fig. 19). In other words, the tube connection structure 100 controls the locking portion 132 of the locking body 130 to enable disconnection of the tube when the operation ring body 150 moves relatively to the release position located on the axial tip side from the connection position.

[0067] Next, referring to Fig. 17, a method of operating the operating ring body 150 with respect to the tube part 110 to switch between the connected state and the released state of the tube based on the relationship between the control path 120 and the controlled part 155 will be described. It is assumed that the connected state of the tube is maintained as an initial state. In this first connected state, the controlled part 155 is located in the connection area 121a of the connection region 121 in the control path 120, and the connected state of the tube is stably maintained. In other words, the first connected state refers to a locked state in which the connected state between the tube connection part structure 100 and the tube is locked.

[0068] The following procedure is followed to switch from the connected state to the released state. By rotating the operation ring body 150 in one direction around the tube portion 110 as an axis, the controlled portion 155 is forced to climb over the movement restricting portion 122 and move to the extended rotation path 121c. The operation of the controlled portion 155 climbing over the movement restricting portion 122 gives the operator a sense of resistance and a clicking sensation.

[0069] By further rotating the operation ring body 150, the controlled part 155 moves from the extended rotation path 121c to the transferable area 121b and is locked by the convex wall 120a. At this time, an extra stroke is intentionally formed in the rotation operation of the operation ring body 150 due to the extended rotation path 121c having a length in the circumferential direction. This stroke makes it possible to determine whether or not the movement restriction part 122 has been overcome based on the amount of rotation operation, even if the operator cannot sense the resistance at the time of the operation of overcoming the movement restriction part 122. In addition, since the relative rotation amount of the operation ring body 150 required for the controlled part 155 to move between the transferable area 121b and the connection area 121a is within half a turn, the operator can operate the operation ring body 150 without changing his / her grip by hand.

[0070] Even when the controlled part 155 is placed in the transferable area 121b, the operation ring body 150 is still in the connected position. In this second connected state, the controlled part 155 is allowed to move to both the connected area 121a and the release area 123 within the control path 120. In other words, the second connected state refers to a provisionally connected state immediately before the transition from the connected state to the release state (or immediately after the transition from the release state to the connected state). This provisionally connected state can be forcibly released by applying a force to the tube in the pull-out direction. The connected position of the operation ring body 150 includes both the locked state and the provisionally connected state, but may also be referred to as the locked position and the provisionally connected position as necessary.

[0071] Next, by pulling the operation ring body 150 toward the axial tip, the controlled part 155 moves from the transferable area 121b to the release area 123a of the release area 123 via the intermediate area 125. Since the transferable area 121b, the intermediate area 125, and the release area 123a are arranged in a substantially linear manner in the axial direction, the operator can move the controlled part 155 from the connection area 121 to the release area 123 by pulling the operation ring body 150 in the axial direction without requiring a complicated operation such as a screw rotation, and as a result, the operation ring body 150 can be displaced from the connection position to the release position. The direction in which the operation ring body 150 is operated from the connection position to the release position is the same as the direction in which the tube is pulled out, so that the operator can intuitively perform the release operation. Furthermore, when removing the tube, instead of directly operating the operating ring body 150, a strong force in the removal direction can be applied to the tube to forcibly move the operating ring body 150 together with the locking body 130, thereby moving the controlled part 155 from the transferable area 121b to the release area 123.

[0072] The pipe connection structure 100 forms a first release state when the controlled part 155 is disposed in the release area 123a. When at least the controlled part 155 is disposed in the release area 123a, it becomes possible to pull out the pipe from the pipe connection structure 100 without being locked by the locking body 130. In this first release state, the controlled part 155 is permitted to move to both the connection region 121 and the expansion area 123b within the control path 120. In other words, the first release state refers to the release state immediately after the transition from the connected state to the released state (or immediately before the transition from the released state to the connected state).

[0073] Then, by rotating the operating ring body 150 in the other direction (opposite to the first rotating operation), the controlled part 155 moves from the release area 123a to the expansion area 123b. In the second released state, the controlled part 155 is located in the expansion area 123b of the release region 123 in the control path 120, so that the operating ring body 150 is prevented from easily and unintentionally moving from the release position to the connection position, and the released state of the tube is stably maintained.

[0074] To switch from the connected state to the released state, the above steps can be reversed. Note that the direction in which the operating ring body 150 is operated from the released position to the connected position is the same as the direction in which the tube is inserted, so that the operator can intuitively perform the connection operation.

