Pipe connection tool

Abstract

To provide a pipe connection tool capable of removing a pipe from the pipe connection tool without rotating the pipe, in a configuration in which a tip of a locking member bites into an inner surface of a pipe material to prevent the pipe from being removed.SOLUTION: A pipe connection tool comprises a body part 11 formed by combining a first split body 12 and a second split body 20, a leaf spring-like locking member 30 fixed inside the body part 11, and a connection part 40 connecting the first split body 12 and the second split body 20. When the first split body 12 and the second split body 20 are fastened together by the connection part 40, an opening edge of a window hole 21b pushes down the locking member 30, thereby allowing a pipe 50 fitted into the body part 11 to be removed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe connector for connecting pipes. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe fitting in which a cylindrical outer fitting portion is provided on the fitting body for fitting a pipe material onto the outside, and a spring material is provided on the outer fitting portion of the pipe material, one end of the anti-slip member is fixed to one wall of the outer fitting portion and the other end protrudes slightly outward at an angle from a window hole in the other wall, and when the pipe material is fitted into the outer fitting portion, the tip of the anti-slip member bites into and engages with the surface of the pipe material to prevent it from slipping out, and when the pipe material is pulled while being turned left and right, the anti-slip member slides, allowing the pipe material to slip out of the outer fitting portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-92515 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the pipe joint described in Patent Document 1 allows the pipe material to be pulled out of the outer fitting portion by turning it left and right, so it can be difficult to remove the pipe under conditions where it cannot be turned left and right. For example, if the pipe joint described in Patent Document 1 is directly applied to a square pipe, the square pipe engaged with the pipe joint cannot be turned left and right, so there is a problem that the square pipe cannot be removed from the pipe joint. In addition, even if the pipe is a round pipe, there is a problem that it is difficult to remove the pipe from the pipe joint if the pipe is thick and difficult to turn, or if the pipe is installed in a position where it cannot be turned.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pipe connector in which the tip of the locking member engages with the inner surface of the tubing in a biting manner to prevent the pipe from slipping out, and which allows the pipe to be removed from the pipe connector without turning it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a pipe connector for connecting pipes, comprising: a main body portion formed by combining a first division and a second division, to which a pipe can be fitted on the outside; a leaf spring-shaped locking member fixed inside the main body portion; and a connecting portion that connects the first division and the second division, wherein one end of the locking member is fixed to the inner surface of the first division and the other end protrudes obliquely from a window hole formed in the second division, and when a pipe is fitted into the main body portion, a tip of the locking member engages with the inner surface of the pipe in a biting manner to prevent it from coming out, and the connecting portion is capable of tightening the first division and the second division in a direction in which the hollow portion of the main body portion becomes smaller, and when the first division and the second division are tightened by the connecting portion, the opening edge of the window hole pushes down the locking member, allowing the pipe fitted into the main body portion to come out. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is as described above, and is configured such that when the pipe is fitted to the main body, the tip of the locking member bites into and engages with the inner surface of the pipe to prevent it from slipping out. Therefore, simply fitting the pipe into the main body can fix the pipe in place so that it does not slip out.

[0008] In addition, when the first and second divided bodies are fastened together by the connecting part, the opening edge of the window hole pushes down the locking member, allowing the pipe fitted into the main body to come out. This means that the retention can be released without turning the pipe, and the square pipe can be removed from the pipe connector.

