Holding structure for pipe

Abstract

To provide a holding structure for a pipe that can firmly hold the pipe without requiring a screw.SOLUTION: A holding structure for a pipe comprises: a first holding member 11 and a second holding member 20 attached to each other, and holding an outer periphery of the pipe 50; and a fixing member 30 for connecting the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20. In the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20, while one end side viewed in the circumferential direction of the pipe 50 is engaged, the other end side is connected by the fixing member 30. The fixing member 30 comprises a wedge 32 to be driven between the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20. The wedge 32 is driven, and thereby the pipe 50 is fastened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe holding structure for holding round or square pipes. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, pipes have been connected using a pipe connection clamp to construct temporary scaffolding, shelves, etc. A typical clamp has a pair of split pieces that sandwich the pipe and are fastened by a screw to hold the pipe.

[0003] However, these general clamps use screws, which makes tightening them cumbersome, and there are also problems with losing the screws. In addition, the screws protrude, making the clamps larger and more bulky in appearance.

[0004] In agricultural applications (such as the construction of vinyl greenhouses), pipes are cross-connected with wedges (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such a structure that does not use screws does not require tightening work, making construction work easier. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3009846 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the above-mentioned agricultural pipe holding structure has a limited pipe holding force, and cannot be used as a clamp for constructing temporary scaffolding or shelves. In addition, since the wedge is a separate component, there is a risk of losing the wedge component. In addition, since the pipe can only be connected in the perpendicular direction, it cannot be used in a manner similar to a free clamp. In addition, it looks bad, and is not suitable for use in furniture, etc. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe holding structure that can firmly hold a pipe without the need for screws. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention comprises a first retaining member and a second retaining member which are assembled together to embrace the outer circumference of a pipe, and a fixing member for connecting the first retaining member and the second retaining member, wherein the first retaining member and the second retaining member are engaged at one end side when viewed circumferentially of the pipe, and the other end side is connected by the fixing member, and the fixing member comprises a wedge which is driven between the first retaining member and the second retaining member, and the pipe is tightened by driving in the wedge. Effect of the Invention

[0008] As described above, the present invention comprises a first retaining member and a second retaining member which are assembled together to embrace the outer circumference of the pipe, and the pipe is clamped by driving a wedge between the first and second retaining members. As a result, the outer circumference of the pipe can be firmly held by the two members, and the pipe can be firmly held without the need for screws. Furthermore, if the fixing member having the wedge is attached to the first holding member so as to be slidable and inseparable therefrom, it is possible to prevent the wedge from being lost. Furthermore, by combining two clamps equipped with this pipe holding structure, a perpendicular clamp or a swivel clamp can be formed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] (a) Plan view, (b) left side view, (c) front view, and (d) right side view of the clamp with the wedge released. [Diagram 2] 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a left side view, FIG. 1C is a front view, and FIG. 1D is a right side view of the clamp showing the state in which the wedge is driven in. [Diagram 3] 1A is a plan view of a clamp without a fixing member, and FIG. [Figure 4] 1A is a plan view of the clamp in an open state with the fixing member omitted, and FIG. [Diagram 5] 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a front view, FIG. 1C is a bottom view, and FIG. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing two pipes being held perpendicular to each other by a flexible clamp using the pipe holding structure of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are a plan view and a front view, respectively, of a clamp according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a clamp 10 using a holding structure for a pipe 50 according to the present invention will be described as an example. The clamp 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is a clamp 10 for holding a square pipe. The clamp 10 shown in Fig. 7 is a clamp 10 for holding a round pipe.

[0011] The clamp 10 is for holding a mid-section of a pipe 50. The clamp 10 is configured to include a first holding member 11, a second holding member 20, and a fixing member 30, as shown in FIGS.

[0012] The first holding member 11 is a member that holds the outer periphery of the pipe 50 in cooperation with the second holding member 20 described later. The first holding member 11 according to this embodiment is a metal member formed by bending a single metal plate. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the first holding member 11 includes a first holding portion 12 formed to fit along the outer periphery of the pipe 50, a hinge portion 15 formed at one end of the first holding portion 12, and a first engagement portion 16 formed at the other end of the first holding portion 12.