[0075] That is, the operator can easily switch between the connected state and the released state of the pipe connection structure 100 by rotating and axially operating the operation ring body 150 according to the approximately U-shaped movement path shown by the arrow in FIG. 17. In addition, in a series of operations, the rotation direction of the operation ring body 150 when the controlled portion 155 moves from the release area 123a to the expansion area 123b is the same as the rotation direction of the operation ring body when the controlled portion 155 moves from the transferable area 121b to the connection area 121a. Therefore, the rotation operation of the operation ring body 150 is kept within a certain range in the circumferential direction, and the deterioration of operability is suppressed. The range of this rotation operation is determined by the circumferential length of the connection area 121 and / or the release area 123a in the control path 120. The range of this rotation operation is preferably less than one rotation, more preferably 1 / 4 rotation or less, and even more preferably 1 / 6 rotation or less.

[0076] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the pipe connection device 10 in a connected state (locked state) in which the corrugated tube 15 is connected via the pipe connection structure 100. As shown in FIG. 18, the corrugated tube 15 is inserted into the inside of the tubular portion 110 from the insertion opening 112. To construct the pipe connection device 10 in this connected state, the tip of the corrugated tube 15 can be forcibly inserted from the insertion opening 112 to connect the corrugated tube 15 to the pipe connection structure 100. Here, the pipe connection structure 100 can connect the corrugated tube 15 while the operation ring body 150 is placed in the connection position (locked position and temporary connection position). In particular, when the corrugated tube 15 is connected to the pipe connection structure 100 with the operation ring body 150 placed in the lock position, the pipe connection device 10 in the connected state (locked state) of FIG. 18 can be quickly constructed. On the other hand, the corrugated tube 15 may be connected to the pipe connection structure 100 by inserting the corrugated tube 15 into the pipe connection structure 100 with the operating ring body 150 placed in the release position, and then operating the operating ring body 150 from the release position to the connection position.

[0077] In the pipe connection device 10, the operation ring body 150 is located at a connection position relative to the tubular portion 110, and the locking protrusion 134 of the locking body 130 is deeply inserted into the recess of the corrugated pipe 15. In this pipe connection device 10, tension is applied to the corrugated pipe 15 in the pull-out direction, and the locking body 130 moves toward the tip side inside the tubular portion 110. Then, by positioning the operation ring body 150 at the connection position on the base end side of the tubular portion 110, the abutment surface 157 of the operation ring body 150 abuts against the abutted portion 135 of the locking body 130, or the abutment surface 157 presses the abutted portion 135 radially inward. As a result, the locking portion 132 is located at a locking position close to the outer surface of the corrugated pipe 15, and locks the corrugated pipe 15. In other words, the contact surface 157 restricts the elastic deformation of the contact piece 133 in the radially outward direction, thereby preventing the locking piece 134 from coming off the recess of the corrugated tube 15 in the radially outward direction. As a result, the connection state between the corrugated tube 15 and the pipe connection structure 100 is maintained.

[0078] In another embodiment of the present invention, when the locking body 130 is disposed on the tip side, the abutted portion 135 may be spaced apart from the abutment surface 157. In other words, when the abutted portion 135 is elastically displaced radially outward, it may abut against the abutment surface 157, thereby limiting the amount of radially outward displacement of the locking portion 132, thereby maintaining the arrangement of the locking portion 132 at the locking position and preventing the locking protrusion 134 from climbing over the convex portion of the corrugated tube 12.

[0079] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the pipe connection device 10 in a released state where the connection of the corrugated pipe 15 can be released from the pipe connection structure 100. The pipe connection device 10 in the released state of FIG. 19 can be formed by operating the operation ring body 150 of the pipe connection device 10 in the connected state of FIG. 18 to move it from the connected position to the released position. The axial operation of the operation ring body 150 is the same as the extraction direction of the corrugated pipe 15, so that the operator can intuitively perform the operation. In addition, by selectively disposing the controlled portion 155 in the expansion area 123b of the release area 123, the operation ring body 150 is prevented from unintentionally returning to the connected position during the extraction operation of the corrugated pipe 15.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 19, the operation ring body 150 is located at the release position relative to the tubular portion 110, and the locking protrusion 134 of the locking body 130 is inserted into the recess of the corrugated tube 15. In this pipe connection device 10, tension is applied to the corrugated tube 15 in the pull-out direction, and the locking body 130 moves toward the tip side inside the tubular portion 110. Then, by positioning the operation ring body 150 at the release position on the tip side of the tubular portion 110, the abutted portion 135 of the locking body 130 and the abutment surface 157 of the operation ring body 150 are separated. At this time, the locking portion 132 of the locking body 130 can be elastically displaced radially outward, and is not maintained at least in the locked position. In this released state, when a force is applied to the corrugated tube 15 in the direction of pulling it out, the locking portion 132 of the locking body 130 elastically deforms in the radial expansion direction, climbing over the convex portion of the corrugated tube 15, and finally, the corrugated tube 15 can be pulled out of the pipe connection structure 100.