[0009] In addition, since the pipe connector of the present invention is a type that fits onto the outside of the pipes, the locking members of the pipe connector are not exposed, and therefore, when the pipes are connected, the appearance is neat and the design is good. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pipe connector. [Diagram 2] (a) is a side view of the pipe connector, (b) is a plan view of the pipe connector, and (c) is a front view of the pipe connector. [Diagram 3] 3A is a side view of the second divided body, FIG. 3B is a front view of the second divided body, FIG. 3C is a side view of the first divided body and the locking member, and FIG. 3D is a front view of the first divided body and the locking member. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the state before the square pipe is fitted into the pipe connector. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram illustrating the state after the square pipe has been fitted into the pipe connector. FIG. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the fitting state between the pipe connector and the square pipe. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the operation of removing a square pipe from a pipe connector, where (a) is a diagram before the connecting portion is tightened, and (b) is a diagram after the connecting portion has been tightened. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction in which the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 are assembled (the axial direction of the bolt member 41) will be described as the up-down direction. At this time, the direction of the second divided body 20 as viewed from the first divided body 12 (the up direction in FIG. 2(c)) will be described as the up-down direction, and the direction of the first divided body 12 as viewed from the second divided body 20 (the down direction in FIG. 2(c)) will be described as the down-down direction. In addition, the longitudinal direction of the pipe connector 10 (the left-right direction in FIG. 2(a)) will be described as the front-rear direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2(c)) will be described as the left-right direction.

[0012] The pipe connector 10 according to this embodiment is for connecting pipes 50, and is used, for example, to connect pipes 50 constituting structures such as furniture such as shelves, temporary scaffolding, and fences. As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, this pipe connector 10 is configured to include a main body 11, a locking member 30, and a connecting portion 40. Note that, although all of the components of the pipe connector 10 according to this embodiment are made of metal, all or some of the components may be made of other materials (such as synthetic resins). Similarly, although the pipe 50 according to this embodiment is made of metal, it may be made of other materials (such as synthetic resins).

[0013] The pipe connector 10 according to this embodiment has a shape suitable for connecting rectangular pipes having a square cross section. For this reason, in the following description, a rectangular pipe having a square cross section will be taken as an example of the pipe 50. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to rectangular pipes, and pipes 50 of other shapes, such as round pipes, may also be connected. In that case, the shape of the pipe connector 10 may be changed to match the shape of the pipe 50 to be connected.

[0014] The main body 11 is a cylindrical section configured so that the pipe 50 can be fitted onto the outside. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 11 is configured by combining a first divided body 12 and a second divided body 20. The first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 are formed to have approximately the same length when viewed in the front-rear direction. By stacking the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 vertically, a hollow portion is formed inside, forming the cylindrical main body 11.

[0015] As shown in Figures 3(c) and 3(d), the first divided body 12 is a member formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross section and opens upward. The first divided body 12 has a bottom surface portion 13 and side surfaces 14 rising from both sides of the bottom surface portion 13.

[0016] The inner surface of the bottom portion 13 has a flat surface perpendicular to the up-down direction. A fixing hole 13b and a support hole 13c are formed through this flat surface. The fixing hole 13b is for fixing the locking member 30, and is formed at both ends of the first divided body 12 in the front-rear direction. The support hole 13c is for engaging the end of the connecting portion 40, and is formed near the center of the first divided body 12 when viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0017] A part of the bottom portion 13 bulges downward to form an inclined portion 13a. The inclined portion 13a is formed by the outer lower surface of the bottom portion 13, and forms a surface that is inclined at about 45 degrees in the up-down and left-right directions as shown in Fig. 3(d). The inclined portions 13a are provided on both the left and right sides, and are configured to face the inner surface of the pipe 50 (the flat inner surface of the square pipe) when the pipe 50 is fitted (see Fig. 6).

[0018] The side surface portions 14 are wall-like portions extending in the vertical direction. A pair of side surface portions 14 are provided on the left and right sides, and rise up parallel to each other from both the left and right sides of the bottom surface portion 13. For this reason, a roughly U-shaped groove is formed on the inside between the bottom surface portion 13 and the left and right side surface portions 14, and a locking member 30 (described later) is fixed inside this groove.