[0013] The first holding part 12 is a part that abuts against the outer periphery of the pipe 50 to hold the pipe 50. If the clamp 10 is for holding a square pipe, it can be formed into a substantially L-shape or a substantially U-shape in plan view along the outer periphery of the square pipe. Also, if the clamp 10 is for holding a round pipe, it can be formed into a substantially C-shape (arc shape) in plan view along the outer periphery of the round pipe. In this way, the first holding part 12 is formed to be in surface contact with the outer periphery of the pipe 50 in accordance with the outer periphery shape of the pipe 50.

[0014] In this embodiment, a connection portion 13 is provided on the outer surface of the first holding portion 12. The connection portion 13 is a portion for connecting to other parts (such as other clamps 10) using a connector such as a rivet. A hole for attaching the connector is formed in the connection portion 13. The connection portion 13 is shaped to bulge outward slightly, and a space for arranging the head of a rivet or the like is formed between the back surface of the connection portion 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 50. If a plurality of clamps 10 are connected using the connection portion 13, for example, a free clamp 40 as shown in FIG. 6 or an orthogonal clamp can be formed. The connection portion 13 can also be used to fix the clamp 10 to a structure such as a stand.

[0015] The hinge portion 15 is for rotatably connecting the first holding member 11 to the second holding member 20 (described later). The hinge portion 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is formed to rotate around the cylinder. The hinge portion 15 joins the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 so that they cannot be separated.

[0016] The inner circumferential surface of the hinge portion 15 is intentionally formed to have a corner. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1(a), when the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 are in a closed state, the corner of the inner circumferential surface of the hinge portion 15 is engaged with the opening edge of the hinge hole 25 (described later) of the second holding member 20. With this configuration, when the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 are rotated in the closing direction, the corner of the hinge portion 15 and the opening edge of the hinge hole 25 are engaged, making it easy to align the closed state (as shown in FIG. 1, a state in which a wedge 32 (described later) can be driven in). Therefore, when attaching the clamp 10 to the pipe 50, the user can easily align the tip of the clamp 10 (the portion where the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 overlap), which improves workability.

[0017] The first engagement portion 16 is a portion provided at the end opposite the hinge portion 15 as viewed in the circumferential direction of the pipe 50. The first engagement portion 16 according to this embodiment is formed in a U-shaped cross section, and includes a receiving piece 16a, an upper piece 16b, and a lower piece 16c, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The receiving piece 16a is a portion that extends along the surface of the pipe 50. The upper piece 16b and the lower piece 16c are provided at the upper and lower ends of the receiving piece 16a, respectively, and are formed at a right angle to the receiving piece 16a.

[0018] A guide hole 16d and a wedge hole 16e are formed through the upper piece 16b and the lower piece 16c. The guide hole 16d is for passing a guide piece 33 (described later) through the guide hole 16d to guide the movement of the guide piece 33. The wedge hole 16e is for passing a wedge 32 (described later) through the guide hole 16d to guide the movement of the wedge 32. The guide hole 16d and the wedge hole 16e are formed in the upper piece 16b and the lower piece 16c, respectively, and are connected vertically. The guide hole 16d is formed closer to the pipe 50 than the wedge hole 16e. In other words, the distance from the guide hole 16d to the pipe 50 is formed to be shorter than the distance from the wedge hole 16e to the pipe 50. By positioning guide hole 16d as far inward as possible in this manner, when pipe 50 is held, guide piece 33 is closer to pipe 50 than wedge 32 (see Figure 2(a)), making it possible to make clamp 10 as compact as possible.

[0019] The second holding member 20 is a member that holds the pipe 50 in combination with the first holding member 11 described above. The second holding member 20 is adapted to go around the outer periphery of the pipe 50 by being combined with the first holding member 11. The second holding member 20 according to this embodiment is a metal member formed by bending a single sheet metal. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the second holding member 20 includes a second holding portion 21 formed so as to follow the outer periphery of the pipe 50, a hinge hole 25 formed at one end of the second holding portion 21, and a second engagement portion 27 formed at the other end of the second holding portion 21.