[0081] The following describes the operation and effects of the pipe connection structure 100 and the pipe connection device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] According to the pipe connection structure 100 (or pipe connection device 10) of this embodiment, when the operation ring body 150 moves relatively to the connection position, the locking body 130 locks the outer surface of the pipe based on the first relative positional relationship between the abutment surface 157 and the locking portion 132, thereby maintaining the connection state of the pipe, and when the operation ring body 150 moves relatively to the release position located on the axial tip side from the connection position, the locking body 130 does not lock the outer surface of the pipe based on the second relative positional relationship between the abutment surface 157 and the locking portion 132, thereby enabling the pipe to be disconnected. The control path 120 and the controlled unit 155 of the pipe connection structure 100 control the path of the relative movement of the operation ring body 150 with respect to the tube portion 110 to determine the operation direction of the operator. The control path 120 includes a connection region 121 that places the operation ring body 150 at the connection position when the controlled unit 155 is placed, and a release region 123 that places the operation ring body 150 at the release position when the controlled unit 155 is placed. And, the movement path between the connection region 121 and the release region 123, which forms at least a part of the control path 120, extends in the axial direction. That is, when an operator releases the connection of a tube, the operator operates the operation ring body 150 to pull it toward the axial tip side in the same direction as the tube extraction direction, thereby moving the controlled portion 155 from the connection region 121 to the release region 123 along the axial direction, and the locking of the tube by the locking body 130 can be released. At this time, since the tube extraction direction and the operation direction of the operation ring body 150 are the same, and the locking body 130 and the operation ring body 150 are independent, the influence of the tension of the tube is suppressed in the operation of the operation ring body 150. Therefore, the tube connection part structure 100 of this embodiment enables the operation of disconnecting the tube by an intuitive operation, improving the workability in disconnecting the tube.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various other embodiments are possible. Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In addition, in other embodiments, components represented by three digits that have the same last two digits have the same characteristics unless otherwise specified, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] [Second embodiment] 20 to 25 show a pipe connection structure 200 and a pipe connection device 20 according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a connector 21 having a pipe connection structure 200 at both ends. As shown in FIG. 20, the connector 21 has a pair of pipe connection structures 200 that allow tubes to be inserted and connected at both axial ends, and has a structure that is symmetrical about the axial center. The connector 21 is configured by assembling a connector body 23 provided with a pair of cylindrical portions 210, a locking body 230, an operation ring body 250, and a packing 270 as separate bodies. Here, the configurations of the locking body 230 and the operation ring body 250 are similar to those of the locking body 130 and the operation ring body 150 of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0085] 20, the pipe connection structure 200 includes a hollow cylindrical tube portion 210 that extends from an axial base end to an axial tip end, has an insertion opening 212 at its axial tip end for receiving a tube, and has a tube inserted through the insertion opening 212, a locking body 230 that is disposed within the tube portion 210 and locks the outer surface of the tube inserted into the tube portion 210, an operation ring body 250 that is attached to the axial tip end of the tube portion 210 so as to be movable relative to the tube portion 210 and controls the locking state of the locking body 230 to the outer surface of the tube, and a rubber packing 270 that is inserted into the tube portion 210 on the base end side of the locking body 230. The operation ring body 250 is configured to control whether or not the locking body 230 locks the outer surface of the tube depending on its relative position with respect to the tube portion 210. In particular, the operation ring body 250 has an abutment surface 257 (abutment portion) that abuts against the locking portion 232 to place the locking portion 232 in the locking position according to the relative position with respect to the tube portion 210. The tube connection portion structure 200 is configured to maintain the tube connection state when the operation ring body 250 moves relatively to the connection position, and to enable the tube to be disconnected when the operation ring body 250 moves relatively to a release position located on the axial tip side from the connection position. The tube connection portion structure 200 is provided with a control path 220 and a controlled portion 255 for controlling the relative movement of the operation ring body 250 with respect to the tube portion 210.

[0086] Fig. 21 is a schematic perspective view of the connector main body 23 including the tubular portion 210. Figs. 22(a) to (c) are a front view, a side view, and a plan view of the connector main body 23 and the tubular portion 210. Figs. 23(a) and (b) are a KK cross-sectional view and an LL cross-sectional view of the connector main body 23 and the tubular portion 210.