[0019] In addition, a restricting portion 14a is provided on both ends of the side surface portion 14 (both ends when viewed in the front-rear direction). The restricting portion 14a is formed by bending a part of the side surface portion 14 outward in a substantially L-shape. The restricting portion 14a is intended to suppress the inclination of the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 and to keep the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 as parallel as possible. Specifically, when one end in the longitudinal direction of the first divided body 12 or the second divided body 20 tries to incline up or down more than the other end, a notch 22a described later hits the restricting portion 14a, so that the inclination is suppressed.

[0020] 3(a) and 3(b), the second divided body 20 is a member formed to have a generally V-shaped cross section and opens downward. The second divided body 20 includes a roof portion 21 and side portions 22 protruding from both sides of the roof portion 21.

[0021] The roof portion 21 has two window holes 21b at the front and rear. The window holes 21b are for allowing the tip of the locking member 30 described later to protrude outward, and are formed with a width (width in the left-right direction) larger than that of the locking member 30. From the opening edge of the window hole 21b, a contact piece 21c for holding down the locking member 30 protrudes diagonally inward. As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the contact piece 21c is a tongue-shaped part protruding in the front-rear direction, and protrudes toward the center from the opening edge on the end side of the window hole 21b. The tip of the contact piece 21c can abut against the upper surface of the locking member 30. Therefore, the contact piece 21c moves downward, so that the locking member 30 can be pressed downward.

[0022] Although it is possible to directly push the locking member 30 downward with the opening edge of the window hole 21b without providing the abutment piece 21c, it is preferable to provide the abutment piece 21c. By providing the abutment piece 21c, a force can be applied to the upper surface of the locking member 30 at an angle closer to perpendicular, making it easier to apply force to the locking member 30. Also, the angle can be easily adjusted during manufacturing.

[0023] A screw hole 21d is provided in the middle between the two window holes 21b. The screw hole 21d is a hole that penetrates in the vertical direction and has a female thread on the inner surface. The female thread of the screw hole 21d is formed to mesh with a bolt member 41, which will be described later.

[0024] The roof 21 also has inclined portions 21a on both the left and right sides. As shown in Fig. 3(b), these inclined portions 21a form surfaces that are inclined at approximately 45 degrees in the vertical and horizontal directions. These inclined portions 21a are configured to face the inner surface of the pipe 50 (the flat inner surface of the square pipe) when the pipe 50 is fitted (see Fig. 6).

[0025] The side portions 22 are wall-like portions extending in the vertical direction. A pair of left and right side portions 22 are provided, and protrude downward parallel to each other from both the left and right sides of the roof portion 21 (from the lower ends of the left and right inclined portions 21a). Therefore, a substantially U-shaped opening is formed on the inside between the roof portion 21 and the left and right side portions 22. When the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 are assembled, the side portions 22 are arranged to overlap the outside of the side surface portions 14 of the first divided body 12. As a result, a cylindrical hollow portion is formed between the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20.

[0026] Further, a notch 22a is provided at both ends of the side portion 22 (both ends when viewed in the front-rear direction). The notch 22a is formed by cutting the end of the side portion 22 at a right angle. The notch 22a is formed in a position facing the restricting portion 14a of the first divided body 12. The restricting portion 14a fits inside the notch 22a and can engage with the back of the notch 22a.

[0027] The locking member 30 is a leaf spring-like member fixed inside the main body 11. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, one end (fixing portion 31) of this locking member 30 is fixed to the inner surface of the first divided body 12, and the other end (engagement portion 32) protrudes obliquely from a window hole 21b formed in the second divided body 20.