[0020] The second holding part 21 is a part that abuts against the outer periphery of the pipe 50 to hold the pipe 50. If the clamp 10 is for holding a square pipe, it can be formed into a substantially L-shape or a substantially U-shape in plan view along the outer periphery of the square pipe. If the clamp 10 is for holding a round pipe, it can be formed into a substantially C-shape (arc shape) in plan view along the outer periphery of the round pipe. In this way, the second holding part 21 is formed to be in surface contact with the outer periphery of the pipe 50 in accordance with the outer periphery shape of the pipe 50.

[0021] The hinge hole 25 is a square hole for passing the above-mentioned hinge portion 15 through. The hinge portion 15 can be rotatably connected by engaging the hinge portion 15 with the hinge hole 25. In this embodiment, two hinge holes 25, one above and one below, are formed to engage the two hinge portions 15.

[0022] The second engagement portion 27 is a portion provided at the end opposite the hinge hole 25 as viewed in the circumferential direction of the pipe 50. The second engagement portion 27 can be fixed by a fixing member 30 (described later) in a state where the second engagement portion 27 overlaps with the first engagement portion 16. The clamp 10 can hold the pipe 50 by fixing the second engagement portion 27 and the first engagement portion 16 together. The second engagement portion 27 according to this embodiment is formed in a generally L-shape in plan view, and includes a protruding piece 28 and a wedge receiving portion 28a, as shown in FIGS.

[0023] The protruding piece 28 is a portion that can come into contact with the surface of the receiving piece 16a of the first engagement portion 16. This protruding piece 28 is formed in a tongue-like shape protruding from the end of the second holding portion 21. When this protruding piece 28 comes into contact with the receiving piece 16a, the protruding piece 28 fits snugly between the upper piece 16b and the lower piece 16c. Therefore, the vertical movement of the protruding piece 28 is suppressed, and the engagement position between the first engagement portion 16 and the second engagement portion 27 is stabilized.

[0024] The wedge receiving portion 28a is a portion that rises substantially vertically from the tip of the protruding piece 28. This wedge receiving portion 28a is a portion that engages with a wedge 32, which will be described later. The inner surface of the wedge receiving portion 28a (the surface that forms a substantially right angle with the protruding piece 28) is a tapered surface 28b that receives the pressure of the wedge 32. As shown in FIG. 3(b), this tapered surface 28b is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the pipe 50. The inclination direction of this tapered surface 28b is the same as the inclination direction of the wedge 32 that engages with the tapered surface 28b. The inclination angle of this tapered surface 28b is set to be substantially the same as the inclination angle of the wedge 32 that engages with the tapered surface 28b.

[0025] The fixing member 30 is a member slidably and inseparably attached to the first holding member 11. The fixing member 30 according to this embodiment is a metal member formed by bending a single metal sheet. As shown in FIG. 5, the fixing member 30 includes a striking portion 31, a wedge 32, and a guide piece 33.

[0026] The impact portion 31 is a portion that receives an impact when the wedge 32 is driven in. The impact portion 31 is formed by bending the head of the fixing member 30, and is a single member together with the wedge 32, and is formed in a generally L-shape with respect to the wedge 32 in a side view.

[0027] The wedge 32 is a portion that is driven between the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20. When the wedge 32 is driven, a force that tightens the pipe 50 is applied. The wedge 32 is driven along the longitudinal direction of the pipe 50. The wedge 32 is formed in a generally V-shape in front view so that the tip of the wedge 32 tapers in the driving direction. Specifically, the wedge 32 has a straight portion 32b that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 50, and a tapered portion 32a that is the surface opposite to the straight portion 32b. The tapered portion 32a has a surface that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 50 and forms an acute angle with the straight portion 32b. When the tapered portion 32a engages with the wedge receiving portion 28a of the second engagement portion 27, the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 can be joined with the same effect as press-fitting.