[0087] As shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the tube portion 210 is integrally formed at the end of the hollow tube-shaped connector body 23. The tube portion 210 is a hollow tube-shaped portion extending from the axial base end to the axial tip end at the end of the connector body 23. The tube portion 210 also includes a hollow tube-shaped outer tube portion 211 into which a tube is inserted, and a hollow tube-shaped inner tube portion 217 inserted into the tube inserted into the outer tube portion 211. A space for inserting and holding a tube is defined inside the outer tube portion 211. The outer tube portion 211 can be divided into a tip side portion 211a into which the operation ring body 250 is inserted and attached, and a base side portion 211b on the base side of the tip side portion 211a (where the operation ring body 250 does not move).

[0088] The cylindrical portion 210 is open at both axial ends. In particular, the cylindrical portion 210 is provided with an insertion opening 212 at its axial tip for receiving a tube, and a connection port 213 at its axial base for connecting the tip of the tube to a predetermined target (another tube in this case). The inner circumference of the outer cylindrical portion 211 and the insertion opening 212 have a diameter that allows a tube to be inserted, but as shown in FIG. 23(a), the inner diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 211 is slightly reduced from the base end side to the tip end side. On the other hand, at the base end of the cylindrical portion 210, a restricting wall 214 is provided that protrudes radially inward from the outer cylindrical portion 211, and a connection port 213 is formed inside the restricting wall 214. This restricting wall 214 radially connects the outer cylindrical portion 211 and the inner cylindrical portion 217 at the base end of the cylindrical portion 210. The connection port 213 has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the tube to be inserted, similar to the inner diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 217. That is, the restricting wall 214 functions to axially lock the tube inserted into the outer tube portion 211. In this embodiment, two pipe connection portion structures 200 are formed adjacent to each other on both axial ends of the connector body 23, and the restricting wall 214 of one pipe connection portion structure 200 and the restricting wall 214 of the other pipe connection portion structure 200 are integrated together.

[0089] As in the pipe connection structure 100 of the first embodiment, a locking body holding portion 215 for holding a locking body 230 inside is formed on the tip edge of the outer tube portion 211 of the tube portion 210, and a flange 216 protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the outer tube portion 211 of the tube portion 210. A control path 220 for controlling the operation direction or movement path of the operation ring body 250 relative to the tube portion 210 is provided in an area adjacent to the tip side of the flange 216 on the outer surface of the outer tube portion 211. The configuration of this control path 220 is the same as that of the pipe connection structure 100 of the first embodiment.

[0090] 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the pipe connection device 20 in a connected state in which the corrugated pipe 25 is connected via the pipe connection structure 200. As shown in FIG. 24, the corrugated pipe 25 is inserted into the outer tube portion 211 of the tube portion 210 from the insertion opening 212, and the inner tube portion 217 is inserted into the corrugated pipe 25. A packing 270 is disposed between the outer surface of the corrugated pipe 25 and the inner surface of the outer tube portion 211 to seal the tip of the corrugated pipe 25. The locking protrusion 234 of the locking body 230 is deeply inserted into the recess of the corrugated pipe 25. In this pipe connection device 20, tension is applied to the corrugated pipe 25 in the pull-out direction, and the locking body 230 moves toward the tip side in the tube portion 210. Then, by positioning the operation ring body 250 at the connection position on the base end side of the tube portion 210, the abutment surface 257 of the operation ring body 250 abuts against the abutted portion 236 of the locking body 230, or the abutment surface 257 presses the abutted portion 236 radially inward. As a result, the locking portion 232 is disposed at a locking position close to the outer surface of the corrugated tube 25, and locks the corrugated tube 25. In other words, the abutment surface 257 restricts the elastic deformation of the contact piece 233 radially outward, thereby preventing the locking protrusion 234 from detaching radially outward from the recess of the corrugated tube 25. As a result, the connection state between the corrugated tube 25 and the tube connection structure 200 is maintained. In this embodiment, the inner tube portion 217 is inserted into the tube of the corrugated tube 25 inserted into the outer tube portion 211 of the tube portion 210, and the inner tube portion 217 extends at least toward the axial tip side of the locking protrusion 234 in the locking position. Therefore, when the locking protrusion 234 abuts against the outer surface of the corrugated tube 25, the corrugated tube 25 is prevented from being significantly deformed radially inward, and the corrugated tube 25 can be connected stably.