[0028] Two locking members 30 are arranged in front and behind, and are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the connecting part 40 when viewed in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the pipe connector 10. The two locking members 30 each extend obliquely upward from the end toward the center. In other words, the two locking members 30 extend obliquely upward toward each other.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3(c), the fixing portion 31 provided at the end of the fixed side of the locking member 30 is fixed by a fixing screw 35 and a fixing nut 36 in a state of contacting the bottom surface portion 13 of the first divided body 12. Specifically, a hole is formed in the fixing portion 31, and a fixing screw 35 is attached so as to penetrate the hole and the fixing hole 13b of the first divided body 12, and a fixing nut 36 is fastened to the tip of the fixing screw 35. Note that any method can be used as a means for fixing the fixing portion 31, and is not limited to screws and nuts. For example, a burr may be formed in the fixing hole 13b, and the burr may be inserted into the hole of the fixing portion 31, and then the burr may be crimped to fix the fixing portion 31. The fixing portion 31 may be fixed using a fixing tool (such as a rivet) other than a screw or a nut, or may be fixed by welding.

[0030] The engaging portion 32 provided at the open end of the locking member 30 can protrude from the window hole 21b as shown in FIG. 1, and when the pipe 50 is fitted to the main body 11, it is engaged with the inner surface of the pipe 50 in a biting manner. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the engaging portion 32 protrudes outward from the inner surface of the pipe 50, and this engaging portion 32 is engaged with the corner portion (two surfaces forming a corner) of the pipe 50. As shown in FIG. 3(d), the engaging portion 32 according to this embodiment has two abutting portions 33 that can abut against two surfaces that form the corner portion of the pipe 50, respectively. The two abutting portions 33 are each formed with a rounded curve. By configuring in this way, the abutting portion 33 can be made to abut against the inner surface of the pipe 50 in a line rather than a point, and the biting of the engaging portion 32 can be improved.

[0031] The connecting portion 40 is for connecting the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20. The connecting portion 40 according to this embodiment includes a bolt member 41 and a retaining member 42, as shown in FIG.

[0032] The bolt member 41 is inserted through the screw hole 21d of the second divided body 20 and is attached by penetrating the support hole 13c of the first divided body 12. The head 41a of the bolt member 41 protrudes from the outer surface of the second divided body 20 so as to be operable. A retaining member 42 is attached to the tip of the bolt member 41 that penetrates the support hole 13c. This retaining member 42 is for preventing the bolt member 41 from falling out of the support hole 13c. The retaining member 42 is not essential, and it is possible to connect the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 with only the bolt member 41. However, it is preferable to provide the retaining member 42 because the provision of the retaining member 42 provides the effects of improving workability and preventing loss of parts. The retaining portion may be formed by processing the tip of the bolt member 41 without using the retaining member 42 (for example, by processing the tip by crimping, crushing, bending, widening, etc.). Even when the tip of the bolt member 41 is machined to provide a retaining portion in this manner, the same effect as that of the retaining member 42 can be obtained.

[0033] The shaft portion 41b of the bolt member 41 includes a threaded portion 41c that screws into the threaded hole 21d, and a non-threaded portion 41d that engages with the support hole 13c. Because the threaded portion 41c screws into the threaded hole 21d, rotating the bolt member 41 acts to move the bolt member 41 forward and backward in the axial direction of the threaded hole 21d. Meanwhile, because the non-threaded portion 41d is only loosely engaged with the support hole 13c, rotating the bolt member 41 only rotates (spins free) the non-threaded portion 41d supported by the support hole 13c.

[0034] With this configuration, the connecting portion 40 can fasten the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 in a direction in which the hollow portion of the main body 11 becomes smaller. That is, when the bolt member 41 of the connecting portion 40 is rotated in a predetermined direction from the state shown in FIG. 7(a), the bolt member 41 advances and retreats in the axial direction of the screw hole 21d (moves upward relative to the second divided body 20) as shown in FIG. 7(b). At this time, the non-threaded portion 41d of the bolt member 41 is engaged with the support hole 13c, so that it acts to pull the first divided body 12 toward the second divided body 20. Therefore, the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 are fastened in a direction in which they approach each other.

[0035] When the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 are fastened together by the connecting portion 40 in this manner, the abutting piece 21c acts to push the locking member 30 downward. Then, the locking member 30 is pressed inwardly into the window hole 21b against the elastic force of the leaf spring. For this reason, the amount of protrusion of the locking member 30 is reduced (its height in the up-down direction is reduced) by rotating the bolt member 41.