[0028] The guide piece 33 is a portion that protrudes in parallel with the driving direction of the wedge 32. The guide piece 33 is attached to the first holding member 11 so as to be slidable and inseparable. Specifically, the guide piece 33 is a rod-shaped portion that is inserted into the upper and lower guide holes 16d of the first engagement portion 16, and is formed longer than the interval between the upper and lower guide holes 16d. The guide hole 16d is formed with a size that does not cause the guide piece 33 to rattle or rotate, and this allows the guide piece 33 to slide in the longitudinal direction. A retaining portion 33a is provided at the tip of the guide piece 33 that penetrates the guide hole 16d, so that the guide piece 33 does not fall out of the guide hole 16d. The retaining portion 33a can be formed in any shape. For example, the retaining portion 33a may be formed by processing (rolling, bending, etc.) the tip of the guide piece 33, or by attaching a separate member such as a pin.

[0029] As described above, the wedge 32 is guided in sliding by the guide piece 33, so that the wedge 32 is guided straight along the longitudinal direction of the pipe 50 and driven in. As shown in FIG. 2, the wedge 32 is driven through the upper and lower wedge holes 16e of the first engagement portion 16. When the wedge 32 is driven in this way, the straight portion 32b of the wedge 32 presses the inner circumferential surface of the wedge hole 16e, and the tapered portion 32a of the wedge 32 presses the wedge receiving portion 28a (tapered surface 28b) of the second engagement portion 27. That is, the wedge 32 is driven in so as to split the gap between the wedge hole 16e and the wedge receiving portion 28a, so that a large force acts in the direction in which the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 approach each other, and a force that tightens the pipe 50 is applied.

[0030] When holding a pipe 50 with such a clamp 10, first, the first holding member 11 or the second holding member 20 is rotated about the hinge portion 15 as an axis to open both members as shown in Fig. 4. After the pipe 50 is inserted inside this opening, the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 are closed. At this time, as shown in Fig. 1, the wedge 32 is retracted from the second engagement portion 27, and the first engagement portion 16 and the second engagement portion 27 are positioned so as to overlap each other.

[0031] Then, a hammer or the like is used to strike the striking portion 31 of the fixing member 30, and the wedge 32 is driven in. As shown in FIG. 2, the wedge 32 penetrates the wedge hole 16e of the upper piece 16b and the wedge hole 16e of the lower piece 16c, and engages with the wedge receiving portion 28a between the two wedge holes 16e. Since the straight portion 32b of the wedge 32 is supported by the wedge hole 16e, the tapered portion 32a presses the tapered surface 28b of the wedge receiving portion 28a as the wedge 32 is driven in. In other words, the action of the wedge 32 generates a force in a direction perpendicular to the driving direction of the wedge 32, and this increases the overlap between the first engagement portion 16 and the second engagement portion 27. The pipe 50 is tightened by this action. Once the wedge 32 is driven in, even if a force is applied that loosens the clamping of the pipe 50 (for example, a force that shakes the pipe 50), only a small force acts in the direction pushing the wedge 32 out, so the wedge 32 does not come off easily and can maintain its hold on the pipe 50. If it is desired to make it even more difficult for the wedge 32 to come off, the tip of the guide piece 33 protruding from the first engagement part 16 may be bent by hitting it with a hammer or the like so that the fixing member 30 cannot slide in the direction to remove the wedge 32.

[0032] 1 to 6, the clamp 10 for holding a square pipe has been described as an example, but it is also possible to configure a clamp 10 for holding a round pipe as shown in Fig. 7 with a similar structure. It is also applicable to a clamp 10 for holding irregularly shaped pipes 50 other than square or round pipes.

[0033] 1 to 6, the first holding member 11 is provided with the hinge portion 15, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second holding member 20 may be provided with the hinge portion 15 as shown in Fig. 7. The first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 may be engaged with each other using a means other than the hinge portion 15. For example, the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 may be engaged with each other by simply hooking them together, or the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 may be connected to each other using a separate member (such as a hinge).

[0034] As described above, the clamp 10 according to this embodiment includes the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 that are assembled together to embrace the outer periphery of the pipe 50, and the fixing member 30 for connecting the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20. The first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 are connected at one end side (hinge portion 15 and hinge hole 25) as viewed in the circumferential direction of the pipe 50 by the fixing member 30 while the other end side (first engagement portion 16 and second engagement portion 27) is in a state where the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 are engaged with each other, and the fixing member 30 includes the wedge 32 that is driven between the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20, and the pipe 50 is clamped by driving the wedge 32. Therefore, the first holding member 11 and the second holding member 20 can firmly hold the outer periphery of the pipe 50, and the pipe 50 can be firmly held without the need for screws.