[0091] 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the pipe connection device 20 in a released state in which the connection of the corrugated pipe 25 can be released from the pipe connection structure 200. As shown in FIG. 25, the operation ring body 250 is located at the release position with respect to the tube portion 210, and the locking protrusion 234 of the locking body 230 is inserted into the recess of the corrugated pipe 25. In this pipe connection device 20, tension is applied to the corrugated pipe 25 in the pull-out direction, and the locking body 230 moves toward the tip side in the tube portion 210. Then, the operation ring body 250 is located at the release position on the tip side of the tube portion 210, so that the abutted portion 236 of the locking body 230 and the abutting surface 257 of the operation ring body 250 are separated from each other. At this time, the locking portion 232 of the locking body 230 can be elastically displaced radially outward, and is not maintained at least in the locked position. In this released state, when a force is applied to the corrugated tube 25 in the direction of pulling it out, the locking portion 232 of the locking body 230 elastically deforms in the radial expansion direction, climbing over the convex portion of the corrugated tube 25, and finally, the corrugated tube 25 can be pulled out of the pipe connection structure 200.

[0092] Therefore, the pipe connection structure 200 of the present embodiment enables the pipe connection and disconnection operation to be performed by an intuitive operation, improving the workability in disconnecting the pipe.

[0093] [Third embodiment] 26 and 27 show a pipe connection structure 300 and a pipe connection device 30 according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention. Fig. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a pipe connection device 30 in a connected state in which a pipe 35 is connected via a pipe connection structure 300. Here, a rubber tube is used as the pipe 35, not a corrugated tube. In the pipe connection structure 300, a locking body 330 and an operating ring body 350 are similar to the locking body 130 and the operating ring body 150 of the first embodiment, but a part of the configuration of a tube portion 310 is different.

[0094] That is, the pipe connection structure 300 includes a hollow cylindrical tube portion 310 that extends from an axial base end to an axial tip end, has an insertion opening 313 at its axial tip end for receiving a tube, and has a tube 35 inserted through the insertion opening 313, a locking body 330 that is disposed in the tube portion 310 and locks the outer surface of the tube inserted in the tube portion 310, and an operation ring body 350 that is attached to the axial tip end of the tube portion 310 so as to be movable relative to the tube portion 310 and controls the locking state of the locking body 330 to the outer surface of the tube. The operation ring body 350 is configured to control whether or not the locking body 330 locks the outer surface of the tube depending on its relative position with respect to the tube portion 310. In particular, the operation ring body 350 has an abutment surface 357 (abutment portion) that abuts against the locking portion 332 to place the locking portion 332 in the locking position depending on its relative position with respect to the tube portion 310. The pipe connection structure 300 is configured to maintain the pipe connection state when the operating ring body 350 moves relatively to the connection position, and to enable the pipe 35 to be disconnected when the operating ring body 350 moves relatively to a release position located axially further toward the tip side than the connection position. The pipe connection structure 300 is provided with a control path 320 and a controlled unit 355 for controlling the relative movement of the operating ring body 350 with respect to the tube portion 310. The configurations of the control path 320 and the controlled unit 355 are similar to those of the pipe connection structure 100 of the first embodiment.

[0095] In this embodiment, the locking body holding portion 315 provided on the tubular portion 310 is configured to hold the locking body 330 fixed in the axial direction, rather than slidably holding the locking body 330. That is, the locking body holding portion 315 is composed of an introduction recess 315a for introducing the held portion 336 of the locking body 330, and a fixing hole 315b into which the held portion 336 fits. Also, in this embodiment, the relative axial positions of the locking body 330 and the operating ring body 350 held by the tubular portion 310 are different from those of the tubular portion 110 of the first embodiment.

[0096] 26, when the operating ring body 350 is disposed at the connection position on the base end side of the tube portion 310, the abutment surface 357 (abutment portion) of the operating ring body 350 abuts against the abutted portion 335 of the locking portion 332 of the locking body 330, and presses the abutted portion 335 radially inward, whereby the contact / separation piece 333 elastically deforms in the direction approaching the tube 35, and the locking protrusion 334 bites into the outer surface of the tube 35. In other words, the locking portion 332 locks the tube 35 at the locking position close to the outer surface of the tube 35. In other words, the tube connection portion structure 300 is configured to maintain the connection state of the tube 35 by elastically displacing the locking portion 332 radially inward and pressing it against the outer surface of the tube 35.

[0097] 27, when the operating ring body 350 is disposed at the release position on the tip side of the tube portion 310, the abutment surface 357 of the operating ring body 350 moves away from the abutted portion 335 of the locking portion 332 of the locking body 330, and the contact / separation piece 333 elastically returns in the separation direction of the tube 35, so that the locking projection 334 moves away from the tube 35. That is, the locking portion 332 is disposed at a non-locking position separated from the outer surface of the tube 35. That is, the tube connection portion structure 300 is configured to release the connection state of the tube 35 by elastically displacing the locking portion 332 radially outward to separate it from the tube 35.