[0036] If the bolt member 41 is rotated in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned operation, the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 move in a direction away from each other. When the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 are released from the fastening, the force pressing down the locking member 30 is also released, so that the locking member 30 returns to its original position by its elastic force, and the amount of protrusion (height as viewed in the vertical direction) of the locking member 30 is also restored.

[0037] When connecting pipes 50 with this pipe connector 10, the pipes 50 are fitted into the main body 11 from both longitudinal sides as shown in Fig. 4. At this time, the pipes are inserted so that the two inclined portions 13a of the first divided body 12 and the two inclined portions 21a of the second divided body 20 face the four inner surfaces of the square pipe, respectively, as shown in Fig. 6. As the main body 11 is inserted into the pipes 50, the locking members 30 come into contact with the inner surfaces of the pipes 50, but the locking members 30 are pushed by the inner surfaces of the pipes 50 and fall inward, so that the pipes 50 can be attached without getting caught on the locking members 30.

[0038] 5, by attaching the pipes 50 to the center of the main body 11, the two pipes 50 can be connected with almost no exposure of the pipe connector 10. However, the connecting portion 40 (bolt member 41) is exposed and can be operated.

[0039] When the pipe 50 is fitted into the main body 11 in this manner, the tip of the locking member 30 bites into and engages with the inner surface of the pipe 50, making it impossible for the pipe 50 to come out. In other words, even if a force is applied to pull out the pipe 50, the locking member 30 is raised, so that the movement of the pipe 50 is prevented.

[0040] When it is desired to remove the pipe 50 thus attached to the main body 11 so that it cannot be removed, the connecting part 40 is operated. That is, as described above, the bolt member 41 is rotated in a predetermined direction. This causes the locking member 30 to be pushed down, and the engagement between the locking member 30 and the pipe 50 is released, so that the pipe 50 fitted into the main body 11 can be removed.

[0041] If such a release operation is not performed, the bolt member 41 will not naturally loosen and the pipe 50 will not come off. That is, in order to release the engagement between the locking member 30 and the pipe 50, it is necessary to tighten the bolt member 41 against the biasing force of the locking member 30. Therefore, the bolt member 41 will not naturally rotate in this direction, and the pipe 50 will not come off due to the bolt loosening.

[0042] When the pipe connector 10 from which the pipe 50 has been removed is to be used again, the bolt member 41 is loosened and the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 are moved in the direction away from each other. This releases the force that has been holding down the locking member 30, and then the pipe 50 can be fitted into the main body 11.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the bolt member 41 is rotated to a position where the notch 22a and the restricting portion 14a are engaged, so that the engagement between the locking member 30 and the pipe 50 is reliably released (the pipe 50 can be removed). When the notch 22a is engaged with the restricting portion 14a, the bolt member 41 cannot be rotated any further (the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 cannot approach each other), so that over-turning of the bolt member 41 can be prevented. In addition, since the restricting portions 14a are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction, the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 can be brought closer to each other in a parallel state as much as possible. In other words, the inclination of the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 can be suppressed, so that the problem of only one of the two pipes 50 attached at the front and rear being removed during the tightening of the bolt member 41 can be avoided.

[0044] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the pipe 50 is fitted into the main body 11, the tip of the locking member 30 is engaged with the inner surface of the pipe 50 in a biting manner so that the pipe 50 cannot come out. Therefore, simply by fitting the pipe 50 into the main body 11, the pipe 50 can be fixed so that it does not come out.

[0045] Furthermore, when the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 are fastened together by the connecting portion 40, the opening edge of the window hole 21b presses down the locking member 30, allowing the pipe 50 fitted into the main body 11 to come out. Therefore, the retention can be released without turning the pipe 50, and the pipe 50 can be removed from the pipe connector 10.