[0035] Furthermore, since the fixing member 30 is slidably and inseparably attached to the first holding member 11, the fixing member 30 will not be lost. In other words, it is possible to prevent the fixing wedge 32 from being lost.

[0036] Furthermore, the fixing member 30 includes a guide piece 33 that protrudes parallel to the driving direction of the wedge 32, and the guide piece 33 is attached slidably and inseparably to the first holding member 11. With this configuration, the driving of the wedge 32 is guided by the guide piece 33, and the guide piece 33 can prevent the wedge 32 from being lost. In other words, since one portion can have multiple functions, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and make the product more compact.

[0037] Furthermore, when pipe 50 is held, guide piece 33 is disposed closer to pipe 50 than wedge 32. This allows guide piece 33 to protrude less outwardly, thereby enabling clamp 10 to be made compact.

[0038] Further, a guide hole 16d that guides the movement of the guide piece 33 is formed in the first holding member 11. Therefore, the guide piece 33 can be slid straight, that is, the wedge 32 can be driven straight. Further, the first holding member 11 is formed with a wedge hole 16e for guiding the movement of the wedge 32. Therefore, the wedge 32 can be driven straight in.

[0039] Moreover, the wedge 32 is driven into the pipe 50 in the longitudinal direction along the side of the pipe 50. Therefore, the wedge 32 can be arranged parallel to the pipe 50, making the structure compact. Also, the wedge 32 can be aligned along the pipe 50, making it safe and aesthetically pleasing.

[0040] Furthermore, the fixing member 30 includes a striking portion 31 that receives the strike when the wedge 32 is driven in, and the striking portion 31 is a single member together with the wedge 32, and is formed into a generally L-shape in a side view relative to the wedge 32. By simply configuring the fixing member 30 in this manner, the clamp 10 can be manufactured at low cost. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 10 Clamp 11 First holding member 12 1st holding part 13 Connection 15 Hinge part 16 First engagement portion 16a Socket 16b Upper piece 16c lower piece 16d Guide hole 16e Wedge hole 20 Second holding member 21 Second holding part 25 Hinge Hole 27 Second engagement portion 28 Projecting piece 28a Wedge receiving part 28b Tapered surface 30 Fixing member 31 Striking section 32 Wedge 32a Tapered section 32b Straight section 33 Guide piece 33a Stopper 40 Free Clamp 50 Pipe

Claims

1. a first holding member and a second holding member assembled to each other to embrace an outer periphery of the pipe; a fixing member for connecting the first holding member and the second holding member; Equipped with The first holding member and the second holding member are connected to each other at one end side as viewed in the circumferential direction of the pipe by the fixing member while engaging one end side thereof, The fixing member includes a wedge that is driven between the first holding member and the second holding member, and the pipe is clamped by driving the wedge. Pipe holding structure.

2. The fixing member is slidably and inseparably attached to the first holding member. The pipe holding structure according to claim 1.

3. The fixing member includes a guide piece that protrudes in a direction parallel to the driving direction of the wedge, The guide piece is slidably and inseparably attached to the first holding member. The pipe holding structure according to claim 1.

4. The guide piece is disposed so as to be closer to the pipe than the wedge when the pipe is held. The pipe holding structure according to claim 3.

5. The first holding member has a guide hole formed therein for guiding the movement of the guide piece. The pipe holding structure according to claim 3.

6. The first holding member has a wedge hole formed therein for guiding the movement of the wedge. The pipe holding structure according to claim 1.

7. The wedge is driven into the pipe along the side of the pipe in the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The pipe holding structure according to claim 1.

8. The fixing member includes a striking portion that receives a strike when the wedge is driven in, The striking portion is a single member together with the wedge, and is formed in a generally L-shape in side view with respect to the wedge. The pipe holding structure according to claim 1.

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