[0098] Therefore, the pipe connection structure 300 of the present embodiment enables the pipe connection and disconnection operation to be performed by an intuitive operation, improving the workability in disconnecting the pipe.

[0099] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Modifications of the present invention will be described below. In each modification, components indicated by three digits that have the same last two digits have the same or similar characteristics unless otherwise specified, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] (1) The pipe connection structure of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. The control path of the present invention can take various forms. FIG. 28 shows a control path 120A of a first modified example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 28, the control path 120A has a substantially U-shape with an open axial tip side. The control path 120A includes a connection region 121A that places the operation ring body 150 in the connection position when the controlled portion 155 is placed, a release region 123A that places the operation ring body 150 in the release position when the controlled portion 155 is placed, and an intermediate region 125A that forms a transition state between the connection state and the release state.

[0101] The connection region 121A includes at least a connection section 121Aa in which the movement of the controlled section 155 in the axial direction is restricted, and a transferable section 121Ab that communicates with the release region 123A in the axial direction and allows the controlled section 155 to move to both the connection section 121Aa and the release region 123A. In this embodiment, the connection section 121Aa is provided at the circumferential center of the connection region 121A, and two transferable sections 121Ab are provided on both sides of the connection section 121Aa. Two movement restriction sections 122A are provided between one connection section 121Aa and two adjacent transferable sections 121Ab.

[0102] The release area 123A is provided in two locations so as to be arranged in line with the two transferable areas 121Ab of the connection area 121A in the axial direction. An intermediate area 125A is arranged between each release area 123A and each transferable area 121Ab. Each release area 123A and each transferable area 121Ab are linearly arranged in the axial direction. That is, a movement path between the connection area 121A and the release area 123A, which forms at least a part of the control path 120A, extends in the axial direction. Note that an extension area extending in the circumferential direction is omitted in the release area 123A.

[0103] (2) The pipe connection structure of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. The control path of the present invention can take various forms. FIG. 29 shows a control path 120B of a second modified example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 29, the control path 120B is substantially T-shaped. The control path 120B includes a connection region 121B that places the operation ring body 150 in the connection position when the controlled portion 155 is placed, a release region 123B that places the operation ring body 150 in the release position when the controlled portion 155 is placed, and an intermediate region 125B that forms a transition state between the connection state and the release state.

[0104] The connection region 121B includes at least a connection section 121Ba in which the axial movement of the controlled section 155 is restricted, and a transferable section 121Bb that communicates with the release region 123B in the axial direction and allows the controlled section 155 to move to both the connection section 121Ba and the release region 123B. In this embodiment, the transferable section 121Bb is provided in the circumferential center of the connection region 121B, and two connection sections 121Ba are provided on both sides of the transferable section 121Bb. Two movement restriction sections 122B are provided between the two connection sections 121Ba and one adjacent transferable section 121Bb.

[0105] The release region 123B is provided at one location so as to be arranged in line with the transferable region 121Bb of the connection region 121B in the axial direction. An intermediate region 125B is arranged between the release region 123B and the transferable region 121Bb. The release region 123B and the transferable region 121Bb are arranged in a straight line in the axial direction. That is, a movement path between the connection region 121B and the release region 123B, which forms at least a part of the control path 120B, extends in the axial direction. Note that the release region 123B does not include an extended region extending in the circumferential direction.

[0106] (3) The pipe connection structure of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. The control path of the present invention can take various forms. FIG. 30 shows a control path 120C of a third modified example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 30, the control path 120C is linear as a simpler configuration. The control path 120C includes a connection region 121C that places the operation ring body 150 in the connection position when the controlled portion 155 is placed, and a release region 123C that places the operation ring body 150 in the release position when the controlled portion 155 is placed.

[0107] The connection region 121C and the release region 123C are arranged linearly in the axial direction with the connection region 121C. That is, the movement path between the connection region 121C and the release region 123C, which constitutes the control path 120C, extends in the axial direction. Here, a movement restriction portion 122C is provided between the connection region 121C and the release region 123C. Note that in the present invention, the movement restriction portion may be omitted.

[0108] (4) The pipe connection structure of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. The control path of the present invention can take various forms. FIG. 31 shows a control path 120D of a second modified example of the present invention. The control path 120D includes a connection region 121D that places the operation ring body 150 in the connection position when the controlled portion 155 is placed, a release region 123D that places the operation ring body 150 in the release position when the controlled portion 155 is placed, and an intermediate region 125D that forms a transition state between the connection state and the release state.