[0046] In addition, since the pipe connector 10 according to this embodiment is a type that fits onto the outside of the pipes 50, the locking member 30 of the pipe connector 10 and the like are not exposed. Therefore, when the pipes 50 are connected, the appearance is neat and the design is good.

[0047] Furthermore, abutment pieces 21c for pressing down locking member 30 protrude diagonally inward from the opening edge of window hole 21b. This makes it possible to stably press down locking member 30. Furthermore, angle adjustment during manufacturing is easy.

[0048] Furthermore, by rotating the screw, the connecting portion 40 can fasten the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20. With this configuration, the pipe connector 10 can be manufactured inexpensively with a simple structure.

[0049] Furthermore, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the pipe connector 10, the locking members 30 are disposed symmetrically on both sides of the connecting portion 40. With this configuration, the pipes 50 can be connected in a straight line.

[0050] In addition, a restricting portion 14a is provided that restricts the inclination of the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20. Therefore, when the first divided body 12 and the second divided body 20 are fastened together by the connecting portion 40, they can be moved evenly on both sides.

[0051] Furthermore, the pipe connector 10 according to this embodiment is for connecting square pipes, and the locking member 30 engages with the corners of the square pipes. By engaging the locking member 30 with two surfaces in this manner, the effect of preventing the square pipes from coming loose can be improved.

[0052] The tip of the locking member 30 is provided with two contact portions 33 that can contact two surfaces that form the corners of the square pipe, and each of the two contact portions 33 is formed with a rounded curve. By forming the contact portions 33 with curved lines in this way, it is possible to prevent the locking member 30 and the square pipe from engaging at a point, and to engage them as much as possible with a line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 Pipe Connectors 11 Main body 12 First division 13 Bottom part 13a Slope 13b Fixing hole 13c support hole 14 Side part 14a Regulatory Department 20 Second division 21 Roof 21a Slope 21b Window hole 21c Contact piece 21d screw hole 22 Side 22a Notch 30 Locking member 31 Fixed part 32 Engagement part 33 Contact part 35 Fixing screw 36 Fixing nut 40 Connection part 41 Bolt parts 41a Head 41b Shaft 41c Threaded part 41d Non-threaded part 42 Anti-slip member 50 Pipe

Claims

1. A pipe connector for connecting pipes, comprising: a main body portion formed by combining a first divided body and a second divided body, the main body portion being capable of fitting a pipe to the outside thereof; A leaf spring-shaped locking member fixed inside the main body; a connecting portion that connects the first divided body and the second divided body; Equipped with one end of the locking member is fixed to an inner surface of the first divided body, and the other end of the locking member protrudes obliquely from a window hole formed in the second divided body, When the pipe is fitted to the main body, the tip of the locking member bites into the inner surface of the pipe to prevent it from slipping out. the connecting portion is capable of fastening the first divided body and the second divided body in a direction in which the hollow portion of the main body becomes smaller, When the first divided body and the second divided body are fastened together by the connecting portion, an opening edge of the window hole presses down the locking member, thereby allowing the pipe fitted in the main body to be removed. Pipe connectors.

2. A contact piece for pressing down the locking member protrudes obliquely inward from an opening edge of the window hole.

2. The pipe connector of claim 1.

3. The connecting portion is capable of fastening the first divided body and the second divided body by rotating a screw.

2. The pipe connector of claim 1.

4. When viewed in the longitudinal direction of the pipe connector, the locking members are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the connecting portion.

2. The pipe connector of claim 1.

5. a restricting portion that restricts inclination of the first divided body and the second divided body; 5. The pipe connector of claim 4.

6. The pipe connector is for connecting square pipes, The locking member engages with the corner of the square pipe.

2. The pipe connector of claim 1.

7. The tip of the locking member is provided with two abutment portions that can abut against two surfaces that form a corner of the square pipe, respectively; The two contact portions are each formed with a rounded curve.

7. The pipe connector of claim 6.

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