[0109] The connection region 121D includes at least a connection section 121Da in which axial movement of the controlled section 155 is restricted, and a transferable section 121Db that communicates with the release region 123D in the axial direction and allows movement of the controlled section 155 to both the connection section 121Da and the release region 123D. A movement restriction section 122D is provided between the connection section 121Da and the adjacent transferable section 121Db.

[0110] The release region 123D includes a release region 123Da arranged axially alongside the transferable region 121Db of the connection region 121D, and an extension region 123Db connected to the release region 123Da so that the controlled portion 155 enters from the release region 123Da by rotating the operation ring body 150D. A second movement restriction portion 122D is provided between the release region 123Da and the adjacent extension region 123Db.

[0111] Between the transferable area 121Db of the connection area 121D and the release area 123Da of the release area 123D, an intermediate area 125D is disposed. Here, the intermediate area 125D forms a slope that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction and extends continuously while being inclined with respect to the drawing direction of the tube. The intermediate area 125D allows the axial movement of the controlled portion 155 (axial operation of the operation ring body 150) as in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, in this modified example, the movement path between the connection area 121D and the release area 123D, which forms at least a part of the control path 120D, extends in the axial direction. In particular, at least a part of the connection area 121D (transferable area 121Db) and at least a part of the release area 123D (release area 123Da) partially overlap with each other at a circumferential position and face each other (or communicate with each other) along the axial direction. In this example, the inclination angle of the intermediate area 125D with respect to the axial direction is 45 degrees or less. Therefore, in the present invention, as long as the axial operation of the operating ring body 150 from the connected position to the released position is not impeded, the movement path between the connected region and the released region may be inclined from the axial direction.

[0112] (5) The pipe connection structure of the present invention is provided at both ends of a cylindrical connector serving as a pipe joint, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig. 32 shows a box 51 equipped with the pipe connection structure 500 of the present invention. A cylindrical body equipped with the pipe connection structure 500 can be attached to the box 51 through a through hole formed in its side wall. In other words, the pipe connection structure of the present invention can be applied to various forms.

[0113] (6) The configuration of the pipe connection portion structure of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the control path is formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion, and the corresponding controlled portion is formed on the inner surface of the operation ring body. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the control path may be formed on the inner surface of the operation ring body, and the corresponding controlled portion may be formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. Also, in the above embodiment, the periphery of the control path is surrounded by a convex wall and a flange that protrude radially outward, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the control path may be a recessed groove or a through groove recessed into the outer surface.

[0114] (7) The pipe connection structure and the pipe connection device of the present invention are not limited to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments. In the above-mentioned embodiments, the pipe connection structure is configured to connect a corrugated pipe having a circular cross section, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pipe may have any cross-sectional shape, such as a rectangle, a polygon, an oval, or an ellipse. In this case, the shape of the cylindrical portion may also be changed to match the cross-sectional shape of the corrugated pipe.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications, and may be implemented in various forms within the scope of the present invention. In other words, within the scope of the present invention, some of the configurations of the present embodiment may be omitted or modified, or other configurations may be added. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10 Pipe connection device 11 Connectors 13 Connection body 15 Corrugated pipe (pipe) 100 Pipe connection structure 110 Cylinder part 111 Cylinder wall 111a Tip side part 111b Proximal part 112 Insertion opening 113 Connection port 114 Regulatory Wall 115 Locking body holding part 115a Introduction recess 115b Slide groove 116 Flange 118 Operation instruction section 120 Control Path 120a Convex wall 121 Connection Area 121a Connecting Area 121b Transferable Area 121c Extended Rotary Path 122 Movement Control Department 123 Release area 123a Released Area 123b Extension Area 125 Intermediate area 130 Locking body 131 Base 132 Locking part 133 Contact piece 134 Locking protrusion 135 Abutted part 136 Holding part 150 Operating ring body 151 Peripheral wall section 152 Tip opening 153 Proximal opening 154 Storage recess 155 Controlled part 156 Position display section 157 Contact surface (contact part) 211 External cylinder 217 Inner cylinder 270 Sealing body

Claims

1. A pipe connection structure for connecting pipes, a hollow cylindrical portion extending from an axial base end to an axial tip end, having an insertion opening at the axial tip end for receiving the tube, the tube being inserted through the insertion opening; a locking body having a base portion disposed within the cylindrical portion, and a locking portion extending from the base portion, disposed radially outward of the tube inserted into the cylindrical portion and displaceable in the radial direction, the locking portion being configured to be able to lock the tube at a locking position adjacent to an outer surface of the tube; an operating ring body attached to an axial end of the cylindrical portion so as to be movable relative to the cylindrical portion, the operating ring body has an abutment portion that abuts against the locking portion to place the locking portion at the locking position according to a relative position with respect to the cylindrical portion, and is capable of maintaining a connected state of the tube when the operating ring body moves relatively to a connection position, and is capable of disconnecting the tube when the operating ring body moves relatively to a release position that is located axially further toward the tip side than the connection position, A control path for controlling a relative movement of the operation ring body with respect to the cylindrical portion is provided on one of the cylindrical portion and the operation ring body, and a controlled portion whose movement is controlled within the control path is provided on the other of the cylindrical portion and the operation ring body, The control path includes a connection region in which the operating ring body is placed in the connection position when the controlled device is placed, and a release region in which the operating ring body is placed in the release position when the controlled device is placed, and a movement path between the connection region and the release region, which forms at least a part of the control path, extends in the axial direction.

2. The pipe connection structure described in claim 1, characterized in that the connection region comprises at least a connection section in which axial movement of the controlled portion is restricted, and a transitional section that is axially connected to the release region and allows movement of the controlled portion to both the connection section and the release region.

3. 3. The pipe connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that an intermediate region is formed between the transitional area and the release area in the control path, and the intermediate region extends continuously along the pipe extraction direction so as to allow relative axial movement of the cylindrical portion and the operating ring body.

4. The pipe connection structure described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the connection region is a region in the control path that extends circumferentially at a different axial position from the release region, and when the controlled portion is placed in the transitionable region, relative rotation of the operating ring body is permitted around the tubular portion as an axis so that the controlled portion moves circumferentially to the connection region.

5. 5. The pipe connection structure according to claim 4, wherein the amount of relative rotation of the operating ring body required for the controlled portion to move between the transitionable area and the connection area is within half a rotation.

6. The pipe connection structure described in claim 4, characterized in that the release region is provided with a release section arranged axially parallel to the transition area and an extension area circumferentially connected to the release area, and the rotation direction of the operating ring body when the controlled unit moves from the release section to the extension area is the same as the rotation direction of the operating ring body when the controlled unit moves from the transition area to the connection area.

7. The connection region includes at least a connection section in which axial movement of the controlled portion is restricted, and a transitional section that communicates with the release region in the axial direction and allows movement of the controlled portion to both the connection section and the release region. the control path includes a circumferential region including the connection region on one circumferential side and the transitionable region on the other circumferential side, and an axial region including the transitionable region on one axial side and at least a portion of the release region on the other axial side, the circumferential region allows the operation ring body to rotate relative to the cylindrical portion as an axis without requiring a relative movement of the operation ring body in an axial direction, The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the axial region allows relative axial movement of the operating ring body with respect to the tubular portion without requiring relative circumferential rotation (rotational operation) of the operating ring body.

8. The pipe connection structure described in claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the release region is provided with a release section arranged axially alongside the transitionable section, and an extension section connected to the release section so that the controlled section enters from the release section by rotating the operating ring body.

9. The pipe connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7, characterized in that the connection region allows forced operation of the operating ring body, but is provided with a movement restricting portion that restricts free movement of the controlled portion from the connection region to the release region.

10. The movement restriction portion restricts free movement of the controlled portion disposed in the connection region in a circumferential direction, and is configured so that the controlled portion overcomes the movement restriction portion by a forced rotation operation about the cylindrical portion of the operation ring body; The pipe connection structure as described in claim 9, characterized in that an extension rotation path extending circumferentially is provided at a location within the connection area closer to the release area than the movement restricting portion so as to ensure a circumferential free movement area of ​​the operating ring body.

11. The locking portion includes a contact-separation piece extending from the base portion toward a tip end side in the axial direction and displaceable in a contact-separation direction of the tube inserted into the cylindrical portion, and a locking projection projecting from the contact-separation piece toward an outer surface of the tube, The cylindrical portion includes a hollow cylindrical outer cylindrical portion into which the tube is inserted, and a hollow cylindrical inner cylindrical portion that is inserted into the tube inserted into the outer cylindrical portion, 8. A pipe connection structure according to claim 1, wherein when the locking portion is disposed at the locking position, a tip of the inner tube portion extends axially toward the tip side beyond the position of the locking protrusion.

12. A connector provided with one or more pipe connection structures according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7; and one or more pipes connected to the connector via the pipe connection structure.

Images